Bill Cosby: Himself

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.

Though the previous comment says that "he performs all over the United States", and the video box says that it was filmed in Toronto, the entire stand-up routine was actually filmed at Hamilton Place Theatre in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The show is hilarious, and is single-handedly responsible for turning me into a Bill Cosby fan.

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.

Absolutely hilarious, you won't be able to stop laughing. Bill Cosby is a comic genius! I grew up with this movie, and it's one that will live on in my family forever. Brilliant! Whether he is talking about dentists, parenthood, or his own childhood, Mr. Cosby draws us into his stories, and enthralls us with his tales of "brain-damaged people." His stories touch our hearts and remind us of the good times of our own childhood, adolescence, parenthood, and life in general. This is definitely a show that everyone should see, if not own for their own collections. I've shown it to countless people, and not a single one has not liked it. Usually we go around quoting it for a few days. There is so much goodness in Mr. Cosby's humor, and it's something I think that we need more of in the world today.

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.