Tom Wilson: Bigger Than You (2009)

The standup comedy world is filled with a lot of foul-mouthed individuals whose primary goal seems to be not to make people laugh, but merely to shock people. That is why the recently released DVD Tom Wilson: Bigger Than You is a breath of fresh air.

Wilson is best known for his role as Biff Tannen in 1985's Back To The Future, one of the most beloved movies of the past quarter century. He also starred in the film's two sequels as relatives of Biff. Since then he has done a great deal of voiceover work, and also starred in the cult hit television series “Freaks and Geeks,” with Seth Rogen and Jason Segel.

Most recently he has been focusing on a career as a musician and standup comedian, and he showcases both talents on the Bigger Than You DVD.

He starts off the show with the tune Biff's Question Song. Here he hopes to immediately get his famous Back to the Future role out of the way by answering all of his frequently asked questions about the film in musical form.

Wilson discusses the tough men he was surrounded by in his family, who were all in very manly vocations, such as the military and coal miners. He contrasts that with his early “geekiness,” playing in the school's marching band, and auditioning for Broadway shows, even though his 6'3”, 200 plus pound frame would seem to lend itself better to being on the football team.

Wilson talks with admiration about those in the military, including those in his own family. He jokes that he almost had his own military experience, but ultimately failed to land a role in Platoon. He also pokes fun at his own large (by today's standards) family of four children, the violent lyrics of Irish drinking songs, and his affinity for buying obscene amounts of loot at Costco. Along the way he keeps it clean, reminiscent of another 1980s star, Bill Cosby.

Wilson closes the show by showcasing his musical talents with a great bit where he sings a series of haiku songs (each is only 17 syllables), the best being Danny Bonaduce probably wouldn't make a very good babysitter. He follows that up with another winner, the I'm over 40 Song, which basically hammers home the point that once you get past that milestone, you simply don't care as much about how people view you.

Included in the extras is a look at Wilson's other passion, painting. Wilson specializes in paintings of classic toys, such as G.I. Joe, View-Master and Rock ‘Em Sock' Em Robots. Like Wilson's standup, his paintings are accessible and bring a smile to one's face.

Although Wilson may always be known for the role he played many years in the past, his future in comedy looks very bright indeed.