This follow-up special to the comedy The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is one of those interactive programs that have been popping up on Netflix. This was a pretty fun experience.
First off, like the original show there are a ton of very funny lines. Also like the show, I felt there were a fair amount of types of jokes that the writers were more into than the audience is. (All the bits about Titus (Tituss Burgess) being lazy get old).
Though not the first to interactive stories, this special has it's own spin. Given Kimmy's emotionally stunted nature, this special specifically pays homage to the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure stories. Now, the amount of basic storylines you can go through only goes so far. (Unless you're a completionist, you'll probably go through 1-3 viewings.) However, the writers seem to realize this. The same scenes can alter in lines or be extended based on choices. The viewer is even rewarded for choosing the same options twice. Also like CYOA, there are dead ends that are often some of the cleverest bits and provide some fun moments of the characters talking directly to the audience.
The cast remains strong. The special manages to include all the regularly recurring characters. Ellie Kemper continues to do an excellent job as Kimmy. She has such range being able to switch from childish to serious perfectly. Jon Hamm returns as the evil Richard Wayne Gary Wayne and continues to kill it. I feel guilty liking the performance, because the character has done such terrible, deplorable things but almost every line of his is gold. Daniel Radcliffe appears in this as Kimmy's fiance, and having a great sense of comedy he fits in perfectly. He works really well off of Kemper. (Although, I felt Radcliffe was a subject of too many obvious, broad British jokes.)
The special looks great, continuing the show's brightly colored and lit aesthetic.
Overall, I recommend this. However, if you're one of those people who may have felt the show dropped in quality after season 1, be forewarned that this does feel like that part of the show.
