Wanda Sykes – I’ma Be Me (2009/HBO DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: D     Concert: B

 

 

Wanda Sykes is one of the best, boldest and most distinct comic talents around.  A fine character actor, controversially outspoken politically and very able-bodied stand-up comic, I’ma Be Me (2009) is a no holds barred concert she recently did for HBO and it is funnier than even I was expecting.  Despite her political leanings, nothing is sacred and she does not spare anyone in a full-length concert from Washington, D.C., where she caused waves on her last big visit of note.

 

She talks about new President Obama, Black America, race relations, her sexuality, marriage, family, recent news events and much more with smooth ease throughout and besides being able to deliver her comedy with great timing, has great physical comedy capacities.  What is interesting is that we see talent here we still have not seen in her film and TV work, which is another reason to catch this show.  In a sea of stand-up programs that have usually be disappointments, Sykes is one of the few stand-ups who can deliver from beginning to end.  And she’s just getting started.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is a little soft, but color is good from what is a 1080i digital High Definition shoot and I like the lighting of the stage location chosen.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has some slight surrounds, but is mostly occupied by her voice and that comes through clearly enough.  There are no extras.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo