Reviews

A piece of abstract art more than what you would call a movie. A statement one could say about all the movies of Jodorowsky.

Descriptions like "good" or "bad" or even "entertaining" doesn't seem to fit on this movie. Indeed, even the word "movie" seems like a stretch. Words you could definitely say are interesting and original. Giving this a rating on a scale seems also inappropriate. I can't say I particularly enjoyed it. In fact I found many of the scenes, especially with nudity, almost unbearable to watch. I also don't feel like I wasted my time though.

All that being said, I do think this movie is completely authentic. Although often shocking, nothing in here is actually made for pure shock value. Every scene contains so much symbolism and poetic meaning, it feels like you could spend endless amount of time analyzing it and still probably never get to the bottom of it. For that the title "Endless Poetry" is very fitting. This movie is not "trying to be weird", it is just simply very weird.

I wouldn't recommend this for the entertainment value. More for educating yourself of the fact that this kind of a film also exists in the world. Possibly not enjoyable, but if nothing else, It will definitely be thought provoking. Many say that is the goal of art, and in that way, I suppose Jodorowsky has succeeded.

Not a bad movie. But at the end I thought the book is better, and I haven't read the book. Its still worth watching.

Because Chappelle is such a legendary, famous, and infamous person, it is very hard to stay purely objective and unbiased while watching anything he is doing. Especially for people who have seen his earlier work. Here is my attempt to cut through the hype, bs and expectations.

Here are my observations:

The first time I saw this, I was in a state of constant anticipation and analyzing every detail; it has been so long... is he going to bomb? Is this good? Was that a good joke or a bad joke? Has he gone crazy or is he normal now? Does the crowd like him? Do they think he is trying too hard? Should I like this or not? Is this politically correct or purposefully inflammatory? Whats gonna happen next?

...

The SECOND time I watched it however, I had a couple of glasses of wine, felt relaxed, and already knew its gonna be a good show. What I realized then is this: Here is a funny, empathetic, down to earth guy, telling funny stories. Not trying to convert the audience, just trying to explain whats going on in his head, in a very relaxed, funny and entertaining way. Judging by this show alone, the impression I got is that here is a guy that would be awesome just to hang out with. It doesn't really matter what he is saying either. He is just a funny dude.

Try this. Turn off your critical brain for an hour and relax and have a good time.

I will give this an 8, because I liked Chappelle's earlier special more, and I gave it a 9. So basically I too failed to stay objective.

(PS: Show compatible with mind altering substances)