Nerds That Geek Documentary Review – ‘The Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary, ‘The Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks’.

Often times when you settle in to watch a documentary on entertainment industry icons… you’re usually treated to a story revolving around a famous singer or rock band or an acting icon. For they likely packed theaters and stadiums with their work while living their crazy and turbulent lives and getting to settle in and learn more about that messy existence is simply fascinating. Since it shows us a side of famous folks that we never knew existed in the slightest, and these types of stories are popular... simply because they feature household names that make the documentary in question, accessible to all and of course... they also offer up some juicy drama. But while those do indeed make for fascinating and powerful stories, the kind that speak to the madness of genius in general, and satisfy our need for a little drama… those aren’t the only great stories out there worth documenting.

For there are other titans of industry that have made an incredible impact that didn’t destroy hotel floors or careers with a singular tantrum. No instead, they worked their butts off and gave us their all and in doing so, became legends that are beloved and it really is a shame that those stories aren't highlighted enough. But in this era of peak entertainment, different kinds of documentaries are finally coming to light. The kind that spotlights the other titans out there and it just so happens that Prime Video is now host to one that explores the lives and careers of one of the most famous and beloved comedy troupes out there in The Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks. Which is… a welcome and fascinating documentary for certain.

Because let’s be honest… this is a comedy troupe that while incredibly influential and loved by audiences everywhere… has kept their story to themselves and well, being able to get to know these gentlemen and their upbringing, teaches us a great deal about who they are and what formed their comedic chops. Not to mention… this is a story that takes the time to really dive deep into their formative pre-television years to show us exactly how hard they had to work to get where they were, and how much failure they experienced on the stage before figuring out what worked. Which was fascinating to learn since they hit the scene looking polished from the get-go. So, seeing those mistakes and missteps and experiments. adds new depth to their work and speaks to how much they love comedy and their craft and how hard work, and the grind are two key elements to mega success.

However, what allows for this documentary to truly shine, is that the humanity and honesty present in that segment is carried over to the one exploring the television years of their careers. Wherein we came to learn that after a couple of years of making sketch comedy for the masses… their old-school approach to the assembly of the show, and need for creative personal growth, led to the conflict and strife that brought about a difficult shoot for Brain Candy… and their eventual hiatus. Wherein they all came to learn about the wonder of what they had together. Which in turn led to their 2009 revival series and tours and of course… the triumphant return of their show. But what is truly incredible about this documentary, is that the humanity present in this segment, doesn’t end with honest commentary on their temporary split.

For we were privy to discussions about how those tough moments made them feel, and we even received Scott Thompson’s thoughts on his brush with cancer and the difficulties that came with that. But most important of all, we were treated to a real understanding… of how these men became brothers and how much they mean to each other and how that… is likely what brought about the iconic status they enjoy today. For their joining was lightning in a bottle, plain and simple and thanks to their love of pure comedy… the world has been treated to forty years of top-notch and influential and groundbreaking comedy. Since this troupe also broke down walls regarding the stigmas of the time and well… all of those explorations make this a top-notch documentary. One that everyone should see, to understand what really goes into making our dreams come true and to learn about how five guys that wanted to make a career out of laughter… transformed the industry for the better.

---