Margaret Cho: Beautiful

Margaret Cho: Beautiful is an indispensable entry in the repertoire of celebrated comedian and actress Margaret Cho. Directed by Lorene Machado and released in 2009, this stand-up comedy special not only tickles your funny bones but also compels you to ponder society's many notions of beauty, challenging stereotypes and conventions at every turn.

The film starts with Cho entering the stage, her energy instantly setting the tone for what's to come: a riveting one-and-a-half-hour performance that never fails to entertain. Seeing Cho perform on stage is like watching a maestro in action; she effortlessly blends comedy, social commentary, and personal anecdotes into a seamless experience. Known for her raucous humor and unapologetic, frank style of comedy, Cho does not shy away from personal narratives and taboo topics, which she uses to examine wider societal and cultural issues.

One of the major themes of Margaret Cho: Beautiful is the concept of beauty itself. Cho, an Asian-American woman, is unafraid of challenging and deconstructing societal standards of beauty, often channeled through her own experiences. The way she embraces every part of her identity, not just as serious political statements but as fodder for her comedy, is a testament to her skill and confidence as a performer.

Cho is known for her biting wit and explicit humor, and this performance is no different. Her sex-positive attitude is refreshing and revolutionary, even more so in an era where discussions about such matters are often stifled. She approaches these subjects with an unabashed honesty that not only makes you laugh but also promotes acceptance and understanding.

She shares the stage with Bruce Daniels, a long-time friend, and collaborator whose comedic style effortlessly complements Cho's in your-face humor. Daniels introduces a different flavor to the evening's proceedings, and his act never fails to keep you hooked. Another welcome addition is Selene Luna, whose humor intermingles elements of satire and personal narrative.

Production wise, Margaret Cho: Beautiful excels with its simplicity. The stage design is minimalistic, with the focus naturally shifting to the performers. Even the lighting and sound design complement the overall vibe of the comedy special, never detracting from the star of the show. The director Lorene Machado, who has frequently worked with Cho, has done an excellent job capturing the energy of a live show, letting the performances shine through.

Margaret Cho: Beautiful is not just a stand-up special; it's a thoughtful commentary on societal norms and prejudices. It puts forward a significant question: what does it mean to be beautiful? Cho and her co-performers tackle this question head-on, with humor and honesty, making audiences confront their own biases and misconceptions about appearance and desirability.

In this movie, Margaret Cho stays true to her stand-up roots while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the genre. The film is poignant, reflective, and uproarious, and it speaks volumes of Cho's talent as a comedian and performer. Her wit, humor, and unflinching honesty make Margaret Cho: Beautiful a stand-up special that transcends the traditional realm of comedy, making it a commentary on societal norms and deeply entrenched prejudices.

Margaret Cho: Beautiful is an astute examination of our society and its prejudices, a wonderfully eccentric comedy spectacle, and a love letter to everyone who's ever felt like they don't fit the standard mold of beauty. It's a testament to Cho's skills that the movie strikes the perfect balance between laughter and thought-provoking commentary, making it an absolute must-watch for comedy fans and newcomers alike.