Let's talk about the latest attempt at comedy gold, or should I say, the latest attempt at a comedy roast gone wrong. Netflix, in its quest for another massive hit, decided to replicate the success of their previous roast special, 'The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady'. But did they succeed in making 'The Roast of Kevin Hart' a memorable event? Personally, I think they missed the mark, and here's why.
The premise was simple: take a popular comedian, actor, and pitchman like Kevin Hart, and let a bunch of comedians rip him apart. On paper, it sounds like a recipe for hilarious chaos. However, what we got was a three-hour drag show that, quite frankly, left a lot to be desired.
One thing that immediately stands out is the length of the roast. Almost three hours is excessive, especially when the material fails to deliver consistent laughs. It's like they were trying to replicate the success of the Brady roast, but forgot that the content was the star, not the runtime. The surprise appearances by Katt Williams and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson added some much-needed flair, but it felt more like a desperate attempt to inject life into a dying roast rather than a natural progression of the show.
What many people don't realize is that the success of a roast often lies in the tension and chemistry between the roasters and the roastee. While there were moments of palpable tension, especially when the comedians turned on each other, the overall vibe was more of a beatdown than a playful ribbing. Take, for instance, the comments about Hart's failed fast-food venture and his lack of Black friends. These jokes felt more like personal attacks than humorous observations.
Now, let's talk about the roasters themselves. Some, like Pete Davidson and Sheryl Underwood, managed to come out on top, despite taking heat for their usual topics. Davidson's defense of his appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival was a clever retort, and Underwood's response to Hinchcliffe's jokes about her husband's death was powerful and deserved the standing ovation it received. However, these moments of brilliance were few and far between.
In my opinion, the biggest issue with this roast was the choice of Hart as the main attraction. While he's undoubtedly a successful and busy man, the comedy world doesn't necessarily consider him a GOAT. In fact, the constant roasting of Hart, whether it be at the Mark Twain Prize ceremony or on 'Funny AF with Kevin Hart', suggests that he's become a bit of a punching bag. It raises the question: is it fair to keep targeting the same person, especially when the jokes seem to be getting old?
If Netflix was truly aiming for a GOAT roast, they should have gone after someone like Dave Chappelle or Louis CK. These comedians, despite their controversies, still command a certain level of respect and intrigue within the comedy community. Their roasts would have been events worth tuning in for.
So, what's the takeaway? Well, 'The Roast of Kevin Hart' serves as a reminder that not every comedy idea translates into a successful special. It also highlights the importance of choosing the right roastee and ensuring the material is fresh and funny. In this case, Netflix's attempt to duplicate the Brady roast fell short, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than the intended hilarity.
As for my final verdict, I'd say skip it. Save yourself the three hours and stick to the highlight reels, if you must. There's no need to subject yourself to a comedy roast that fails to live up to its potential.
