I've watched this one 3 times, mostly because it often takes me that long to wring everything out of Oswalt's material. As usual, appreciating Patton Oswalt requires some thinking.
I'll say this isn't his most polished, perfected, and unimpeachable set. Some bits didn't work as well as they might have and, in my mind, he's heading down the same road George Carlin did in that the longer he lives, the more he sees how screwed up reality is, and the more he responds with anger. His bald anger isn't quite as funny as the absurd stance he's used in the past. The "gay prom" joke, in particular, took a little unpacking to get over the (unintentional, I think) excuse for discrimination.
Patton has always been political, and in this current US political environment, how could he not be? I love his idea of "casting the president", although in late April of 2016, the idea is rather terrifying (again, I have to think a bit beyond the joke to get to that shuddery fear laugh.)
And, yes, we get to enjoy his adventures in parenting, his relationship to Star Wars and fandoms in general, and his observations on life and people (the post office/DMV bit is a great example). He's older now, the topics that worked for him at 30 and 40 aren't going to work as well now that he's looking at 50, and that's how it works. It's still enjoyable, still is Patton (and yes, there are a few absurd stories which are wonderful.) So, go in relaxed, and settle into a slower, less bumpy ride that still has some great, funny scenery.
I'll say this isn't his most polished, perfected, and unimpeachable set. Some bits didn't work as well as they might have and, in my mind, he's heading down the same road George Carlin did in that the longer he lives, the more he sees how screwed up reality is, and the more he responds with anger. His bald anger isn't quite as funny as the absurd stance he's used in the past. The "gay prom" joke, in particular, took a little unpacking to get over the (unintentional, I think) excuse for discrimination.
Patton has always been political, and in this current US political environment, how could he not be? I love his idea of "casting the president", although in late April of 2016, the idea is rather terrifying (again, I have to think a bit beyond the joke to get to that shuddery fear laugh.)
And, yes, we get to enjoy his adventures in parenting, his relationship to Star Wars and fandoms in general, and his observations on life and people (the post office/DMV bit is a great example). He's older now, the topics that worked for him at 30 and 40 aren't going to work as well now that he's looking at 50, and that's how it works. It's still enjoyable, still is Patton (and yes, there are a few absurd stories which are wonderful.) So, go in relaxed, and settle into a slower, less bumpy ride that still has some great, funny scenery.