Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Message is getting a bit old.

Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger

I put this into my Netflix queue hoping for something like Bigger and Blacker, Bring the Pain or at least Never Scared. Unfortunately, while Rock's delivery still retains its comedic punch his subject matter seems somewhat retread. I only counted a handful of laugh out loud moments and although there were quite a few other jokes that were funny, I felt that Messenger's set did not quite clear the bar set by Rock's earlier work.

As usual, Rock tackles race as his main subject. In one section where he covers when, where and how white people might be allowed to use the word "nigger" he seems to be going over ground both he and other comics have trampled flat a long time ago. I also did not care for the manner in which the DVD was presented. The DVD is composed of three separate sets Rock performed in London, Johannesburg and New York. Usually these are intercut seamlessly, but in several places a phrase from each venue will be played in sequence. This has the effect of making Rock look as if he is repeating himself and has a negative impact on the jokes in which it is used.

I did not hate this DVD and if this set were playing on HBO and if I happened to be in the room I might happily watch it. However, I did not love this DVD and am only lukewarm about having rented it.

You should rent this movie if:

You are into Chris Rock and don't mind that this isn't his best work.

You should buy this DVD if:

1. You are a Chris Rock fanatic or
2. You are a serious comedy nerd.

If you are interested in buying this DVD here is a link to Amazon where you can get it at a reasonable price:

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