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Reviews
Speak No Evil (2024)
Another Mediocre American Remake
While it's nice that there is still the occasional movie released that ISN'T a Marvel retread/sequel/remake.redux/re-imagining/reboot or another in the never-ending glut of Star Wars movies, it's disappointing that American films continue to take what was a decent story and then waste the talents of great actors, only to resort to the same, tired, drawn out third acts that never seem to end. Go back to the 90s and watch Fatal Attraction and then think about how the last 20 minutes of that movie has been done to death. The first two thirds of this movie were very effective but it became obvious that it was going to be something we've all seen done to death and it gets dull watching it play out, waiting for the ending to come while having that little sliver of hope that maybe something unexpected happens. But it doesn't. Go watch the original. It's not GREAT - but it's not jam-packed with horror movie cliches like this one is.
Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval (2024)
"Applause Kills Comedy" - Colin Quinn
Yes, Colin Quinn, a true comedian, couldn't have said it better, even though he wasn't talking about this special. It certainly applies. I was curious to see what the special would be like but I had a feeling it would be a lot pf pandering to the seals. And it was. But even worse, it was the attempt to present herself as victim of the system or something. I guess when you get to a certain level of fame, you have so many sycophants around you that you don't have to accept the fact that you're not a good person, and even more: Not a good comedian. She had a good run doing Bob Newhart's shtick but it just ran dry and this special shows that she just doesn't have it. Sure, she'll sell out theatres but the material isn't there and the delivery is more contrived than ever.
James Adomian: Path of Most Resistance (2024)
What A Comedy Workout!
I love that not only does Adomian really give it his all but the material is so great. I've never seen a comedian so committed and skilled at making you see the characters that they're playing. Most will just go through the motions but this is not what that is. He is not giving you a half-a**ed effort and you can see it. If you watch the special, ten you will know exactly what I'm talking about. And best of all, the special is on youtube so what do you have to lose? Nothing. Just put the name into youtube and watch it. In fact: Watch it twice, like I did. It's worth your time.
And tell your friends to watch it.
Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats (2024)
"Applause Kills Comedy" - Colin Quinn
I've enjoyed past Rogan specials, as well as seeing him live at Massey Hall and other venues in Toronto. You expect a certain amount of meathead nonsense and conspiracy talk which may or may not be genuine. But the thing I've always found grating has now become a constant in this show: yelling everything as though he doesn't have a microphone. I know that's how the show is going to start, along with the cheap pandering to San Antonio but it just never lets up and it becomes draining. And the ratio of actual laughs to applause breaks - excluding the times he solicits it by referencing his move to Texas, Fear Factor, the podcast, is not going in the right direction.
I realize that not giving a glowing review if this will result in the usual nonsense of having labels hurled but I'm not even American, so save it.
There are some funny bits but overall, it's just a lot of energy to try and sell the bits as being funnier than they are.
Eric: Episode #1.6 (2024)
Did Disney Buy Netflix After Episode 5?
What happened to the writing in this last episode? It went completely maudlin and corny. Were they suddenly wanting to attract the Hallmark channel fans?
First off, the modern catch phrases like 'do better' makes me think this episode was written by someone that isn't aware of when that phrase was popularized or they DID know but just felt the need to cram it in anyway because they think people need to hear cliched phrases. There were a lot of those in this episode, as well as signs saying 'If you see something, say something' which, let's be honest, wasn't seen before 9-11. But that's all beside the point.
Vincent saving the day by putting on the Eric costume and making a speech at a protest and then getting as corny as a Speilberg movie was very disappointing. If I could say one thing to the writers of this episode, it would be: Do Better.
Keith Robinson: Different Strokes (2024)
A Killer Hour
I was happy to hear that Robinson, one of the regulars that made Tough Crowd so great back when Comedy Central mattered (does it even exist anymore?) would have a special on Netflix. He didn't do a full hour on the stroke, but he clearly could have done a solid hour of material about it. It's great to see that his writing is still as good as ever and that he's enjoying himself in this show. Also some funny stuff on how he had to deal with covid during his problems as well as a great moment around 35 minutes in. But don't listen to my yammering - just watch the special. I hope there are more in the future.
Rory Scovel: Religion, Sex and a Few Things in Between (2024)
A Wonderful Hour+ of Unique Comedy
It seems covid has helped spoil us with so many great comedy specials and it's a miracle that comedians can still put out a special that is not only hilarious but also has such a unique take on subjects that you'd think would be exhausted by so many other stand ups before this. But that is what's great about Rory Scovel - he has a different way of looking at things and then presents his original take in the same way. And he manages to do it without resorting to cliches or any of the usual ways that we've all seen done to death. Now it's time to write 'filler' so that this review can meet the minimum character count.
Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023)
Un-Cancelable
At this point, no review is going to make a difference. You're either going to like him or you're REALLY not going to like him because you can't allow yourself to like him. For fans of comedy and especially Chappelle, his opening bit is crafted perfectly - recounting how I got to meet a hero of his and how it relates to his ongoing views of people that say they want to be treated just like everybody else EXCEPT when it comes to jokes. Which, kind of makes them just like everyone else. It's time for people to stop getting so bent out of shape and enjoy and appreciate jokes about people - especially when it's jokes about your own kind. If you're somehow not sure whether to watch this - just give it a try and try to appreciate it for what it is.
Gary Gulman: Born on 3rd Base (2023)
A Masterful Comedian
I got to see both tapings of this special and I was worried that there were a lot of asides and little stories that wouldn't make it into the special (the stainless steel straws being one of them) but I was happy to see that we, the home viewer didn't lose out. Even the reference to the 'jazzy' opening style that a lot of comedians are doing was kept and was a great way to start the special. Highlight might have been his take on the dental industry that was absolutely hilarious and, without giving anything away, I can only assume it will be a favorite of dental assistants everywhere. Please don't miss out by not seeing this special. He has more than proven himself as a top tier comedian, despite not having the counterspace in his kitchen that SOME comedians don't even have to worry about.
Mark Normand: Soup to Nuts (2023)
If You're Going To See One Kevin Hart Special This Year - Make It This One
Combines a great, unique delivery with very funny material. His style is often like a throwback to comedians from before the Carlin/Pryor era but his jokes and stories are, in no way stale. There are just so many great comedians with specials out there now and hopefully this doesn't get lost in it because it's a gem of a show. And it's nice knowing that the next generation will have guys like Normand and Morril around for a long time. It's hard to review stand up specials without ruining the jokes, but if you like humor about things like having sex with down syndrome people, you will enjoy this show.
Matteo Lane: Hair Plugs & Heartache (2023)
A Solid (Almost) Hour
I feel sorry for anyone that chooses to not watch this because they think of him solely as a 'gay comedian'. Yeah, he does do a TON of great gay material, but even then, a lot of it is easily relatable. And let's be honest: You don't need to be Jewish to appreciate and enjoy Sarah Silverman. You don't have to be a redneck to enjoy Larry the Cable Guy (although you do need to be easily entertained by a contrived, one-note character to enjoy Larry The Cable Guy. The point is, Matteo Lane provides some really great, and sometimes self-deprecating humor that anyone with a sense of humor would be able to enjoy. Plus it's free on youtube (at least as of June 23 it is). And I mean, really, what would you rather be watching? THIS, or the latest Amy Schumer special that is designed more for applause breaks than any genuinely funny comedy material? If you said 'Amy Schumer', then you're wrong and you don't deserve to watch Hair Plugs & Heartache.
Anna's Song (1998)
What An Enjoyable Gem This Is
I see this play on StarRay TV (a local neighborhood pirate TV channel in Toronto) regularly, and I find myself watching it every time it airs, and enjoying as much every viewing. It's exactly what cinema is supposed to be with such great, subtle performances. I highly recommend seeking out this movie and watching because I can't imagine anyone being disappointed. Without giving anything away, the meeting of the two main characters and the awkwardness in the beginning that turns into so much more makes me miss the independent movie scene that we got to enjoy in the 90s. It's too bad that it's long gone, replaced by mindless franchises, comic book movies, Star Wars retreads and Fast And Furious sequels.
Lewis Black: Tragically, I Need You (2023)
For A Cranky Guy...
He is an absolute joy to watch and listen to. It's hard to believe that there is still mileage in pandemic material, but you can count on Lewis Black to make it compelling, funny and most of all: thoughtful. It's hard to review stand up without giving away any jokes or premises so I will only say that he begins the show by coming out to Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' and then immediately mocks the fact that he chose that song, despite it setting expectations that he feels he can't meet. The fact is: He has always exceeded the expectations by a long shot and this special is no different. Stop wasting your time reading the meandering inanity of some random idiot's review on the internet and just watch the show. I mean, it's free and on youtube so there's no reason NOT to watch it.
Louis C.K. at the Dolby (2023)
A Masterpiece
There have been many good stand up specials this year, including Louis CK's Madison Square Garden show, which was as solid of an hour as I thought you could get... but the Dolby show is absolute perfection. There are some small bits that he had also done in the Madison Square Garden show but even already knowing them, they are just so much better in a smaller venue like this. I forgot just how exhaustingly funny comedy can be and there aren't many that can assault you with a barrage to the point of struggling to catch your breat. That is exactly what this special is. And best of all, it is all from a place that only he can come from - whether it's reading from the Bible or his feelings on the wrong parent dyiing. This is a must-see special.
Kyle Kinane: Shocks & Struts (2023)
Another Great Comedy Special from Kyle Kinane
Always consisten, always funny. He has his own version of what seems like stream-of-conscious delisver with a lot of self deprecating asides and great stories - and this special has lots of that. It's hard to write reviews for comedy specials without referencing any of the material so it's best that you just go and find this and enjoy the 57 minutes that zips by, but still leaves you feeling like there was 90 minutes of comedy packed in that hour. There is no shortage of comedy specials out right now, including Big Jay's, Ryan Sickler. Ari Shaffir - so don't let this one sliip by without seeing it.
Mike Vecchione: The Attractives (2023)
I Regret Not Knowing Of Him Sooner
I have heard his name mentioned by many comedians on various podcasts and finally convinced me to check out this special which is absolutely hilarious from start to finish. Mike Vecchione is one of those great comedians that not only has well written material but also has the most unique deliveries of the material. The fact that this is on youtube means that there's no reason to not check it out. This is easily up there with Ari Shaffier's special as one of the best of the year. I'm so glad that real comedy specials are back and hopefully will put an end to no-laugh comedy specials like Hannah Gadsby and Adam Devine, etc.
Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle (2023)
I Want To Like It
As I've wanted to like all of his specials but I just don't get what I'm missing when it comes to peole like him and Whitney Cummings and Kevin Hart, and a few others. Other comedians seem to appreciate him but there's just so much over-the-top nonsense in lieu of actual comedy. I've felt the same thing about Robin Williams - he was probably funny but the manic, inane delivery isn't enough to distract me from the fact that there's very little comedy there. Seriousy - watch it and don't get lulled into laughing because you know it was a punch line. Actually be discerning and think 'is this actually funny?'
Thank GOD Ryan Sickler and Big Jay have 2 great specials coming out in a week - I KNOW they will actually be funny.
Kathleen Madigan: Hunting Bigfoot (2023)
Absolutely Hilarious
I love that, watching a Kathleen Madigan special, you kind of know what you're in for, but still, you are surprised and get so much more. Lots of little stories about her family are easily the highlight of this special for me. But also some great material on growing up in the Ozarks and what life is like there and also able to touch on politics without being divisive. Instead, pointing out the inanity of it all. If you're a reasonable person that isn't a die-hard cult member of either side, you can really appreciate what she's saying and find it hilarious. But stop wasting your time reading reviews like mine. Just watch the special.
Jim Jefferies: High & Dry (2023)
Ignore The Amateur Critics...
Because it's now hip to dump on Jefferies while acting as though one is above it. Anyone that tries to be witty and says their 4 our of 10 rating is because he 'gives it a go' and is a 'partidipaction trophy' is wanting to say more about themselves than the special.
As always, he does a great job with storytelling and his always enjoyable digressions that entertaining enough that you almost forgot what led to them. A great example is the DJ Qualls bit.
Even better is his take on the LGBTQ issues and does a great job laying it all out without leaving the reality of it all. From the sounds of it, this might be the last Jim Jefferies special. I hope it's not but if it is, it's a great way to end. I do hope he continues though because he will be greatly missed.
Not Dead Yet (2023)
It's Network Pablum
I wanted to like the show. I like all of the people in it and was especially excited about Martin Mull and Rick Glassman. But the show is just too filled with cliches from other network comedies and I'm just left feeling like I've watched a show I've already seen countless times. It's tiring. But I'm sure it will do well because network TV has nothing else to put on. I guess I should consider myself lucky that I didn't have to hear the tired and overused catchphrase of 'Wait, WHAT?' But they checked enough of the other go-to tropes that it just makes it unwatchable for me. It's tiring to watch.
Andrew Santino: Cheeseburger (2023)
Loved It - Watch To The End
Cheeto Santino has created not just one of the greatest closing bits ever but what I think of in the same way I do of Gary Gulman's bit about the documentary he watched about the people that shortened the State's names - and has a great similarity.
Ignore the review that does the tired, cliche copout of 'What happened to Andrew Santino?' routine. There's always someone that feels the need to dole out a 1-star review just for the sake of being that way. They are humorless and should stick to the reality show they review and like.
The entire special is very funny and is on the level that Santino always gives but once he begins talking about his dog, then the ride gets VERY fun and he makes a really great point, which he alluded to earlier.
Sebastian Maniscalco: Is It Me? (2022)
Lots Of Negative Reviews...
From people that sound like they don't know who he is, or they don't like that he had evolved and changed it up a bit. To say that this special is 'painful' to watch is ridiculous. Hearing him talk about 'Roary the Lion' was a great bit and a great middle ground for where everybody SHOULD be when it comes to this latest challenge in society.
But of course, some will always take issue with something and they are free to 'change the channel' as they claimed they did. I'm not sure what 'channel' they had their TV on but... okay.
His mannerisms and exhaustion with the annoying people in this world makes for an enjoyable hour. So stop reading useless reviews like this one and watch it at least through the bit about Roary the Lion.
Jim Florentine: Bite the Bullet (2022)
Everything And More That You Want From Florentine
It's hard to write a review of a comedy special without giving any of the material away but I wouldn't dare repeat any of it on here because half of what maes Florentine great is the delivery. I will talk about what ISN'T in his special: redundant covid material. It seems that almost every comedian - many of them that I love - feels the need to do a little chucnk about covid to start the show. But not Florentine. The only thing he mentions of it is his time spent through it with his son, which is absolutely hilarious and not material that you'd hear any other comedian do. It's actually the stories involving his son that I found the funniest. Don't take my word for it - just watch it.
Fortune Feimster: Good Fortune (2022)
Feast or Famine in Comedy Specials Now
It seems like comedy specials have succumbed to the dichotomy of eing either really good or really bad now. Bill Burr's last special, Sam Morrill's latest are stellar. Whitney Cummings, Iliza Schlessinger almost unwatchable. And I'm happy to say that Fortune Feimster's is one of the really good ones. A little bit of covid material out of the way early and then a great story of her proposing and best of all, a funny and profound anecdote about a fella named Gary. I wouldn't dare say any more because the material is so well written and performed that I don't want to ruin it. She is the reason I kept Netflix for yet another month. Not kidding - I want to cancel it but saw her special coming up and knew that it wasn't time.
Watch this if you enjoy laughing.
Confess, Fletch (2022)
I Loathe Sequels/Prequels/Spinoffs/Reduxes/Reimaginings/Remakes
I was dead set against seeing this - not because I hold the original in such high regard. I'm indifferent to it. It was fine at the time but re-watching it a couple of years ago, it just didn't hold up for me. And with all of the great movies to re-watch over and over again (Goodfellas, Heat, anything Tarantino), why would I bother watching this? Well, to begin with: Greg Mottola. And then the cast. And I have to say, this movie didn't disappoint - as cynical as I was. It kept the spirit of Fletch, and the book, but exceeded what I thought I'd get. It's not at all a throwaway comedy - I will probably rewatch this again sooner rather than later. I could yammer on even more but what's the point - it was a good movie and worth watching. So just watch it.