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Promotional art for Doin' Time: Uncut
Cover image credit: Promotional image via Prime Video

Doin' Time: Uncut

Martin Lawrence

Showtime · 2016 · 62 min

Martin Lawrence revisits his classic physical routine after a long hiatus.

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Martin Lawrence spends a significant portion of his return to the stage reminding audiences of the physical, high-energy charm that made him a massive star in the 1990s. The show relies heavily on his classic persona, prioritizing theatrical facial expressions and broad, physical act-outs over tight, modern writing. His closing routine, an elaborate and graphic rant about feminine hygiene, reads as a deliberate callback to the infamous 1994 Saturday Night Live monologue that got him banned from NBC. Filmed at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, this 2016 Showtime release marked his first stand-up special in fourteen years. Coming off a long hiatus from the stage, Lawrence uses the hour to comment on President Obama, Bill Cosby, and the warnings on Viagra packaging. Critics noted that while his material on dating, cheating, and one-night stands felt somewhat dated, his loyal fan base welcomed the return of his signature style and infectious stage presence.

The set list

9 bits

  1. Ditching the signature leather suit

    Explains that he chose not to wear his trademark heavy leather suit like he did in previous specials paying homage to Eddie Murphy because of the heat.

  2. Doing time in Hollywood

    Remarks on being in the industry for nearly three decades and jokes about people in Hollywood pretending not to know who Marty Mar is.

  3. Caitlyn Jenner

    Jokes about the possibility of Caitlyn transitioning back to Bruce simply to avoid having to wear high heels.

  4. Meeting President Barack Obama

    Shares an anecdote about meeting President Obama at the White House.

  5. Bill Cosby allegations

    Expresses skepticism over the number of accusers, executes vulgar act-outs involving Pudding Pops, and backs off by pointing out he cannot judge anyone given his own past.

  6. 1996 incident vs. Skype masturbation

    Avoids rehashing his infamous 1996 traffic incident and instead jokes about being caught masturbating on Skype.

  7. Dating tropes and Viagra

    Covers conventional relationship topics including early dating behavior, cheating, one-night stands, and the four-hour warning on Viagra pills.

  8. Bad Boys sequels and aging

    Wants to make another Bad Boys movie with Will Smith before they become too old and slow ('Sad Boys'), and jokes about refusing to do Dancing with the Stars.

  9. Rant on feminine hygiene

    Delivers an extended, crass routine regarding the cleanliness of female genitalia, reminiscent of his infamous scrubbed 1994 Saturday Night Live monologue.

How it plays

Tone
Crass, vulgar, provocative, and nostalgic.
On stage
Physical, engaging, and lively with trademark manic energy, though adopting a more comfortable, unadorned presence compared to his 1990s leather-clad persona.
Pace
Lively, manic energy, pacing across the stage.
About
Sex and relationships, Aging and health, Hollywood career and fame, President Barack Obama, Bill Cosby allegations, Feminine hygiene

What the critics said

Critics viewed the special as a disappointing return to stand-up; while his onstage energy and physical comedic style were acknowledged, reviewers criticized the hour for relying on stale, dated, and crass 1990s-era tropes, as well as insensitive jokes concerning Bill Cosby and Caitlyn Jenner.

In the room: Supportive and enthusiastic live crowd response at the Orpheum Theatre, though post-broadcast viewer reception was divided, with some fans celebrating his return while others found the routine dated.

Summed up from reviews, articles and listings. Sources: blu-ray.com, play.google.com, en.wikipedia.org, thefutoncritic.com, decider.com, letterboxd.com, abcnews.com, rottentomatoes.com, kcrw.com, variety.com.

Backstory

Filmed on the heels of a sold-out national tour, marking his return to stand-up comedy after decades starring in hit film franchises and his 1990s sitcom Martin. The performance notable saw him ditching his trademark leather concert suits in favor of simple cotton.

Details

Released
Taped
Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles
Runtime
62 min
Where
Showtime
Director
David Raynr
Topics
Before
Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat (2002)

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