Watch George Carlin: Jammin' in New York
- NR
- 1992
- 59 min
-
8.6 (4,030)
In 1992, legendary comedian George Carlin recorded his seventh HBO special titled "Jammin' in New York." The special was filmed at the Paramount Theater in Madison Square Garden and showcases Carlin's unique brand of social commentary and irreverent humor. Carlin, known for his sharp wit and biting satire, takes on a range of topics in the special, from politics to religion to the English language itself. He starts off by talking about New York City and how it's a place where people from all over the world come to live, work and play. He cracks jokes about the subway system, Times Square and the diversity of the city.
As the special progresses, Carlin delves into more controversial topics, such as abortion, gun control and the death penalty. He doesn't hold back in expressing his opinions, but does so in a way that's both provocative and humorous. One of his most memorable bits is about the phrase "pro-life" and how it's really just an anti-abortion stance. He quips, "If you're pre-born, you're fine; if you're pre-school, you're fucked."
Carlin also takes aim at organized religion, poking fun at everything from the Ten Commandments to the notion of a virgin birth. He jokes, "If there is a God, I think most reasonable people might agree that he's at least incompetent, and maybe, just maybe, he doesn't give a shit." His commentary on religion is thought-provoking and insightful, and it's clear he's done his research.
One of the standout moments from "Jammin' in New York" is Carlin's bit about "soft language." He talks about how we've become so politically correct that we're afraid to offend anyone with our words. He gives examples like how "shell shock" became "post-traumatic stress disorder" and how "hijacking" became "skyjacking." He says, "We've gone from firing squad to lethal injection to affirmative action hiring quota." It's a poignant commentary on how we've sanitized our language to the point where it's lost its meaning.
Throughout the special, Carlin proves that he's a master of his craft. He's able to take difficult and controversial topics and turn them into hilarious satire. His delivery is deadpan and his timing is impeccable. He's not afraid to push boundaries or challenge conventional thinking, and that's what makes him such a beloved comedian.
In addition to his comedy, Carlin also plays with language in "Jammin' in New York." He toys with words and phrases, often twisting them in unexpected ways. He says things like, "We have more beginnings than we have endings" and "The status is not quo." His language play adds an extra layer of entertainment to his already impressive comic repertoire.
Overall, "Jammin' in New York" is a must-watch for any George Carlin fan or anyone who enjoys thought-provoking comedy. It's a stark reminder of how much the world has - or hasn't - changed in the decades since it was recorded. Carlin's observations about society and culture are just as relevant today as they were in 1992. Watching "Jammin' in New York" is like spending an hour with one of the greatest comedians of all time, and it's an experience that shouldn't be missed.
George Carlin: Jammin' in New York is a 1992 comedy with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.