The Comedians of Comedy (2005)

I have recently become a huge fan of Patton Oswalt. I think he's the most deliciously original comedian to come along in ages. He is refreshing and fearless in his routines, which run the gamut of topics from how much Bush sucks to the sleazy exploits of 1970s producer Robert Evans. I'm a longtime fan of Maria Bamford and her wide-eyed innocent/schizophrenic routine. Whenever she effortlessly switches her naturally high-pitched voice to one that is clipped and throaty, I can't help but giggle. I liked Brian Posehn long before I even knew he was on "Just Shoot Me", and there is something so innately funny about his aging nerd persona. All three of these talented, unique comedians headline "The Comedians of Comedy", a Netflix documentary about their U.S. tour. They truly deserve to be stars, and this tour gave them the recognition they so richly deserve. I thought,no, I KNEW I'd like this movie...But I was wrong. Instead of the three comics each getting their own routine segments, "The Comedians of Comedy" is bogged down by meandering and dull documentary scenes that contain no humor, no insight, nothing of real interest. I think there is a total of 30 minutes of intermittent stand-up routines total in the 109 minute movie. What a rip-off! Come on, is anyone really interested in seeing our stars banter in their RV? Where's the humor in seeing Posehn in an arcade and a comic book shop? Does anyone find random diner scenes particularly funny? If this movie couldn't have shown our comics strutting their stuff, at least make it about what life is like on the road. It's not even about that. Worst of all, the comics never appear to be having real fun. Oswalt admits how bored he is doing a radio interview, Posehn sheepishly admits to how much he sucks at giving a tour of his home, and Bamford nervously improvises every time the camera is pointed at her, and her humor there is only sporadic.Sheesh, these guys deserve a chance to show the world their unconventional, amazingly crafted humor that is a refreshing change of pace from the brainless entertainment of mainstream comics like Dane Cook. Instead, we have to sit through their mundane, everyday routines on the road in a substandard bore of a movie whose quality could easily be surpassed by any student film. If you can locate any of Oswalt's, Posehn's, or Bamford's performances on DVD, by all means do. Their talent should be a joy to behold, not a chore like it is here.

I thought the whole film was hilarious. I especially liked Zach and Maria Bamford. His is simply brilliant cutting-edge material. The line that is included in the IMDb site is a great sample of his great talent. Maria is so good at hitting the "everyday people", many of whom I have run across, and letting us see the hilarity in them. She is worth the viewing all on her own. I think Patton Oswalt was terrific as was Brian Posehn. Brian's take on the latest Star Wars films is fantastic and right on the money for all those who loved the originals. Patton's political humor was just plain gut-busting funny. The only problem I had with the film was that I wanted to see more "concert" footage. Especially of Maria and Zack. They really make the film!

This documentary is pretty funny. Wait let me qualify that statement somewhat, this documentary is pretty funny WHEN either Zach Galifianakis or Brian Posehn is getting screen time. Those two are the real F'N deal, my friend. Sadly in between those two pinnacles of greatness, you'll have to suffer through Patton 'I need a true calling, cause it's NOT comedy' Oswalt and Maria Bamford. It's not really Marias fault, I only can name a whole ONE funny woman comedian (that being the hilariously great Sarah Silverman), Patton, on the other hand, has no reason whatsoever to bomb as badly as he does every single time he gets on the stage. But as I said, if you can jump over these very sizable hurdles, you'll find a few moments to enjoy.Where I saw it: ShowtimeMy Grade: C+

I am a huge stand-up comedy buff and instantly recognized all 4 comedians involved when I saw the preview on the digital cable box. I knew that three out of the four comedians were hilarious and Maria is not. The problem is that she just has one voice and tries to rely on that to be funny. Sadly there is a lack of material or any real comic timing on her part. The other 3 never fail to deliver, especially my favorite out of the bunch Zach Galifianakis. The best part of the documentary is the on-stage stuff, which is what makes this movie as enjoyable as it is. The off-stage stuff is a mixed bag. Some of the scenes, like where the 3 male comedians are discussing puns using the word "bear" are extremely hysterical. Once again, Maria's scenes end up more disturbing than humorous. It ruins couple-of-comedians-hanging-out vibe that the rest of the off stage stuff is like. You end up feeling more concerned about her mental health than thinking she is funny. Also, there is a lot of time spent establishing that they are some very nerdy guys. Which doesn't end up that entertaining. If a the tour was a little bit longer (for some more material to be captured) and the editing a little bit better the movie could have easily made it to 9 out of 10. Be warned, the movie gets a bit odd and pervish at the end. The comedians appear to lose their minds, which must've involved some drug use that we never see. However, there is some of the crude material that is genuinely funny. It is what really makes Patton and Brian's political jokes work. In conclusion, the stand-up receives a 9 out of 10 and the off-stage gets 8 out of 10 and Maria subtracts some points away. If you are not a fan of crude material, you shouldn't watch this movie.