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Movies / On DVD / The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy

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The Original Kings of Comedy (2000)

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Reviews Counted:86

Fresh:74

Rotten:12

Average Rating:6.9/10

Consensus: If you want lots of laughs and don't mind some profanity, The Original Kings of Comedy can deliver.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] language and sex related humor

Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins

Genre: Comedies

Theatrical Release:Aug 18, 2000 Wide

Box Office: $11,053,832

Synopsis: When four of the world's funniest black stand-up comics came together to celebrate their crownings as the "Kings of Comedy," acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee decided to film two of their most... When four of the world's funniest black stand-up comics came together to celebrate their crownings as the "Kings of Comedy," acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee decided to film two of their most memorable shows. The result is THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY, a raucous concert film that takes its cue from classic performers such as Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. The host of the evening, Steve Harvey, spends most of his time criticizing modern music--namely hip-hop--for forgetting to include love in its songs, missing the days when black music was passionate and romantic. D.L. Hughley focuses on universal topics such as work, as well as taking his time to criticize certain unfortunate audience members. Cedric "The Entertainer" makes a series of clever points about the differences between white and black people in addition to using his large frame to dance and run around the stage to hilarious effect. Capping off the film is Bernie Mac, a frustrated 42-year-old who is sick of sex and believes that people should tell it like it is, no matter whom they might offend. As funny as each individual is, they also take the time to make poignant observations about race, relationships, and popular culture, giving the film a sincerity that is truly refreshing. [More]

Starring: Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey

Starring: Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey

Director: Spike Lee

Director: Spike Lee
Producer: Walter Latham, David Gale, Spike Lee
Studio: Paramount Pictures

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Jun 5, 2001

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Reviews for The Original Kings of Comedy

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1 - 20 (sorted by source)
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They did have some jokes.

Full Review Source: 3BlackChicks Review | comment Comment
01/01/00
Kamal  'The Diva' Larsuel
Kamal 'The Diva' Larsuel
3BlackChicks Review

It is, for the most part, funny, sometimes raunchy, and always from the heart.

Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
03/21/01
Ryan Cracknell
Ryan Cracknell
Apollo Guide

I laughed myself into a headache. I laughed so hard I was hoping they'd get bad for awhile so I could relax a minute, wipe the tears out of my eyes.

Full Review Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette | comment Comment
01/29/05
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

The jokes fly so quickly and hard that you may find yourself laughing through many of the punch lines.

comment Comment
01/01/00
Candice Y. Rigon
Candice Y. Rigon
Associated Press

Under Spike Lee's direction it's one of the liveliest concert films in years.

Full Review Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution | comment Comment
01/01/00
Steve Murray
Steve Murray
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The most articulate and entertaining commentary on racial differences to have come down the pike in quite a while.

Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
01/01/00
Marjorie Baumgarten
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle

It is a simple, straight forward record of four hugely talented African-American comedians, Steve Harvey, DL Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer and Bernie Mac, as they bring the house down in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
04/17/01
Michael Thomson
Michael Thomson
BBC

Kings of comedy? Maybe not. But these guys are certainly funny enough to merit the title of clown princes.

comment Comment
01/01/00
George Thomas
George Thomas
Beacon Journal

Time and again, we're transported by the outpouring of liberating humor from four men who know the territory.

comment Comment
01/01/00
Jay Carr
Jay Carr
Boston Globe
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

There are the predecessor films, like those of the brilliant Richard Pryor, the talented Eddie Murphy and the ebullient Martin Lawrence. By that measure, The Original Kings of Comedy ... is a pretty good movie.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
01/01/00
Tim Cogshell
Tim Cogshell
Boxoffice Magazine

The show has class.

comment Comment
01/01/00
Lawrence Toppman
Lawrence Toppman
Charlotte Observer

Footage shot from over their shoulders reveals a sea of faces out of which individuals quickly emerge, as the comedians -- especially emcee Harvey -- enthrall and provoke audience members.

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
09/23/08
Lisa Alspector
Lisa Alspector
Chicago Reader
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Harvey is a master of timing and tone.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
01/01/00
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

This often hilarious quartet use the foul-ups, aggravations and muddles of everyday life to produce more laughs than most movies you'll see this year.

comment Comment
01/01/00
Michael Wilmington
Michael Wilmington
Chicago Tribune
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Apesar de praticamente se limitar a registrar o show dos quatro comediantes, sem jamais se preocupar com o lado humano destes, o filme se destaca graças ao humor cáustico e sem barreiras de seus protagonistas.

comment Comment
07/03/03
Pablo Villaca
Pablo Villaca
Cinema em Cena

These kings ... eventually walk off the stage without the viewer knowing any more about them than when the film began.

Full Review Source: CNN.com | comment Comment
01/01/00
Paul Clinton (CNN.com)
Paul Clinton (CNN.com)
CNN.com
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The film offers more than just yuks, however. As in Lee's best work, the film intelligently discusses race and race relations, though this time through the guise of humor.

Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid | comment Comment
05/26/06
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid

They form a hilarious and even poignant conscience for a brand of black humor much deeper and wiser than what we've seen on screen this year.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
01/01/00
Chris Vognar
Chris Vognar
Dallas Morning News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News | comment Comment
01/01/00
Robert Denerstein
Robert Denerstein
Denver Rocky Mountain News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The movie could best be described as extremely inconsistent.

Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jeff Vice
Jeff Vice
Deseret News, Salt Lake City
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by source)
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