Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me

Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me is a 2012 comedy stand-up special featuring the one and only Joan Rivers, a bawdy comedienne admired by many, feared by some, and revered by the majority for her zesty punchlines and audacious humor. The concert film also stars versatile musicians Mick Archer and Stacey McMichael, who deliver excellent accompaniment to Rivers' robust comedy with their musical talents.

Throughout the film, Rivers, well into her 70s at the time of the filming, proves herself to be as sharp, funny, and energetic as ever, rattling off punchlines and zingers with the pace and precision of a seasoned, top-tier sniper. She resonates with the same irreverent spirit she became famous for and upholds her trademark audacity, the veteran comedian's signature scandalous humor and taboo-busting jokes are as deliciously wicked and timely as always.

Rivers strides onto the stage with her larger-than-life personality, her surgically-modified profile canvassed with vibrant makeup and her petite frame braced in a fur-lined sparkling ensemble. Instantly, she dares the world to judge her, while preemptively declaring she doesn't care if it does. Her elegant sparkly outfit almost distracts from the acerbic, quick-witted commentary on everything from the impact of social media on relationships to the desire to look youthful even in her 70s.

The special was filmed in a packed theater, filled with an audience ready to take the ride with Rivers down her often controversial comedic pathways. As the film's title suggests, Don't Start with Me, Rivers leaves no topic untouched - including tantalizing reflections on modern family relationships, the perils and pleasures of aging in the public eye, the realities of celebrity culture, Hollywood insiders, politics, and so much more. She takes no prisoners and makes no apologies, taking on a stance that is unapologetically opinionated and undeniably hilarious, setting an example for a breed of bold, brassy women in comedy that followed her.

Archer and McMichael, on the other hand, occupy the stage with Rivers with such adept dexterity that they well deserve their billing here. Archer’s masterful playing of the piano and McMichael's skillful plucking on the string bass intertwine with the comedian’s biting humor, providing a delightful rhythm to the production. The juxtaposition of calm, rhythmic music against Joan's raw, vicious comedy proves to be an unexpected yet compatible dynamic, offering audiences breaks to soak in the jokes before the next wave hits.

Although rooted in humor, the 2012 comedy special manages to reflect glimpses of her personal life and struggles, forming a coherent portrait of a woman fearless in staring death, irrelevance, and laughter right in its face. Alongside the jokes, there's evidence of her skills in the realm of storytelling. She keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with her anecdotes, opening doors to her private life and showing a vulnerable side while maintaining her comedic cloak.

Overall, Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me is an uproarious adventure, where her fans get an unrestrained dose of Rivers’ singular comedic genius, brimming with sarcasm, wit, and Rivers' unique brand of humor. It is a testament to Rivers' enduring star power and comic mastery, while also embodying her resilience through the ever-changing comedy landscape and public scrutiny.

Whether audiences have loved her for years or are just discovering her audacious talent, this stand-up special promises a riotous experience. From start to finish, viewers are gifted Rivers' larger-than-life personality, no-holds-barred observational humor, and, above all, a model for defying expectations of age, gender, and societal norms, packaged with her bold fashion choices and signature raspy laughter. Joan Rivers, in her career spanning over half a century, cemented her status as comedy royalty, and "Don't Start with Me" is a shining example of why she always reigned supreme.