Ricky Gervais Live: Animals (2003)

I have seen Ricky Gervais- Animals about 3 times now, and not once has it discouraged me to not watch it once again. I often see it re played on television, and i do not miss it.As an office fan, coming from such a successful series in the UK would perhaps -even for the man who played David Brent- be difficult to follow up.But, Ricky has not disappointed me. Perhaps, looking at other comments, this is due to my bad taste. But, i do not agree with this. "Animals" really does contain some incredibly excellent humour. Tapping into lots of different subjects. A favourite line for me was (along the lines of) "Pandas, i mean, they've been shagging for what, like millions of years. It;s not like they're suddenly going to go. 'ah, no. Na, that's dirty. Er, no i don't wanna do that' "I think he had structured comedy throughout the performance. And i give him kudos for.. almost, risking bad reputations for his UN P.C repertoire. If it didn't have those sort of jokes anyway, it just wouldn't be Ricky Gervais, which is who we all expected to see? even if with a hint of David Brent throughout.I thought it was an excellent show, and if other reviews are saying to people that if they did enjoy it it's a matter of bad taste- then i must have the worst.

For a man that says he's neither an actor nor a stand-up comedian, Ricky sure does act and do stand up comedy well! This was the next show that Ricky did after his initial success with the fabulous "The Office", and it's another comedic treasure from the man who is currently Britain's hottest comedy talent. As you might expect, this show has an 'animals' theme. That's not to say Ricky stays on topic, however - he does mostly, but there's still room for threads involving the bible, amongst other off-topic things. The way Ricky goes from talking about animals, to things like the bible is never irritating, and the way he makes the shift is always logical - not to mention hilarious! Ricky Gervais clearly doesn't mind offending people either, which might hinder the show for some people, but makes it ten times better for yours truly. Some of the threads in this show are liable to offend; but as I say, it's not a problem for me. It could be said of Ricky (and probably is said) that he's a lazy comedian as his style tends to incorporate things such as merely taking some facts from the internet and taking the Mickey out of them, and it's true that many people who aren't stand-up comedians could do that - but look at the WAY he does it. I very much doubt anyone could take those facts and come up with quips as funny as the ones Ricky has come up with.The highlights of the show include a section on gay animals, the aforementioned bible segment and some jokes on sharks and the Nazi's. Saying that, every part with Ricky is a highlight - his facial expressions are hilarious! As mentioned, this style of comedy isn't for everyone, but I say don't think about what he's saying too much and just sit back and enjoy the ride. You'll be glad you did.

***SPOILERS***I am a huge fan of stand up comedy and, indeed, of Britains new comedy scene. I have bought and adored DVDs recently from Peter Kay, Bill Baily, Harry Hill, Lee Evans and Dave Spikey. I also developed an addiction for the local comedy scene and souped up as much as I could of it. Being 18 i watched many of these careers develop. I had high for Gervais after seeing the office. This DVD however is not very good at all.The main problem is that Ricky Gervais has no respect for the audience. He waffles and seem to tell jokes to satisfy himself rather than his listeners. Case in point - he talks of religion like he's talking of the Easter Bunny. Having spoken to a great deal of the audience, they can confirm that they checked out after this point. What kind of idiot stands on stage and mocks religion knowing that about half (or more) of his audience are believers. Even if a Christian went up on stage and started spouting about his beliefs then he would be seen as a preachy idiot. Ricky Gervais - how could you be so stupid.Some jokes are funny, however, I laughed at Anne Frank/Shark but the rest was dreadfull. His last joke generates but a murmur from the crowd. What an awful show. Admittedly, however, his commentary has funny elements ie. when he talks of his friend. The rest however, is the work of man who has success with the Office and now is unable to generate success anywhere else. His show is pretentious, self satisfing and a mockery to all those who do not agree with him.It doesnt take a lot of daring to be "extreme" in stand up comedy - it is just the easy way out of being intelligent. Sorry Gervais.

Ricky 'My only joke is the silly way i talk' Gervais offers an alternative sometimes factual talk on the animal world. Contents: Profanity, wait for applause, profanity, wait for applause, joke(kinda), profanity, wait for applause, pro... If you loved Gervais's The Office or his segments on The Eleven O'Clock Show then you may like this. Its more likely you will feel your sense of humour is just much too sophisticated.