CheerupSilver Very Cool!!!

SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Marketic It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

Teringer An Exercise In Nonsense

anarchyriot There is a kernel of truth here: shame and outrage have become weaponized and there are people who exploit that to silence opposing ideas. That's true, but it's not a strong enough foundation to support most of the arguments this documentary tries to make.The documentary awkwardly conflates legitimately funny comedians whose acts may be offensive with people who are offensive because they don't know how to be funny. It fails to distinguish comedians who invoke stereotypes to ridicule them from people who take them as absolute truths. Yes, there are people exploit outrage. But what this documentary shows is that there are many more people disingenuously pretending their sociopathic behavior is just an act or a joke.Several scenes cover comedians or artists that intentionally set out to be offensive, yet warn their audience that the show will be offensive, and act surprised and "outraged" when people actually get offended. It begs the question: If they're being honest about trying to make people think, why give the warning? If you're actively trying to dissuade people who will get upset at material you know is upsetting from attending, aren't simply trying to set up a rally for like-minded people? The reason for the title of this review is Jonathan Rauch's argument towards the middle of the film, in which he claims that society grows stronger when even the most hateful speech is allowed. It's understandable how that might have been appealing in 2015. But given the spike in white supremacy marches, misogyny, xenophobia and homophobia over the past three years, he'd have a tough time selling the idea that the country is stronger now that the pendulum has swung the other way.Ultimately, the film itself rings of the same kind of hollow mock-offense it claims to abhor, and aside from some great comedians expressing legitimate concerns, ends up being mostly lackluster minds trying to cloak their lack of intellect and humanity under cultural icons like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. The answer to the question posed by the title is: Yes, Can You Make One?

joe-73407 The DVD finally came up in my Netflix queue. It was so on point that I watched it twice. Outrage culture has gone off the rails. In a bit over an hour, this documentary examines in part the history of censorship of comedy and where we have arrived in the last few years as the cry-bullies virtue signal their disapproval of anything that offends them or might offend someone else. So off the scale is the Social Justice Warrior need to control everything, that they are sucking the life out of the world. Comedy tells the truth, like it or not. And the truth is that people like to laugh.

MartinHafer The new documentary "Can We Take a Joke?" will almost certainly offend you as you watch it. There are a lot of obscenities and tons of politically incorrect comments and jokes in poor taste…and some of them are bound to hit your hot buttons. For instance, a few of the comedians they interview I happen to strongly dislike. So why would anyone want to see a film that makes you them mad….and why would I recommend you give the film a try? The film mostly concerns the recent trend towards political correctness and the rise in individual outrage and how it relates to comedians…folks who are almost certain to incite folks because they often deliberately seek to offend. Much of the film looks back to Lenny Bruce and his many run-ins with the police involving free speech. It then draws a parallel to today…though this free speech is not being suppressed by the government but by ourselves and our universities. When the film is making this argument, lots of very offensive comedians are featured…including the likes of Lisa Lampanelli and Gilbert Gottfried. Again, as I mentioned above, these folks say offensive stuff and you will be challenged to keep watching it…it's inevitable. So am I suggesting you watch the film because I want you to be offended or insulted? Certainly not---I want to live in a world where people are civil and treat each other decently. But the documentary brings up a lot of good points despite offending the viewer and think it's important we listen and think about their message. Here are just a few of the topics brought up in the film: --Where do we draw the line with what is acceptable and what isn't? This is especially problematic because everyone has different 'hot buttons'….so what offends you may not offend your neighbor.--The First Amendment is not necessarily the same as free speech. How you can have a First Amendment and STILL not be free to speak your mind?--We seem to be in a 'gotcha' culture where anyone can say the wrong thing and become part of the 'villain of the week' on social media. This means folks on the left, right and center could accidentally walk into a firestorm of anger and protest. --Where is this all going to lead? Will the United States become like Europe or Canada where you can get arrested if you say something that is construed as offensive? And, what will the world be like if this is the case? "Can We Take a Joke?" is a challenging film and makes you think about yourself as well as your own personal comfort zone—and this is something rare in a documentary. A good documentary challenges you or your beliefs…and this one sure will. Do I always agree with it? No…especially when some of the comedians they interview say that nothing should be taboo when it comes to free speech. That makes me very uncomfortable, as I sure would hate to hear folks making fun of rape or cancer. But despite offending me, it did get my attention and I appreciate that. Ironically, this film has no closed captions. I am hard of hearing and my daughter is deaf….and I guess this omission is actually a bit offensive now that I think about it.

Courtney Soliday Loved this. I thought it covered an aspect of outrage culture where the people who are mad are not necessarily victims but instead just on a power trip or trying to "pat themselves on the back." The documentary covers different comedy-related incidents that resulted in outrage, all offline. I had no idea cops used to go to comedy clubs and arrest speakers for saying things like "cocksucker." "Is it safe to hold unpopular views on campus?" there are news statistics, etc.Lost 2 stars for the typography effects at the beginning, a bit too much motion for me.Must see for anyone who loves comedy, wants to perform or write comedy, is interested in the First Amendment and self-expression and pop culture fanatics.