The Last Laugh
For a movie about comedians, writer/director Jeremy Berg’s The Last Laugh is utterly void of mirth. Unfortunately, this isn’t just a film that takes itself far too seriously – it lacks vibrancy and life all together.
Stand-up
Never Be Done: The Richard Glen Lett Story
Never Be Done: The Richard Glen Lett Story is a fantastic example of true documentary filmmaking.
Steve-O: Gnarly
The title of Steve-O’s new comedy special Gnarly, as expected, describes the stunt work peppered throughout the show as he raises the bar on his own shock factor with squeamish spectacles. However, the special should almost be titled Mea Culpa considering his stand-up routine, while off-the-wall, is holding his past destructive behaviour in contempt.
It Started As a Joke
By: Trevor Chartrand It Started as a Joke is an emotionally charged documentary that will sort-of sneak up on you. It’s so sneaky in fact, that the film will try to convince you that you’re watching ‘just another Netflix-style comedy special’ – until you’re suddenly not. You’ll let your guard down, laughing with the featured comedians, chuckling at their on and off stage antics. It’s funny, it’s goofy, and it’s a great time… and then…
Iliza Shlesinger: Over & Over
Comedian Iliza Shlesinger gives at-home viewers an up-close-and-personal look at her career leading up to her latest Netflix special in the “fan-u-mentary” Iliza Shlesinger: Over & Over.
Amy Schumer: Growing
Comedienne Amy Schumer is at her best when she’s in unfamiliar waters and vocalizing about it. By being incredibly observant and quick-witted, she forms a unique and bold perspective that humorously addresses relatable hesitation. This transferable approach is why her film roles have worked for me as well (Trainwreck, Snatched, I Feel Pretty).
All About Nina
New Yorker Nina is a stand-up comic with a blunt repertoire. Her material is R-rated in a competitive way; as if she’s trying to out-disgust other comedians at the open mic. The truth, however, is her jokes are stale. They’re not worthless, but Nina’s routine is on autopilot. However, it’s what she has to do to survive in a world dominated by daunting masculinity and crass jokes.
Bob Saget: Zero to Sixty
Bob Saget is more candid than ever in his latest stand-up special Zero to Sixty, a change in tone when compared to his rowdy 2007 special That Ain’t Right.
Wylie Writes’ One-On-One with Bob Saget
To perform stand-up comedy takes skill, and it’s a developmental process specific to each comedian until they find their own individual presence. For some comics, however, the experimental process becomes their career – always finding ways to deliver jokes and stories while keeping listeners on their toes. Bob Saget certainly falls into this category. Being professionally experimental is what makes Saget’s comedy work.
Dying Laughing
Dying Laughing, a documentary about the ups and downs of careers in comedy, is chock full of talent. Billy Connolly, Dave Attell, Amy Schumer, Rick Overton, Kevin Hart, Sarah Silverman, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Lewis, Chris Rock, and the late Garry Shandling are just some of the famous faces interviewed.