Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself

Jeff Dunham has to be the funniest ventriloquist on the planet. He incorporates a wide variety of distinct personalities amongst his unforgettable sidekicks. From Walter, Peanut, Jose Jalapeno (... on a steeek!), to Bubba J and Sweet Daddy Dee, you will not soon forget these memorable characters. Years ago I remember seeing Mr. Dunham do numerous shows coming up and he was a definite standout from all his comedy competition. Recently at the American Comedy Awards, Mr. Dunham was voted Male Stand-up comic of the year. This piece has been a long time coming and delivers spot on. If not for a slight bit of vulgar language this would be a piece for comedy lovers of all ages. A definite master of his craft, Mr. Dunham is not one to be missed. Arguing With Myself is a must have.

Ventriliquism is an act of deception. The audience must believe that the puppets are actually talking instead of the puppeteer making voices. Unless the audience buys into it, nothing works. And Jeff Dunham is so skilled that it is near impossible to believe that this is a ventriloquist.

That being said, "Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself" is nothing short of hysterical. The first time I watched it, I was nearly crying because I was laughing so hard. It may take up little more than an hour of time, but you're laughing heartily the whole way through.

The performance opens up with Jeff doing a small roughly 5-7 minute routine. The little story that he tells is pretty funny, and sets up a running gag throughout the show. Dunham may be a ventriloquist, but he's still funny without them.

First up is what is arguably his funniest doll (his most famous one, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, was created later), Walter. Walter is a cantankerous, foul-mouthed, wife hating old man who loves sarcasm and verbally abusing everyone, including certain audience members.

Next up is Jeff's new agent, Sweet Daddy D, who Jeff suddenly realizes is a pimp, and considers Jeff to be his "ho." He's present in a few "backstage" scenes offering commentary, but on stage he's pretty funny.

Unfortunately, after Walter and Sweet Daddy D, the level of hilarity decreases. There are still laughs to be had, but his remaining characters are just not as funny.

Jeff's third character is Bubba J, a self-proclaimed redneck who married his cousin. A lot of the jokes revolve around this and his obviously low intelligence, but the gags are just too broad to be truly hilarious.

Next up is Peanut, a creature from a Micronesean country that looks like some sort of bizarre minaret. He's like a hyperactive, but less intelligent Walter (including a similar voice). He's really only funny when he's paired up with Jose the Jalepeno...which is exactly what you'd think.

Jeff Dunham is clearly talented. His jokes are hysterical, and the voices are so different from his own that it's hard to believe that he's creating them...especially while barely moving his mouth. What I really like is the interaction between himself and his puppets. The rapport that they have is crucial and makes a lot of the jokes funnier than they normally would be. Next to his puppets, Jeff acts meek, and often embarrassed, at the things his co-stars say. What's especially noteworthy about his puppets is that their faces are very versatile...their eyes and many of their facial features move, which adds to the hilarity.

The unsung hero is Manny Rodriguez. Taping a stand up routine seems easy, but it's really not. Rodriguez is able to capture Jeff in the perfect frame: we can clearly see him and his puppets and read their emotions, but we can't see his lips move when he's voicing the puppets. He also knows the concept of comic timing, such as when he switches to the audience members reactions (and the scenes backstage).

This is a raunchy, obscene and hilarious performance (the unbleeped version would definitely be rated R, although in my opinion it should squeak by with a PG-13 rating). If you want to laugh, check Jeff Dunham out!

Far and away one of the funniest comedians I have seen in a long time. His talent as a ventriloquist is nothing short of amazing. You find yourself focusing on the assortment of characters he presents as if they were the ones talking.

I must admit that Walter was my favorite. I think we all know at least one crotchety old man like Walter. Walter's comments about Police on Bicycles was HILARIOUS!! Although each of the characters were funny, Walter and Peanut were my favorites.

The whole video had me holding my sides and laughing till I cried. This is a video we watch over and over and feel compelled to drag out whenever company is over.

Mr Dunham is a very talented comedian and I'm anxiously awaiting more performances on video from him.

This DVD is a must-have for any serious comedy collector!

It was funny to a point. I do like Walter, Bubba J, Peanut and José and there were a few good tricks like throwing his voice of stage, having the multiple conversations between himself peanuts and José (especially using another language which cannot be easy) and making the sound louder and quieter as he open closer box on Jose singing Really clever trick

But what was the point of that "manager" Sweet Daddy, it wasn't that funny and they keep interrupting the funny ones to cut to it back stage? It seemed pointless and it ruined the act

And where Achmed? Did the swap him for that waste of airtime?

I haven't seen "Arguing with myself" I've only seen Jeff Dunham clips from Comedy Central and The Best Damn Sports Show Period. Jeff's ventriloquist act is delightful though. He's got great jokes and a fabulous set of puppets. I find that people like Walter the best. He's a crotchety old man and he reminds me of Red Forman from "That 70's Show" For clips, go to youtube.com and enter "Jeff Dunham" It's really a good time and you'll enjoy it. Even if you don't like puppets, because the jokes are fresh.You find a lot of truth in the jokes! I know I'm rambling but that's because I need to fill ten lines. But, check it out!