Crazy, Rich Ho.
"TOOOOODALOOOOO MOTHER######s"! Ken Jeong screams his legendary line through the MTV microphone at such a fast, emotionally charged pace with tears in his eyes as he looks like he's trying to Drake beat the musical sign for "wrap it up" on his amazing acceptance award speech for 2009's 'Best Villain', for his cult role as the iconic Mr. Chow from the classic comedy 'The Hangover'. Where his star was born alongside fellow Vegas happenings no longer staying there like Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis. And let's not forget about the baby. But there's a reason behind the tears of pure joy whilst screaming that curse at people so happy to be called that like it's millennial scripture worthy of cursive. And it's not because he has to put up with everyone shouting that from their rolled up car windows (or "so long gay boys!) for the rest of his life like Dave Chappelle does, "I'm Rick James b###"! Or Matt Damon his own damn name, only slowed the hell, way down. It's all because of who he's dedicating this award to. His devoted wife Tran who was going through breast cancer surgery before the filming (and just wait until you hear how his 'Hangover' pals showed up for him the morning after filming). Crying with pride for herself and her husband, Tran overcame a miniscule 23% chance of survival to thrive to this day. Ten years later. Cancer free. Now if that isn't beautiful I don't know what is mother######s. And that's why like an R rated 'Jerry Maguire', Jeong dedicates his new show 'You Complete Me, Ho' to his wife. Shut up. Just shut up. You had us at "Ho"! You had us at "Ho".
But don't worry in this era of 'Times Up' to misogyny, this title of the comedians stand up Netflix special isn't made to offend. Even if the freak flag of Jeong is shaking his Chris Rock 'Tambourine' here (and to be fair to anyone that gets it in the neck, Ken bites back immediately at himself like any real comedian who knows the art of an actual good joke would). His wife's surname is Ho...and it turns out she shares that with plenty of Ho's in the house. Or the 'Ice House' of Los Angeles, California to be exact. The stage that set Jeong's fist foray into stand-up, and with perfect synchronicity of coincidence where his beautiful wife first saw him perform. Because tonight isn't just about the jokes as close to the bone as this former doctor used to get with his instruments (NO! Not that instrument he's famous for in 'The Hangover'. And we aren't talking about that crowbar...unless that's what you want to call it?!). Ken shows us with this equally as expected hilarious and also pleasantly surprising, hilarious and heartfelt show that this is what true stand up comedy is all about. Storytelling with heart...and Ho's. And just you wait until you get to the real reason and story behind the title (like the fact that Dr. Jeong reveals the invaluable medical information that the beat of the Bee Gees song 'Staying Alive' actually does that. Showing how you should measure compressions when performing CPR. I mean how amazing is that?! Best hidden message in a song since Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday!') as Jeong takes us to the pure essence and heart of this rib-tickling but forever underrated art form. What are we talking about Willis? Just watch. Because if we were to spoil a single gag or reflective story of movie and family nostalgia then we really would be as cold as ice. But put it this way the man with the foulest gesture in Hollywood that still somehow evokes cheers (and kind of poor choice of words from audience members asking for Jeong to, "Do Me! Do Me!"), is giving it to you here with so much heart. Chow on that!
HA! Now if we where to complete his line as almost Vine iconic as his 'Hangover' ones from behind the school desk we may get in trouble like pronouncing our name wrong to a Key substitute teacher. But the man who started a 'Community' of GIF responses on social media to practically every post you put up is really building another one with this intimate and epic tour dear force for the streaming service that has so many original films and shows to binge. But 'You' can bet that after Academy favourite 'Roma' this is the award worthy film to watch. After Chappelle's 'Equanimity' the Grammy's better start polishing those gold microphones for the next spoken word album for a man who is just as controversial and able to somehow get away with it in this age, thanks to his genuine spirit and forthright intentions like Dave (I mean who else can joke about 'House Of Cards' and Kevin Spacey...on Netflix?! Weeks after 'Star Trek-Discovery' aired along with the big revelation. Still, 'Mute Spacey'. And bravo to Anthony Rapp. A true hero!). Because one of the most recognisable faces in Hollywood isn't afraid to take it to heavyweights like Kevin Hart and even America's father and the legend that is Tom Hanks. All in good humour and love though. Just like how he does to the President...and we're talking about Barack. Because even the Obama's can't escape his good natured humour that is always poked back at self deprecation towards this guy. So you just know Trump is going to get more than a fart joke. And even if there is cause for taking to Twitter offence like such is the nature of comedy-especially today-you may get angry. "But did you die"!? And from the special guests in the crowd, to all the people he's worked with, Ken brings a refreshing blend of real comedy with no offence intended in a time where we could all do with such that will help us loosen up and enjoy this one for a chilled evening (NO! Not that type of chill. That's your business). As this terrific trip down the all comes back around journey of memory lane shows how this 'Hangover' and 'Community' legend got to be where he is standing up today. Following the cancelling of his on call 'Dr. Ken' medicine man show that was shown the E.R. like Clooney, despite his desires to open up the swing doors for fellow Asian American actors. This one of Korean descent ended up taking a flight to Singapore for a certain classic movie of last year that despite the outrageous Oscar snub you may have heard of. 'Crazy, Rich Asians'. As a matter of Ken's karmic, redemptive fact is the first all Asian Hollywood movie in 25, quarter of a century years since 1993's 'The Joy Luck Club' (starring an 'E.R.', 'Mulan' and 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' fitting face in the crowd here). And with that films director Jon M. Chu getting behind the camera for this show it truly has the makings of something real special. Showing just how far Jeong and the Hollywood he has helped inspire has come (pardon the pun). And to think all this started with him naked in the trunk of Bradley Cooper's car, which must have been cold in there. But behind one of the sharpest, soundest, freshest and funniest minds in movies today is the woman he loves. His Ho. And how much further they have both come...together. For Tran and her man who shows this industry is no longer lost in translation, but as worldwide as the cinematic reaches people like Michelle Yeoh of 'Crazy Rich' started in Hong Kong, China with Chan. As Ken Jeong shows his art of being a king of comedy is actually playing against stereotypes those ignorant tried to impose, whilst showing there's more meaning to something than the surface of just a name. After all there's no business like Ho business. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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