Sam Kinison: Breaking the Rules (1987 TV Special) User Reviews

"We figure anyone who's been married twice can be a tour guide in Hell."

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 9 December 2017]

Can you believe Sam Kinison was rebellious and irreverent as a kid? Who would have thought? His Mom loves him and thinks he's great, at least she says so at the introduction to this HBO special.

I don't want to say Kinison's stand up routine made me uncomfortable, but he hits on some really disgusting stuff if you think about it. I used to catch him on variety shows before he really hit the big time and he was funny then without the consistent use of the 'F' word. But you know, when he really digs in and starts to scream, you can't help but bust a gut over how insane the guy is.

There's no question a Kinison type act would be unwelcome today on college campuses. He goes in for a steady stream of gay bashing and that's a no-no of course. As for necrophilia as a stand up topic, well, you'll have to decide for yourself.

This routine took place in Hollywood with none other than Hugh Hefner in the audience. Kinison complimented Hef on his contribution to modern society and proceeded to regale the upscale audience with his irreverent humor. Lending credence to his former occupation as a Pentecostal preacher, Sam's shown driving away from the gig in his car with a license plate that reads 'EXREV'.

Some really clever comedy .....

[PimpinAinttEasy · 8/10 · 28 September 2015]

A show introduced by none other than Kinison's mother.

I have watched two of Kinison's specials. Neither of them could beat the 6 minute blast on his first Letterman appearance. That was out of this world.

But this special has many special moments. The parts about Jesus Christ were hilarious. This was long before George Carlin tore into Christianity. In face, Carlin said he thought he needed to get back to work after watching Kinison.

Then there is some hilarious female bashing.

The ending was terrific.

Wow

[Johnny_West · 10/10 · 10 April 2022]

I had not seen this in a long time. I remember how funny Sam Kinison was back in the 1980s. A lot has happened since then. His comedy topics are so off the rails that I wonder if he could even get on TV in the modern era. He not only made a lot of off-color jokes, but his graphic description of some things were shocking. I enjoyed his comedy 35+ years ago. Rest in Peace Mr. Kinison.

Kinison's breakthrough

[Quinoa1984 · 2 August 2004]

In Kinison's TV breakthrough, following appearances on Rodney Dangerfield's specials, he talks about Jesus, the dangers of marriage (twice, ahhh!), and the joys of women. Also included are two of Kinison's finest bits, both funny and, indeed, smart- the first is his teaching about how to make the woman you love or want to love happy (a.k.a. 'the alphabet'). The second is a bit on a news story where some men were let into a morgue, and something, err, unpleasant occurred. So, sit back, maybe crack open a beer, and learn why Kinison is still mentioned as being one of the most influential, true, and outrageous comedians from the 80's and early 90's. A

No Higher Praise

[ferbs54 · 10/10 · 6 November 2007]

I don't think I've ever laughed harder than the first time I heard Sam Kinison's 1993 CD "Live From Hell." Indeed, to this day, I chuckle every time I think about the Captain Kangaroo, rap music and Kurds routines on that brilliant album. Feeling down and in need of some yuks the other night (and let's face it, who COULDN'T use some more laughs in his or her life?), I threw on Sam's DVD "Breaking the Rules," and am pleased to report that this HBO special, filmed in 1987 before a Hollywood audience that included Hugh Hefner, had me tearing up with laughter within 10 minutes. This DVD is well named; Sam does break the rules and push the proverbial envelope, here as always; nothing is off limits, and topics such as Jesus' wife, the importance of lies in marriage, and homosexual necrophilia are sure to be offputting to many. The majority, I have a feeling, will be cheering and roaring with laughter. Sam's act is as un-PC as it gets, but Lordy, is it ever funny! He even tells us, in one hilarious routine, of his surefire method of pleasing a woman orally; a technique that I personally can't wait to try! I might add that this DVD's bonus footage shows Sam in Vegas some four years later, more manic than ever (how did the man ever perform without a constant influx of Ricolas?); his rant on gerbils in this segment is particularly hilarious. Yes, the world surely did lose a brilliant comedic voice when Sam was taken from us in 1992. If laughter is the best medicine, then Sam was one of our most gifted surgeons. At least, he sure knew how to operate on MY funny bone! This DVD cheered me up on a glum night, and I can think of no higher praise for a comedian.

The funniest Sam Kinison performance ever!

[Edible Fetus · 10/10 · 22 August 2002]

This is an absolutely legendary performance by the late comic genious Sam Kinison. Filmed at the Roxy in Hollywood, this is Sam before he was a superstar. He is at his best here, in pre-prodigy form. Many of his Christ-related skits and his unforgettable "alphabet" gag. This should not be missed if your are a fan of stand-up. This is better than the other 2 home videos he released, "Banned" and "Family Hour", although they are also highly recommended.