John Leguizamo: Freak

I just happened to come across this one-man-show on HBO, and I was hit in the face with true talent for the performing arts. John Leguizamo provided me with a fresh of breath air from today's Lindsey Lohans and the uncreative, less-than-quality shows and movies in cinema (and staged shows for that matter). He let me know that there is more to show business for an actor than choosing the right parts and getting lucky with a hit movie (granted, that may be part of it). For the main part, though, it is the skills needed to entertain, acquired through practice and hard work. I don't think I would be able to watch another standup for the length of this show. This show should stand as the epitome of great, contemporary Broadway.

If you've ever seen John Leguizamo in "Freak", than you know what it is to watch a man give of his soul for two hours.

Creating a unique hybrid of every kind of one-man show performance ever, Leguizamo tells us the abridged story of his life, and goes out of his way (with a riveting, touching, hilarious performance) to cushion the many blows he has to reveal for an audience so unsuspecting of a damaged genius.

Directed for television by Spike Lee, John's *stage* performance was nominated for a Tony in 1998 for Best Actor In A Play (he lost to Anthony LaPaglia). His past show, "Spic-O-Rama", showed a diversity to play the eccentric characters of his life. But "Freak" proves something much greater: on such a fluid, risky platform as a one-man show with nearly no blackouts, Leguizamo can express emotions that are not yet eccentric or dull, but real. To see him give child abuse a whimsical perspective leaves a mark on you.

This is what he will be remembered for.

*****

My mother and I caught this on HBO one night in 1998. I absolutely fell in love with it because though I was laughing, Leguizamo managed to illicit sympathy for his life through his gift of comedy. I was lucky enough to have caught this gem again a few months ago. I hope that I catch it once more so I can tape it. For anyone that hasn't been introduced to Leguizamo's comedy, this is a great starting point to get to know one of the funniest men out there!

I was flipping through channels and stopped on HBO. Two hours later I did not leave the television for a smoke I was afraid I would miss something. John Leguizamo's Freak was the best comedy/one man show I have ever seen in my life! The relationship between him and his father is told in such a unique way. What a true actor. Thank you John, for making my night! I would highly suggest that everyone see this show!!!! Please do more work like this. It is needed! Thank you again.

I had the opportunity to sit down and watch the 1998 stand-up comedy special "John Leguizamo: Freak" again here in 2024. I have watched it once before, but that is many, many years ago. And thus, I only vaguely remembered it. Thus, I opted to sit down and watch it again here in 2024, as the opportunity presented itself.

This 1998 show is nothing short of phenomenal. It is 89 minutes of pure fun and laughter. John Leguizamo is really an amazingly talented guy. Not only is he capable of acting, but he also has great comedy talent, dancing, and is good at accents and portraying very caricatured characters. And that made "John Leguizamo: Freak" all the more enjoyable and fun to sit through

The contents in the show are good, well-written and crammed with funny situations and characters. And the way that John Leguizamo delivers the material and portrays the various characters is just fantastic.

I had so many genuine and good laughs throughout the course of 89 minutes that the show ran for.

If you haven't already seen "John Leguizamo: Freak", and if you get the chance, then you definitely should do so, especially if you like stand-up comedy.

My rating of "John Leguizamo: Freak" lands on a well-deserved nine out of ten stars.