review - Wanda Sykes: I'ma Be Me

Wanda Sykes second solo stand-up on HBO "I'ma Be Me" is another triumph in her already storied career of winning Emmys for writing, sports commentary and making a president laugh. Recorded in August before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the show bowed on October 10th to critical acclaim and what I can only assume was a ratings win for HBO.

As always, Wanda (who at times reminds me a great deal of Chris Rock...not a bad thing at all) covers a variety of topics from motherhood, her sexuality, aging, body fat bikini waxing and a hilarious bit on being an entertainer on a gay cruise.

Just when some of the bits started to drag just a bit, Wanda came back swinging with lines that are still playing in my head.

HBO has adhered to a questionable format for stand-up comedians over the past few years. No disrespect to Sykes of course, but most comedians on the channel seem to work off a prepared template of topics which always include a bit or two about gay rights, global warming, abortion, man bashing (regardless of the gender of the comedian) and other leftist "talking points" that appear to be a requirement to do stand-up on today's HBO. Gone are the days of an Eddie Murphy, Andrew Dice Clay or others cut from that cloth who shot from the non-corporate hip. By and large Sykes' routine is hers, but you can bet this routine would not have made it on the air without a few creative concessions.

"I'ma Be Me" is sure to garner some kind of nomination as it is THAT funny and raunchy in Syke's patented acerbic style.