Jim Gaffigan: Beyond the Pale

"Dad" comic Jim Gaffigan steps into the spotlight for his first stand-up special. However, Gaffigan had already released 5 albums by the time this special premiered, so he was no novice. Perhaps one of the least controversial comics working today, Gaffigan's material may be considered a bit slight by some. He tends to keep to minor annoyances and innocuous observations, usually involving food (it is truly amazing how much material he is able to pull out of Hot Pockets). In addition, using asides, Gaffigan comments on his own comedy as a member of the audience in a peculiar voice, which may put some off, but otherwise, should appeal to most people across the spectrum. Definitely one of the strongest family-friendly comedians out there.

Man, this guy is hilarious!!! I laughed nearly all the way through this stand up DVD.

I had seen Jim Gaffian on that commercial where he has the beard comb-over and th wayyy to short cut-offs, so I thought, "Hey, this guy might be sick enough to make me laugh". Well, he is.

He also gets as many laughs without the nonstop vulgarities that seem to fill up most comedians acts these days. Don't get me wrong, vulgar = funny, but it's also refreshing when somebody does stuff that doesn't require and f-word translator to get the joke out of the dialogue.

His routine is great and I really recommend checking it out if you're a stand up comedy fan. plus, there's as much material in the special features as in the act itself, so you get double the money's worth.

Gaffigan is funny without using a single obscenity or sex joke. Unlike Kevin Hart, who I like also, Gaffigan is not shouting or talking about his penis or his sex life at all. Gaffigan makes everyday events funny. He makes remarks and observations about the daily life experiences we all have, and he makes them sound funny. I really enjoy his humor. It is easy to laugh, and to see life in a more humorous way.

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.

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!