Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some laughs but no substance in racy stand-up movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain
What's the Story?
At a party, comedian Kevin Hart is accosted by many of his guests, who ask him pointed questions and show general disapproval for the things he's said and done. He decides to "explain" everything by putting on a show at Madison Square Garden and storms out of the party. After showing all the places he's been in the world in flashbacks, Hart goes on stage (where he has a "shooting fire" effect). He talks about being divorced, relationships with women, and his relationships with his kids. Finally, when he finishes, he's moved to tears by the audience's appreciation and for being one of only a few comedians ever to play the Garden.
Is It Any Good?
On the whole, Hart's material here veers toward the lowbrow. It doesn't quite hit the heights of cleverness, talent, language, or delivery that predecessors like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock reached. Ranging between cockiness and buffoonery, Hart is at his best when he lands somewhere in the middle, making fun of himself and his celebrity, rather than skewering his friends, former girlfriends, and employees. (He doesn't even generate much warmth when talking about his kids.) The movie's best moment comes when Hart accidentally cracks himself up during a routine about bums (saying the phrase "bum bump"). His genuine laughter there is quickly infectious. Otherwise, this is a case, like Eddie Murphy's Raw (1988), wherein the enormous success of the comedian has resulted in a movie that tries too hard to build energy out of mediocre material. Still, although newcomers aren't likely to be converted, KEVIN HART: LET ME EXPLAIN does have enough laughs to make it worthwhile for fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Kevin Hart's many references to drinking in Let Me Explain. Does he make drinking sound appealing, or does it sound like a problem? Does it change your perspective at all to find out that he was arrested on a DUI charge in April 2013?
Are Hart's sexual references funny? Should sex be a serious topic? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values on this subject.
Does Hart use stereotypes in his act, especially when it comes to women? Is it OK to use stereotypes for humor?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 3, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2013
- Cast : Kevin Hart
- Directors : Leslie Small , Tim Story
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Single Parents ) , Arts ( Hip-Hop , Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language including sexual references
- Last updated : September 6, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate