Despite releasing three albums, one previous special, a book and a movie based on his life in which he, himself, starred, Mike Birbiglia still keeps things pretty low key. His broadcast experience has taken him from being a stand-up to being more of a spoken-word story-teller. At times, he reminds me of what Stuart McLean would have been like as a young buck; one can certainly see Birbiglia settling into broadcasting in his later years as a semi-retirement plan. This special sees him working through the theme of relationships with a format that leans a little less towards straight stand-up and more towards a one-man show; the second half particularly is dedicated to sharing and explaining an arc he recently endeavored in his personal life. Birbiglia recalls some of his previous experiences in the search for love in his usual self-deprecating manner. His delivery is natural and he's so winsome and sincere he gets away with some playful but frank observations about sexes. Looks like Seth Rogan meets John Ritter and just as fun to spend time with.
7 Reviews
This is what stand-up comedy should aspire to...
actherandomthought18 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I know that I have given a concrete idea a human trait, but I stand by it. I have watched this particular stand-up special by comedy veteran Mike Birbiglia twice. And both times, I have been captivated at what this stand-up special actually is. Birbiglia instantly becomes a storyteller as well as a stand-up comedian, and it is amazing.
Told in a semi-nonlinear sequence, Birbiglia speaks about his childhood and his adolescence, his teenage years, and finally his adulthood. Throughout, he often makes references to his social awkwardness and his contempt with the concept of marriage, as well as goes into detail about certain aspects of his life when growing up, including how he decided to go into comedy.
I could definitely see this being made into some sort of independent romantic comedy film, ironically speaking. A film that shows mainly flashbacks and most of its dialogue is a narrator narrating everything that is happening.
This stand-up special transcends what stand-up specials used to be, and I could consider this one of the most influential. It is simply that good.
Told in a semi-nonlinear sequence, Birbiglia speaks about his childhood and his adolescence, his teenage years, and finally his adulthood. Throughout, he often makes references to his social awkwardness and his contempt with the concept of marriage, as well as goes into detail about certain aspects of his life when growing up, including how he decided to go into comedy.
I could definitely see this being made into some sort of independent romantic comedy film, ironically speaking. A film that shows mainly flashbacks and most of its dialogue is a narrator narrating everything that is happening.
This stand-up special transcends what stand-up specials used to be, and I could consider this one of the most influential. It is simply that good.
So beyond simply stand-up. Creative Gold!
kerinscott-9177926 May 2017
Mike Birbiglia's stand-up special "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend" is absolutely genius. The special is in essence one story where he meticulously weaves correlating humorous snippets into the telling of the story. As an audience participant you're invested in the outcome of the story as he has artfully captivated your attention. As he crescendos to the conclusion, you realize every detailed joke presented over the hour had great purpose in the unveiling of this lone story.
Did I laugh frequently? Yes. Was it the funniest stand-up ever? No. Was it by far the best written stand-up I've ever seen? A resounding yes! Please watch it! (Recommended to watch it in one sitting, so wait until you have 75 minutes).
Did I laugh frequently? Yes. Was it the funniest stand-up ever? No. Was it by far the best written stand-up I've ever seen? A resounding yes! Please watch it! (Recommended to watch it in one sitting, so wait until you have 75 minutes).
Excellence
whatithinkis26 January 2020
I hadn't seen this performance and was just 'filling in' the line-up by watching this, seven years later, in 2020. I gotta say I am struck dumb by how totally excellent this man's work is. It is beyond comedy and that is why I'm giving it, and him, 10 out of ten stars for a perfect performance. What a talent.
Smart stand-up
maccas-563675 September 2019
Mike Birbiglia tells a good story. This was an easy-to-watch stand-up show that had me laughing out loud a couple of times.
Highlights were:
It lost me a little towards the end and unfortunately descended into a lot of yelling. What the hell is with so much stand-up just consisting of yelling these days?
It was a well-written show though, and it's hard to dislike Birbiglia. His stories flow together effortlessly. I'm sure many of us can relate to some of his awkward first steps into the world of love and romance.
Highlights were:
- "The Scrambler", which had me laughing until I cried.
- "I think we should connect mouths"
It lost me a little towards the end and unfortunately descended into a lot of yelling. What the hell is with so much stand-up just consisting of yelling these days?
It was a well-written show though, and it's hard to dislike Birbiglia. His stories flow together effortlessly. I'm sure many of us can relate to some of his awkward first steps into the world of love and romance.
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