Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was...

I appreciated that it wasn't a traditional stand-up comedy show-he blended impersonations, music, and footage from past projects, which I found refreshing and creative. I also understand and respect his gratitude for a second chance at life. However, I didn't care for the frequent use of the N-word, excessive profanity, and how talk about God was mixed in with it. I believe he could express the same messages without the profanity and the N-word. That said, I loved seeing his daughters as part of the show, and it was clear how genuinely thankful he is for his journey and the opportunity to live For Life.

I thought the first 15 maybe 20 at the most would be him explaining his story and move on with a bit of Jokes talking about his new movie or even anything other than himself but nope just a solid hour of Me me me and black pandering to God and the Audience. If he wasn't a clone before I would definitely see him more so now. Should not even be labeled as a comedy its more like a Documentary first then maybe a Gospel. Wow this is bad I literally fell asleep and flipped through today to see if I missed anything but nope. Just a man crying for an hour straight and tanking god for his survival while the Audience preaches on.

This had its moments of brilliance, particularly in his trademark impressions, which showcased his undeniable talent as a performer. However, much of the show struggled to connect, bogged down by a tone that felt more self-aggrandizing than self-reflective.

The repeated phrase "...But I'm Jamie Foxx" came across as overly self-important, as if he was leaning too heavily on his celebrity status to set himself apart from universal human experiences like health struggles and personal setbacks. Instead of inviting the audience into his world with humility or insight, this refrain felt alienating and, frankly, tiresome. It seemed to suggest he believed he was somehow immune to life's trials-or at least that his handling of them should inspire awe simply because of his fame.

Beyond the hubris, some of his observations felt out of touch, as though they were crafted with an audience of peers rather than everyday viewers in mind. While Foxx's natural charisma and comedic timing still shone in spots, especially in the impressions, those moments were overshadowed by a number of cringeworthy missteps.

Ultimately, the special had flashes of brilliance but was undermined by a tone that felt more focused on celebrating Foxx's persona than delivering relatable or truly incisive comedy. Fans of his will find things to enjoy, but many might walk away wishing for less hubris.

Jamie Foxx is a natural storyteller, and this shines through in his retelling of his health scare. Though he recounts a frightening and emotional experience, he skillfully lightens the mood with humor, cracking jokes about his time in the hospital and his interactions with the medical staff.

This balance between comedy and vulnerability creates an uneven but engaging experience. One moment, Foxx is on the verge of tears, and the next, he's delivering expletive-filled jokes that leave the audience laughing.

At its core, this is a testament to his gratitude-for life, for a second chance, and for the people who supported him through the ordeal. While it's not a traditional stand-up special, it's an entertaining and heartfelt reflection on survival, resilience, and appreciation.

Jamie Fox is indisputably one talented man. But he is just a human man. He seems to be floored that he should suffer a normal human ailment. He is so arrogant he doesn't seem to understand that people with far less resources go through exactly what he went through every day and they also recover. And they also get through it whether they believe or "find" god or not. Yes, he's talented. But he is also incredibly self indulgent. So if you want to spend an hour worshipping Jamie Foxx, this is the perfect vehicle. But if you have ever been or loved a person who has worked through a similar personal tragedy, you will likely find this "comedy special" tedious, over the top self congratulatory, and definitely lacking in any depth or self reflection.