An all-out spectacle is the only way to describe comedian Kevin Hart’s new 96 minute-long comedy special “Kevin Hart: What Now?”
“What Now?,” released Friday, is a live recording of one of Hart’s performances from August 2015. From the opening moments, it is evident that Hart has created something grand and different with this taping. There is no opening curtain or lengthy introduction, as is the case when many comedians record their material. Instead, “What Now?” opens with a high production, action-packed scene that takes place inside a casino.
The scene, which lasts about 15 minutes, is parody of the James Bond franchise and other such action films. The casino section is extremely fun, unique and self-aware. It’s unafraid to break the fourth wall, something evident in a particularly clever section involving the characters’ awareness of their own subtitles.
With cameo appearances from Halle Berry, Ed Helms and Don Cheadle, the cinematic entrance gives the entire special an extravagant and over-the-top feeling from the opening credits.
This mood carries over from the opening scene to the actual standup material itself. From the moment Hart appears on stage, the crowd erupts in applause.
The special was filmed in Philadelphia, Kevin Hart’s hometown, at the Lincoln Financial Field, a stadium that holds 50,000 people. The energy of the crowd is palpable, and it’s nearly impossible for a theatrical crowd not to feed off of that energy in some way.
Hart’s demeanor and performance are as boisterous and flashy as the venue around him. Anyone familiar with Kevin Hart knows that the physically small comedian makes up for his size with a larger-than-life personality. It’s this temperament that allows some of the less-funny jokes in “What Now?” to still land a smile. Hart’s delivery is nearly objectively funny.
The delivery helps, because some of the material is indeed subpar. “What Now?” is solid and funny throughout, but it does feel a bit tired at times. Hart hits on all the standup tropes. From relationships and fatherhood to parents and airports, Hart covers all his bases. As always, he brings his own observations and spin to these well-worn topics.
Some of the material strays into a more ridiculous and off-the-wall realm, and this is where Hart’s jokes truly shine. The material regarding one-shouldered women and bizarre shark attack hypotheticals are both the most absurd and funniest jokes of the whole hour.
Kevin Hart has his brand of comedy down to an art. Many times, the only punchline needed or given is a facial expression. Hart is very physical on stage and often his mannerisms or actions garner as much of a response as his actual words.
Multiple large, flat-screen televisions occupy the space behind Hart on stage. These screens are often used as an added visual gag to accentuate a punchline. Sometimes, they’re used as a clever video cue.
Audio and sound excerpts are occasionally used in the same manner. There are even some editing and camera tricks sprinkled throughout. These multimedia cues are used sparingly and effectively. The crux of each joke is still on Hart, but the visuals and sounds add an interesting, forward-thinking layer to the punchlines.
Those who are fans of or familiar with Kevin Hart will certainly enjoy “What Now?” It is simply more Kevin Hart, and to an overwhelming number of people, more Kevin Hart means more laughs. There is little novelty to be found in the material, but the jokes are funny regardless.
The most interesting thing about “What Now?” is the aspects of the special that appeal to filmgoers. Not only do the cinematic scenes offer a fun, additive aspect to the hour, they also encourage those who saw the special live to check it out again.
At the end of “What Now?,” Hart takes a moment to thank the tens of thousands of people in attendance. He marks the night as the greatest of his life. He then, taking note of the wide range of genders and ethnicities in the audience, comments on the bonding power of comedy.
“If we can laugh together, we can live together,” Hart said. “And if we live together, we can love together.”
Not only is “What Now?” humorous, but it carries this sentiment throughout. Any work of art that makes the world laugh and love a little bit more is worth the watch.
Wonderful. Well written
Good coverage