Sebastian Maniscalco: Is It Me?

The start is poor, he comes in with his usual mentally challenged voice doing very slow, very banal jokes about "my wife / my dad". He's done this countless times, I was hoping for something new and better.

The special picks up steam near the middle, though, and has its moments and fun stories, although not a single one to actually make you audibly laugh, like someone like Bill Burr or Patrice Oneal can...

Sadly the ending is as poor and generic as the beginning, just once again - yet another "my dad" tale that wasn't even a joke, just a story without really a punchline.

It feels about as bad, overdone and generic as Jeff Foxworthy and Jim Jefferies' last specials. Speaking of Jim Jefferies, at least one joke here felt like it was copied from Jim, which is some Inception stuff, because Jim himself is quite the joke stealer. Another two jokes felt pretty similar to Bill Burr bits.

So this wasn't really worth the excitement I felt for finally getting a comedy special on Netflix from someone recognizable and generally good.

I think it's time to change things up, Sebastian.

I've been a big fan previously. This one was way, way below past stand-up specials. Bits start and seem to not go to a real punchline moment. Feels like he forgets where it's going midpoint. Sebastian's stand-up has typically been laugh out loud loudly funny, this one was good for snickers. His eyes appear red and many have suggested maybe he was stoned for this performance which may explain how the bits end with a whimper and no good punchline. The greyhound bit just seemed to evaporate after the visual bit, that was all there was? Disappointing. Giving it a 5 might even be generous for me. I'm almost surprised Netflix deemed this to be suitable for streaming, everything felt unfinished. I hope this is not what to expect in the future. Had I paid to attend this show I'd have been rather irritated.

Sebastian has always been a riot. I discovered his comedy at the height of the pandemic. He's on my top list of comedians. This special is hilarious, just like all his other specials. He's the most consistently funny comedian out there right now. I love how he makes fun of the overly sensitive American culture and tells it like it is. He pokes fun at everyone, which is how comedy should be. I actually had tickets for his Cincinnati show last year but decided not to go due to Covid concerns. I won't be letting Covid stop me next time he rolls into town. Watch this special and prepare to be entertained.

Good grief that's hard to watch. He thinks that making faces, bold gestures, talking like a working class Italian immigrant is funny. The bits have no arc. There's a beginning and then he flatlines. The most forgettable stories with no insight. His observational skills are puny compared to Seinfeld. Someone close to him needs to tell him, don't do that again. I kept thinking of Steve Martin talking to John Candy in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles":

"And by the way, you know, when, when you're telling these little stories, here's a good idea. Have a point. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!"

I had high expectations of this Netflix Special, Is It Me.

Loved the premise of #Throwback-Vegas. I was expecting something different. This special was not one of his best. There was nothing close to his "passover" or "airport" or "dance moves" storylines that made you laugh and left you talking about those segments many months later! Middle part was good, but the beginning and end were weak.

Love the guy. Follow him on IG. Doing the "Special" on "Vegas Stars" of the past 50 years would have been hilarious!

Sebastian, time to step out of your "comfort zone". How about including your cooking and grilling experiences, your parties with your neighbors coming over, the difference cultures in your travels, how Canadians are different than Americans, eh! Music tastes or the habits of musicians, etc.

In my books, you are always a 10. However, when I compare your previous work to this "special", this was a 5. If someone is not familiar with your previous work, it was a 7.

Looking forward to seeing your next show in my city!

#LouSmiles.