Eddie Griffin: DysFunktional Family (2003)

How sad is this?

Excellent but underrated film

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Eddie Griffin has never had his big break in either acting or stand up comedy. But Dysfunktional Family proves that he should at least be given a strong round of applause. This is about two-thirds stand up, and one-third skit as Eddie Griffin goes back home to show us the people who inspired him and paved the way for his comedic life.The stand up portion of the film is by far the best part. Eddie Griffin performs in front of a full house talking about racism, 9/11, women, and of course, sex. He talks about why women are known for receiving and not for giving, and why Michael Jackson won't be recognized when entered into Heaven.The topics are diverse, but nonetheless hilarious. When people grab the mic and rant and rave and at least stand for a point rather than trying to say the funniest thing possible, I respect them. Dysfunktional Family is also made up of various skits showcasing where Eddie Griffin's sense of humor came from. We see both of his uncles - one an aspiring porn director, the other an ex-pimp. We see his mother discuss some aspects about Eddie's childhood and more.I've never been fond of skits or any kind of set-up acts in comedy specials because it usually overshadows the true humor in the film. Putting on a set-up skit hoping to get laughs isn't funny - grabbing the mic and ranting on the world is. Dysfunktional Family keeps the skits to a bare-minimum, and focuses on Eddie Griffin's family, which is a positive thing. If anything, that is what it should do in the first place.While this is short, it doesn't really go anywhere fast. The end tries to squeeze in a quote to make this seem like it has a moral, but the true reason this was made was likely to show what made Eddie Griffin himself. Why he is the way he is. What his parents think of his success, and his reactions to certain issues in his life.The total number of times "the n word" is said clocks in at three-hundred and eighty two times. Like with Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat I can't tell if Griffin is using it consistently to be funny or on-purpose. For whatever reason, it almost makes it funnier. Especially when he imitates white people. I should be offended - but if I said I was I'd be lying.Dysfunktional Family is cute and giddy fun which is really all that can be said. It gets continuously harder to review comedy specials because there truly isn't much to say aside from quoting the numerous lines. But you usually don't want to do that because you run the risk of spoiling things for other audiences. If you want to witness vulgarity, crudeness, excessive amounts of sex talk, and just all out chaos then I can't recommend Dysfunktional Family more.Performed by: Eddie Griffin. Directed by: George Gallo.

This is a good movie, especially the concert part. Eddie is a great mimic. Check out this movie if you want to laugh a lot. Also, noticed that Eddie looks a lot like Alan Keyes. The part about different religions is great. Not for everyone, as some people, especially the people who should see a film like this, wont go because they don't want to expose their delicate ears to profanity but have no problem with all the crap that goes on in the world. Funnier than Chris Rock if you ask me. Also, this movie gives a good idea of how people are like in the Midwest as the concert takes place in the Midwest. Check it out if you want to see a good movie. Kabish?

Since Eddie Griffin showed his face in the world of entertainment,I didn't care for his comic routines. In the past he was simple and wasn't funny at all. But after watching this movie (DysFunktional Family) I have a different perspective of him as a comic. He hit on every issue dealing with the middle-class black community such as parenting,religion,sports,drunks,drugs,and relatives. I have to admit this movie had me in tears quite a few times. I agree with the commentary by Derrick Dunn this is somewhat of an urban stand up and you have to live through it in order to understand it. If not of course it won't be funny. A recommended movie for family and friends.

Eddie Griffin's masterpiece standup comendy routine has been perfected! This inside look at his growing up in Kansas City is amazing! His "perverted" uncle who tapes the women he has sex with to his other uncle crack smoking talk is priceless. Eddie has come a long way from his early days of comedy and his days on "Malcolm & Eddie". When you watch this you realize that as a storyteller, he's as good if not better than the Grandfather of Comedy concert films, Richard Pryor. Eddie is out of that same mold. This film will surprise a lot of people with it's honesty and openess. Eddie is so much more than the "Undercover Brother", he's a worthwhile superstar!! He's growing up, learning the meaning of life and sharing it with us to laugh at and enjoy. I saw a rough screening several months ago at a small theatre in the LA area without the soundtrack. I have heard that rapper/trouble again'd Sug Knight did the soundtrack! This should be the concert film event of the year, don't miss it! If there was a higher rating than a "10", I would say it's a 12 !!!!