Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain (2013) Review

3/5

The number above may seem a little harsh for the review I am writing, but it has its place. Don't get me wrong, this is a very funny and fast-moving film. People that go in should get what they pay for as the jokes roll out and they are often gut-bustingly funny. The pre-film is great, and the montage at the end is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. I have always been a big Hart fan, so I felt like this was a worthy notch in his belt.
There were, however, some flaws. The film starts funny with a pre-film of sorts and gives a quick update on his tour (which has sold out in multiple countries). He has an air of supremacy about him, and it feels warranted; his films make money, his shows make money, people recognize him in Norway, and he sold out Madison Square Garden (where this film was shot) twice. Something to be proud of. But, to review this as a film, there has to be more.
I wish that during the stand-up routine, which 90% of the time lands with a laugh, had been trimmed and interspersed with tour footage like the footage shown in the perfect montage at the end. It would have broken up the stand-up, given the audience another laugh in a different way, and by trimming the 10% that doesn't work it would have been a tighter and more cohesive unit. Also, if they showed one more close-up of an audience member seizing with laughter I was going to throw up. Taraji P. Henson makes an appearance as a crying audience member which was an interesting aside.
All in all, this was a successful stand-up routine if not a successful film. I would recommend it for the laughs it provides, but not as any sort of film. It is worth the price of admission.