genious-35413 Reviews

Rory Scovel: Religion, Sex and a Few Things in Between (2024 TV Special)

A Wonderful Hour+ of Unique Comedy

[8/10 · 25 February 2024]

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 TV Special)

Un-Cancelable

[8/10 · 1 January 2024]

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 TV Special)

A Masterful Comedian

[10/10 · 29 December 2023]

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 TV Special)

If You're Going To See One Kevin Hart Special This Year - Make It This One

[8/10 · 26 July 2023]

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 Video)

A Solid (Almost) Hour

[9/10 · 25 June 2023]

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

[8/10 · 29 May 2023]

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 TV Special)

For A Cranky Guy...

[9/10 · 4 May 2023]

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 TV Special)

A Masterpiece

[10/10 · 23 April 2023]

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 TV Special)

Another Great Comedy Special from Kyle Kinane

[8/10 · 6 April 2023]

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 TV Special)

I Regret Not Knowing Of Him Sooner

[8/10 · 5 April 2023]

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 TV Special)

I Want To Like It

[1/10 · 30 March 2023]

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

[9/10 · 22 February 2023]

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 n' Dry (2023 TV Special)

Ignore The Amateur Critics...

[10/10 · 16 February 2023]

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 (2023–2024)

It's Network Pablum

[3/10 · 13 February 2023]

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

[8/10 · 13 January 2023]

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 TV Special)

Lots Of Negative Reviews...

[8/10 · 9 December 2022]

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 Video)

Everything And More That You Want From Florentine

[10/10 · 1 November 2022]

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 TV Special)

Feast or Famine in Comedy Specials Now

[9/10 · 27 October 2022]

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

[7/10 · 16 September 2022]

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.

Sam Morril: Same Time Tomorrow (2022 TV Special)

Thank God For the Good Comedy Specials

[10/10 · 3 September 2022]

Things were looking very bleak for the Netlix comedy specials. It was perplexing that Netflix had a comedy festival and that so many specials that came out on Netflix were so utterly bad. Especially the 'And Friends' specials that were inexplicably bad and the Whitney Cummings which was equally bad, but not that surprising.. But now, we're finally getting the good ones: Bill Burr Live at Red Rocks, Tim Dillon. And this Sam Morril special which is less than 45 minutes but filled with A material - and a little bit of crowd work. He had some great material during the pandemic and now, some great takes on abortion, politics without being divisive. He truly is a master and this special ranks right up with all of the greats that Netflix has.

I Love My Dad (2022)

A True Horror Comedy FIlm

[7/10 · 30 August 2022]

There is an endless production line of lame horror movies that have no bite whatsoever. They are tepid and cliched - resrting to the same tired tactics that everyone can now see coming a mile away. And the new genre of horror comedy is just self-defeating, also resorting to lame gimmicks that have become. People need to remember that horror doesn't need to be some maniac killer with a hatchet or some zombie monster or whatever garbage that is put out there... you know... the kind of stuff that (alleged) musician Rob Zombie produced once he became a (alleged) director. All you need is to be horrified. And if you aren't horrified by some of the things that happen in this movie, I will question your familial upbringing. This isn't to say the ovie isn't enjoyable. It's actually this horror that makes the movie so great AND also what makes it one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. Don't let anyone tell you any details about it - just see it and enjoy how uncomfortable it can be. And remember: It's based on a true story.

Oh, and please don't refer to the movie as 'cringe'. In fact, stop people from using that word (incorrectly) whenever you hear it.

Firestarter (2022)

Let's Churn Out Another Remake...

[1/10 · 14 August 2022]

In lieu of doing something original... or even good. At this point, studios are just slapping together whatever garbage they can to produce what they call a movie. Bad script combined with embarrassing special effects, uninspired directing. The only good thing about the movie is the score. Save yourself some money and buy the soundtrack instead. I'd like to say that movies like this shouldn't even get made, but to be quite hoest, this is what most movies are now: take a recognizable name, remake it and hope that you dupe enough people to turn a profit... even though the studios will claim they lost money, no matter how big of a movie it ends up being. Hopefully this one won't be. Steven King should ban anyone involved in this movie from doing anything attached to his name - including the eventual remakes of The Shining, Cujo and everything else that has already been made - sometimes more than once.

Please stop with the remakes, reimaginings, reboots, reduxes, retreads.

Whitney Cummings: Jokes (2022 TV Special)

Part of the 'Ladies Who Holler' Comedy Festival

[3/10 · 3 August 2022]

I prefer the old Whitney where she would only yell the punchline - so that we knew where the funny was. It was like her own personal version of an applause sign and a laugh track. But now, she starts out yelling and mugging. Sadly, comedy specials seem to be rife with this now: Iliza Schlessinger, Kevin Hart, etc. Some people like to refer to them as being 'high energy' but it's just exhausting and it seems to be a tool and a tactic to use when the material isn't really there. This is what Robin Williams did for years and everybody was fooled by it. But go back and watch it now and you'll realize it was all a smokescreen. You're better off watching the latest Bill Burr special. Or Tig Notaro's last special.

David (2016– )

Great Writing and A Great Series Worth Finding

[7/10 · 30 July 2022]

First off, this series is on Vimeo so the best thing for you to do is just ignore the rest of this insipid, pointless review and go find it on there. In fact, I'm not going to say anything more about it because it would just be wasting your time.

Bill Burr: Live at Red Rocks (2022 TV Special)

Bill Cured My Wife Of Being An Insufferable Feminist

[9/10 · 18 July 2022]

You'll know why when you watch this special. I had forgotten what comedy specials were supposed to be. For a few years now, there has been a glut of specials that range from pure woke garbage created for applause breaks (Ilana Glazer) to idiotic, over-the-top WWE style pyrotechnic intros (Iliza Schlessinger) to inexplicable garbage (Adam Devine) and then a series of lacklustre, mediocre group specials brought to you by Bill Burr or Pete Davidson. Oh, and the unwatchable 'Mom Jeans' by Christina P.

It has been so long since I've watched a special where I was sore from laughing that I forgot they exist. Until now. Old Billy Blue Balls talks about his anger issues, his Dad growing up and best of all, women's failure at feminism. You must see this now.