Directed by: Bo Burnham
Starring: Chris Rock
Chris Rock is among the most brilliant stand-up comics ever. Besides being really funny, he cuts to the chase with his laser-sharp perceptions on race, current events, and relationships. Some of his humor is a bit more dour here, and like Richard Pryor's, more autobiographical. His recent divorce plays a large part in his act, and we gain a sense of his personal pain. With that being said, Rock's comedy here is uneven and we go long stretches without laughs, which is unusual for the comic who is usually so pointed with his material.
Rock presents us with quotable insights, including the silly counterarguments by those who oppose gun control. ("If a man can stab 100 people to death at one time, 97 of them deserve to die,") That may sound cruel, but it follows the common sense Rock employs mercilessly. He tackles religion, and pokes fun at those who go to church every week, "I haven't been to church in ten years. I'm the one who truly believes in God." Rock is never afraid to tackle controversial material or call out people's bullshit, and he doesn't disappoint.
His material on race falls flat, as does his views on Donald Trump which ends with a thud for a payoff. ("Bush led us to Obama. Trump will lead us to...Jesus,") I expected better, especially with such lightning rod issues which Rock handled better in the past. He speaks frankly about his divorce, but this feels more like an ode to Richard Pryor's cathartic style of humor than Rock's.
At least Tamborine was filmed live on one stage at one time, while his previous special Kill The Messenger showed Rock intercutting between different shows, which was distracting. One minute is wearing a black suit, the next purple. It wasn't the best stylistic choice.
Tamborine (yes that is how it is spelled for the special) contains a couple of memorable quotes, but overall isn't as strong as Rock's typical comedy. We see a more mature, less fiery Rock, but not necessarily a better one.
Very kind review.. This was unwatchable by today's (and those days) comedy special standards. Ppl on youtube are getting more laughs from heads of lettuce than Chris could conjure here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. There are flashes, but nowhere near the brilliance of Rock's earlier work. Rock has a sharp comic mind and always will, but can it sustain for a full special?
ReplyDeleteKind review. I was a huge CR fan and i saw him in London. I used to find his vocalized prejudices amusing as apparant jokes... but this performance makes it clear he harbours some real hate. For what ever reason, it's sad to see.
ReplyDeleteI agree you gave a compassionate review. Personally, I hated it and kept wondering why I was watching it. The whole section on abortion was ugly and truly tasteless. Killing babies till their 4 - not funny on any level. Sorry, very disappointed ☹️
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