The rivalry between Joe Rogan and “wokeness” continues as the actor blamed it yet again for the downfall of human society. Although The Hangover saga holds a special place in many people’s hearts, it has recently faced severe backlash. Thus, while talking with guest Tom Papa on a March 2022 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the two discussed how the aforementioned film was the last great comedy film ever made in the history of cinema before everything changed.
The movie about four friends going to Vegas for a bachelor party not only includes several problematic dialogues that would be considered inappropriate in today’s context, but the controversial cameos also significantly contributed to the backlash it received.
Joe Rogan Blames “Wokeness” for the Death of Comedy
During a conversation with his esteemed guest comedian Tom Papa last year, podcaster Joe Rogan expressed his concerns about the current state of comedy in the film industry, attributing the perceived decline to “wokeness.” The two discussed their personal favorite comedy movies and ultimately agreed that The Hangover was the last comedy movie ever made. Rogan said,
“What was the last good comedy movie that was released?–It used to be you would be able to – There’s Something About Mary, Kingpin. You just snap ’em off. You knew what they were. It’s like wokeness killed the comedy movie in a lot of ways.”
The UFC commentator, very strongly believes that the current societal climate has significantly harmed the comedy genre, which he holds dear to his heart. According to Rogan, the prevailing sensitivities and cultural shifts have had a detrimental impact, especially after the #MeToo era, on the kind of humor he once cherished.
Papa readily agreed, adding, “They’re just not making them.” His support further bolstered Rogan to continue his passionate rant on the subject. Thus, Rogan further continued by saying,
“Is there a woke comedy movie? Is there even an attempt?–Is there even an attempt at a politically correct comedy movie? They just stopped making comedy movies.”
He believes that the genre he once adored, with its edginess and irreverence, has been severely restricted and watered down, leading to a lack of truly boundary-pushing and daring comedic content in the present day. Although The Hangover indeed became a cult classic, the problematic aspects of it cannot be ignored.
Why is the Movie Franchise The Hangover Deemed So Problematic?
The Hangover has rather aged significantly poorly in the past few years. Although the movie is a cult classic and is celebrated by one group, it has also garnered severe hate from the other. And thus, Joe Rogan isn’t the only one praising the movie. The crazy adventure the four guys take on while reaching Vegas for a bachelor party is what forms the crux of the movie. But the blatant sexism, racism, and various other facets have deemed the movie the “problematic” title.
Rogan’s pick for the comedic gem from the late 2000s involved a plethora of indecent jokes, often leaning towards sexism and homophobia, which contributed to its controversial reputation. The movie prominently featured the use of Rohypnol, commonly known as a “roofie,” playing a pivotal role in the storyline, further adding to its contentious nature. Notably, the appearance of Mike Tyson in a controversial cameo also raised numerous eyebrows.
Source: The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
