Bill Maher: The Decider, the comic's eighth hour-long HBO special, isn't for everyone: those who favor the Bush administration (Maher's favorite and, let's face it, easiest target) are likely to be outraged by the comedian's vicious yet consistently hilarious derision of George W. Bush and his executive staff. Recorded live at Boston's Berklee Performance Center and originally broadcast in July 2007, the routines cover a broad spectrum, ranging from damage caused by overzealous lobbyists (especially those representing the pharmaceutical industry) to the elitism of Republicans who Maher says consider themselves "the real Americans" (they think sex is bad "because with them it always is"). Creationism, organized religion, cell-phone etiquette, government-supported fear-mongering, crony capitalism, Rudy Giuliani, and Wal-Mart are all magnets for Maher's cynical wit, but there's never any doubt that his passion for genuine democracy is what drives his topical humor. DVD extras include the bonus featurette "Bill Maher Finds a Purpose in Life," in which the comedian sarcastically reads from Rick Warren's bestselling Christian self-help book, The Purpose-Driven Life. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Shannon)
Bill Maher: The Decider
(2007) 60 min. DVD: $19.98. HBO Video (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7831-5555-7. Volume 23, Issue 2
Bill Maher: The Decider
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