Kevin Hart: I'm a Grown Little Man
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| Kevin Hart: I'm a Grown Little Man | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Shannon Hartman |
| Written by | Kevin Hart |
| Produced by | Michelle Caputo |
| Starring | Kevin Hart |
Production company | Art & Industry |
| Distributed by | Comedy Central |
Release date |
|
Running time | 72 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $150,000 (estimated) |
| Box office | — |
I’m a Grown Little Man is a stand-up comedy special by American comedian Kevin Hart. It premiered on February 3, 2009, and was filmed live at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Directed by Shannon Hartman and produced by Michelle Caputo, the special marked Hart’s first major solo concert film, running 72 minutes in length.[1]
Background and Production
[edit]Prior to this special, Kevin Hart had built a following through regional comedy circuits and small-club performances. In late 2008, Hart booked the Skirball Center—renowned for its acoustics and seating capacity—to film a one-night performance that would become I’m a Grown Little Man. Hart wrote all of the material himself, drawing on experiences from his upbringing in Philadelphia, his early marriage, and everyday observations. Shannon Hartman, credited as director, managed multiple camera angles to capture Hart’s dynamic stage presence, while Michelle Caputo oversaw logistics, coordinating the live-event production and post-production editing.
Content
[edit]In I’m a Grown Little Man, Hart addresses several themes:
- Family and Childhood: Stories about growing up in a large family, sibling rivalries, and early influences.
- Newly Married Life: Humorous anecdotes about being recently married, negotiating household roles, and adjusting to shared routines.
- Adult Responsibilities: Observations on paying bills, balancing work and personal life, and referencing his height (often joking about driving a big truck won’t make him taller).
- Self-Deprecating Humor: Hart often positions himself as the underdog, riffing on his own shortcomings to connect with the audience.
Hart’s fast-paced delivery, energetic movements on stage, and conversational asides create a rapport that carried the special.[1]
Release and Distribution
[edit]I’m a Grown Little Man premiered as a Comedy Central special on February 3, 2009. The network aired it during a prime-time stand-up slot, which led to strong cable ratings for a relatively new comedian. A DVD edition was released later in 2009 by Comedy Central Records, featuring bonus behind-the-scenes footage and extended outtakes. The audio album—also titled I’m a Grown Little Man—was distributed by Comedy Central Records on digital platforms and CD in February 2009.
Reception
[edit]Critically, I’m a Grown Little Man received generally positive reviews. On IMDb, the special holds a 7.5 / 10 rating based on over 4,900 user reviews, with critics praising Hart’s charisma, relatable storytelling, and his ability to engage through self-deprecating humor. Industry observers noted that, despite the modest $150,000 budget, Hart’s stage presence and rapid pacing elevated the production value beyond its financial constraints.[1]
Home Media
[edit]- DVD Release: Comedy Central Records issued the DVD in mid-2009. Bonus features included “Hart’s Hilarious Outtakes,” interviews with Hart, and a behind-the-scenes look at the production.
- Audio Album: The full 72-minute performance was released as an audio album by Comedy Central Records in February 2009, made available on CD, iTunes, and various streaming services.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Hartman, Shannon (2009-02-03), Kevin Hart: I'm a Grown Little Man (Documentary, Comedy), Kevin Hart, Art & Industry, retrieved 2025-06-05
External links
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