The lameness, that is. I’m talking, of course, about his abysmal cameo on last night’s Idol Gives Back special, where he played the "Russian Idol," complete with a pathetic attempt at an Eastern European accent and some embarrassing "in my country" gags. The random user who added it to YouTube (below) titled it "VERY FUNNY Robin Williams On American Idol Gives Back 2008," which makes me wonder if this person is actually Robin Williams. Let me put this in the simplest terms possible: Mediocre Borat impressions from people who are not Sacha Baron Cohen are not funny anymore! (For that matter, neither are Brokeback jokes like the one Williams snuck in there — though apparently the studio audience loved that line, which probably says something about the maturity level of the people who show up for an Idol taping.) After forcing myself to endure that laughless slog again for this post, I’m feeling like I need some serious charity myself. Don’t you?
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Comments (1-30) of 38 Add your comment
Look, Moscow on the Hudson was a funny movie. Him redoing the character again? Not so much. Borat called and said no.
Simon, I think you need to work on your sense of humor and then get a f*cking clue! To accuse a comic genius like Robin Williams of doing an impression of Borat is not only stupid, but uninformed. Williams was doing this kind of Russian impression as far back as the late ’70s; so I would say it’s Sacha Cohen who has copied Williams (badly, I might add!)
I thought he had a couple funny moments. Unfortunately, the bit went on about 10 minutes too long…just like everything else he does these days.
Oh Simon, lie down with dogs, your going to get fleas.
That was painfully unfunny. I don’t understand why Robin Williams gets to do anything.
Ugh. He’s the big special guest for SVU’s 200th episode. They need to aim higher.
Awful. Truly awful.
Hey Simon, how old are you anyway? Robin Williams was doing his Russian impression long before any freakin’ Borat character came out. Sacha Baron Cohen who? Let’s see if he’s still around in 30 years. I think NOT!
Look, I’m not crazy about RW but this wasn’t all that bad (the Brokeback thing was a bit pathetic though). I think you just don’t like him Mr.S-Levinson. If you don’t like him, fine. I don’t like Jimmy Kimmel, even if he is funny. Robin W. movies may suck but he’s still ‘got it’ on stage even though he’s not as good as he was 20+ years ago.
He made me smile. So sue me.
Come on, the “Midnight Train to Georgia” joke was legitimately funny. The one about 200 pounds and facial hair and the men are a little taller was worth a chuckle too.
1. On Robin Williams, he drink to much coffee high on caffeine.
2. Carrie Underwood she’s beautiful but I did not understand a single word when she sing. I tried the best I can to listen to it but to no avail nothing. I only understand the word: PRAY. To much concern about how she looks.
I was only commenting to say the same thing as Gina V. that RW started doing that character in 1984 (Check out Moscow on the Hudson) and it wasn’t even remotely a Borat ripoff!!!!
robin williams stopped being funny in the 70’s
Agree with Mel. From the post I anticipated a debacle, but it’s Robin being Robin. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I find his ranting amusing. And to claim it’s a Borat ripoff? As others have said, get a clue.
I normally don’t like Robin Wms in ANYTHING….I will not pay to see him in a movie….but — he had some funny moments on AI. He needed that gig because he hasn’t done anything noteworthy lately.
Bad, just plain BAAAD!
Is the world finally turning on this talentless wonder? I’ve been hating on Robin Williams for years now and this is the best news i heard all day.
All this Robin hate is rather alarming. I first admired this guy when he was Mork. He then began making movies. Yeah, some really sucked but some were really good. Remember Awakenings and Mrs. Doubtfire? Maybe the younger generation looks at him as a washed up has-been but I chalk that up to plain old disrespect. Someday, your kids will be trashing the current whoever that you thought were great. And I really can’t think of anyone current who will probably last as long as this guy has.
If you don’t like him, that’s your prerogative. But, to call him a “talentless wonder” is just plain ignorance.
Robin Williams was doing “euro-trash” accents before Borat was even thought of!!!! I am sorry for the younger generation that doesn’t understand the longevity of someone as crazily, insanely funny as this man has been. One can only hope he lasts as long as such people as George Burns and Bob Hope.
Get a life Simon!Obviously someone pissed in your wheaties the morning you wrote this.Robin Williams has tremendous talent and I too have been watching him since “Mork & Mindy”.He’s made some AWESOME movies and his stand up acts still make me laugh my ass off.
What does tickles your funnybone Simon? I think you’re a bit harsh on RW….
Yes, the routine is getting old and tired, but it’s definitely not a Borat rip-off. Remember “Moscow on the Hudson”? He actually learned Russian for that role. He wasn’t doing an impersonation. The Idol schtick was way too over the top, but he was actually speaking Russian.
Seriously Simon you must be a young one. RW is hysterical if a bit over the top. At least he isn’t angry like so many of the younger comics today. He will be around long after the comics of today are but a fading memory.
Note to all people under 30 who are running the entertainment industry – stick to what you know best; American Idol and Brittney Spears’ mental illness! You’re pretty much useless everywhere else!
I’m torn here. Robin can be very funny (though his recent films would suggest otherwise)when he wants to be. I think maybe he’s still reeling from the recent split with his wife. I (proudly) have never watched AI, and this unfunny clip just gave me one more reason to hate the entire
“reality” TV genre.
And what made YOU, Simon, an authority on what is funny or sophisticated??? If it’s not your cup of tea, so be it, but that does not mean you are right! Just count the positive and negative remarks down here and you will see that you may be in the minority here. Tone down your tone, and just be objective. To discount a man’s career that has been around long before and will be long after Sacha Barron … is a lame, to say the least. I liked Borat, but let’s face it he is a one trick pony. Anyway, you are wrong, but whatever make you feel good.
I didn’t watch the show, but yesterday everyone on EW was dogging Robin Williams. Much to my surprise, when I met up with friends last night—all of them were saying how funny RW was and that he was one of the few highlights to Idol gives back.
oh simon, how much do i love you!!!?? robin williams is a moron & hasn’t been funny for decades!!! he should give all that up & stick to what he’s become better @ which is drama. funny he just ain’t anymore!
Eric Friedman clearly has no taste when it comes to humor!
Robin Williams was painful to watch, I actually only watched a few seconds before I muted, just visually I was nauseated! He is just not funny, he keeps doing the Mork thing.