Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself

Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself is a high-spirited stand-up comedy special released on Netflix in 2019, marking a high point in the illustrious career of veteran ventriloquist and comedian, Jeff Dunham. This cinematic exhibit of Dunham's well-loved personas, fresh material, and classic gags was shot before an exuberant crowd in his home city, Dallas, Texas.

Often touted as one of America's favorite comedians, Dunham delivers yet another self-written, self-produced spectacle of humor in Beside Himself. The title of the movie aptly hints toward Dunham's classic comedic style, wherein he portrays multiple characters through his impressive ventriloquism. This masterful craft blends seamlessly with his talent for observing life's quirks and delivering uproarious punchlines.

The show kicks off with a solo routine where Dunham takes on subjects like family, Texas stereotypes, and aging with his characteristic sharp wit and a well-timed comedic charm. His fresh comedy material brings something new to the table while still channeling his well-known humor style that caters to both his dedicated fans and first-time viewers. Dunham's ability to entertain with a captivating stage presence places him among the rack of top-tier comedic performers worldwide.

Following the solo act, the audience gets treated to the cavalcade of Dunham's celebrated puppet friends. Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J, and Achmed the Dead Terrorist share the stage with Dunham, each bringing their unique brand of humor. New among them is Larry - the 'President’s Advisor,' who makes his debut in this special.

Peanut, the zany purple-skinned puppet, squirrels around the stage with manic energy, tickling the audience with his audacious humor and vivacious presence. Walter, the grumpy retiree, is every bit the lovable curmudgeon, unleashing hilariously cynical one-liners about marriage, politics, and life in general. José Jalapeño, a chili pepper on a stick, adds a layer of ethnic humor to the show with his delightful Mexican accent. The bumbling Bubba J, with his wild tales and a weakness for beer, continues to be a crowd favorite. Achmed the Dead Terrorist still elicits laughs with his humorous misunderstandings of English idioms and phrases.

The introduction of Larry, a puppet representing the President's adviser, enables Dunham to venture into a political satire. Larry holds a striking resemblance to the current POTUS and adds an engaging charm to the troupe with his quips about the political climate and White House scenarios, without being overly offensive.

One of the movie's highlights is Dunham's incredible skill as a ventriloquist. Years of practice and an unparalleled mastery of the craft allow him to infuse each character with life, making the audience forget they are, in fact, mere puppets. His skillful manipulation of the puppets coupled with his ability to switch effortlessly between different voices makes for a compelling stage act that keeps the crowd roaring with laughter from start to finish.

The comedy in Beside Himself ranges from light-hearted fun, observational comedy to self-deprecating humor and satirical jibes. Dunham's adept comedy writing is commendable in the way he adapts his material for each character, maintaining their established personalities while consistently offering new punchlines that land effectively. The content is mostly family-friendly, although, like many comedy shows, it does feature some mild adult jokes and political satire.

Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself is directed by Troy Miller, whose experience with comedy specials enhances Dunham's performance and contributes to the movie's success. The technical aspects, such as lighting, sound, and camerawork, are highly proficient, highlighting the performances and intensifying the overall experience of a live comedy show.

For Dunham's legion of fans worldwide, this movie is not just an addition to his collection of successful specials but a testament to his unwavering appeal and resilience as a seasoned comedian. A delight to those who enjoy good, hearty humor, Jeff Dunham: Beside Himself underscores Dunham's status as a comedy legend and offers an incredible opportunity to laugh out loud. There's no doubt that his comedic skills and unique style continue to resonate with audiences globally.