Watch Apostles of Comedy

Apostles of Comedy is a 2008 documentary comedy film that takes a fresh look at stand-up comedy, its pioneers, and its current practitioners. Directed by Mitchell Galin, the film follows four stand-up comedians - Jeff Allen, Anthony Griffith, Ron Pearson, and Brad Stine - as they perform on stage and share their stories and experiences.

The movie begins with an introduction to each comedian, offering viewers an insight into their backstory, what inspired them to become comedians, and the style of comedy they are known for. Through interviews, footage of live performances, and snippets of their personal lives, the audience gets a glimpse into the life of a stand-up comedian.

Jeff Allen is a clean comedian who often jokes about his family, religion, and mid-life crisis. Allen's style of comedy is self-deprecating and relatable, and he talks extensively about his struggle with alcoholism and how he found a way out.

Anthony Griffith, on the other hand, is a storyteller who draws his material from his own life experiences, including his upbringing, his children, and even his battle with multiple sclerosis. Griffith is known for his emotional storytelling and his ability to make audiences laugh and cry at the same time.

Ron Pearson is a high-energy comedian who incorporates physical comedy into his act, often doing stunts and juggling while telling jokes. Pearson's style of comedy is more slapstick and his routines are built on a foundation of physical humor.

Brad Stine is a conservative Christian comedian who often tackles controversial topics such as abortion, homosexuality, and gun rights. Stine's delivery is aggressive, and he often raises his voice to make his points. His style of comedy is confrontational and controversial, and he is not afraid to engage with his audience and challenge their beliefs.

The movie then moves on to showcase the comedians' live performances. The audience gets to see them on stage, delivering their jokes, and interacting with the crowd. The performances are interspersed with commentary from the comedians, as they provide insight into the mechanics of crafting a joke and the pressures of performing live.

Apostles of Comedy also features interviews with other comedians such as Larry Miller and Heidi Joyce who share their thoughts on the state of comedy, how it has evolved over the years, and the role that religion plays in it.

The last part of the movie takes a look at how each comedian balances their comedy career with their family life. Through interviews with their spouses and children, viewers get to see the human side of these successful comedians. They talk about the challenges of being on the road, raising a family while pursuing a career, and the sacrifices that they have had to make.

Overall, Apostles of Comedy provides an entertaining and insightful look into the world of stand-up comedy. Through the lens of four very different comedians, the film explores the art of comedy, its history, the challenges that come with it, and the impact it has on the lives of those who practice it. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves comedy or is curious about the workings of stand-up comedy.

Apostles of Comedy is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.