Search - Henry Rollins: Up For It on DVD

Don't be put off

Rage Reset | Sydney, Australia | 06/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I disagree with Scott Woods almost completely. Improvisation from someone who doesn't improvise much? Obviously Scott hasn't paid too much attention to Rollins' previous offerings or indeed, where he and his whole 'talking show' act came from.No, Rollins doesn't walk on stage and simply make up the show from scratch every night. Importantly though, nor are his shows scripted performances that are the same every night of the week. I think this distinction needs to me made, as the reviews so far seem to say that this DVD falls short when (depending what you're after) it certainly does not.This is a comedic performance. The fact that Henry has proven himself capable of offering deeper, more poignant food-for-thought-type material and elected not to include it here should not count against it. Almost all of the material in this show is of a high standard, with only a few exceptions that tend to drag on a little bit (See: "Klan Chaos Distruption Team). The pace is moderate - more short, funny stories than long tales such as The Kiss Army (on Talk Is Cheap) rather than long tales with humour throughout. The direction isnt as bad as some have said, but it could have been better; crowd shots generally contribute nothing to stage show DVDs. This disc also features an interview with Henry that fans will enjoy as some of the questions/subjects are rather good and provoke some interesting answers.Prospective purchasers beware: the people who attend (and review..) Rollins shows generally comprise two types of people. The Not-As-Good-As-He-Used-To-Be brigade, who appear to miss the more serious side of Rollins earlier shows and consequently mark down anything he releases that doesnt have talk of depression-inducing (if thoughtful and insightful) observations, and the rest of us who simply enjoy the man's sense of humour, storytelling skills and all-round take on life.Don't be put off by the naysayers, this is a good DVD whether you're a fan of Rollins or not."

Dude, Wanna see my tattoo?!

Chasemouse | 12/15/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Henry Rollins has inadvertently inspired more drunks to get Sun and Nietzsche quote tattoos more than any performer I can think of. It's true. Anytime I mention Henry Rollins in a public gathering some drunk guy stumbles forth to show me his bad Sun-Nietzsche tattoo. I always cringe at these displays of mediocrity but what can you do. Thankfully, unlike those cretins Rollins continues to mature, shine, and grow not only as a human being but a performer. I have heard some awfully mean raps against Hank's more comic approach to stand-up. The same people that denouce him as a sell-out (a term that in no way applies to Rollins) would cry for his blood if he was doing the same material off of Human Butt. This release marks the second DVD outing for Hank the first being the re-release of Talking From The Box coupled with the new Henry Rollins Goes To London. On UP FOR IT we find Rollins at the age of 40. To help you understand what this may mean to a performer of his distinction I shall relate a quick story about a conversation I overheard at a Rollins Band show last year. Two 18-19 year old boys were talking behind me in line. One asked the other if he had every heard of Black Flag. The other said: "Aren't they that old punk band?". It turned out that neither had ever heard Black Flag or Rollins Band. How they wound up at the show is anyone's guess. Anyway, back to UP FOR IT. Hank's performance is at once funny and offsetting. Rollins always seems best once he gets over the first joke or two, which is usually twenty or so minutes into the show. His immediate torrent of intense energy and humor is too overbearing for comedy. In such a state his jokes tend to go on longer than necessary. It's not until Rollins drains some of that energy that he settles into a more comfortable groove. That critism aside, (Note: I am a keen fan of a person's sense of comedic timing. Check out Bill Hicks for comic perfection) the remainder of Rollins' stand up is very amusing. Particular stand-outs were 'Bangkok Taxis', 'Demographics', 'Maiden and Tunisia' and the almost avante-garde and hilarious 'Wrestling Memories.' The DVD looks and sounds great. Unlike most live performaces I found the camera work quite pleasing, though I must confess I despise the time honored tradition of crowd shots. I don't need to see people laugh. They usually look gross when they do. It also tends to badly date stand-up films, thus taking away from the performance. UP FOR IT also comes with a groovin, laid back, warm and personal interview with Rollins. I found this segment to be most pleasing. Rollins reveals his thoughts on life, women, music, Rollins Band, touring and being 40. It's really more of a free-flow out-loud journal on film than an interview, as we do not hear any questions asked just Rollins talking. If that's not enough for you there's also a kickin' music video for "Your Number Is One" and a featurette on the Rollins Band album (dating myself with that word) "NICE". The featurette really rocks. It's cool to see Hank in the studio and to hear the band throw in their two cents. If you haven't been to a live Rollins Band show do so. These guys rok. So, if you've got the time and the dough check the DVD out."

He's an interesting guy

J. Erwin | huntington beach, ca United States | 02/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has a pretty fun stand up performance by Henry Rollins in London. He's a smart guy with a great sense of humor and he's had a lot of pretty intense life experiences -- like being in Black Flag. At the end of the performance is Henry sitting down and just honestly talking about what he does, why he does it, and who he is. Henry is always poignent and honest and thought provoking. This is a cool item for anyone who likes to think."

Sputnik 7

Nate S. | Bethlehem PA | 05/18/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After "Talking From the Box" and "Live & Ripped From London", the latest performance from Rollins is less terse and more humourous than afrementioned showcases, but still maintains the signature edge. On "Up For It", the Hot Animal Machine cools down some, doesn't flay his skins on stage, and lets the audience enjoy his own joyously twisted storytelling. By far the funniest, however no less poigniant, talking show to date, Rollins still displays his wierd gift for making his most banal (but not really) experiences about travelling, music and personal politics seem like you were portering him. A very enjoyable performance altogether, and another "must-have" for Rollins afficiandos. Very funny and very friendly."