Sebastian Maniscalco: Is It Me?

A little mellow all around, and to have performed as such in Vegas, didn't quite hit it for me. Not on par with his previous venues..not as animated..not as loud..and, frankly, not as funny. Need to come up with new materials not involving family members..sometimes, it can br a bit tiring hearing about stories involving his wife and Father. I thought for a minute old Vegas would be the subject of the show since it started out to be leaning that way but, it turned out, not to be..I was going to pay the price for this show since I was in town during the segment, I'm glad decided not to at last minute. A few laughs, but nothing spectacular//

I've been a big fan previously. This one was way, way below past stand-up specials. Bits start and seem to not go to a real punchline moment. Feels like he forgets where it's going midpoint. Sebastian's stand-up has typically been laugh out loud loudly funny, this one was good for snickers. His eyes appear red and many have suggested maybe he was stoned for this performance which may explain how the bits end with a whimper and no good punchline. The greyhound bit just seemed to evaporate after the visual bit, that was all there was? Disappointing. Giving it a 5 might even be generous for me. I'm almost surprised Netflix deemed this to be suitable for streaming, everything felt unfinished. I hope this is not what to expect in the future. Had I paid to attend this show I'd have been rather irritated.

Good grief that's hard to watch. He thinks that making faces, bold gestures, talking like a working class Italian immigrant is funny. The bits have no arc. There's a beginning and then he flatlines. The most forgettable stories with no insight. His observational skills are puny compared to Seinfeld. Someone close to him needs to tell him, don't do that again. I kept thinking of Steve Martin talking to John Candy in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles":

"And by the way, you know, when, when you're telling these little stories, here's a good idea. Have a point. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!"

He tries hard, one might say too hard and always have tried too hard but his act just isn't funny. Really never was.

His whole act is starting a story, doing some physical stuff and voices and just leaving it for the next one with no real punch lines. Can't remember a single laugh, the most was probably a single chuckle somewhere.... And after all these years does he himself know what exactly he is trying to do? Is it a persona or a poor impersonation? Because it feels a lot like the latter.

I still can't watch him and not get reminded of Dice. But that's just the extent of it. Dice was on a whole other level and sadly even after all these years Sebastian has failed to improve his act above an opening act.

I had high expectations of this Netflix Special, Is It Me.

Loved the premise of #Throwback-Vegas. I was expecting something different. This special was not one of his best. There was nothing close to his "passover" or "airport" or "dance moves" storylines that made you laugh and left you talking about those segments many months later! Middle part was good, but the beginning and end were weak.

Love the guy. Follow him on IG. Doing the "Special" on "Vegas Stars" of the past 50 years would have been hilarious!

Sebastian, time to step out of your "comfort zone". How about including your cooking and grilling experiences, your parties with your neighbors coming over, the difference cultures in your travels, how Canadians are different than Americans, eh! Music tastes or the habits of musicians, etc.

In my books, you are always a 10. However, when I compare your previous work to this "special", this was a 5. If someone is not familiar with your previous work, it was a 7.

Looking forward to seeing your next show in my city!

#LouSmiles.