Kill Tony: Once Upon a Time in Texas

At its core, Kill Tony: Once Upon a Time in Texas takes the high energy idea of a one minute stand up set and turns it into a feature film. In a packed Austin club, Tony Hinchcliffe hosts a ruthless showcase where rising comics receive a quick critique from a rotating panel of famous guests. The format blends live performance with backstage tension as the panelists push jokes to the edge and the crowd roars in agreement or groans at the hits and misses. The film centers on the immediacy of the moment, the pressure of a tight timer, and the unpredictable chemistry between host, guests, and hopefuls. The cast plays themselves. Behind the scenes, the cast trades rapid banter.

Directed by Anthony Giordano, the film extends the Kill Tony format from a live show into a theatrical experience. It showcases the energy and improvisational spirit that defines the Austin scene and the comics who appear on screen. It leans into the chaos of immediate audience feedback and the tension of judging quick punch lines, inviting viewers to sit ringside.

Box office data for Kill Tony: Once Upon a Time in Texas has not been disclosed publicly. The film is positioned as a festival and limited release project rather than a wide commercial rollout.

As of now there are no major award nominations announced for this title. The movie leans into a live performance vibe rather than a traditional awards friendly narrative, so its reception will likely be measured more by audiences and club circuits than by trophies.

The film captures the pulse of stand up in a high pressure yet playful setting. It probes the line between humor and risk, celebrating quick wit while showing how fame, friendship, and the crowd shape what lands in a single minute. It also looks at the grind behind the scenes the hustle for club bookings and the moments when a room turns on a joke or a host flubs a setup. The result is a crowd pleasing snapshot of modern stand up with a wink.