Chris Tucker Live
Netflix · 2015 · 1 h 32 min
An hour of celebrity anecdotes, tax problems, and Michael Jackson impressions.
Chris Tucker returns to the stage older, a little less frantic, and holding a massive bill from the IRS. Rather than ignoring his financial troubles, he steers directly into them, pointing out the absurdity of letting Wesley Snipes handle his taxes. The core of the performance relies on the simple fact that he is deeply, historically famous. He spends a significant chunk of time recounting encounters with other celebrities, casually dropping anecdotes about taking a car ride with Barack Obama, traveling to Africa with Bill Clinton, and visiting Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch. He caps the Jackson story with an accurate impression and a strong singing voice, which becomes the focal point of the show.
Filmed in 2015 at the Fox Theatre in his hometown of Atlanta, the release marked his first full-length stand-up project. It arrived on Netflix after a long public hiatus, with his only major recent acting credit being a supporting role in Silver Linings Playbook.
Reception was split. Fans of his early work and the Rush Hour films were happy to see him holding a microphone again, but critics noted the material felt more like a loose catch-up session than a tightly structured comedy act.
The set list
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Spontaneous office quickies in relationships
Acting out both sides of an aggressive office encounter using only a stage prop stool.
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Bad financial and marriage advice from Wesley Snipes
Joking about letting Snipes help with his taxes before transitioning to his own issues with the IRS and credit card debt.
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Visiting Oprah Winfrey's house
Recounting visiting Oprah's home alongside other high-profile celebrities and being made to stay outside.
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Singing with Michael Jackson and Barry Gibb at Neverland
Describing how he embarrassed himself and was asked to leave after joining Jackson and Gibb in an impromptu rendition of 'How Deep Is Your Love?'.
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Rumors of filming another Friday movie
Debunking rumors by complaining that Ice Cube paid him only in CDs and weed for the original film.
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Relatives demanding money after he became a movie star
Impersonating an uncle who moped around before asking him to pay all his bills.
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Accidentally eating his mother's breakfast before church
Enacting his mother's rage and his defiance during a confrontation across crowded church pews.
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The closer (spoiler). Show it
Traveling to Africa and political impressions
Performing impressions of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, focusing on Obama's habit of evading answers by starting with '...Look...'.
How it plays
- Tone
- Irreverent, raunchy, energetic, yet safe and underpinned by personal vulnerability.
- On stage
- High-energy, animated, vocal, and physical performer reliant on expressive facial gestures, mimicry, singing, and dancing.
- Pace
- Fast-paced, vibrant, and physical, driven by animated delivery and vocal shifts.
- About
- dating and marriage, celebrity life and wealth, family dynamics and childhood, taxes and financial mismanagement, friendship with Michael Jackson, travels to Africa and politics
What the critics said
Critics praised Tucker's energetic physical presence, undeniable stage charm, and spot-on impressions, but noted that the joke writing felt cautious and lacked bite compared to his live performance talent.
In the room: Enthusiastic and welcoming response to Tucker's return to the stand-up stage in his hometown venue.
Backstory
Filmed in his hometown of Atlanta, reflecting on his rise from childhood to Hollywood superstardom, personal relationships, financial challenges, and his friendship with Michael Jackson.
Details
- Released
- Taped
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta
- Runtime
- 1 h 32 min
- Where
- Netflix
- Director
- Phil Joanou
- Topics
- After
- Live (2015)
More from Chris Tucker
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Live
Netflix
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