REVIEW: Kevin Hart: What Now?

Courtesy of Universal

Theatrically distributed stand-up films are rare these days, for a number of reasons. Primarily, the best way to experience stand-up is a live performance, and tickets for most comedians remain moderately priced (aside from the all-stars, of course). Second, it’s tough to justify driving to a theater to watch a prerecorded special when there’s an entire channel that specializes in comedy, as well as a virtually unlimited amount of streaming options and bootleg YouTube videos.

That’s why Kevin Hart’s recent effort is a testament to his love of the genre. It demonstrates his continuous desire to elevate his craft and makes a persuasive case for spending $10 at the multiplex to watch a guy talk into a microphone for 90 minutes.

What Now? has Hart prefacing his routine with a brief spy spoof chronicling the hours leading up to his sold-out appearance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Aug. 30, 2015. Winking at Casino Royale, the movie puts forth the nonsensical idea that the comedian is taking part in a high-risk card game to raise the money for his world tour.

Because this is a Bond parody, he enlists an exasperated Halle Berry to assist him on his mission. Along the way, he enrages his rival players (including a hilariously game Don Cheadle) and graphically dispatches a Russian villain (underrated character actor David Meunier) during a fight scene. Finally, after the obligatory car chase, Hart takes the stage – to deafening applause – with a creative transition.

There’s a good reason he wanted to film the performance: he made history by doing his routine in front of a staggering 53,000 people. For the next hour and change, Hart entertains the massive audience with his manic energy and unique perspective on both everyday situations and his charmed life as a one of the world’s biggest movie stars.

What Now? won’t convert anyone who isn’t already a fan, but those who appreciate Hart’s distinct personality should find plenty to enjoy. His bits are more like humorous stories than traditional jokes or one-liners, which could be a positive or negative depending on your sense of humor. He relies too much on exaggerated catchphrases and callbacks for my taste, but the audience on screen ate it up.

Not every story is a winner, but Hart’s stage presence gets the movie through the occasional rough patch. His winning personality is a joy to behold, especially the few times he breaks mid-bit to flash a “can you believe this is my life?” grin. As he wraps up his set, he thanks the crowd for one of the best nights of his life, and the awestruck look on his face proves he’s not just being polite. It’s a joyous note to end on.

Kevin Hart: What Now? is rated R for some sexual material, and language throughout.

Grade: B-