Chump Change

Chump Change is a comedy movie that was released in 2000. The movie is directed and written by Stephen Burrows, who also stars in it alongside Tim Matheson and Traci Lords. The movie follows the story of an aspiring stand-up comedian, Milwaukee Tom (Stephen Burrows), who moves to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a successful entertainer.

Upon arriving in L.A., Milwaukee Tom realizes that he has a long way to go before he can make it as a stand-up comedian. He is forced to take on odd jobs, including working as a car wash attendant and a pet store employee, just to make ends meet. However, Milwaukee Tom's determination to succeed never falters, and he spends every free moment practicing his comedic routines and trying to land gigs at the local comedy clubs.

As the movie progresses, Milwaukee Tom's luck begins to turn around. He finally lands a gig at the Laugh Factory, where he performs to a packed crowd and receives a standing ovation. This leads to more opportunities for him, and he eventually lands a spot on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

As Milwaukee Tom becomes more successful, he also begins to experience the downside of fame. He finds himself constantly surrounded by hangers-on and people looking to take advantage of him. He also begins to lose touch with his roots and the people who supported him when he was just starting out.

Throughout the movie, Milwaukee Tom also has to deal with personal issues, including his relationships with women. He falls in love with a beautiful waitress named Sam (Traci Lords), but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Sam is still in love with her ex-boyfriend. Milwaukee Tom also has to deal with the fact that his mother (played by character actress Cloris Leachman) is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Chump Change is a funny, heartwarming movie that offers a glimpse into the life of a struggling comedian. It's a story about perseverance and following your dreams, no matter what obstacles you may face. The movie also features a number of appearances by real-life comedians, including Jerry Stiller, Andy Dick, and Chris Rock.

One of the most notable things about Chump Change is its low budget. The movie was made for only $50,000, which is a fraction of what most Hollywood movies cost. However, this budget constraint actually works in the movie's favor, as it adds to the authenticity of the story. The movie feels like a genuine portrayal of what it's like to pursue a career in entertainment, and it never feels overly slick or gimmicky.

Overall, Chump Change is a highly entertaining movie that is sure to make you laugh and leave you feeling inspired. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy or just looking for a feel-good movie, Chump Change is definitely worth checking out.