American: the Bill Hicks Story...should i rent this on demand

heard good things about it but havent watched it myself

-guy who is no help

Watched it last night. It was an enjoyable documentary, made up of stand up videos, interviews with family and friends and still photos of Hicks, and others, adapted to animated shots.

The film is fun to watch and gives some insight into Hicks life and thinking that many people might not know, but it was mostly(maybe entirely) made up of his friends and family so there wasn't too much of a critical look at him and it didn't seem to really delve into the details of his vices too much.

I always enjoyed Hicks standup and his challenging attitudes, but I never really took the time to get to know Hicks personal story. To that extent I was left with the feeling that i was given some what of a incomplete story of his life. I know he had some controversies with other comedians but I dont think this was even mentioned in the film.

Overall im glad i watched it and would recommend others watch it.

Just finished watching it. The guy had some really interesting insights on life, humanity, drugs, government, etc. I never knew his story. I can see why so many comics revere him. His act seems like an extension of his personality and not an act. I never knew he was a standup veteran before he even turned 21. Overall, a good documentary.

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Overall im glad i watched it and would recommend others watch it.

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I am a comedy nerd, and did know the Bill Hicks story, and still enjoyed this film. You really don't have to bother watching it, as its mostly "animation". Just listen to the stories of the friends and family of a golden god of comedy. Pancreatic Cancer felled the voice which could have had a chance to really make an impact. I put him in the Phil Hartman category: a crazy outside force took a real joy from the earth.

Brad, I thought the film spent a good deal of time discussing his substance abuse issues, mostly from the aspect of his friends/colleagues. I do admit it skewed to the angle of "drugs is good" but at least they covered it.

I agree that those who enjoy "alternative" comedy will get a lot out of this. One thing we today forget is that Jay Leno was once a real deal, comedians comedian.