Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping

I've watched this one 3 times, mostly because it often takes me that long to wring everything out of Oswalt's material. As usual, appreciating Patton Oswalt requires some thinking.

I'll say this isn't his most polished, perfected, and unimpeachable set. Some bits didn't work as well as they might have and, in my mind, he's heading down the same road George Carlin did in that the longer he lives, the more he sees how screwed up reality is, and the more he responds with anger. His bald anger isn't quite as funny as the absurd stance he's used in the past. The "gay prom" joke, in particular, took a little unpacking to get over the (unintentional, I think) excuse for discrimination.

Patton has always been political, and in this current US political environment, how could he not be? I love his idea of "casting the president", although in late April of 2016, the idea is rather terrifying (again, I have to think a bit beyond the joke to get to that shuddery fear laugh.)

And, yes, we get to enjoy his adventures in parenting, his relationship to Star Wars and fandoms in general, and his observations on life and people (the post office/DMV bit is a great example). He's older now, the topics that worked for him at 30 and 40 aren't going to work as well now that he's looking at 50, and that's how it works. It's still enjoyable, still is Patton (and yes, there are a few absurd stories which are wonderful.) So, go in relaxed, and settle into a slower, less bumpy ride that still has some great, funny scenery.

This little fella never struck me as funny or talented at anything but I was running out of Netflix specials to watch and gave this a go.

It was exactly what I expected - pandering for clapping. Praise women, praise every safe liberal agenda, hammer in the politics with zero humor behind the pointless garbage you're grunting at the audience...

Just a really really short trainwreck that I couldn't see through to the end.

I prefer my comedy a little more risqué (ie. Offensive), but I laughed out loud many times, which is unusual for me.

Patton is known for his "nerd-dom" and often does a lot of jokes about Star Wars, Marvel, and comic books; which isn't really 'my thing'. But he does not do that in this show.

He talks about San Francisco, the difficulties of being PC, being a father, the ease of old people getting drugs, crapping himself on stage, and a horrific birthday clown (my fav).

The hour went by, way too fast.

Another reviewer said it was too political, but there is only 4 minutes of political jokes in the 65 minute show. I assume this reviewer chose to be offended by a particular joke, and decided to cry about it here.

You would be hard pressed to find anything offensive in this show.

This 2016 stand-up comedy special was not just outstanding or the best of Patton Oswalt's performances.

True, I am not a huge fan of his stand-up comedy routines, but compared to the 2017 "Annihilation" show then "Talking for Clapping" was just not up to matching that following show.

Actually, I don't recall laughing a single time throughout the entire show there was an occasional smile or smirk here and there. Which was just a major disappointment in terms of entertainment value.

It was perhaps mostly because of his inability to finish all the sentences that he starts, which turned out to become frustrating as he stumbled along.

This particular stand-up comedy show is not one I would recommend. And if you are not familiar with Patton Oswalt's stand-up comedy routine, then you are perhaps much better off with watching his "Annihilation" show instead.