Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays

First of all, I am not a fan and I found this brilliant. Not perfect, as some very dignified reviewers seemed to have asked for, but brilliant. It has better parts and weaker parts, now he delivers amazing timing and physical comedy, then he flirts rather annoyingly with the camera. The show has some vulgar bits (not even close to some of today's disgusting stand-up 'stars') and also some touching bits, sure, but that's how life is, too. The silent movie scene was wildly hilarious, while some of the sad parts prove he's not a drama actor. Anyway, this is a honest take and I will forgive even his poses for the camera for the sake of one of them (I don't remember where it occurs): it pictured perfectly the bittersweet and almost touching humor of the poor Jewish folks or of any people forced to deal with a hard life in a subdued, non-grandiloquent way.

Unabashedly sentimental, at moments arguably too shticky, but there's a lot of heart and laughs, along with a good set of smiles in Billy Crystal's one-man show remembering his youth, especially the 700 Sundays he had with his father before his untimely death.

From the telling, Crystal had a remarkable childhood, and came from a remarkable family. His father owned a music store and promoted concerts, and knew and was loved by many of jazz's all time greats. His family come off as sweet if eccentric. As related here, this was a family without many of the painful skeletons in their closets that most of us grew up with. It's sort of the Jewish version of Norman Rockwell's America, but I don't mean that as a put down. Crystal seems to truly appreciate the blessings he's had, and to honor and love the people who made him who he is. He doesn't deny that life can be painful, but that doesn't mean for a second he's going to say it's not wonderful and worthwhile.

If a few moments of emotion feel forced in the unforgiving close up lens of a camera, there's a lot that ring true, no matter that Crystal has performed variations of this monologue on stage hundreds of times.

I personally have never seen anything like this before and am so glad I have now.

I know Billy's story will give everyone a touch of familiarity. He pulls you into his own right away, he will make you laugh and even (for me at least) make you cry.

You know, it's such a simple thing. A man telling you the story of his life. Not for this one though. The presentation brings the emotions of being there to life. It becomes way more than "just a story".

Watching this is giving yourself something good. I recommend when you do that you give yourself time. No interruptions. You want to watch it all in one sitting. It really is worth every second.

For me, my family came to America and stayed on the east coast. When I was just a few years old we broke away and moved to the west. Along with a few of our closest family members. We brought the East Coast values along with us. Something I never truly understood like I understand them now.

Good food, strong family, hard times, breath taking moments and always, always love.

You do not have to live on the east coast, have it your past or in your heart to enjoy this amazing show. You only need to clear your mind and take a listen. You will come away appreciating the many moments in your own life. You will also be reminded of how precious it and how much each person in your life means to you.

You deserve to watch it.

I've been a fan of Billy Crystal for many years. Not just a comedian and actor but a real story teller, giving us an incredible tour of his life from childhood to today and the family that is so much of who he is. I was laughing one minute, crying the next, then laughing again. His love of jazz, baseball and comedy were so well punctuated throughout, as you listen to him you personally reflect on the things that are important in your own life, the things you love, family and friends. I was most moved by the relationship with his father and how he would so wonderfully talk about the good and the bad. This is a must see and thanks to HBO for mounting this production. And for the man himself, pure genius. Bravo Mr. Crystal, BRAVO!

This was beautifully executed and I loved every moment of it! Gave me a whole new insight to Billy Crystal and his background. The story told was a bit melancholy at times but only helps bring out the broad spectrum of what Mr. Crystal has lived through. Wow! Thanks Billy =)