I got to see John Mulaney live during his Kid Gorgeous tour in 2018 and it was probably the funniest live stand up show I've ever been to. Stand Up Comedy is incredibly hit or miss for me. I either love someone's act or I don't. No in between. He's great because he's got an edge but he's not offensive. He's personal but willing to take on the man. And best of all, he's actually funny.
He has such an amazing way with words and humor. His best material is when he's talking about his personal life and his bizarre encounters with wacky, almost literally like, characters. He doesn't talk down to people and he's a master of self deprecating humor. It's incredible how far this man has come in recent years after only 4 specials. Kid Gorgeous is hilarious, heartfelt and smart. His stories about his parents and childhood are great and his brilliant metaphor for the current "presidential" administration is the best I have heard and likely ever will. It's smart but not obvious and mean spirited. He's just being honest with himself and how he feels (I happened to agree). I'd rather a comedian be honest about how they feel then just try to shock and offend people for the sake of it. That's why Mulaney and others like Carlin and Pryor are so great. They were honest with their feelings. They laid it all out for us to see. And I feel that if Mulaney keeps this up, he will one day be among the greats, if he isn't already.
It's a toss up for me as to which of his specials is the best. I'm pretty partial to The Comeback Kid Myself, But this may be a very close second. He's one of the few stand up comedians I feel is worth watching. I can't wait to see what he does next.
John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City
(2018 TV Special)
Brilliant. Possibly His Best Work
19 April 2020