Bobcat Goldthwait’s latest film is one that has the film festival circuit raving and critics up on their feet in applause. “Call Me Lucky,” which will be in theaters Aug. 7, will introduce audiences to the wild ride of comedian Barry Crimmins.

The documentary gives more truth to the adage that comedy comes from sadness and anger, as Crimmins’ own tragic childhood becomes the source for his sharp comedic talent. As the synopsis states:

“An inspiring, triumphant and wickedly funny portrait of one of comedy’s most enigmatic and important figures, CALL ME LUCKY tells the story of Barry Crimmins, a beer-swilling, politically outspoken and whip-smart comic whose efforts in the 70s and 80s fostered the talents of the next generation of standup comedians. But beneath Crimmins’ gruff, hard-drinking, curmudgeonly persona lay an undercurrent of rage stemming from his long-suppressed and horrific abuse as a child – a rage that eventually found its way out of the comedy clubs and television shows and into the political arena. Featuring intimate interviews with both comedians and activists alike, director Bobcat Goldthwait’s (World’s Greatest Dad, God Bless America) CALL ME LUCKY bravely tells Crimmins’ incredible story of transformation from a rage-fueled funnyman into an acclaimed proponent of justice who personified the healing power of comedy.”

“Call Me Lucky” has received many accolades, such as winning the Grand Jury prizes for Best Documentary from the 2015 Boston Independent Film Festival, the 2015 Boulder International Film Festival and the 2015 Gasparilla International Film Festival, the Audience Award from the 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival and the 2015 Chattanooga Film Festival and the Audience Award for Best Documentary from the 2015 Boston Independent Film Festival. The film was also named the Best Documentary Feature for the 2015 Boulder International Film Festival and was a Grand Jury prize nominee for Best Documentary at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

What do you think about this film? Give your opinions in the comments section below!

Call Me Lucky

By Monique Jones

Monique Jones blogs about race and culture in entertainment, particularly movies and television. You can read her articles at Racialicious, and her new site, COLOR . You can also listen to her new podcast, What would Monique Say.

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