Kevin James: Never Don't Give Up

This was..... not good, I was having really bad anxiety and I wanted something to distract me. This title caught my attention, I love Kevin James... but I sat there and just kept waiting for it to be funny... and it wasn't. I couldn't even watch it all the way through it was just so uncharacteristically boring, and I truly wish I had good things to say about it. Absolute dud as far as I'm concerned. I would rather see him slow dance in the Hitch film and show off his fancy dance moves. At least that was funny. Kids shuffling slugs ipad lazy, etc. Everything they show in the previews is pretty much capturing the gist of this show. Love Kevin James but this is hardly a 2/10 and that's being generous.

In my opinion it felt like he didn't have anything drastically new or original so for the first half it felt like he was just trying to feel out the crowd - more than he was unapologetically slamming them with some humor.

As I saw in some other reviews I have to agree that the second half was better and the improv-crowd comedy brought it home for a good close-out. In fact, the tattoo bits were probably my favorite.

Not completely family friendly so I would screen it before watching it with your kids if that's one of your concerns.

It was very close to a 6 for me but the ending gave it a little boost. As you can see from other reviewers the opinions widely vary so it really just depends on who you are. But the main consent is that it definitely wasn't a 10.

This is kevin's first stand up special in 17 years, since his first, and only, 'sweat the small stuff' in 2001. whilst not as energetic or memorable, 'never don't give up' covers a wider variety of topics.

the title is a reference to one of the jokes. though it doesn't serve as a crucial focal point. the best material post 'sweat the small stuff' is compiled into an hour. this format works well as nothing drags, and it keeps things at a fast pace. yet enough time was spent fleshing out each bit, so it doesn't feel rushed. the trailer honestly doesn't do it justice.

the purple backdrop is a nice touch. kevin isn't camouflaged in black this time around. presentation is kept very simple; no need for cut scenes or intermissions as this isn't a television broadcast, or home media.

the audience doesn't seem to be as lively, and I even suspect that some of the laughter may be canned - due to it sometimes not matching their body language. of course there are plenty of laughs, but they were all even levelled across the board. none of the bits stood out above others in terms of their reactions.

kevin is still animated; his stories are peppered with facial expressions and mimes.

much of his act throughout the years has been based on frustration. however, this marks the first time that it has been directed towards certain groups of people. his age is starting to show, and that is reflected in the way he sees the world. he knows what he knows and isn't interested in learning anything new. there's an 'intolerance' that is worrisome, though not alarming...

clean humour has also been long associated with kevin's brand. he was never one to use any 'major' profanities or lewdness. here is no exception, in fact, this seems cleaner than 'sweat..' in that respect. however, there are some 'gross out' jokes and references to adult life that are not 'family friendly' as advertised, or suitable for the squeamish.

this may not have been exactly the sequel I was waiting for, but it's a nice addition nonetheless. stand up comedy is kevin's foundation. it's what he does best. in fact, it would be nice if he could focus on this medium exclusively, and develop a series of specials. just like his peers brian regan and jim gaffigan have.

Kevin, I've loved your comedy for years but this latest production...Really? You're bashing men for having lactose intolerance? It is a real thing. Please don't perpetuate the myth that men are intolerant to physical ailments. Jesus Christ. We've come so far. Really, get a new schicht!

Please don't do this to our society.

I've stop following you. Please Kevin Jesus Christ. You should get it.

I used to think you're funny, but not anymore! Society has changed for the better. I hope you can get on board and realize that.

Disappointed to hear your latest comedy comments... I hope you're not doing this just to try to make money.

The first half was not funny at all in my opinion. He seemed almost like hew as faking being mad for the sake of the routine. Also the joke all seemed worn out. Kinda like the jokes you make with your family but you know every other family has also already made them. I stoped about 25 mins in I think because I was not enjoying it. Went back today to finish it because I like completing shows, and it was much better. Second half was funny and he seemed to easy up on the pseudo mad attitude. If the whole show was like the second half, I would have ranked it and 8.