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George Carlin: Complaints & Grievances

George Carlin: Complaints & Grievances (2001)

November. 17,2001
|
8.3
| Comedy TV Movie

George Carlin performs a hilarious set of never-before released material in "Complaints and Grievances." His 12th HBO special was recorded live at the Beacon Theater in New York City on November 17, 2001. In "Complaints and Grievances," Carlin shamelessly exposes the people and subjects that irritate him the most.

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Zeke Pliskin
2001/11/17

I've only recently been made aware of the unusual, blunt but brilliant comic stylings of George Carlin, a man whose expletive-laden no-holds-barred observations on a sad sack society still feel ahead of their time in a world full of wannabe "edgy" comics, mostly because he packs in so much wit and veracity in a short space of time.I saw his 2005 work "Life is Worth Losing" before this, and while that was a superior (and longer) show "Complaints and Grievances" has plenty to recommend it as long as you realise that a lot of the humour is very tongue-in-cheek, perhaps more so than any other comedian you've ever seen. You can't believe that George really does go around running down people in his car - he's saying it for the shock value and to set up a line of related jokes that are sending up the habits and true intentions of a lot of drivers, things we want to do but social etiquette prevents.George moves swiftly from joke to joke, story to story, so for the couple of lines that might not amuse there are another half a dozen right around the corner. He covers a wide range of topics and regularly changes his pacing and delivery, which for quick-witted viewers is just fine but it might confound a lot of people who prefer simpler humour and more obvious punchlines. But for me, this is part of his appeal - a unique approach that makes him a cult legend.Certainly this show will not appeal to everyone - the Ten Commandments ending skit alone is sure to boil the blood of a few staunch Christians, although it makes some valid (and hilarious) points about religion as a system of mind-control. For the people it does appeal to though, they will love it and would be well advised to pick up his other, somewhat better, works.

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kyrat
2001/11/18

I like Carlin, but this was just sad. When did he cross the line from exasperated/frustrated to meanspirited? Now he sounds like nothing more than a grumpy old man who doesn't like answering machines or the lack of tits on Xmas cards.The fart jokes were just sad - that's the cheapest, lamest, sophomoric laugh and no famous comedian should have to fall back on that!This was followed by a warhawk call to arms praising plans to attack & praising Guiliani. (the sort of unthinking kneejerk call for a violent revenge) that seems to have caused the US to jump in & attack/destabilize the entire middle east over the action of a few Saudis).I almost stopped there. For some reason I decided to persist. Surely there had to be a great segment in there from such a great comedian....Instead I'm treated to a discussion of "lip crud", toenail clippings, asspicking and other things you find on the body? Who cares? Why is this funny? This - from the man who did the classic "Religion is bullshit" sketch? Several minutes discussion of how much he loves scabs and masturbates over scabs?? From the comedian who brilliantly called out the anti-choicers for their illogic and unchristian attitudes?I counted ONE laugh in the first half hour.Out of a respect for his past humor, I persevered on and at a little over half way through (about 30.24 min.) he slipped back into his usual rant style attacking conformism, consumerism and conservatives christians, etc. and it was more amusing but still pretty uneven and not up to his usual standards.His condensing of the 10 commandments almost made the DVD watching. And you certainly don't hear a lot of comedians bring up and condemming FGM (female genital mutilation).However, there were a few uncomfortably sexist and homophobic sections. For example - his instance on "traditional" boring American names just made him seem ignorant. Why does he assume wish death on those with what he calls "fruity" names? Many of us prefer original, interesting names and don't want everyone called Bill & Bob. I don't happen to think having the name Tyler or Blaine(or whichever he was ranting about) emasculates anyone.I watched this the same night as a Lewis Black DVD and I definitely preferred Lewis Black's rants. Somehow Black's swearing and sex jokes fit better. Maybe it's cuz Black has better material (how Bush et al has screwed our country) vs. Carlin ranting about Xmas cards that don't have tits in them.As he states towards the end Respect must be earned. Carlin gained my respect in the past from his books & shows, but he's kind of slipping now.

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Lunar_Pilgrim
2001/11/19

This is sort of a re-hash, but it still has a lot of stuff that hasn't been heard before. Fast-paced ranting that makes you laugh like crazy & think as well. The opening few lines cracked me up alone. He does repeat a few old jokes, & one set, but emphasizes much more greatly (traffic accidents). His list of people who need to be killed is absolutely riotous. It's kind of sad too because you know it's going to be one of his last shows. The song his band plays at the end is quite sad in its own right as well, but it's perfect for a late Carlin show.I admire George Carlin & I consider him my favorite comedian & my favorite celebrity to hear discussing the evils of society & presenting knowledgeable corners in the world of humor. This isn't his best, but is quite enjoyable just the same.9 / 10

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tedg
2001/11/20

Spoilers herein.I consider George a national resource, a hero. I've been watching a lot of standup DVDs with increasing despair. These guys just aren't funny, at least they aren't if you spend a half a second thinking about what they're joking about.George is different. His humor is all about confronting the evils in society. And he is fearless in coming so very close to the edge, so close we worry about his sanity while laughing at the risks. The thing is, nearly all this risky stuff is stuff we recognize.His stuff may not last long because it is so attuned to the times. So he may not be remembered as well as he should be. Laughter is all about confrontation, and this guy is in the vanguard. A gem.Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

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