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I was a little leery of watching this show as I'm not a big fan of Colin Quinn or his time as the host of Weekend Update on SNL. What a surprise! I found 'Tough Crowd' to be very amusing, and not afraid to talk about issues with total frankness. This show is what 'Politically Incorrect' should have been, if Bill Maher hadn't stacked the deck with liberal types so that he could get the warm-and-fuzzies about what he constantly spewed on the show. Colin Quinn really has a good mix of people with views that aren't too one-sided. And the constant banter and insults flying back and forth give it a little extra zing. I hope this time 'Tough Crowd' can hang on.

John Mellencamp's directorial and acting debut is a surprising success. From the first moments of the film, the down-to-earth nature of the material and setting are unmistakable. If you didn't know better, you'd think you were in Indiana living with the Parks family. Dialog is the most realistic I think I've ever heard, and the interactions among the Park family evoke images of the quintessential Midwestern family. The film's only flaw is in Mellencamp himself. While he does an admirable job with direction, his acting leaves a bit to be desired. He never seems to be comfortable with his stance or arm motions, an obvious sign of a novice performer.

Fortunately, the crystal clear emotions of the characters, and the simple but powerful story help keep the viewer engrossed. Larry McMurtry's screenplay, and the wonderful supporting cast, continually remind us of the real emotions here: family allegiance, a desire to go home, and lost love. Falling From Grace makes you wonder whether you can really ever go home.