Review by StevePulaski

Ellen Degeneres: The New Beginning is the comedy special the comedian/future talk show host did a few months after coming out as a lesbian and opening herself to lethal criticism. If you can't recall the headlines she spawned and responses she garnered from her audacious movie, she proudly does a wordless, musical reenactment of one of the most important moments in her life. In addition, she goes into detail about how insects and other creatures have relationships akin to the ones humans have, the depression the person on the other end of the shampoo hotline must have, and more in the special. Degeneres is hilariously inspired because of the way she analyzes things in life that would likely go unnoticed by a large majority of people. Her ability to make humor and a sustainable monologue on something so ridiculous is precisely her strongest talent. It must also be said that the ending of the special touches a sentimental, emotional note that few comedy specials even come close to reaching.

Starring: Ellen Degeneres. Directed by: Joel Gallen.