Joe Movie - American: The Bill Hicks Story

What Joe Movie is all about: I'm Joe, and I will be reviewing two films every week that are available for your viewing pleasure from Family Video.

 
Documentary:
American: The Bill Hicks Story (NR) (2009)

Often, we view comedians as strictly entertainers.  Funny people that make us laugh.  It is not often that we are given the opportunity to see the personal side, the real human that stands behind the microphone and brings tears of laughter to our eyes. 

"American: The Bill Hicks Story" is a phenomenal, intriguing and compelling documentary film chronicling the rise, peak, and fall of one of the greatest comedians of the late '70s to early '90s – Bill Hicks.

Directed by Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas, "American: The Bill Hicks Story" tells the tale of the unbelievable life of a beloved comedian whose life was cut short by pancreatic cancer at the age of 32. 

From his humble beginnings doing standup at age 16 to achieving cult idolization by 21, the fantastic story of Bill Hicks life in an adventure that is sure to inspire you.

Using a massive collection of still pictures from his life (cut and pasted in a unique comic book style), archival interviews and clips of Hicks' work, "American: The Bill Hicks Story" will keep you glued to the screen.  Whether you have never heard of Bill Hicks before or our a hardcore fan of his merciless material, this documentary is so well done that it is effective and entertaining to any audience.

Ten of Hicks closest friends and associates explain the incredible evolution of Hicks comedy, beliefs and life during his short-lived career.  From sneaking out of his home at fourteen to check out comedy clubs to downing seven margaritas in a row and performing an hour long stand-up routine, "American:

The Bill Hicks Story" is chock full of fascinating events from the crazy life Hicks lived.  Almost every interview regarding Hicks is so incredibly offbeat and unexpected that "American: The Bill Hicks Story" may very well be the most entertaining documentary I have ever seen.

While "American: The Bill Hicks Story" doesn't have any footage of Hicks actually being interviewed, it utilizes takes advantage of his close friends, family, and fellow comedians, giving an unbelievable inside look into the ambitious world of Bill Hicks.

This documentary will have you laughing at the fascinating evolution of his material, ranging from high- school fart jokes to criticizing the government.  It will have you motivated at the incredible desire and  determination Hicks utilized as he broke barriers in comedy while conquering addiction.  And it will have you in tears, as you witness his slow demise from pancreatic cancer, while still being able to perform at his finest.

"American: The Bill Hicks Story" is more than a simple rehashing of information on a comedian.  It is a film in honor of an astonishing individual, who was able to spread his beliefs of peace and justice while making his audience scream in laughter.

"American: The Bill Hicks Story" won The Dallas Film Festivals Texas Filmmaker Award and the Best Documentary Award from the Downtown LA Film Festival in 2010.

Check out "American: The Bill Hicks Story" at Family Video tonight!

Movie poster images taken from: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179947/