Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity

This is the 2nd DVD of Dunham's shows, and I wish we could rate higher than a 10, since the 1st one is a 10 and this DVD is even better. We chanced upon these from a DVD rental service where you can watch some movies for free, and have never laughed so hard or for so long. There are a variety of characters, and the audience is able to relate to at least one of Dunham's "friends." Dunham first comes out doing a stand-up routine, which of course each character manages to work into their routine when they are brought out later. You get the sense that these are not puppets but actual beings. Want even more laughs, head to youtube and check out the bloopers.

Dunham has to be one of the funniest comedians working today, and note I didn't specify just as a ventriloquist. Having said that, I have to pause for a moment to reflect on something: Achmed the Dead Terrorist is hysterical, and it's probably better to laugh at your enemy than fear him, but I think Dunham pushes the envelope a little too far with this character. Ditto Jose Jalapeno. I am amazed Mexicans haven't risen up in revolt, except they have no voice yet in America. Jose reminds me of Bill Dana's Jose Jimenez character or for that matter, the Taco Bell dog. Or even Speedy Gonzalez and his siesta-loving buddies. So maybe Dnham is the equivalent of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog or Lisa Lampanelli, both of whom also push the envelope to the point of discomfort -- even while they have me bending over in spasms of laughter. But it's easy for me, a white, English-speaking, Christian male, to laugh at what in truth is thinly veiled racial humor. Imagine Achmed as a Jewish moneylender or Jose as an Italian organ grinder. Not so funny now, huh? Characters like Walter and Bubba, on th other hand, are right out of the Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy days, although I don't think I ever heard Bergen's puppets get that rude. Peanut is another matter entirely. One way or the other, I believe Dunham is a truly gifted performer even if his humor does get pretty vexsome. The guy is pulling in $30 million a year, so he must be doing something right. Someone here has suggested characters like Achmed and Jose Jalapeno are simply playing on American ignorance, which is exactly what Borat does. But I'm not so sure this is true in Dunham's case.

I first saw Jeff Dunham when I was in high school and all he had was Peanut and Jose Jalapeno. My sister and I were always saying the "zooom" Peanut does when someone doesn't get a joke - and actually, still do! When I saw him on Comedy Central a couple of years ago, I could not believe it had been about 15 years since I had seen him. I am so glad he still has Peanut and Jose Jalepeno (on a stick!) and absolutely love Walter. Luckily I was able to see him in Boca Raton last year and he was outstanding. It is impossible to not think the puppets are the ones who are actually alive - he is a truly gifted ventriloquist. Anxious to see what new characters he comes up with - Achmed is too funny. Can't wait to see him again!!!

I am a big fan of guys like Ralphie May, Gabriel Iglesias, Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White, etc, but Jeff Dunham absolutely is the most talented standup comic out there. It's simply amazing how the guy manages to give inanimate objects such diverse and strong personalities. It almost feels like if you saw one of them thrown out beside the highway some where you would yell- "Hey, there's Walter!" or "Oh my God, it's Achmed!" The thing that separates Dunham from any other comic out there is because most standup comics each have unique routines, but they mostly rely on a single catchphrase- like Blue Collar's "HERE'S YOUR SIGN!" But Jeff Dunham each gives the puppets a unique personality, and each and every one of them are hilarious in their own way. He even sticks out among other ventriloquists, as well as other standup comics.

I could say much, much more, but I will condense everything by saying simply Jeff Dunham is a genius!!!

It was a beautiful show, it was the first show of the dead puppet, I learned that from the show. I like political references on shows like this, well done.