The bombastic Australian went for everyone’s jugular in this special with an impish “telling it like it is” glee. There are few comics who get away with saying anything they want quite like Jefferies. It’s a must-watch (and must-rewatch) for comedy fans and truly one of the best comedy specials of all time. The result is an uproarious hour delivered with his unmatched manic expertise. Pryor was bold enough to do what had never been done before: release a movie in theaters that consisted solely of his stand-up. It’s no wonder Eddie Murphy considered it the single greatest stand-up routine captured on film, and why it influenced hundreds of comedians who followed. Rock’s spiritual predecessor is also on Netflix - a legendary standup where, 40 years earlier, Pryor broke down his experiences as a Black father, the absurdity of American policing, and a host of other raw topics. Chris Rock Total Blackout: The Tamborine Extended Cut 2021 has a slightly less intimate vibe, but comes with a huge extra serving of jokes. For those that want even more, Rock directed his own version with another half hour of material. With Bo Burnham in the director’s seat, the special feels like we’re right there in the room, witnessing the funniest therapy session in history. The topical political riffs may hit differently now that we’re not in the dead center of the Trump presidency, but his barbs are sharp as ever, and the real meal is his personal journey of fatherhood (and personhood). After making us wait ten years, Rock commanded the stage for a soul-bearing set that proved he’d gained an elder statesman’s wisdom without losing any of his youthful rebellion.
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