From the looks of it, I would say despite Dave Chapelle's impressive movie career, he's been a stand-up comedian for quite some time now. Because when I saw this comedy special, I laughed really hard. Here, he discusses kids, the presidency, girls and some other miscellaneous things. He is also very poignant in his comedy delivery. This is one of the best comedy specials of the year, and it is from a guy who I never knew was a comedian (but hey, I thought the same of Denis Leary). So good job Chappelle, because you are funny. A+
24 Reviews
extremely funny comedy show
awlauter8 February 2001
I just saw this Dave Chapelle special and HBO and was pretty much laughing for the entire duration (about an hour) of the show. In it, he talks about a variety of subjects from race to police to women to politcs. His impersonations of different people, including Clinton are hysterical. IT is clear he is a bright guy with a lot of talent. Hope does more comedy in the future.
Absolutely hilarious and poignant social commentary - on par with Pryor's earlier material, and - dare I say it - at times even funnier.
MovieAddict201628 July 2006
I believe Richard Pryor to be the best stand-up comic of all-time (closely followed in the social-critic realm by Bill Hicks and George Carlin), but Dave Chappelle is promising to be a worthy successor. This HBO special from 2000 has achieved something of a cult status on peer-to-peer networks since its airing, especially in audio form, and as such has gained even more popularity since Chappelle's venture into Comedy Central's "Chappelle's Show" (which is finishing its third and apparently final season right now).
Looking back, I find this to be even funnier than his comedy show. Whereas his (hilarious) sketch show can become a bit repetitive at times and is almost always dealing with racial stereotypes and such, "Killin' Them Softly" touches on everything - beginning with blacks and whites ("DC has changed!"), moving on to crime, then television shows, and of course marijuana.
My personal favorite bit has got to be Chappelle's observations on children's entertainment. He remarks how Pepé Le Pew is practically a rapist and encourages children to "take the pussy(cat)" and how racist "Sesame Street" was. ("Yeah, Oscar! You're a grouch." - "I live in a trash can! What do you expect!") Don't forget The Count: "I know a pimp when I see one!" To be honest I've found Chappelle's television show to become a bit stale sometimes (even though I'm a huge fan of it) but I was blown away - his stand-up comedy is even better. It's rare that I find myself laughing out loud at comedy acts, but even without watching him on stage, his vocal performance is gut-busting. The 911 phone call bit is classic.
I don't want to discredit Richard Pryor and say this is funnier, but if you listen to some of Pryor's older stuff, Chappelle is touching on the same issues as he did in the 1960s and '70s and is, at times, actually doing it even funnier. Of course, Chappelle has some way to go before matching Pryor's iconic status or even his later fusion of outrageous comedy and social satire in the mid-'70s through the early '80s (which surpasses the stuff here), but those comparing him to Pryor have a reason to do so.
Looking back, I find this to be even funnier than his comedy show. Whereas his (hilarious) sketch show can become a bit repetitive at times and is almost always dealing with racial stereotypes and such, "Killin' Them Softly" touches on everything - beginning with blacks and whites ("DC has changed!"), moving on to crime, then television shows, and of course marijuana.
My personal favorite bit has got to be Chappelle's observations on children's entertainment. He remarks how Pepé Le Pew is practically a rapist and encourages children to "take the pussy(cat)" and how racist "Sesame Street" was. ("Yeah, Oscar! You're a grouch." - "I live in a trash can! What do you expect!") Don't forget The Count: "I know a pimp when I see one!" To be honest I've found Chappelle's television show to become a bit stale sometimes (even though I'm a huge fan of it) but I was blown away - his stand-up comedy is even better. It's rare that I find myself laughing out loud at comedy acts, but even without watching him on stage, his vocal performance is gut-busting. The 911 phone call bit is classic.
I don't want to discredit Richard Pryor and say this is funnier, but if you listen to some of Pryor's older stuff, Chappelle is touching on the same issues as he did in the 1960s and '70s and is, at times, actually doing it even funnier. Of course, Chappelle has some way to go before matching Pryor's iconic status or even his later fusion of outrageous comedy and social satire in the mid-'70s through the early '80s (which surpasses the stuff here), but those comparing him to Pryor have a reason to do so.
In a few years Chappelle will be considered the funniest man in America!
BLHam-127 September 2001
Dave Chappelle is funny -- Not funny like Richard Pryor, or Eddie Murphy, or Redd Fox. But funny like Dave Chappelle. The guy has a certain genius to the comedy he does, while at the same time letting it all hang out, tickling every funny bone in my body! "Killin' Them Softly" is the funniest stand-up comedy performance I've seen in years! And Chappelle is one of the funniest comedians, who'll be around for years!! FUNNY-FUNNY-FUNNY!!!
Absolutely brilliant
grantss11 February 2017
A Dave Chappelle stand-up comedy performance from Washington, DC.
Incredibly clever, subversive and irreverent and delivered with Dave Chappelle's incredible sense of timing and range of voices, this is stand-up comedy at its finest. Might well be the funniest comedy performance I've seen - only Robin Williams comes close.
Three years later Dave Chappelle turned his clever, racially-focused wit into a series, with Chappelle's Show. There he had even more room to demonstrate his talents, as he mixed stand up with set-orientated skits. Chappelle's Show turned out to be one of the funniest TV series of all time.
Incredibly clever, subversive and irreverent and delivered with Dave Chappelle's incredible sense of timing and range of voices, this is stand-up comedy at its finest. Might well be the funniest comedy performance I've seen - only Robin Williams comes close.
Three years later Dave Chappelle turned his clever, racially-focused wit into a series, with Chappelle's Show. There he had even more room to demonstrate his talents, as he mixed stand up with set-orientated skits. Chappelle's Show turned out to be one of the funniest TV series of all time.
Hilarious Precursor To Chappelle's Show
jordansepticeye15 April 2017
I'm a huge fan of Dave Chappelle so of course I loved this HBO special.This stand up special was released right in between Dave's two most iconic comedies,Half Baked and Chappelle's Show,so he wasn't as big as he is now.First,the good,Dave covers a lot of topics,ranging from Sesame Street to the police.Dave's delivery and timing is perfect,his physical performance is good,and his vocals are amazing.As always(except maybe Half Baked),Chappelle makes great jokes about the differences between races and our cultures.Dave also feels like a real person,he laughs at his own jokes at times and even high fives audience members.He also has some political humor and jokes about the differences between men and women,some of it may feel outdated by today's standards,but this special did come out in 2000.Now,the bad,I loved this special,but it does have one flaw,it doesn't matter that much,but the second half feels a bit outdated and is nowhere near as laugh out loud funny as the first half.All in all,Killin' Them Softly is hilarious and still culturally relevant,but it slightly suffers from a kind of weak second half.
Excellent... Chappelle was on it!
saburvd15 August 2000
I'm a whiteguy that just loves Daves impersonations of my race. We have our shortcomings and he points them all out and makes it darn funny :) my favorite line was (a white man watching a black man eat chicken) "Look at him! It's just like the encyclopedia said" hahaha loved it!
open and shut case, johnson.
emessiah23 October 2002
it hit me one night when i saw dave chapelle on conan o'brien: this man is real. perhaps many view what i just said as mere ebonic vernacular, but i think you see what makes this man so damn funny when you see him comfortably slumped in conan's chair.
throughout this set, dave comfortably treads the line of race, social commentary, and pure humor forming one of the funniest hours of comedy that i've found imaginable.
i could go on about the material in and of itself, but that'd only serve to spoil something that you should have no idea is coming at you. i think this man is the funniest and most well rounded comedian around these days, and this set serves as a testament to the undeniable skills of one david chapelle (who wasn't any part of half-baked being another lowbrow weed-afiocionado flick, dangit)
throughout this set, dave comfortably treads the line of race, social commentary, and pure humor forming one of the funniest hours of comedy that i've found imaginable.
i could go on about the material in and of itself, but that'd only serve to spoil something that you should have no idea is coming at you. i think this man is the funniest and most well rounded comedian around these days, and this set serves as a testament to the undeniable skills of one david chapelle (who wasn't any part of half-baked being another lowbrow weed-afiocionado flick, dangit)
Dave Chappelle is the funniest man alive!
ASDampf0127 April 2005
Dave Chappelle's 'Killing Them Softly" tour recorded in Dave's hometown of Washington D.C. is the most diverse and constantly hilarious stand up i've ever seen. Dave's timing is so impeccable and at times you don't even realize that he's entirely changed the subject and started a whole new line of jokes. Even though he talks a lot on race, Dave's jokes are still so unique and unbiased that you can't help laughing at the situations he is discussing....from Chip to "Sesame Street", Bill Clinton and The Thong Contest, Dave will keep you entertained for every second he's speaking....and for many hours afterwards. Definitely a must see, 10/10~!!!!
shows he was way ahead of his time
mrpicky3 September 2019
Just rewatched it. damn, dude was way ahead of his time. mature, wise. Telling the crowd they were too hard on Lewinsky! Not afraid to talk on any subject staying smart and real at the same time. Maybe the most quoted comedian in US. he is in a club of very few. Also nice to see despite the high class of this one. in his latest specials his skill is even higher.
One of the funniest comedy specials ever!
CPTrey16 June 2004
In addition to being famous for its hit movies, and engrossing original series, HBO is known for its fantastic comedy specials. Perhaps this is because the specials are allowed to exceed one hour, and are completely uncensored. Whatever the reason may be, HBO knows good comedy, and knows how to pick their performers. They often choose well-established comedians to perform. Because of this fact, I was shocked to learn that Dave Chapelle, a somewhat unknown for his comedy, was getting his own HBO special. Another shocking fact for me was that, when I actually saw the performance, I was blown away by how funny it was. After that, I was immediately a Dave Chapelle fan.
This is without a doubt one of the greatest comedy specials that I have ever seen. It is up there with Dana Carvey's "Critics Choice", George Carlin's "Complaints and Grievances," Carlin's "You're All Diseased," Robin Williams "Live on Broadway," and a select few episodes of Comedy Central Presents on my all time favorite comedy specials. This hilarious special has a wide range of jokes, from commentary on the presidency, to a great bit about Sesame Street.
It was this special that prompted me to give Chapelle show a chance in its first season. Much to my delight, the show was as good as "Killin' Them Softly," and had a similar style to the HBO special.
I ABSOLUTELY recommend this special to anyone who likes Chapelle Show, and visa versa. It is comedy at its finest. A well deserved 10/10.
This is without a doubt one of the greatest comedy specials that I have ever seen. It is up there with Dana Carvey's "Critics Choice", George Carlin's "Complaints and Grievances," Carlin's "You're All Diseased," Robin Williams "Live on Broadway," and a select few episodes of Comedy Central Presents on my all time favorite comedy specials. This hilarious special has a wide range of jokes, from commentary on the presidency, to a great bit about Sesame Street.
It was this special that prompted me to give Chapelle show a chance in its first season. Much to my delight, the show was as good as "Killin' Them Softly," and had a similar style to the HBO special.
I ABSOLUTELY recommend this special to anyone who likes Chapelle Show, and visa versa. It is comedy at its finest. A well deserved 10/10.
Great Crowd, Great Jokes.
colorthekid5 April 2019
Chappelle: The one I feel sorry for is Lewinsky. Don't yall feel a little sorry for her?
Crowd: No!
Chappelle: God damn. Not even the women feel a little bit sorry for her, ladies?
Women: No!
Chappelle: Now that's jealousy.
Crowd: No!
Chappelle: God damn. Not even the women feel a little bit sorry for her, ladies?
Women: No!
Chappelle: Now that's jealousy.
Chappelle's Homecoming
MassDistraction21 March 2014
After multiple appearances with Comic Relief and a half hour special on HBO, Dave Chappelle returns to his hometown of Washington, D.C., to tape his first hour-long special. He spends the bulk of the time exploring racial differences and making cultural observations, with a smattering of political humour. Chappelle manages to navigate some sensitive material with a disarming charisma. He's not breaking any new ground for black comedians here, but he manages to make it seem fresh with his effortless charm. Some jokes (like the ones featuring the out-of-place baby) illustrate Chappelle's ability to paint a picture with words and gives a few clues into what it was that made his show so popular. The political bits and the casual sexism will make this feel a little dated, but there is enough here to appeal to a newer audience.
I Didn't Find It As Funny As The Netflix Specials
ArmandoManuelPereira2 June 2020
I became familiar with Chapelles stand up routine through the Netflix specials. So I am a late admirer. I found him not only funny, but warm and welcoming. So when a co-worker suggested that I check out Killin' Them Softly, and mentioned that it was in his opinion the best thing Chapelle has ever done, I decided I would find it on the internet and watch it. But unfortunately it somehow did not seem as funny to me as the Netflix specials, and quite frankly I found it a drag at times. Enough that I just barely finished it. That said, his skit on Sesame Street was so hilarious, that I almost was unable to breath for a moment, because of how hard I was laughing!
Any self-respect individual who loves comedy must SEE this!!!
Silvershot22 February 2003
Dave Chappelle is a comedic genius, and anyone who has seen this HBO special will agree. He comments on everything from racism to the subtle differences between men and women in this hilarious stand-up routine. His line delivery, content, EVERYTHING is absolutely perfect, and I honest can say this is the funniest show/movie/stand-up session I have ever seen. Not only is he incredibly funny, but also intelligent, as he dabbles in a few situations in politics, scandals, and everything in between. Not only do I agree with this, but everyone who I know saw this agree with me, that this is without a doubt a milestone in comedy, period. Its gut-bustin, unrelenting, and just plain fun. Just one thing...make sure you see it with a group of people. This already comic gem will get even better. SEE IT ASAP!!!
Amazing, just flat out amazing ...
lotterypick15 December 2005
His delivery was excellent. His comedic timing was outstanding. What I really enjoyed about this comedy special was the manner in which the social commentary was mixed into the act. It wasn't limited to one specific topic or theme. He didn't just touched on a wide range of topics, he was able to combine these topics with other in a poignant, yet accessible manner: politics, relationships, race, poverty, crime, terrorism, darwinianism, economics etc. After watching this special, the material tends to with you, you are able to reflect back on it and say to yourself: "He is right, I would have never thought of it in that way". Many comedians seem to have a hook, they seem to rely on this hook to shape their act. Dave Chappelle just knows how to combine many elements to produce an interesting act. Dave Chappelle also has the ability, in my opinion, to build up to a climax in a extraordinary manner. I felt that started of slowing, kind of lulled into false sense of comedic direction, then totally shifted gears and changed direction at the same time. It wasn't just a random change of speed or direction. Be he did in a well-crafted manner. Like a really good song or movie. The ability to manage these transitions extremely well.
One of the legendary stand up acts of all time
SlickFox30337 May 2021
This is one of my favorite stand up acts of all time. It's hilarious from beginning to end. Dave Chappelle is an excellent storyteller which makes the punchlines even funnier. My husband and I still quote his act 20 some years later. If you don't know Chappelle before his Comedy Central show or Netflix specials, this is a must watch.
Hilarious and so true
gertyeutley6 February 2022
This was 'back in the day' but man does this comedy ring true. Dave really knows how to deliver some hard hitting issues but in the most comical way. Literally had me in stitches! Dave's impression of white people makes me feel like a real asshole as a white person which I think is needed. A true comedian with making us laugh but also thinking about the ways of the world. Great show, a must watch.
Crying Laughing
view_and_review19 October 2021
This was skinny pre-Comedy Central Dave, and he was hilarious. Perhaps this special landed him the Comedy Central deal, I don't know, but this special is so flippin' funny. If you liked Dave's Comedy Central show, then you'll love this special. You will be crying laughing.
Yeah Oscar, You're A Grouch!
refinedsugar16 October 2023
'Killin' Them Softly' was the first comedy special I watched from Dave Chappelle after his show blew up in a big way & I couldn't stop laughing. It was three years before that moment would happen and he still exhibits a youthful energy and you can see a bunch of parallels to what made his show so successful. Some people say the politics & sexism date the material here, but as an older person I get the references and appreciate them.
I'm preaching to the choir. This special is old news and if you're a fan you've already saw it. Too many spots to talk about, but I appreciated numerous moments of crowd interaction. The energy here is really affectuous. Two element missing from his later special 'For What It's Worth'. I can also say there is a bit of race relations / racism to his show, but again unlike that later special, it never lost me. There's no serious dips in quality, momentum or laughs.
He pulls voices. It's heavy on swearing, sexual content. I think what sets it apart is Dave is relaxed and the material flows effortlessly. It never seems like he gets lost or has to draw a loose bridge to connect the material. If you've watched 'Chappelle Show' to death and don't find his newer material hitting as hard as you'd like go back to the past and revisit 'Killin' Them Softly'. You won't be disappointed.
I'm preaching to the choir. This special is old news and if you're a fan you've already saw it. Too many spots to talk about, but I appreciated numerous moments of crowd interaction. The energy here is really affectuous. Two element missing from his later special 'For What It's Worth'. I can also say there is a bit of race relations / racism to his show, but again unlike that later special, it never lost me. There's no serious dips in quality, momentum or laughs.
He pulls voices. It's heavy on swearing, sexual content. I think what sets it apart is Dave is relaxed and the material flows effortlessly. It never seems like he gets lost or has to draw a loose bridge to connect the material. If you've watched 'Chappelle Show' to death and don't find his newer material hitting as hard as you'd like go back to the past and revisit 'Killin' Them Softly'. You won't be disappointed.
The show is funnier
jpoling313 April 2004
Not bad, but not nearly as good as his later work, especially the TV show on Comedy Central. "Undercover Brother" is when he really broke out and became ridiculously funny. In this one he seems nervous, not completely on top of the crowd as he seems to be in the studio bits of his show. Appears to be pulling punches a bit, even -- definitely not like what he does on the show.
Still, some of the funniest stuff out there, and like his fellow genius Chris Rock not nearly as egregiously foulmouthed as others like Eddie Griffin.
"Sesame Street" bit alone is worth the price of rental -- I see the Count in a whole new light.
Still, some of the funniest stuff out there, and like his fellow genius Chris Rock not nearly as egregiously foulmouthed as others like Eddie Griffin.
"Sesame Street" bit alone is worth the price of rental -- I see the Count in a whole new light.
7.6
Mainhoonfilmpremi20 June 2022
Good stand-up comedian
deloudelouvain26 April 2018
Dave Chappelle has the talent for being a good stand-up comedian. His humor is perfect to entertain you for an hour of laughter. Not only his mimics but also his different voices make this show pleasant to watch. Of course most of the humor, when performed by a black artist, has some racial focus points but that makes it funny and understandable. Anybody from any race knows about the difference of approach by the police to a specific race, it's not a secret, there are differences. Differences that shouldn't been but the police, certainly in America, is just biased and unfair, full of prejudices. Making humor out of it is the best way to deal with it, to mock them. Killin' Them Softly by Dave Chappelle is funny, the kind of humor that I like.
Reppin'
chaos-rampant30 March 2016
I love the different ways of sculpting narrative space, creating world. In music that's Isaac Hayes. In cinema, Cassavetes and Lynch both do it for me.
The stand-up show is another way. It's all about how a narrator takes us into situations, how he moves into rooms that he conjures and voices the vexations of life. It's about being a jazzman who weaves illusion out of life, from the point of view that interests me anyway.
This is my first encounter with this guy. He has good form, voices and impersonations. He alternates between a smooth voice and hood outbursts and I like that he's relaxed, not particularly angry. Most of the show is about racial tension, played with dumbfounded disbelief at that life. Among jokes that work are a racist Sesame Street, a visit to the ghetto that is so bad a baby is selling weed in the corner. Needing a white guy in your group for when you want someone to talk to the police.
I like less the mind giving rise to situations. Women now would probably find it casually sexist or what have you. He doesn't slip into that self who is the funny guy in the group of twenty- somethings, he is that self without the distance of awareness. He was in his twenties himself so basically we get this one person and a lot at face-value. A bit thin overall but okay.
The stand-up show is another way. It's all about how a narrator takes us into situations, how he moves into rooms that he conjures and voices the vexations of life. It's about being a jazzman who weaves illusion out of life, from the point of view that interests me anyway.
This is my first encounter with this guy. He has good form, voices and impersonations. He alternates between a smooth voice and hood outbursts and I like that he's relaxed, not particularly angry. Most of the show is about racial tension, played with dumbfounded disbelief at that life. Among jokes that work are a racist Sesame Street, a visit to the ghetto that is so bad a baby is selling weed in the corner. Needing a white guy in your group for when you want someone to talk to the police.
I like less the mind giving rise to situations. Women now would probably find it casually sexist or what have you. He doesn't slip into that self who is the funny guy in the group of twenty- somethings, he is that self without the distance of awareness. He was in his twenties himself so basically we get this one person and a lot at face-value. A bit thin overall but okay.
See also
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