Chris Rock is a name that needs no introduction in the world of comedy. He has been in the industry for over three decades, and he has made a name for himself as one of the most talented and respected comedians of our time. Recently, the comedian released his latest stand-up special on Netflix, titled “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage”. The special has received a lot of attention, both positive and negative. In this article, we will review the special and provide our perspective on whether it is worth watching or not.
To begin with, let’s talk about the positives of the special. Firstly, Chris Rock is undeniably a talented comedian. He has a unique ability to tackle serious issues in a way that is both amusing and thought-provoking. Throughout his career, he has tackled topics such as race, politics, and social issues with an unmatched wit and intelligence. In “Selective Outrage”, Rock takes on topics such as gun control, bullying, and the #MeToo movement. His ability to mix humor and insight when approaching such sensitive topics is impressive and commendable.
The special also features some clever one-liners and memorable jokes that stay in your head long after the show is over. For instance, Rock remarks, “I have a lot of gay friends, but they’re not as gay as me, okay? I’m like the Rosa Parks of getting my ass eaten”. Comedians like Rock understand the art of punchlines and leaving the audience wanting more. He does this incredibly well, and it makes for an engaging and amusing show.
Now, let’s delve into the negatives of the special. Firstly, the jokes about Will Smith fall flat. Throughout the special, Rock repeatedly cracks jokes about Smith and his acting career. While one or two jabs are alright, it starts to feel like Rock is beating a dead horse. The constant references to Smith become repetitive and uninspired. It is almost as though Rock felt that these jokes were necessary to make the audience laugh, but they only serve as a distraction from the rest of the material.
Furthermore, some of the jokes in the special feel outdated and insensitive. While it is understandable that comedy can be offensive and risqué, there is a line that should not be crossed. For example, Rock goes on a tangent about poor white people and how they are the real victims of society. Although he may have intended it to be funny or satirical, it comes across as ignorant and tone-deaf. Similarly, his comments on the transgender community feel dated, and it is disappointing to see such misinterpretations in a comedian of his caliber.
Another issue with the special is the lack of originality. While Rock’s performances are slick and seamless, the content feels like it has been rehashed from earlier specials. The jokes and observations feel similar to previous recordings. Rather than providing something fresh and new, “Selective Outrage” feels like something that we have all heard before.
Finally, the special ends abruptly, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied. Rock’s routine ends seemingly before he has run out of jokes, and it feels like an abrupt conclusion to what was otherwise a good performance. While we appreciate comedians who respect the audience’s time, ending a special too soon can leave the audience feeling like they’ve been short-changed.
In conclusion, Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage” is a mixed bag. While it showcases the comedian’s undeniable talent, it also has some flaws that cannot be overlooked. In particular, the constant references to Will Smith feel outdated, while some of the jokes are insensitive and misinformed. Furthermore, the show lacks originality and ends abruptly. Nevertheless, Rock’s sharp wit and intelligence make this a show worth watching. It may not be the best special that he has ever released, but it is still worth your time and attention.