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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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86 %
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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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41 - 60 (sorted by date)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3 4 5 >> >|
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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

One of the bright spots of a pretty dull summer.

comment Comment
01/01/00
Glenn Whipp
Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Daily News

While the comics' edge on race matters is finely honed, it's thought-provoking and honest, not exploitative or hateful. And almost always very, very funny.

Full Review Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jack Garner
Jack Garner
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

The key to such a movie's success is its ability to capture the 'you are there' feeling -- a task that The Original Kings of Comedy is largely effective at.

Full Review Source: ReelViews | comment Comment
01/01/00
James Berardinelli
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It may be the clearest and most accurate cinematic expression of what it means to be black and American in the first year of the new millennium.

Full Review Source: Orlando Sentinel | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jay Boyar
Jay Boyar
Orlando Sentinel

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

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

Judging by audience reaction -- out of their seats, in the aisles, standing up, swaying to the music, howling in recognition of material that hit home -- these kings rule.

Full Review Source: San Diego Union-Tribune | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jerry McCormick
Jerry McCormick
San Diego Union-Tribune

An often funny and occasionally hilarious cinematic excursion.

Full Review Source: Screen It! | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jim Judy
Jim Judy
Screen It!

Definitely funnier than your average episode of Def Comedy Jam or Evening At The Improv.

Full Review Source: Jam! Movies | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jim Slotek
Jim Slotek
Jam! Movies

While that vulgarity eventually gets wearing, parts of their acts are so funny your cheeks hurt.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jonathan Foreman
Jonathan Foreman
New York Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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

All these men ... have their mirthful moments.

Full Review Source: Mr. Showbiz | comment Comment
01/01/00
Kevin Maynard
Kevin Maynard
Mr. Showbiz
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Ranks right up there with Pryor's Live on Sunset Strip, Eddie Murphy's Raw and Martin Lawrence's You So Crazy.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
01/01/00
Kevin Thomas
Kevin Thomas
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

An amusing way to spend a couple of hours.

Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
01/01/00
Laura Clifford
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews

The show has class.

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

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

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Matt's Movie Reviews | comment Comment
01/01/00
Matt Easterbrook
Matt Easterbrook
Matt's Movie Reviews

While not making for the most visually inventive of cinema, the straightforward approach puts in proper focus the film's appeal: four talented guys simply being very funny.

Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews | comment Comment
01/01/00
Michael Dequina
Michael Dequina
rec.arts.movies.reviews

There's nothing stodgy about these court jesters or their humor, even though their act is a decidedly grown-up affair.

Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
01/01/00
Michael O'Sullivan
Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
41 - 60 (sorted by date)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3 4 5 >> >|
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