Kevin Hart: Don’t F**k This Up is a brand new docuseries that has landed on Netflix today.
This six-part series gives us a behind the scenes look at Hart’s life over the past 12 months. The series covers family life, personal conflicts and events that have shaped his life and made him the person he is today.
The first episode focuses on the controversy surrounding his Oscars hosting gig. The documentary uses a variety of interviews with those closest to Kevin for a raw, unfiltered look at arguably the world’s biggest comedian right now.
Kevin Hart: Don’t F**k This Up Review – Episode 1 ‘24/ Kevin’
Episode 1 titled 24/Kevin opens on the Oscars controversy as we hear that Bryan Cranston his co-star in The Upside has canceled (or more likely his agent/reps) a talk show with Kevin amidst the controversy behind homophobic tweets Kevin posted years ago that have since resurfaced.
Kevin was reported as avoiding to make an apology and as a result, stepped down as host of the Oscars.
I felt as thou digging up old tweets was a shady move indeed to begin with. We all say stupid stuff, we all do stupid stuff and once addressed you should just move on.
But the savagery in which the media focused on this was uncalled for. Granted the tweet was in poor taste but people say much worse and get away with much worse but because Kevin Hart is Kevin Hart, all hell ensued.
The introduction focuses on Kevin somewhat ignoring his publicist in regard to the controversy and just going about his life.
There still doesn’t feel like there is a definitive apology in there even in this particular docuseries but like previously mentioned, what’s done is done, let’s move on with it. That’s the attitude Kevin seems to have.
Not settling for mediocrity there is always another level to aim for, another bridge to cross, another challenge to accomplish. It’s this mindset and work-hard mentality that shines throughout this introductory episode.
We get a behind the scenes look at Hartbeat Productions and Kevin’s Irresponsible world tour. We take rides around LA in his Ferrari as he’s speaking to his wife and we see how he can’t even rest at a gas station without a fan coming up to him asking him for a selfie.
It’s all good for media to criticize and to victimize but this level of fame comes with a price. It can’t be an easy road that’s for sure.
I feel this opening episode does hold back on exploring more of Kevin’s personality. It comes across as thou he’s somewhat holding back. Almost afraid to let anybody in completely and as a result, we get a character divide.
We have on one side the loud, hilarious, in your face comedian that takes no sh*t from nobody. On the flip side, we have Kevin Hart the person, the father who seems reserved yet driven but also at the same time somewhat vulnerable.
Almost putting a barrier up between the audience and himself not letting people get too close and if they do, out comes Kevin Hart the comedian to deflect that.
In a scene with Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther), Hart pitches Boseman a new movie that he wants to bring to fruition. Here we see the passion, the grit, the determination to keep believing, to keep achieving. I can’t fault the man’s work ethic.
Bear in mind this meeting was taking place alongside the tour prep, The Upside, Jumanji 2 filming and more! I much preferred seeing the footage of him with his family. The real Kevin Hart, just him being himself and the interview segments with his wife are very intriguing to watch.
Who knows Kevin Hart better than his wife?
Overall
This insight takes this docuseries from a self-promotional piece to something with heart. Nothing seems overly forced in this first episode, it’s got a nice flow to it and whilst we get a behind the curtains look it still feels as thou we’re only just scratching at the surface for the time being with plenty more to come.
Kevin Hart: Don’t F**k This Up is now available to stream on Netflix.
Review by Sean Evans
