From my favorite movies..

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Comedic magic duo Penn & Teller take their unique, creative performance and turn it into an analysis of modern life in "Bullshit!" In our modern world where pseudo science and fads make people do crazy things, Penn & Teller turn this into a deep examination on the beliefs and habits people today follow and how many times people don't ask the hard questions before deciding to believe what they do believe. The duo is known for their strong libertarian streak, and they don't hide this ever during the program, but if you're like me and have two-party fatigue, you will appreciate how they call the hypocrisies of both the liberals and the conservatives. At the same time, they never tell you to believe or not believe something, but rather give you reasons to think critically about issues and teach you how to avoid being conned. They also point out how for being a free and independent county, many of our freedoms are vanishing (universal health care, gun control, environmentalism, etc.) Some of the topics, such as religion, intelligent design, PETA, and bottled water, are terrific and really present solid arguments on the validity or non-validity of these topics. Some episodes aren't as strong and sometimes the arguments are far reaching, but on some topics, they are right on the money with their doubts. You don't have to agree with them on everything and I certainly don't, but if you want to learn about thinking critically about every issue you face, this show is a good foundation for doing that. With fads like gluten free diet (you can't be gluten intolerant unless you have celiac disease, which less than 10% of the population has), avoiding vaccines (diseases thought long gone are returning), and crossfit (an exercise program that is more harmful than helpful and becoming somewhat a cult), it's good to have the knowledge to think it through and sniff out the bullshit.

There is something rather suitable about two illusionists debunking frauds, scams and illusions. Penn & Teller should know what is real and isn't, and most of the time they do. Even though I do not agree with everything they claim (for example, Gun Control is not bullshit, it works and there is a ton of evidence for it) and even thought they use some media-tricks to make their points, it's most often a point well made. Most importantly, skepticism is a very necessary thing in this world which is so full of assholes who will tell you anything to get their hands on your money. That is the disease of the "western culture". Penn & Teller is the cure.

Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Is something else. Imagine watching a mix between Mythbusters and South Park - and you will pretty much have Bullshit apart from the occasional magic and illusion performance.It makes its living portraying many different organizations, big or small, from many outskirts of life which the hosts deem to be based on fraudulent premises.The format seems to have all matter of audiences in mind, as it explores everything from conspiracy theories, prostitution, porn, and 9/11 attacks - to the love of dogs and belief in the supernatural abilities of dolphins.I am a skeptic myself, and have found myself agreeing with the series on all but one of the topics. Some of the arguments portrayed against the ideologies and systems they debunk are very well grounded in rationale and logic, while at other times, they attack it vigorously with inane attempts humor. Most of these attempts are successful, and to use the Bullshit rhetoric: 'Is f***** goddamn f*** f*** funny as f***'.To say that their evaluation of the topics at hand is unbiased, would be ridiculous - as it is quite clear from the beginning that the off-hand comments delivered seem to be handpicked. The obvious bias is portrayed in such a way that it seems overblown, and this heightens the comedic value, and makes you forgive a lot of the degradation.If you are conservative, this may not be an interesting watch, unless you are highly sadistic - as you can be fairly certain that a big part of your belief-systems will be challenged through-out the series.Sometimes, in order to target a broader audience, the attempts at humor through shock-value can perhaps be a bit much to your average viewer. Some of the arguments they use are not grounded in scientific studies but rather common sense or cultural standards. They will degrade the opposition to a huge extent, sometimes unnecessarily, in order to score 'frat points'.Do not be fooled by this however, as there is so much intelligence behind the seemingly inane comedy-show that I will recommend it to any viewer who enjoys challenging the gray matter between their ears. The show is constantly walking a fine line between funny, or serious. Cynical or critical. Reasonable, or outrageous. And it manages to come across well enough to sneak onto the comedy scene, while at the same time getting its vital points across . It is beautifully designed and executed in this manner, and does it far better than any other shows I have seen thus far.All in all, Bullshit! is a challenge to your intellect and your belief-system all summed up with a high dose of rude in-your-face humor and dark comedy unlike anything I have seen on TV before. No matter who you are, if you are interested in truth - watch it.

Penn and Teller Bull$#!t is one of, if not THE best show on the boob tube these days. They call people out for what they are, frauds and opportunists who prey on the weak willed, weak minded, and easy targets. I agree with everything that I've seen on this show, each and every episode, and all Penn and Teller do is expose more reasons to be a sarcastic, cynical, question-asking naysayer. This is about the only show that I will say is worth what you pay for the DVDs 100%! They are great to watch over and over, and to show to whatever friends come by, and expose them to the brilliance! Not to mention, that if you enjoy this show (and who wouldn't), you have to check out Penn's free radio show, it's full of the same irreverence and monkey love that I've come to expect from the big loud-mouth member of the magic team!