Posted: 11/13/2005

Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic

(2005)

by Hank Yuloff

I am a big fan of filmed comedy performances. They come on the cable networks and I am able to laugh over and over at the likes of Chris Rock (CR Bigger and Blacker, CR Never Scared), George Carlin, and them southern boys who “git ‘er done.” Sometimes it is best to see them again because you were laughing so hard, you get to hear the next joke you missed the first time (See—Robin Williams: Live on Broadway).

There is a new comedy film out, Sarah Silverman—Jesus is Magic and it is very much worth plunking down the money to see—though it may not get a wide release. The title describes one of the jokes Silverman tells about being Jewish. It seems that any children she and Catholic boyfriend and TV-host Jimmy Kimmel have would be raised to believe that “Mommy is a member of the chosen people, and that Daddy believes that Jesus is Magic.” The film is a mix of the comedian’s stand up and some filmed sketch comedy used to highlight a few of the jokes. The only part I did not like was the 10 minute set-up to the opening of the live show. It was a forced and unneeded look into the low self-image that many comics fight—but that Silverman clearly does not have.

Since her two year stint on Saturday Night Live in the early 90’s, I have thought Sara Silverman to be one of the funniest, most free to say what she thinks comics to come onto the national stage. She uses her membership in the minority religious group to jump off onto other taboo subjects, making us laugh at ourselves and those around us—because there is something dysfunctional to laugh at in all our backgrounds.

By example, Silverman talks about being raped by a doctor and having that be a little difficult for a Jewish girl: since he was a doctor, that does make something good out of something bad. Yea, you have to see it in person. But be warned—this is an unrated film and you will hear many, many off-color words and discussions about race, sex, family and death are all dealt with in a frank manner.

If you have seen Silverman in other vehicles, you will recognize her style and some of the themes of her comedy, but JIM is almost all new material (including some very funny songs) for her and is well worth a look in the theater.

Hank Yuloff is our senior film critic. serving Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

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