When Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele announced that they would be ending their program Key and Peele, I was saddened. Their lively antics, comedic sensibilities, and ability to it on political and social issues in a way that allows them to make America reflect were what their fan base love about them. We saw original, sketch comedy that was actually funny and insightful as missing in today’s environment. As part of their “retirement,” they informed their fans that this was not the end of Key and Peele, just that they were going to entertain other projects.
It was a stroke of genius. They left when all of us were wanting more… and they deliver with their current film Keanu. This buddy action comedy picks right up where they left off with their show. It is a film with a very basic plot where two friends get way in over their heads. The jokes are not cheap and offer us a chance to laugh at the things that make us uncomfortable. The two men, and Keanu the cat give us a film reminiscent of the Wilder and Pryor films.
The jokes and situations will have you laughing throughout the film. In addition, the film and storyline poke fun at stereotypes, generalizations, and tropes in order to make us laugh even more. What many of us thought could be nothing more than random sketches strewn together for cheap laughs turned out to be a well-orchestrated first step into a journey of comedic genius. Comedy fans will love this film. Those looking for a serious turn or a film that involves seamless plotlines, you are going to be disappointed, but only in that aspect.
4.5/5
Second Review by James Buckles.
The thing I loved about “John Wick” was it was all about getting revenge for a evil act.
In their new film “Keanu”, Key and Peele took it one step beyond and fans of their comedy will love their first full length film.
When the two friends end up way over their heads and complicate things by trying to make things better, the jokes become funnier and more outrageous with each turn.
The comedy team took jabs at several action movies and created a new film centered around a kitten named aptly Keanu.
The jokes fly fast and frequent and viewers who find themselves laughing too hard may end up missing the next hysterical set of jokes to follow.
The duo took what was a sketch concept but were able to keep it fun, fresh, and lively for the length of the film, which is something that many sketch comics struggle to do.
Key and Peele have shown that they are a rising force in comedy and deliver smart, timely, and very effective humor time and again. “Keanu” is a very nice surprise in that it is the rare comedy that is funny throughout and one that will leave you smiling.
4 stars out of 5.
