Bill Cosby: Himself

This concert is by far the best Bill Cosby I have ever seen. Fell out of my chair while holding my sides several times laughing. Granted this concert is much funnier if you are a parent as you can absolutely relate to many of the experiences. And if you have ever been in the dentist's chair you will love his bit about getting dental work done. In the first part of the concert he goes a bit out of character about using profanity (the cocaine bit--he ask's "but what if your an A**hole") however it does seem to fit the scenario so it really is not that bad. Parents may wish to fast forward through that part due to the nature of what is being talked about. Still my favorite work of Bill Cosby---right up there with Noah!

A couple of years before "The Cosby Show" debuted and rejuvenated his career, Bill Cosby did a filmed concert, reviewing his opinions on drugs, alcohol, dentists, natural childbirth, child rearing and what really makes good parents.

In short, just being the Cos.

"Bill Cosby, Himself" is one of the only films I have laughed at so hard that I had to lie down for minutes afterwards. It's almost like this concert film was just a continuous string of highlights. But it works so well because the Cos sees so much of the truth in families, from both the parent's and the child's points of view. Everything rings true, and therefore, the humor reveals itself naturally.

Aside from the drug and alcohol routines, "Bill Cosby, Himself" is a perfect film for the entire family. Every member can see a little bit of themselves in one routine or another. No wonder Bill Cosby remains the great comedian he is today: he's still a family man.

Ten stars. Perfect.

Thanks, Cos.

When I saw this film in the 80's,I was but a teenager who knew nothing about life.The jokes about child rearing were a riot to me.Now,I am 39 years old,married and a father of two.As I watch the film now,I find they are not only funny,but downright truthful as well.I can not only laugh,I can also say to myself,"He's absolutely right".I once heard Bill Cosby joke that HBO had run this movie "way too much",and that they needed to stop it.However,to me personally,it never gets old.I watch at least once a year and it is just as fresh and funny to me now as it was then.I admire Bill Cosby because he is living proof that you don't need vulgarity to be funny.He is truly the last of his kind.

For the longest time, I was afraid to rate any stand-up comedy performances here for the simple fact that I didn't want my opinions to become less valid based solely upon changing societal views on acceptible comedy. However, Bill Cosby is a classic example of a great comedian, placed alone in his element (a stage), commanding the audience with his natural wit and charm. Let us not forget that Bill is probably one of the funniest men on the planet. I've seen "Bill Cosby: Himself" at least a dozen times, and each time I laugh until it hurts. He never seems to lose the edge, his jokes never seem trite, and you never become immune to Bill's humor. If only every comedian was as funny as he is.

This is a wonderful and timeless film that shows Bill Cosby doing what he does best--his wonderful stand-up routine (though, oddly, he's sitting during the presentation). I saw it back when it first came out and years later saw it again and the film STILL made me laugh hysterically. The only difference is that now I am joined by my family who also laughs along with it.

Unlike some of Cosby's early routines, he doesn't do the characters he's famous for (such as his routine with his brother, Russell, or Fat Albert or the like). Instead, Cosby just talks...talks about life...fatherhood...kids...or whatever seems to be on his mind. Amazingly, he does this all so effortlessly and without using filthy language or humor that you can't let the kids hear. Of this kind of humor, it just doesn't get any better.

Oh, and since watching this film, I have learned that the best breakfast for my kids IS chocolate cake and have served it to them many times. So there.