John Leguizamo: Freak

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.

This is a concert film done in a linear fashion, and John talks about this upbringing and his journey to be accepted by his father. His family members come alive in his story telling, and I am amazed at how clear his ideas are. This film kicks the c**p out of his first film Mambo Mouth. See it see it see it. Did I say see it?

This is such an interesting one-man show... I cannot recommend it more. Not for its material, or its qualities to make us analyze our own life or whatever people are saying in these posts. The actual things that are being said in the show by Leguizamo are sometimes easy to go by. This is not the result of writing prowess. This is the result of dramatic stage genius. It is all... every single bit of it... placed on Leguizamo's talent on stage. His power is not in his one-liners, in his story development, in his critical mind, but in his physical talents and his genius use of not only space, but dramatic characterization and 'space' within characters. I'm not saying he is just funny physically. He is a physical creator on all senses and terms. This is, therefore, the most interesting stand-up comedy act I have ever seen. It isn't really one, actually. It is, yes, but it extends the parameters, the possibilities in such ways that all you say is, 'why does nobody ever think of things like these... why is stand-up comedy so dull'. This isn't dull. Leguizamo is at a creative peak in his performance. And that is gold. He has what any other straight up stand-up comedian lacks. And that is dramatic intelligence. So you've got a comedic act that without shining on paper, shines put to life. A true play of sorts. The reasons why maybe, after watching this, you will not like him, or consider it bad, are more on a personal level, I think... Leguizamo is really in your face on this one. And if you find him the least bit annoying, then that will be the end of this performance in your eyes. Still, it will open your mind in one simple matter: that stand-up comedy as we know it is limited. This is far beyond 'stand-up comedy as we know it', and could be, perhaps, a nice future to a dead-end formula.

This is the kind of humor John Leguizamo is really good at. He is a very talented comedian, and if his life was actually like this growing up then I have a whole new respect for him, even after the Pest. If he could have had this kind of humor in the Pest it would have been a great movie.

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!