My 2023 Diary of Films and Shows: Standup Specials (2/3)

Part 2: My Standup Specials

This is part 2 of my Screen Time Chronicles: My 2023 Diary of Films and Shows. Given the significant amount of content I’ve consumed, I divide my post into three summaries, categorizing them as narrative films, stand-up specials, and documentaries.

I’ve immersed myself in many stand-up specials, finding Netflix to possess the most comprehensive collection, especially for recent titles. HBOGo, on the other hand, is a treasure trove for some of the classic stand-up pieces.

In 2024, I curated a top list of stand-up specials, highlighting my favorites and omitting those that didn’t resonate. Topping this list is Billy Crystal’s performance in ‘700 Sundays,’ arguably the finest stand-up special I’ve ever seen. Crystal, raised among legendary jazz musicians, pursued comedy to spread joy to all. His performance is a rollercoaster of laughter and tears, setting a high bar in stand-up comedy. Also unforgettable is Lewis Black’s ‘On Broadway,’ characterized by his sharp wit and signature rants.

Watching stand-up legends like Dave Chappelle is a must for any comedy enthusiast. In ‘Sticks And Stones,’ Chappelle humorously tackles subjects like LGBT issues, mass shootings, and cancel culture. Meanwhile, ‘Equanimity’ features his trademark edgy humor, touching on topics such as transgender issues and the Trump-Hillary election, all wrapped up with powerful punchlines. In ‘Killin’ Them Softly,’ Chappelle delves into racism and the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, with the latter half of the show being particularly memorable. Lastly, in ‘What’s In A Name,’ Chappelle delivers a thought-provoking performance centered around art and criticism.

Neal Brennan, a former writer for Dave Chappelle, is witty and sharp. In ‘Blocks,’ he skillfully intertwines comedy with social commentary on gun control and liberalism. In ‘3 Mics,’ he offers a blend of personal stories about depression and insightful musings on gender relationships.

Judah Friedlander’s ‘America Is The Greatest Country In The United States’ humorously explores his hypothetical presidential run, engaging the audience with witty responses.

Hasan Minhaj stands out with his intelligently crafted specials. In ‘The King’s Jester,’ he explores the birth of his child and his journey to comedy while poking fun at Arab freedom. In ‘Homecoming King,’ Hasan presents an engaging story of childhood and teenage racism that forms the heart of his stand-up material. His comedy is always brilliantly written, funny, and heartfelt.

I am inclined towards family-friendly stand-up comedians like Mike Birbiglia, who skillfully weaves humor into his life experiences. In ‘My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,’ he narrates his love story, encompassing embarrassing first kisses and his skepticism about marriage, evolving from a self-proclaimed loser to a storyteller with a heartfelt tale. In ‘The New One,’ Mike presents a heartwarming narrative about transitioning from reluctance to fully embracing fatherhood. ‘Thank God For Jokes’ finds Mike Birbiglia reflecting on the challenges of being late and the subtleties of cursing.

Seth Meyers, primarily known for his work as a late-night talk show host and former ‘Saturday Night Live’ head writer, also has a notable career as a stand-up comedian. His ‘Lobby Baby’ hilariously recounts his wedding and the birth of his sons.

Trevor Noah impresses with his remarkable skill in mimicking famous accents and sharing amusing travel anecdotes. In ‘I Wish You Would,’ he brilliantly uses accents to comment on political themes, culminating in a memorable piece about an Indian restaurant experience. In ‘Chris Tucker Live,’ Chris masterfully combines comical impressions with entertaining stories about his friendships with Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Jim Jefferies began his career by sleazy jokes and poking fun at religion just for the sake of it, but he has since evolved into a more nuanced comedian. In ‘Freedumb,’ he delivers a riotous performance, covering topics like vaccination and religion, showcasing some of his finest comedic work. In ‘This Is Me Now,’ Jim humorously recounts stories involving his child and working with Mariah Carey. It stands as his best and most mature stand-up performance to date.

Chris Rock is known for his outspoken style and frequent use of profanity. In ‘Kill The Messenger,’ he humorously navigates perceptions of black men and women during the Obama and Bush presidencies. In ‘Never Scared,’ Chris delivers a sharp and unapologetic take on marriage, children, and women. ‘Total Blackout’ features Chris discussing gun control and his personal life, including his divorce. While it starts intelligently, it later veers into cruder comedy. In ‘Selective Outrage,’ he addresses topics like racism, his daughter’s education, and the infamous slap incident, blending a harsh tone with undeniable truths.

Bill Burr is renowned for his abrasive comedic style. In ‘Live At Red Rocks,’ he fearlessly tackles woke culture, feminism, and other subjects. His loud and unapologetic approach is particularly evident in his closing segment on abortion. While striving to push boundaries, Tom Segura occasionally delves into territory that may seem excessive. In ‘Disgraceful,’ his stand-up special is filled with laughter, particularly in segments addressing topics like being horny and undergoing a prostate exam.

Jeff Dunham, renowned for his distinctive ventriloquism acts, provides a refreshing departure from the edgier comedy styles. In ‘Arguing With Myself,’ he engages in humorous debates with various characters, featuring recurring gay and racist jokes. In ‘Minding The Monsters,’ Jeff’s characters unveil their alter egos, delivering a comical performance, with Peanut standing out as particularly hilarious.

In ‘Right Here Around The Corner,’ Ray Romano effortlessly shares family and marriage anecdotes while performing at his first comedy club, creating an easy-going and relatable atmosphere. Sam Morrill’s ‘Same Time Tomorrow’ humorously breaks taboos in a carefree and controversial style, showcasing intelligence but catering to a specific audience. In ‘Right Now,’ Aziz Ansari delves into topics like woke culture and family life, establishing an incredible connection with the audience. Adam Sandler’s ‘100% Fresh’ offers a fun viewing experience with his parody songs and cheeky joke punchlines.

One of the most brilliant comics from The UK is Ricky Gervais, whose no-holds-barred style is painfully honest yet resonates with truth. ‘Humanity’ is a witty exploration of social media, aging, and his decision not to have children, all delivered in his trademark style. Another emerging talent from the UK, Romesh Ranganathan, shows dry British humor. In ‘The Cynic,’ he humorously navigates his son’s misadventures, flawlessly executed and highly enjoyable.

Gad Elmaleh, with Moroccan roots and Paris as his home, demonstrates remarkable talent. In ‘American Dream,’ Gad Elmaleh humorously highlights the distinctions between American and French cultures and behaviors. In ‘Immigrant,’ Iranian comedian Maz Jobrani humorously delves into the contributions of immigrants to the United States. While there are a few crude jokes, there are also moments that elicit genuine laughter. In ‘John Leguizamo’s Latin History For Morons,’ he explores heroes from Aztec to Inca history, skillfully blending woke themes with engaging storytelling and comedy.

Ronny Chieng from Malaysia showcases brilliance in one special but could benefit from more consistency in others. In ‘Asian Comedy Destroys America,’ he humorously explores his first-time visit to New York City and amusing stereotypes, including the one about Chinese people loving money. ‘Almost Famous’ by Russell Peters features witty punchlines as he playfully roasts the audience, although it could benefit from a more coherent theme. In ‘Sweet And Juicy,’ Sheng Wang humorously discusses his girlfriend’s mammogram and his insecurities, delivering laughs along the way.

Hannah Gadsby, originating from Australia, distinguishes herself through her profound self-reflection on her life. In ‘Nanette,’ she candidly recounts her coming-out experience and the violence she endured, crafting a powerful punchline through her vulnerability and anger. Rosie O’Donnell takes the stage with ‘A Heartfelt Standup,’ sharing heartfelt stories of raising her children and her near-fatal heart attack, all delivered with humor and touching moments. Meanwhile, Wanda Sykes brings her wit to the forefront in ‘Not Normal,’ where she humorously tackles topics such as Trump, racial differences, and her marriage.

I’ve explored numerous standup comedians, some of whom stand out for their unique styles and cultural perspectives. Jimmy Carr is known for mastery of one-liner punchlines, while Sebastian Maniscalco captivates with his over-the-top delivery. Jo Koy brings humor rooted in Filipino culture, and Vir Das offers a comedic perspective steeped in Indian heritage. Gabriel Iglesias draws from his Mexican culture, and Bill Maher provides a take on current events and politics. However, some popular comedians don’t quite match my taste. For instance, Ali Wong often focuses on belittling her husband in her routines, and Sarah Silverman’s approach includes taking jabs at religion.

Part 1: Exploring Narrative Cinema
Part 2: My Standup Specials
Part 3: My Documentary Picks