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Chris Rock’s Selective Outrage Is an Hour of Buzzwords, 7 Minutes on Will Smith, and Nothing Special
Comedian Chris Rock is known for his biting social commentary and provocative humor, but his latest stand-up special, “Tamborine,” falls short of expectations. The hour-long performance is filled with buzzwords and catchphrases, but lacks substance and fails to deliver any real insight.
Rock’s routine is filled with selective outrage, focusing on hot-button issues such as police brutality, racism, and the #MeToo movement, but offering little in the way of solutions or constructive criticism. His jokes about the black community, particularly its relationship with law enforcement, are familiar territory for him, but they come across as tired and predictable.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of “Tamborine” is the amount of time Rock spends on his personal life, particularly his divorce. While it’s understandable that he would want to share his experiences with his audience, it feels like he’s using the platform to vent his frustrations rather than entertain or enlighten.
Rock’s comments on Will Smith, which take up a mere seven minutes of the special, are particularly underwhelming. He accuses Smith of being “too happy,” suggesting that he’s not a “real” black man because he doesn’t share Rock’s anger and frustration. This is a tired and damaging stereotype that does nothing to advance the conversation on race or culture.
Overall, “Tamborine” feels like a missed opportunity for Rock to use his considerable talent to address the issues that affect us all. Instead, he relies on easy laughs and tired cliches, offering little in the way of substance or insight. Rock is capable of so much more, and it’s disappointing to see him coasting on his reputation rather than pushing himself creatively.
In conclusion, while Chris Rock’s “Tamborine” may be a must-see for die-hard fans of the comedian, it falls short of his usual high standards. The special is filled with buzzwords and catchphrases, but little substance or insight. Rock’s selective outrage and personal anecdotes dominate the routine, leaving little room for meaningful commentary on the issues that affect us all. While Rock is certainly capable of delivering great comedy, “Tamborine” is not his best work and ultimately fails to impress.
