Jim Gaffigan: Beyond the Pale

I don't remember when I first saw a Jim Gaffigan comedy routine, it was some time ago and had to be before 2006 when this special first aired. I was hoping to catch one in which he goes into the 'Hot Pocket' routine because that one had me rolling back in the day. Well this is the one I was looking for, and as I recall, Gaffigan is as funny as ever with his commentary on such topics as food, bears, and doing nothing. He's also got that hilarious trademark of voicing responses of people in the audience who just might think 'he's weird' or better yet, 'just crazy' - "This guy talks a lot about cake". This show was recorded in Chicago, and the fan reaction was just what one would expect. People in the audience are beside themselves doubling over from his insane observations. I'll certainly be looking for more of Gaffigan's stand up routines, as he's got that rare ability like Jerry Seinfeld to make the every day funny without getting in the gutter like a lot of comedians. A rare commodity, and genuinely entertaining.

Gaffigan is funny without using a single obscenity or sex joke. Unlike Kevin Hart, who I like also, Gaffigan is not shouting or talking about his * or his sex life at all. Gaffigan makes everyday events funny. He makes remarks and observations about the daily life experiences we all have, and he makes them sound funny. I really enjoy his humor. It is easy to laugh, and to see life in a more humorous way.

"Dad" comic Jim Gaffigan steps into the spotlight for his first stand-up special. However, Gaffigan had already released 5 albums by the time this special premiered, so he was no novice. Perhaps one of the least controversial comics working today, Gaffigan's material may be considered a bit slight by some. He tends to keep to minor annoyances and innocuous observations, usually involving food (it is truly amazing how much material he is able to pull out of Hot Pockets). In addition, using asides, Gaffigan comments on his own comedy as a member of the audience in a peculiar voice, which may put some off, but otherwise, should appeal to most people across the spectrum. Definitely one of the strongest family-friendly comedians out there.

I discovered Jim Gaffigan kind of late apparently. I heard him on Sirius XM comedy channels sometime after 2014 and just about every clip was a riot. "Beyond the Pale" is a gas. Gaffigan begins with his favorite topic: food--Food Network, food packaging, and all the fattening foods he prefers over health food. He even dedicated some time to Hot Pockets and Cinnabuns LOL. After food he went into holidays, gifts, and being Catholic. Jim always keeps it relatively clean, which is an anomaly in the comic biz. I think that makes him especially gifted that he can be funny without profanity.

I could relate to almost everything he has said in his performance! He directs his act towards something that almost everyone can relate to:food. He knows the limits on what he can and cannot make fun of, and he will make fun of himself at times to make up for any harmed feelings. When he talks as if he was an audience member is probably the funniest parts of his whole act. It is good to see that some of the older comedians can still hang in there with the young comedians. A large portion of his act deals with the food item "Hot Pockets" which was just hilarious. His voice also sets him apart from other comedians, he can make it louder.. or really quiet but it is still funny. He has to be one of my favourite comedians. 10 out of 10 ..Haaaaaaaaaat Poccccckett.

A few weeks ago, I watched Jim Gaffigan's stand-up video, "Mr. Universe". My daughter and I really enjoyed it, so today we decided to give "Beyond the Pale" a try. My feeling now is that if you liked one, you'd like the other, as they a very similar. Both feature Gaffigan making his strange observations while interposing his fake 'dumb person in the audience' comments. For the most part, the routine is amazingly clean and family-friendly--though, oddly, the captioning is actually a bit dirtier due to mistakes made by the captioner. You'll head Gaffigan talk a lot about good as well as restaurants, holidays, vegetarians as well as some stuff about Jesus at the end that might offend. Overall, an enjoyable DVD--not quite as good as "Mr. Universe", but still better than the average stand-up DVD.

Jim Gaffigan is the kind of comic you'll either find hilarious, or totally boring. Unfortunately, I am in the latter group. After reading the other comments, I couldn't wait to see this program. However, after listening to Gaffigan talk about his eating disorders for half an hour, I couldn't wait for it to finish. In truth, I didn't wait for it to finish. Having cracked but a single smile during the first half of the program, I turned it off and went to brush my teeth, which turned out to be vastly more entertaining. Please understand that I am not criticizing the positive comments of others. It's just that I guess comedy is a very personal thing. For my money, "Death of a Salesman" was funnier than this program.

Good jokes and competent delivery, relentlessly massacred by the odious "audience voice" gimmick. An album better experienced in clips, than in its entirety.

Jim Gaffigan is the funniest comedian i have ever seen! he brings it to the next level by cutting in the middle of each joke to show the annoying person in the crowd that is against every thing the comedian says. he is a laugh out loud he's joke may be a little on the dirty side sometimes but he's still very funny. He talks of his life, his family, his nationality, and some times hot Pockets. I don't watch many comedy acts but if I find one that I like it has to be worth watching. he makes funny jokes that a lot of people can relate to. I have heard this act 10 times and I never get tired of his jokes. this act is a must see. I would recommend this to ANYONE who wants a laugh. 10 STARES!!

Incontinence aside, Beyond the Pale is hilarious! From his obsessions with food, to his humorous impersonation of a confused audience member, Jim Gaggigan hits all the right notes. His comedy is not edgy, or very unique, but it is his on stage presence and timing that make for a stand-up special that will have you and your friends re-quoting lines for months to come. I am a fan of many different comedians and love a variety of stand-up routines and performances, and Jim Gaffigans is one that you will remember. Even if a year from now you can't recall his name, you will still be singing to yourself "HOT POCKET, CALIENTE POCKET". Don't take life to seriously. Laugh, and enjoy yourself.