“Chris Rock – ‘Kill the Messenger.’” – DVD Review.

By Bob Zerull

4 Stars:

After four HBO specials Chris Rock proves once again that he’s got it. When you go back and watch a Chris Rock stand up, you’ll find that each special is dated, but still holds up as if you were actually there. When I go back and watch “Bigger and Blacker,” I’m immediately brought back to Columbine and Monica Lewinsky. Chris Rock managed to make fun of Columbine without it really being offensive. The man is a genius.



“Kill the Messenger” is filmed over 3 different locations: London, New York and South Africa. The film is edited together using all three locations. The special was filmed just before the 2008 presidential election and does Rock ever have something to say about that. From his bit about McCain being too old (ten years ago) to Obama needing a white wife to Bush being the worst president in the history of presidents (not just the US, but the PTA, chess club etc), his timing and delivery are spot on. They’re as good as they’ve ever been.



His language is as brutal as ever with bits on why it’s ok to say faggot if somebody is acting like a faggot to when it’s ok for white people to use the “n” word. Notice I had no problem writing out faggot, but I couldn’t use the n word.

*SPOILER*

If you’re wondering if it is ok for white people to use the “n” word, the answer is not really.

*END SPOILER*

I’ve seen dozens upon dozens of stand-up comics, many of them up close and in person and there is just something different about Chris Rock. He’s a storyteller. It’s not as if he’s telling jokes or one liners; I feel more like I’m at a lecture with a hilarious presenter. Chris Rock definitely deserves to be mentioned with the greats like Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Eddie Murphy etc etc. My only complaint with Rock is that he doesn’t come out with a stand-up special more often.



BYLINE:

Bob Zerull is a frequent movie and concert goer who talks about his ventures to arenas and theaters more than any person should be aloud to do. Now, he puts them down on paper. Email him your thoughts at: bzerull19@gmail.com. Also visit: www.cadaverchristmas.com.