Jamie Foxx: I mIght Need Security (2002)

Starring:

• Jamie Foxx

IMDB.com
Jamie Foxx performs live from the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California.

I thought it was OK. It could have been better but then again he always was better with a script than without. Did anyone notice how a lot of the things he said in his act about Africa was ripped from Richard Pryor's Live On The Sunset Strip? I know Jamie went to Africa to film Ali and everything but some of his Africa routine seemed like a copy of what Richard did originally (about the lions, the stink, etc). The jokes weren't all funny. Some were though. He definitely used his art of imitating celebs and voices to help out this show. Some of the stuff like the celebs he was making fun of was exaggerations but it worked for some of the jokes. It could have used more IMO. I thought he overdid the whole Talibam-Taliwhacker, etc thing though. You could tell his act was not quite as over as other comedians like Rock, Chappelle, etc. Then again that's their forte and they're good at it. This just wasn't Jamie's. I guess he was just trying to do a little too much with his talents. He should stick to acting. That's his thing. Hey, he did win an Oscar and rightfully so.

Bill Cosby: Himself (1983)

Starring:

• Bill Cosby:

IMDB.com
"Himself" is one of Mr. Cosbys standup routines with parts about the weekends children going to the dentist and many other normal situations.

Absolutely hilarious, you won't be able to stop laughing. Bill Cosby is a comic genius! I grew up with this movie, and it's one that will live on in my family forever. Brilliant! Whether he is talking about dentists, parenthood, or his own childhood, Mr. Cosby draws us into his stories, and enthralls us with his tales of "brain-damaged people." His stories touch our hearts and remind us of the good times of our own childhood, adolescence, parenthood, and life in general. This is definitely a show that everyone should see, if not own for their own collections. I've shown it to countless people, and not a single one has not liked it. Usually we go around quoting it for a few days. There is so much goodness in Mr. Cosby's humor, and it's something I think that we need more of in the world today.

Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker (1999)

Starring:

• Chris Rock

IMDB.com
Chris Rock brings his critically acclaimed brand of social commentary-themed humor to this 1999 standup comedy presentation from HBO. Also released as an album, Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker features Rock on-stage extolling his razor-sharp wit and wisdom on such topics as gun control, President Clinton, homophobia, racism, black leaders, and relationships.

Chris Rock really brings it in Bigger & Blacker. He has his moments in this HBO special. Some parts drag along a bit but then he gets going and it by far makes up for it. He covers many topics such as marriage, politics, gun control, and other social issues. However i wouldn't recommend this show to anyone that can't stand some cursing. Okay a lot of cursing. Only other thing you might have to worry about is busting a gut from laughing so hard. This show was hilarious. I found it much better than "Never Scared". I wish there were more stand-ups like this out there. Rock puts many comics to shame.

Richard Pryor Live In Concert (1979)

Starring:

• Richard Pryor

IMDB.com
As others have said, this is the best stand-up performance ever recorded. It sounds like an exaggeration, but it's not. Pryor is a comedic genius, and you can see his influence in every comedian since. He sets the standard. His facial expressions, acting abilities, delivery, etc., are all top-notch, and he can make even mundane topics such as walking through the woods pee-your-pants hilarious (in fact, he spends a long time talking about the woods, which is a bit puzzling, but hey, it's funny). He also covers completely unrelated topics such as dogs, drugs, family life, boxing, and sex... all the while being hysterically funny. The guy is amazing, and I recommend this to anyone who enjoys stand-up comedy.