Doug Stanhope's the Unbookables (2012) User Reviews

When you're next laughing about something, look to its core, and you'll find it's negative.

[GoddyBenzoa · 7/10 · 11 August 2015]

Few people realize that what makes us laugh typically has a negative base. From slapstick of 3 Stooges smacking and poking each other to any typical sitcom, where the laughs are based on misunderstanding, miscommunication and misconduct. The Unbookables are equally guilty, but their material is based on topics far more real. Monologues are based on everyday, true to life subjects that might shock, disturb, or at least cause you to keep your laughter hidden inside. War. Cancer. Incest. Beastiality. Child prostitution. Cock gagging & anal gaping. These are subjects that few would imagine as having a funny side, but they do, as evidenced by the audience laughter. It may be strained laughter accompanied by a shake of the head or hands covering the face, but it's laughter. This group of guerrilla comedians are talented, but they sacrifice big venues, big paychecks and big distribution by staying true to their material. In uncommon style, this documentary leaves the stage, and follows their life on tour as they test their patience and sanity while crammed in a retro tour van, constantly simmered in alcohol and stolen hydrocodone, quickly establishing a pecking order where the most senior of the group is constantly harassed, not so much out of disrespect as out of the need to channel stress. A unique view of life on the road of darkest comedy that is definitely not for everyone. It forces the question: Do some find this comedy has gone too far simply because they learned that even the darkest subjects truly do contain humor?

Unbookables was Unwatchable

[clearcontentnow · 1/10 · 5 June 2019]

The premise to the Unbookables sounds promising - take a few dark, neurotic, blue material comedians and stuff them into a van and a series of small condos and hotels and funny stuff is likely to happen. However, in the case of this bunch, the chemistry wasn't there for organically humorous developments to unfold. In an attempt to remedy this, the show included dozens of staged conflicts and scenarios that fell flat.

The on-stage footage included a rare funny story line or joke but the majority of the material was dull and akin to an open mic performer bombing. And the footage wasn't so bad that it was good.

Although the film includes Doug's name, he only makes a few short appearances. While these comics share his style (more Andy Andrist than the others), they are not nearly as funny as Doug, even on a bad day.

Gritty Ride on the Dark Side

[sirensongswt · 9/10 · 13 March 2016]

I loved this film. Calling this comedy edgy is an understatement. This is in your face so if you can't stand to be a little uncomfortable then leave the club or click your remote. Much the same as the theory that the great muse for music is heartbreak...the great muse for their comedy is dysfunction. What makes it funny is it is so real. I love these guys every one of them and Christine. Their brutal honesty comes though even in the worst bits. The music is also a must listen. Well done. Shitty at it's very best. In the same vein as the Aristocrats, these comics push each other, support each other even though at times they arguably hate each other. Their conflict reflects all of our struggles as humans trying to figure life out with the bunch of ass hats you are surrounded by because of work, because of culture or just because you drank too much.

Just...no

[dchunter-97339 · 1/10 · 15 February 2020]

They're not good comics, except for Sean Rouse, who the producers disappear from most of the film. You start with the idea that an unbookable comic means their material is too edgy, but you soon learn that these comics think their material is too edgy and that's why they're booed off stage. Not true. They're booed because they're hacks and drunks and they think their personal crises are dramatic and important. They would be if they were celebrities but they're not. One gets the impression that Doug Stanhope thinks his own comedic genius comes from being edgy and shocking--maybe that's part of it but watch his specials. Doug Stanhope can construct a joke. He can create tension. These alcoholics are open mic wanna bes and I think that's why Doug isn't in the film. Its embarrassing.

Dane Cook sucks & you know it.

[13Funbags · 8/10 · 12 May 2017]

I have always been a huge fan of comedians and I don't usually find many I haven't seen before.After getting over the shock of never having heard of this movie, I was even more surprised that I had only heard of two of the comedians in it.This documentary is a great look into the road lives of real comedians.I'm sure the average person won't find any of these guys funny.They also won't feel sympathy for them when ten people come to a show and they can't even afford to buy a can of snuff.No, the average person only cares about Dane Cook or whatever unfunny douche bag is currently hot.Traveling in a private plane and performing for sold out arenas full of comedy impaired mental midgets.For those who think this movie is supposed to be funny, it's a DOCUMENTARY.They aren't supposed to be funny, they are supposed to be informative.If you want to laugh at a documentary, go watch some of that Errol Morris crap.That guy is a real joke.If you like real comedy and real documentaries, watch this.

Is this meant to be funny?

[Dizzee_Ragdoll · 4/10 · 9 June 2013]

This is a documentary about a few pathetic middle aged men travelling around in a van and drinking and acting like teenagers. They turn up for shows which they have apparently written no material for and the audiences hate them. Are they making a living from this? I've been to a few free comedy nights and open mic nights and never seen anything this bad. It was just really depressing to watch. These sad men seem to have no self awareness at all. It's not even funny while being dumb and rude and disgusting like the way Jackass is funny and you really like all their personalities (apart from Preston), I hated every one of these guys and me or any one of my friends could get on stage drunk any night of the week and put on a funnier show.

The Unbookables is a look at self-sabotaging comedians.

[pink_pup · 9/10 · 16 November 2017]

They're funny. They work hard and live day to day. They can't catch a break. The only thing that contradicts that narrative is there own actions, like a bunch of reform school kids on an extended holiday. Some of the comics have such animosity towards their audience the comedy borders on social sadism. A fascinating documentary. Broken people make the best subjects and this doc has them in spades. My favorite comedians were Sean Rouse and Kristine Levine. Dirty fantastic stuff.

Give it a go

[danieleoghanbaxter · 10/10 · 28 January 2021]

A genuine insight into the underbelly of stand up comedy, a bunch of degenerates trying to make enough money to get drunk, daily.

If you know these guys, this is exactly what you want/expect

[jcain1635 · 9/10 · 23 July 2017]

However, if you aren't familiar with any of the cast, or Doug Stanhopes podcast, do some homework first. Without being formally introduced to these characters, this might leave you baffled.

Let me qualify my rating. 1-3/10 = not a movie or unwatchable. 4-5/10 disliked. 6/10 liked wouldn't recommend. 7/10 would recommend, 8/10 highly recommend, 9/10 near perfect, 10/10 perfect .

I gave this a 9/10 because I would recommend this to anyone, and this delivers on every level it intends to. This cast of misfit comedians are great - they are foul mouthed degenerates, but you very much get the sense that these are human beings with their own struggles, and that they have more fun then any reasonable person could allow themselves to.

James Inman and Andy Andrist are highlights, but every single one of these guys got a laugh out of me one way or the other. It's also refreshing to see a genuine group of comedians treat comedy as a lifestyle and not a business venture.

The editing and camera work is terrible (as expected, this is a fly on the wall style flick), and any sense of narrative just seems to be coincidental. This does work in the films favor, adding a feeling of legitimacy. These fights and events arent staged, that's for sure.

in short - this movie is a train wreck, just like the people that made it, and if you know these guys, you know exactly what you're in for. Watch it with a few friends who are also fans, and pour some drinks.