Funny documentary features isle comics

Director Gerard Elmore followed five of the funniest comedians in Hawaii as they toured the state and the result is a documentary with a sidesplitting laugh track.

"Na Alii of Comedy: Da Movie," which starts a weeklong run today at Consolidated’s Pearlridge West 16, stars Andy Bumatai, Mel Cabang, Frank De Lima, Ed Kaahea and Augie Tulba, who performed together in March 2012, selling out neighbor island venues and the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Elmore calls the film "the definitive performance" because it’s so much more than a single show could offer.

"The film is little slices and tidbits and stories from the road," he said. "You hear from each of the comics and their approach to comedy. You get more insight into what they are really like and how they gel on the road."

The comics all knew Elmore, a former stand-up comedian for five years, and they were comfortable around him during interviews, the director said.

"They would do things as if no one was there," Elmore said. "You get these interesting observations and interactions. I think the best parts are when they are immediately done with a show and I ask what is comedy to them. Their answers are more serious than you would think."