George Carlin: Complaints & Grievances (2001)

Excellent but underrated film

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

I like Carlin, but this was just sad. When did he cross the line from exasperated/frustrated to meanspirited? Now he sounds like nothing more than a grumpy old man who doesn't like answering machines or the lack of tits on Xmas cards.The fart jokes were just sad - that's the cheapest, lamest, sophomoric laugh and no famous comedian should have to fall back on that!This was followed by a warhawk call to arms praising plans to attack & praising Guiliani. (the sort of unthinking kneejerk call for a violent revenge) that seems to have caused the US to jump in & attack/destabilize the entire middle east over the action of a few Saudis).I almost stopped there. For some reason I decided to persist. Surely there had to be a great segment in there from such a great comedian....Instead I'm treated to a discussion of "lip crud", toenail clippings, asspicking and other things you find on the body? Who cares? Why is this funny? This - from the man who did the classic "Religion is bullshit" sketch? Several minutes discussion of how much he loves scabs and masturbates over scabs?? From the comedian who brilliantly called out the anti-choicers for their illogic and unchristian attitudes?I counted ONE laugh in the first half hour.Out of a respect for his past humor, I persevered on and at a little over half way through (about 30.24 min.) he slipped back into his usual rant style attacking conformism, consumerism and conservatives christians, etc. and it was more amusing but still pretty uneven and not up to his usual standards.His condensing of the 10 commandments almost made the DVD watching. And you certainly don't hear a lot of comedians bring up and condemming FGM (female genital mutilation).However, there were a few uncomfortably sexist and homophobic sections. For example - his instance on "traditional" boring American names just made him seem ignorant. Why does he assume wish death on those with what he calls "fruity" names? Many of us prefer original, interesting names and don't want everyone called Bill & Bob. I don't happen to think having the name Tyler or Blaine(or whichever he was ranting about) emasculates anyone.I watched this the same night as a Lewis Black DVD and I definitely preferred Lewis Black's rants. Somehow Black's swearing and sex jokes fit better. Maybe it's cuz Black has better material (how Bush et al has screwed our country) vs. Carlin ranting about Xmas cards that don't have tits in them.As he states towards the end Respect must be earned. Carlin gained my respect in the past from his books & shows, but he's kind of slipping now.

George's been around almost long enough to personally know who wrote the 10 commandments, yet this man is relentless in the energetic way he delivers his lines. Perhaps a parallel line with Bill Hicks could be drawn, as both individuals have a great fondness of smart educated intellectuals who are open-minded enough to understand both their jokes, but more importantly-their true message. Comedians truly are the most powerful and effective philosophers of our time, and laughing at something and thinking about it seriously at the same time is something not to be taken too lightly. I am a fan of George Carlin, he thinks out of the box and at times delivers profound revelations to further educate his "crowd".Right on, my granddad, right on 8/10

I'm happy to see George Carlin continues to evolve and deliver good material. As always, delivery is phenominal, and the material is somewhere between what you think should be funny what what you question is good taste. The man is consistent, and consistently a great comedian.

Yes, he does talk about toenails and lip crud....but the thing about this material is that its TRUE. All the people that said it wasn't funny said that because they know they do all that all the time and are embarassed! We are just human! Our bodies and minds have evolved enough to the point where we find it amusing to flatulate and play with our toenails. Live with it! Classic Carlin does include him noticing things we do but don't talk about! You are not any better of a person to say you do not do this things, so get over it. Anyways, this was a good show, not one of his best i agree, but good none-the-less. Get both of his books (Brain Droppings, and Napalm and Silly Putty) to get all his A material throughout the years, trust me.