Craig Ferguson: Does This Need to Be Said?

Few comedians can make me laugh like Craig Ferguson, and this is Craig at his best. This is a Craig set free and allowed to be himself, without the artificial constraints of his TV show (censor, budget, lighting, insert your own Late Late Show recurring joke here), and the results are hilarious.

He's a master storyteller, and able to weave jokes in and out of what sometimes appear to be some of the most random topics ever. The special covers a broad spectrum, but it all pulls together into some epic comedy.

And probably the most infectious, *bleep*-eating grin ever. Not sure why that's a phrase (why on earth would anyone first think to describe a grin as *bleep*-eating?), but it's apt. He has a great rapport with his audience, and it shows. It's clear he's having a great time, and cares that his audience is too. Judging from the laughs, they were. (I was lucky enough to be in the audience when it was filmed, but I think the special does a good job catching the energy there that night).

Profane, profound, and side-splittingly funny. There aren't many comedians like Craig Ferguson, and this special is a great showcase for his talent.

This was classic CraigyFerg. AWESOME is an understatement. Throughout - several times - he hinted at a joke that he claimed is The Best Joke Ever. He finally shared - and I am still running it through my mind. It was EXCELLENT!!

Brilliant!

He is fresh / original / adorable / lovely and so on.

I WISH he would come to Lincoln City or at least Portland on his spring tour...

I am so glad he included a musical skit with his live performance. This was a very appreciated surprise.

The lighting was GREAT - the production values superb. Well paced and thoroughly entertaining.

For the longest time, I thought I did not care for Craig Ferguson. I thought, "Oh, he is just not that funny." And then I was in a hotel in Chicago and there was nothing else on but his late show, and I could not stop laughing. His opening monologue was hilarious...

This stand-up is very much like his best monologues, but with a great deal of vulgar language. More f-bombs here than in many comedy acts (and that is hard to claim).

I love the recap of the Kevin Costner honeymoon scandal, his comparing the end of "Titanic" and the immigration of Cuban families... and I especially love that he points out he was in punk rock rallying against men in suits... only to become one.

the big difference between this show and the late late show Ferguson does is swear words. He swears a lot, and it makes him come off a little aggressive.

Now I am not a prude - I love cursing - but somehow it just works better with Craig having "ooh-lah-lahs" censorship. Cursing adds nothing positive to the show - it does detract from his natural charm,.

Regarding the material, it is okay- but mostly run of the mill. Far from spectacular. The few new jokes you'll find here aren't really that good, and certainly not original in any way.

So in summary: If you're a huge fan, watch it - if you just enjoy his late late show antics, give it a pass.