Top Five

There's a certain amount of danger present if you're often in the spotlight as the media tends to depict (and/or embellish). Substance abuse, nasty tabloid gossip, harsh critics...hey, there's no business like show business.

Chris Rock tackles Hollywood with his directorial debut Top Five. He depicts the entertainment industry not as a bloodsucking conglomerate (as it's usually depicted) but rather as one whose participants have only a short time in the spotlight before they're cast aside.

Top Five isn't too far off from other films like The King of Comedy in the sense that it revolves around a "sad clown" so to speak. The comedian who hides their personal problems behind a funny facade, fearing what others will think of them should their true colors surface.

That doesn't make Top Five less funny, mind you. It's thanks to Rock that keeps the film afloat. That said, however, there are flaws within the script. These elements work in some scenes but fail in others. Still, it's a mostly solid result.

Anyway, Top Five is a very funny film (certainly funnier than most other comedies from this year) though it's not without its problems. The many cameos are hilarious and everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. In short, be sure to check out Top Five.

My Rating: ****1/2