Review of Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (2011) by Thomas W — 06 Oct 2011

It's Coco ... so what's not to like (unless, of course, you are a Leno fan ...and for that I am truly sorry in more ways than one)? Conan O'Brien Can't Stop is an interesting idea for a film/documentary as it chronicles the period of time following O'Brien's untimely "release" from NBC during which he decides to "hit the road" and perform a 32-city music and comedy revue (it was as if he were a one-one rock band [well .

.. he did have his trusty sidekick Andy Richter and a whole crew of LOYAL writers and friends] on tour). Conan and his crew decided upon a touring stage show as he was literally banned from appearing on either television, radio or the internet for an entire six months after his final show (it was a stipulation in his release contract .

..and I find it most telling that NBC couldn't just pick a single medium from which to bar him). Conan O'Brien Can't Stop is an honest and intimate look at the redheaded TV funnyman. He is undoubtedly bitter at times but he always makes the most of what he is given.

He's open with everyone around him and brutally honest. At times the film maybe too honest as Conan doesn't always come across as purely likable (when he's tired ... he's mean and rude at times! yikes! watch out!).

But with O'Brien being unapologetic about his behavior it makes you respect him all the more. O'Brien is a gifted funnyman who worked tirelessy (yes -- for a nice paycheck any of us would be willing to take and so ALL of us [even him] know he isn't a VICTIM-victim) for a single company/employer/boss for 22-years! I believe there are very few who'd say Conan WAS mistreated by the powers-that-be at NBC as they chose the scripted, unfunny man over him.

This documentary is without doubt entertaining and it is always intriguing to be allowed such an honest glimpse into the life of someone famous (he is a funny 'ha-ha' entertainer; but neater-still is that he appears to be a loving father and husband who eagerly looks forward to the end of the tour so he can spend some time with his chidren and drive them to school!).

The problem with Conan O'Brien Can't Stop is that it didn't know when TO stop. This isn't a complaint of length as the doc is a relatively short hour and half; it is just that the unscripted show had moments where it was un-focused and it was unsure if his comedy tour was either a musical or comedy one.

I didn't know Conan had such musical chops ... and one of the film's final scenes helped bring it all around as he and his fellow stage co-horts sang "The Weight" by The Band. Anyway .

.. O'Brien was done wrong; but without NBC ridiculous antics O'Brien would have been "held back" and stuck at NBC. NBC was given enough rope ...