Phunny Business: A Black Comedy (2011) User Reviews

COMEDY IS A FUNNY BUSINESS

[nogodnomasters · 8/10 · 27 May 2019]

This is a documentary about the club "All Jokes Aside" which operated in south Chicago from 1991-2000. The film starts with the owners who had MBAs in business and their desire to operate a classy African-American comedy club. The documentary includes stories about the staff, house MC, operation, and the comedians. The credits list Dave Chappelle and Bernie Mac in the credits, but Steve Harvey appears far more than they do.

There are bits and pieces of the comedians' acts, but it is not a comedy tape per se where we get to see entire acts. The film is funny at times, but more documentary than a comedy.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, N-word.

One of Chicago's best kept secrets is one of the most inspirational tales of entrepreneurialism the Windy City has to offer.

[aspiringartists · 2 September 2011]

Being a filmmaker/screenwriter and having seen countless films, I've often been asked by my peers what criteria I judge by when giving a film a favorable review. Showing little restraint with vocal illustration, I've often preached calculating the essentiality of whether or not the story of the film was one that needed to be told; "PHUNNY BUSINESS" excels in that capacity. Throw in skillful editing, poignant direction, and affix premium comedy provided by a steady flow of cameo flashes from an ensemble of A-list comedians and now you have a masterpiece.

I've lived the greater part of my life in Chicago and its outlining suburbs, never knowing the existence of the "ALL JOKES ASIDE" comedy club; and I thought I knew the City well.

*****

[enigmatic-77044 · 10/10 · 24 January 2019]

Great documentary/story. Pulls you in, keeps you engaged and wanting more.