There was lot of buzz about this stand up comedy film at The Sundance Film Festival. Comedian Eddie Griffin has yet to really prove himself in a feature film, but his comedy routines are always getting good buzz.

I had an opportunity to see a screening of this picture at ShoWest (The Movie Theater Owner's convention). This had it's perks including a personal appearance by Mr. Griffin. He actually did a little bit of comedy for the enthusiastic crowd.

Following his ten minute bit, he talked some about what inspires him and how the movie came about. He then presented the movie.

Dysfunktional Family isn't really a movie. It's a stand up performance caught on film, bringing to mind The Original Kings of Comedy.

As Eddie Griffin displayed before the film, he is a comedian of unlimited energy. His act, culled from a several different appearances, is absolutely exhausting.

What I liked most about Dysfunktional Family is that it does have something to say. Sure, it's chalk full of raw language and adult situations, but it's also ripe with social commentary, the point of which is that we're all dysfunctional in some way.

Griffin also breaks down barriers. He blurts out obscenities so often, that before long, he would have you realize that these are mere words, and in the big picture, they really don't mean anything. It's all about perception. A technique that Richard Pryor raised to an art form.

In between the stand-up sequences, we get a glimpse into the lives of Griffin's all too colorful family--including his porn addicted uncle. It all makes for an interesting portrait of a very real family with some serious quirks.

If I have a gripe, it would have to be the direction. Dysfunktional Family is about the material, and that speaks for itself. Director George Gallo's direction is often distracting. At one point in his act, Griffin pantomimes heroin use. Gallo feels compelled to put the image in and out of focus taking away from the effectiveness of Griffin's act. There is also a lot of cutting in this picture. Quite frankly, Mr. Griffin is so animated and mobile, that the quick cutting did nothing but tackle his momentum.

These are, of course minor quibbles, as Dysfunktional Family is about Griffin and his comedy, and based strictly on the material, this movie is a winner. It's offensive, insightful, and hilarious. In times like these, it's exactly the type of film I want to watch.

After the screening ended, Mr. Griffin hit the stage to thank us all for coming. Aside from being outrageously hilarious, he is also smart, endearing, spiritual and humble. Before exiting, he gave a stirring speech about the times we live in and how laughter truly is the best medicine. Amen to that brother.