Audience Member
I've been a fan of Bill Maher since i was a teenager, but this special is pretty dull. It's mostly a rehash of other bits from previous specials with new segway material to fill in the gaps. I personally haven't watched Real Time much lately, but I'm sure any fan of that eill find even more material that's just recycled and reused from the show.
All in all, it's a watchable special, but it only got 1 chuckle from me and honestly i expect more from Billl Maher. In many respects, Bill Maher is a comedian trapped in a very specific genre (as are many commedians). Ultimately, I think what makes a comedian like George Carlin the best was his ability to hop all over the place and really keep things fresh. This isn't that type of special and was a lot less than i was hoping for.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
02/02/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Real Time . . . Lost!
Bill, because I have a tremendous amount of admiration, respect, and love for you, I offer this critique in a style I'm positive you'll appreciate.
New Rule: "If your comedy blows, stick to the talk shows." Very similar to your saying: "Don't be funny, guard the money." You said this to an unruly political guest who deserved it. As I recall, his bomb was a comedic attempt while insulting another guest. He fully deserved the negative reactions as well. But good advice goes both ways so, I'm glad to help.
New Rule: "We get it . . . more or less" You don't have to explain your references. When you use a good reference and we're laughing, ride the wave. No further explanation is required. Otherwise it's like a form of reverse-heckling. Or, like watching the narrated version of Bladerunner at the peak of a beautifully crafted scene, to have it destroyed by a voice-over. (That's a reference by the way).
New Rule: "Truth in advertising." For example, any of your guests, the politicians, scientists, doctors, not in the entertainment industry, don't have to be entertaining. However, I have every expectation for you to be. If you want to stick to your rant on a singular topic or do an impromptu roast on someone in absentia, then say so upfront. Wait! I may be wrong. The title does say Live from Oklahoma, not Live Comedy from Oklahoma. Sorry, please feel free to disregard this one.
New Rule: "Read the room." Actually this is an old rule. For, every good comedian knows when to pivot to the funny stuff. If you don't remember how, just watch some of your past show's political guests as they try "not" to answer a question. With all those writers, couldn't you spare one to help with some alternate jokes? I haven't seen someone bomb this bad since your gal-pal Ann Coulter on the Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe. (That's ref number two).
New Rule: "Network." I'm sure there's an excellent support system for you, so use it. For example, do the LA Show-biz lunch thing with Dennis Miller and Eddie Murphy. They too used to be funny. However, they don't come off looking like a douche. Perhaps they can give you some tips.
Bill, you have one of the most topical and important shows on TV with Real Time. Even when comparing to Jon Stewart and your immediate neighbor, John Oliver. You have an eclectic and stellar collection of guests such as, Seth MacFarlane, Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and one of my favorites, the late Werner Klemperer (Colonel Wilhelm Klink) who had several appearances on Politically Incorrect, and even guest hosted like Seth did. But unlike Jon and John, your talk/news show skills didn't translate to a solo performance. Are you just better with guests that effectively punctuate your run-on rants?
Lastly, 5 starz to Amazon for refunding my purchase of this vid. Excellent service as always. If only I could get that kind of service from theatres.
Rated 1/5 Stars •
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
02/24/23
Full Review
Audience Member
While Bill Maher openly stated he has no bucket list and does not care about what he has yet to do, I am sad for him that he has not learned the rewarding skill of ambidextrous self pleasure. Thankfully his skill in the comedic art overcomes that sadness with laughter that begs for an inhaler. Though I don't want to distract from his main point that I will put in my own words. Though all are welcomed, there are only two types of people in this country; those that vote and those that should have voted.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/02/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Not much fresh material here, but at least he 'attacks' both sides!
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/17/23
Full Review
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