DVD Review: Ricky Gervais Out of England
Sharp Witted Brit Gervais Appears on Stage for One Man Show
Apr 8, 2009
Always one to giggle at his own improvisational humor, Ricky Gervais serves another helping of laughs, by bringing his insightful observations on the mores that differentiates Brits from Americans, in Out of England, a show which he performed on stage, on the East and West coasts (but not the boring part in the middle, according to him, playfully)
Ricky Gervais: Out of England Overview
Very much in the same manner of some of his European peers (such as Eddie Izzard, to name but one of many Brits of the same ilk), Gervais indulges audiences with his ability to start on a simple premise, (say, that of obesity) and without so much as a pre-scripted idea to his show, can go on and elaborate for over ten minutes, clearly getting new ideas relating to his joke as he goes.
Gervais thinks nothing of calling the shots as he sees them, saying that Americans are easily on top of their game when it comes to excess, stating that most are fatter than British folks ("You're the gold medalists in that sport as well!" he quips mid-sentence), and poking general fun at the people who end up on Jerry Springer.
The comedian also touches on faith issues and agnosticism, his dealings with fame and some fundraising events he's participated in. There is a clever segment on how he had hoped to cash in on some autistic children's possible ability to emulate Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man, to no avail.
Ricky Gervais Out of England Overall Analysis
This DVD is worthwhile to any fans of clever jokes altogether. Those who have enjoyed years of George Carlin's observations on everyday events and circumstances, will find themselves drawn to Gervais' easygoing manner, in how he likes to keep his audience in on the joke.
Gervais isn't as neurotic as Jerry Seinfeld, but he isn't as cynical as the aforementioned Carlin. That being said, it's refreshing to see him do some stand-up, given how busy both Extras and The Office have kept him of late.
One of the endearing facets of Gervais' schtick, is how he manages to even crack himself up while telling stories. His infectious giggle makes you want to laugh right along, usually with good reason.
Normally a giggly comedian is a sign of weakness, via the inability to keep a straight face, however in this case you can tell how Gervais made his way to this sudden flash of genius, realizing something funnier than what he had planned to begin with.
One of the funniest bits is near the end of his show, as he makes cracks at masturbation, by describing a pamphlet which was distributed in England, in terms of preventing HIV via anal intercourse. Though Gervais doesn't deliberately go for the raunch factor, the very nature of the pamphlet makes it impossible not to laugh out loud.
Ricky Gervais Out of England is a pleasant visit with one of England's more mild mannered comics, and is worth watching a few times.
8 out of 10, for managing to cause giggle fits and laugh out loud roars more than once.
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