Jim Gaffigan: Beyond the Pale

My wife and I watched this, primarily as a distraction while she was on the verge of labor with our first child, and we absolutely laughed our respective asses off. I can't say for certain that it actually sped the labor, but it's entirely possible that it did so.

Gaffigan is a comic genius with remarkably impeccable timing and phrasing, as well as a penchant for the completely random subject material, especially when random has anything to do with food... There seems to be a very special place in his heart for Hot Pockets, and his ability to speak the thoughts of the audience is clear demonstration of his ability to both read and steer his fans and critics alike.

If you like stand-up, watch this recording - Brilliant!

I was just thinking recently how I haven't seen a great stand up special in a while. There have been some good ones, amusing, funny, but not great. It's been a while since I sat on my couch laughing for an hour getting light headed from lack of oxygen. Like many great comedians his delivery makes an amusing joke hysterical.

I saw about 10 minutes and quickly checked the schedule to see if it aired again soon, luckily it did and I used the DVR to capture it for me and my girlfriend to watch the next night. We both laughed for the full hour. I was starting to forget what it was like to see a great stand up special, glad to be reminded. Look for this one.

Jims comedy style really sticks out as even when his jokes aren't that funny his 'after voice' turns them round to something special. His ability to laugh at himself and intercept any judgements of him really denies you the right to not like him. His act isn't perfect, there's a lot of localised and period jokes that don't stand the test of time, Im in the UK and didn't understand at least 1/10 of his act. However, I have been quoting this with my brother for weeks, his comedy really sets a new bar for contemporary stand up comedians and his observational comedy really shines a light on other comedians that live on mocking celebrities (Rock, Chappelle etc).

Summary: Rent it now!

This sketch was absolutely brilliant. Its all about Jim Gaffigan talking about anything that comes to his mind.

Ranging from food to holidays he talks in numerous persons.

He talks as one person in the audience throughout and I was surprised at how much I laughed.

He is absolutely brilliant when it comes to stupid things like hot pockets and how holidays are degenerating our society.

His clever use of words is truly mindblowingly funny.

Go to your local Suncoast and shell-out the 10 to 15 bucks required to get this its worth it.

Incontinence aside, Beyond the Pale is hilarious! From his obsessions with food, to his humorous impersonation of a confused audience member, Jim Gaggigan hits all the right notes. His comedy is not edgy, or very unique, but it is his on stage presence and timing that make for a stand-up special that will have you and your friends re-quoting lines for months to come.

I am a fan of many different comedians and love a variety of stand-up routines and performances, and Jim Gaffigans is one that you will remember. Even if a year from now you can't recall his name, you will still be singing to yourself "HOT POCKET, CALIENTE POCKET".

Don't take life to seriously. Laugh, and enjoy yourself.