I love Jenny Slate. Absolutely love her and I love just watching her perform but this sickness of performers that do stand up and speak so much like reality show stars where they say 'like' constantly makes it difficult to watch. It's just too much. And it may seem like a minor gripe but it honestly is challenging. But if you enjoy Chris D'Elia and can take hearing 'like' upwards of three times in a single sentence, you might like this a lot.
40 Reviews
next time...
freshlettucereviews22 October 2019
First off I'd like to say that I think Jenny Slate is one of the most talented voice over artists working today. She brings characters to life and pretty much stole every scene in Secret Life of Pets. So when I heard she had a stand up show coming out I was very excited...however this could of been so much better than it was. I realise It's probably the hardest medium to work in so anyone who even attempts has my utmost respect but with that being said this is a missed opportunity.
I could literally go through this whole set up and break down which bits to expand, which parts to drop, which parts need tightening up, so why didn't anyone else do this with her?
My frustration is that Jenny is funny and this could of been so much better with just a little more work and refinement. I'm not a critic, but as someone who loves standup and appreciates it as an artform I can't help but express a certain level of disappointment with certain specials of late which just aren't up to par when you have the status and resources that someone like Jenny has.
Why doesn't she have a mate saying "hang on, you need to work on this bit" or "that's not needed. And Jenny if you read this I genuinely think you're incredible and would gladly put my money where my mouth is. And as far as your question about romance goes...I think its pretty obvious that your dad isn't someone who opens up about his emotions freely and you probably didn't feel enough of that as a child. Not his fault of course, and its made you into the person you are today but I think thats a more honest answer than "romance being built in" not that you were avoiding it.
I love the concept of threading a mini doc about who you are and your family thoughout the show, but you could of delved deeper. You're family are clearly very interesting successful people. Hearing that your sisters are happy in love and why you're not is such a great theme to explore considering how "successful" you've become in the public eye...a discussion about you're achievements and how its affected the family would be great...that might seem a little personal but then you were open enough in other areas. One of the cornerstones of great comedy is uncomfortable truths and suffering. So next time play to your strengths. And if you're not sure what they are then get someone who loves you and wont sugar coat it to tell you and I'll go through the whole show. At the end of the day you still did it, so fair play and congratulations, but you have it in you to be truly awesome, and you damn well know it.
I could literally go through this whole set up and break down which bits to expand, which parts to drop, which parts need tightening up, so why didn't anyone else do this with her?
My frustration is that Jenny is funny and this could of been so much better with just a little more work and refinement. I'm not a critic, but as someone who loves standup and appreciates it as an artform I can't help but express a certain level of disappointment with certain specials of late which just aren't up to par when you have the status and resources that someone like Jenny has.
Why doesn't she have a mate saying "hang on, you need to work on this bit" or "that's not needed. And Jenny if you read this I genuinely think you're incredible and would gladly put my money where my mouth is. And as far as your question about romance goes...I think its pretty obvious that your dad isn't someone who opens up about his emotions freely and you probably didn't feel enough of that as a child. Not his fault of course, and its made you into the person you are today but I think thats a more honest answer than "romance being built in" not that you were avoiding it.
I love the concept of threading a mini doc about who you are and your family thoughout the show, but you could of delved deeper. You're family are clearly very interesting successful people. Hearing that your sisters are happy in love and why you're not is such a great theme to explore considering how "successful" you've become in the public eye...a discussion about you're achievements and how its affected the family would be great...that might seem a little personal but then you were open enough in other areas. One of the cornerstones of great comedy is uncomfortable truths and suffering. So next time play to your strengths. And if you're not sure what they are then get someone who loves you and wont sugar coat it to tell you and I'll go through the whole show. At the end of the day you still did it, so fair play and congratulations, but you have it in you to be truly awesome, and you damn well know it.
I appreciate the silliness, but...
aimeemccarthy23 October 2019
When I saw "silly" I thought, yes, one of the few modern comedians who are putting the fun back in funny. But then she kept laughing at her own jokes and it all became a bit too much.
I think for the most part she should do her, keep that spark alive, but I would suggest she tone it down just a hair. I think then she could be a breath of fresh air in stand up.
Wishing her the best.
I think for the most part she should do her, keep that spark alive, but I would suggest she tone it down just a hair. I think then she could be a breath of fresh air in stand up.
Wishing her the best.
Jenny is silly and likeable
cartsghammond22 October 2019
I like Jenny Slate, and I think this special perfectly captures her as a person. She is unpredictable and Silly, and I think that's what people love about her.
I think you can tell that she isn't a regular in stand up comedy, and a lot of the jokes were hit or miss for me. But I think the handful of things that made me laugh really hard made it worth watching.
If you like her, then watch it, and if you don't like her, give it a go anyway.
I think you can tell that she isn't a regular in stand up comedy, and a lot of the jokes were hit or miss for me. But I think the handful of things that made me laugh really hard made it worth watching.
If you like her, then watch it, and if you don't like her, give it a go anyway.
Adorkably Jenny
swordsnare25 November 2019
Firstly, I have always found Jenny Slate 'adorkable', so take any of my comments with a grain of salt.
Her sense of humour to me has always felt awkward and probably objectively funny in a quirky way. I admire her candor and openness to make herself more approachable in this special. There are some genuine moments to be had but much of her humour would be lost on the vast majority.
I grinned through most of the set, but never really laughed audibly at the content. The rating denotes her efforts despite not quite landing a broad stand-up comedic audience.
Note: I find it best to give an objective constructive opinion rather than be butt-hurt over something I had zero input into.
Her sense of humour to me has always felt awkward and probably objectively funny in a quirky way. I admire her candor and openness to make herself more approachable in this special. There are some genuine moments to be had but much of her humour would be lost on the vast majority.
I grinned through most of the set, but never really laughed audibly at the content. The rating denotes her efforts despite not quite landing a broad stand-up comedic audience.
Note: I find it best to give an objective constructive opinion rather than be butt-hurt over something I had zero input into.
Maybe I'm missing the gene for appreciating her humor
MzKarizzma29 October 2019
I tried to watch this comedy special, but for me, it mostly fell flat and I had to bail after about 15 minutes. I barely cracked a smile at her jokes, but SHE seemed enormously amused by them and giggled throughout. Maybe she's actually funny (the audience seemed to like her) but I'm just missing the Jenny gene.
Yikes
bonnievoisine25 October 2019
Strange, awkward, personal and charming
shamblerbatman24 October 2019
I felt this was it's own form of art. Silly and awkward, with highs and lows, it felt like a wonderful exploration of a chaotic mind. While it's not laugh-out-loud the whole time, it's authentic and I really left feeling like I would look forward to seeing what she does next.
Extremely talented actress but....
bnowak24 October 2019
Not Just a Standup Comedy Special
jjb-sonis24 October 2019
When taken for what it is worth and what it is meant to be, this is a pretty enjoyable show. There are indeed a few kind of blah moments. It is one part storytelling and one part comedy show. It is not meant to be just another standup comedy special. (Even the description of the show provided by Netflix that one can read before choosing to play it states as much.) The story told is personal and interesting and there are a few (and I do mean a few) touching moments that some of us can identify with (examples of unconditional love from a member of her family, stuff that might keep us from being as confident as we would like to be when doing what we do for a living, etc.). The comedy bits are also at times personal and often funny. I enjoyed this and it is worth giving it a watch if you want to enjoy something a bit deeper than the typical comedy special (not that I don't like the typical standup comedy specials performed by proper comedians, this just isn't one of them).
She Should Stick To Acting
omrtnzpa11 December 2019
I'm an open minded glass half full kind of person. I tried, believe me I tried, to like the show but it sucked pretty bad. I'm happy for her getting the opportunity but either this is not for her or she pick a bad time to suck so bad because it was on a large platform like Netflix. If this was the best comedy she had then maybe she should stick to acting. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Not everyone can do stand-up.
cssstmlnsn27 October 2019
Not one laugh. I'm still waiting for a punchline. Filled with so many little-unexplored missed opportunities (such as Jews Vs Catholics). I find the whole show as gloomy as depicted by Jenny's haunted house and black outfit. Not even Jenny's dad thought she was funny I think. A self-indulgent biography without ever putting herself in the audience. Sorry.
Not Jenny's Platform, Unfortunately
jesstheauthor25 October 2019
I'll preface this by saying I think Jenny Slate is a talented actor and and incredible voice-over actor. I have followed her career and enjoy just about all she does.
That being said, I found this difficult to watch. I wanted to like it, but it felt amateurish and awkward. And not particularly funny at all. I know this wasn't billed as pure stand up per se, but for me (as all reviews are just opinions) this isn't her realm. Stand up takes years to master, and putting together a "set" takes lots of work and re-work, trying out material on audiences and making adjustments and timing is key. This felt more like stream of consciousness with a few pre-planned anecdotes. It felt clear these were unchartered waters.
I see that some people vibed with it. She is intriguing (i'd love to have a beer and conversation with her) and and her quirkiness, along with some home footage and interviews were enough to be entertained.
I did note at least one person thinking the negative feedback thus far is based on taking a jab at the patriarchy and government. Yeah, someone is always offended by something, but I'm a white dude and thought they were cool sentiments. Just didn't work for me overall.
I'll keep watching and rooting for Jenny, but my guess is, the consensus will be that this experiment won't be considered one of her successes; in a career filled with them.
That being said, I found this difficult to watch. I wanted to like it, but it felt amateurish and awkward. And not particularly funny at all. I know this wasn't billed as pure stand up per se, but for me (as all reviews are just opinions) this isn't her realm. Stand up takes years to master, and putting together a "set" takes lots of work and re-work, trying out material on audiences and making adjustments and timing is key. This felt more like stream of consciousness with a few pre-planned anecdotes. It felt clear these were unchartered waters.
I see that some people vibed with it. She is intriguing (i'd love to have a beer and conversation with her) and and her quirkiness, along with some home footage and interviews were enough to be entertained.
I did note at least one person thinking the negative feedback thus far is based on taking a jab at the patriarchy and government. Yeah, someone is always offended by something, but I'm a white dude and thought they were cool sentiments. Just didn't work for me overall.
I'll keep watching and rooting for Jenny, but my guess is, the consensus will be that this experiment won't be considered one of her successes; in a career filled with them.
Comedy is subjective.
frangibbens24 March 2022
Was surprised to come on here and see bad reviews and such a low rating. This is a stand up special I will inevitably come back to time and time again. I love her special brand of humour, had me smiling and giggling throughout. A lot of comedy either is watchable but not funny, or will get a couple of laughs out of me. She is very quirky, likeable and real. This really brightened up my whole day!
She's probably a nice person but that doesn't make it a great show.
deloudelouvain3 November 2019
Lately I've been watching quite alot of stand-up comedians and most of the time it was from good to very good. Everybody has a different sense of humor, and everybody has his own style to bring it to the audience. With the show of Jenny Slate I was disappointed though, not very funny, or at least not to me. To her it was obviously funny as she enjoyed it much more than anyone else. Nothing wrong with that, I guess we just don't have the same sense of humor. On top of that we get to see some footage from her family and from her youth. I'm pretty sure her family and herself will enjoy it very much when they will watch it over but for us, the audience, it's just boring. I'm afraid hat this will be the only stand-up comedy I will watch from her.
Affecting and Refreshing Debut Special from Jenny Slate
christopherp100324 October 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this special, and as far as Netflix specials go, it's one of my favorites so far. As for the other reviews, did the same incel write most of them? Jenny takes a few digs at the patriarchy, so I could see some other guys being threatened by it. Anyway, it's a shame this is being review bombed, because it really is a good special. I hope people will give it a chance.
Painfully Bad - Literally
brontebrowning28 October 2019
I like Jenny Slate.
That being said, she should never be given a standup platform like this one ever again.
I say this in the spirit of public service.
This "comedy" special was beyond cringeworthy; it was physically and psychologically painful to endure.
Her maniacal screaming, cackling, meandering and meaningless riffs (that she continually laughs at herself), combined with uninspired and banal video clips made this patently unwatchable.
I tried to plow through this, but I had to stop. It was literally migraine- inducing. Seriously, I had to medicate.
The screaming...so much screaming.
Hopefully she can put this debacle behind her and get back to what she does best: stellar voice work, and niche roles that showcase her extreme neuroticism in a comedic manner.
Do yourself a favor and don't even turn this on out of curiosity. It could seriously sour your opinion of her going forward and induce PTSD from her hair-raising vocalizations.
And if you disregard this cautionary advice, proactively turn the volume down before you start, and have two Advils at the ready.
You've been warned.
That being said, she should never be given a standup platform like this one ever again.
I say this in the spirit of public service.
This "comedy" special was beyond cringeworthy; it was physically and psychologically painful to endure.
Her maniacal screaming, cackling, meandering and meaningless riffs (that she continually laughs at herself), combined with uninspired and banal video clips made this patently unwatchable.
I tried to plow through this, but I had to stop. It was literally migraine- inducing. Seriously, I had to medicate.
The screaming...so much screaming.
Hopefully she can put this debacle behind her and get back to what she does best: stellar voice work, and niche roles that showcase her extreme neuroticism in a comedic manner.
Do yourself a favor and don't even turn this on out of curiosity. It could seriously sour your opinion of her going forward and induce PTSD from her hair-raising vocalizations.
And if you disregard this cautionary advice, proactively turn the volume down before you start, and have two Advils at the ready.
You've been warned.
Comedy, home movie, haunting documentary??
c-lawrence-brown24 October 2019
The comedy parts could not be less funny if she tried and then it has a creepy home movie interwoven with it that is also a documentary on hauntings. I don't even think there was one structured "joke" in the entirety of the show. Nothing is even mildly comedic and borders on cringeworthy. Absolute garbage!
Very hard to watch
heezbeeznutz-0555225 October 2019
Jenny Slate is my new crush
Brad_G3510 November 2019
I randomly came across Jenny Slate being interviewed on one the late night shows. I was immediately drawn to her personality. Behind that short interview-Jenny, there was some kind of mystery and charm. The interview was advertising this special and her new book. She was so delightful that I had to watch this special and I'll likely pick up her new book.
Being just three years younger, some of her personality traits and views on life were some that I could immediately relate to.
Her comedy isn't typical and it's definitely not comedy like the main comics I'm drawn to (Burr, Jim Jeffries, Chappelle, Sarah Silverman, Red Foxx, Whitney Cummings, Craig Ferguson, Ali Wong, Bill Hicks) but there is something about her. She's a great story teller even when naming the special and pointing out that she has stage fright.
I often think about if I ever put together a comedy special. Jenny had the format that I think I'd try. I like the cuts to clips that go along with her stories. I think that's a great way to tell stories... especially if you have stage fright. I honestly came away from this special feeling like I made a new close friend.
I'll be interested to see what she does with her next stand-up special.
Being just three years younger, some of her personality traits and views on life were some that I could immediately relate to.
Her comedy isn't typical and it's definitely not comedy like the main comics I'm drawn to (Burr, Jim Jeffries, Chappelle, Sarah Silverman, Red Foxx, Whitney Cummings, Craig Ferguson, Ali Wong, Bill Hicks) but there is something about her. She's a great story teller even when naming the special and pointing out that she has stage fright.
I often think about if I ever put together a comedy special. Jenny had the format that I think I'd try. I like the cuts to clips that go along with her stories. I think that's a great way to tell stories... especially if you have stage fright. I honestly came away from this special feeling like I made a new close friend.
I'll be interested to see what she does with her next stand-up special.
Loved it from start to finish!
jehannosevanne4 May 2020
Well, I have to say I was a bit surprised by all the poor ratings so that's why I decided to share how much I personally loved it. This special was true to her persona: awkward, dorky, real, emotional, and yes, funny.. I caught myself laughing out loud (and even til I wept) a number of times, which honestly doesn't happen that often!
Her way of addressing depression was very well put and approachable. The documentary part was a bonus not specially needed but still welcomed in the context of the show. In my opinion, this is what made this stand up more genuine and unique. And overall, this special felt really easily relatable, even though I am 10 years younger and European.
So if you want to watch a former SNL cast member get real onstage and outstage while listening to some funny anecdotes based on weird situations, Stage Fright is a show to discover!
Her way of addressing depression was very well put and approachable. The documentary part was a bonus not specially needed but still welcomed in the context of the show. In my opinion, this is what made this stand up more genuine and unique. And overall, this special felt really easily relatable, even though I am 10 years younger and European.
So if you want to watch a former SNL cast member get real onstage and outstage while listening to some funny anecdotes based on weird situations, Stage Fright is a show to discover!
A Festering T*rd
ksaifert-1800725 October 2019
This was difficult and awkward to watch from the outset. If you manage to persevere through the opening 5 or 19 minutes there is very little reward for your time. I have only seen Jenny Slate in small bit parts here and there and this is the first I have seen of her in a stand up setting but it was a stuggle to sit through. Given the opportunity again I would perhaps watch some paint dry.
Uncomfortable & unfunny
mlwieber-1216729 August 2021
Netflix..
mhforever-6228024 October 2019
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