The Hustler

Following up his viciously funny HBO special, Pimp Chronicles, Katt Williams releases American Hustle on DVD on November 20, a hybrid of madcap fictional road trip (à la the Vacation franchise) and live stand-up comedy performances. "If Jimi Hendrix was mounted by Allen Iverson in Richard Pryor's rec room," Entourage star Jeremy Piven tells Williams in the film, "they would give birth to you."

A great analogy, to be sure, but Piven neglects to touch on one important element that makes this self-proclaimed "king of underground comedy" a force to watch. While we'd never ordinarily condone a comedian's ventures into music — Eddie Murphy, anyone? — it turns out that Williams' punchlines translate well into his own original rap music. His long-awaited album is expected early next year, featuring cameos from heavyweights like Lil Jon, Snoop Dogg, and the Bay Area's own E-40. Although Williams will not be present at tonight's screening, he is sending one of the road dawgs from Hustle to serve as the evening's emcee: Luenell, a bawdy comedian best known for her role as a saucy prosty in Borat.
Fri., Nov. 16, 9 p.m., 2007