I'm a big fan of ventriloquists, starting as far back as Edgar Evans and Charlies McCarthy and Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney. I've enjoyed many since, especially Terry Factor, Puff the Magic Dragon, and Jeff Dunham. But every ventriloquist reaches a point where he should zipper his mouth and Dunham is fast approaching that time.
Dunham, at his peak, was maybe the best ever for being able to say stuff without seeing his lips. No more. Even the simple stuff is revealing now, though his attempts to re-direct are good. Simply - he lost the skill. He's still OK, and probably better than OK, but he no longer is what he once was.
Maybe more disturbing, his comedy isn't that funny, and never was, but this film has some really disgusting parts. There is a place for disgusting stuff in some stand-up comedy, but IMO it doesn't belong in a puppet show.
If you're a fan, miss this one or it may change your opinion. If you're Dunham reading this review, time to consider retiring while you still have a reputation to protect.
Dunham, at his peak, was maybe the best ever for being able to say stuff without seeing his lips. No more. Even the simple stuff is revealing now, though his attempts to re-direct are good. Simply - he lost the skill. He's still OK, and probably better than OK, but he no longer is what he once was.
Maybe more disturbing, his comedy isn't that funny, and never was, but this film has some really disgusting parts. There is a place for disgusting stuff in some stand-up comedy, but IMO it doesn't belong in a puppet show.
If you're a fan, miss this one or it may change your opinion. If you're Dunham reading this review, time to consider retiring while you still have a reputation to protect.