tlamovies.com

Review

While the true original king might be Richard Pryor, the title refers to a smash arena tour featuring these four comedians. Mixing dance and music into the comedy, each show was a happening that few non-blacks even heard about. This Charlotte, N.C., stop has been preserved by Spike Lee for the wider audience that it deserves. Harvey is the most old school here (and proud of it), radiating pride that seems to be lost in the age of rap. He also emcees, introducing the quietly raging Hughley, the physically fluid and aptly named Cedric the Entertainer, and the thisclosetotheedge Mac. Each has his own profane view of race relations, love and sex, and family. It's all wildly hilarious, though like the best comedy, in essay form it might read as tragic. Except for familiar racial themes, you wouldn't know this was a Spike Lee joint; he excercises directorial restraint and lets the four jesters ascend to the throne.

 -- David Gorgos