The long-lusted-after brainchild of comedian Gabriel Iglesias (affectionately known as Fluffy), Stand Up Revolution is an unashamed parade of the comic's friends, each no doubt vying for an audience that Iglesias warms with a mixture of genuine enthusiasm and occasionally cheap shots. So why does it not only avoid registering as unwelcome and navel gazing but succeeds as a largely solid comedy special, with a few clunkers and some outstanding material? Part of the secret is Iglesias himself, a good natured man who exploits his portliness for a laugh at every opportunity. Fluffy' happy-go-lucky shtick is either brilliantly fabricated or he is absolutely genuine, coming of ass an intensely warm showrunner who embraces and the audience and basks in their appreciative glow. With no shortage of "angry" comics who lash out (often to great effect) at the people who came to see them, it's refreshing to see a craftsman comedian who has empathy and respect for the crowd.
Whether the jokes are well crafted is another story entirely. Iglesias exudes the appeal of a hardworking comic who climbed the rung step by step and is itching for a big break. He's also slipping in an entourage of like-minded friends, fellow performers, some with storied careers, others just starting out, but all wanting for an audience. A comedy special is a certainly a big step up, and luckily none of the acts come off as desperate to please. They are also infrequently funny, pleasing and a good way to pass your time, but not insightful or unique, outside of a few personal favorites.
The show's structure is perfectly boilerplate: Iglesias does the introduction, tells a couple of zingers and then it's on to the next one. Most of the comedians present on this two-DVD set happen to be, like Fluffy, Hispanic and heavy, so when they mine personal traits, the broad caricatures feel played out. After all, Iglesias has already shot out a couple of jokes about his weight and heritage, so whoever follows suit is only adding on. Luckily, once the fat and race jokes are put to rest, and the individual comic feels he's convinced us that yes, he or she enjoys large portions of rice and bean variations, some real gems are unleashed in style.
Which brings me to the three outstanding performers featured on the DVD - Shaun Latham, Rudy Moreno, and Thea Vidale. Latham delves into a great bit about the benefits of dating older women (cougars, in our soon-to-be-expired slang), while Moreno scores a hit with the crowd by linking artist and band names into a free flowing surreal tale. You have to see it to appreciate it. But it's Vidale who really shines, operating seemingly without a basic censor and laying down some hard truths of her own that feel very real and honest. It's not that her material is brazenly original, but its that she's so damn brazen, dishing out punishing observation sometimes directed an unfortunate audience members within sight of her cross-hairs.
So what you're probably asking yourself is, is it worth a purchase or even a rental? I say yes, because while it is really a case of quantity over quality, there is solid material here and the sheer amount of it is bound to get a laugh out of you. If anything, Iglesias winning ways may take him far in this business, but only if he moves away from the peanut-gallery material more often.The DVD looks fine, nothing outstanding for a TV comedy special, but not unpleasant either. The audio track is serviceable, with the audience laughter never drowning out the jokes.
DVD Bonus Features
Nine minutes of outtakes, a music video by the band Ozomatli that serves as an outro for episodes, and supposedly "extended episodes". I did not see the special when it aired, so I can't vouch for the extensions. Still, at 280 minutes, it's hard to complain.
"Gabriel Iglesias Presents: Stand-Up Revolution" is on sale November 15, 2011 and is rated . Comedy, Television. Directed by Manny Rodriguez, Alex Ferrari. Written by Various. Starring Gabriel Iglesias, Alfred Robles, Rick Gutierrez, Dillon Garcia, Paul Varghese, Rudy Moreno, Noe Gonzalez, Dennis Gaxiola, Thea Vidale, Shaun Latham, Tommy Chunn, Carlos Oscar, Zhivago Blea, Cleto Rodriguez, Edwin San Juan, Larry Omaha, Cristela Alonzo, Maz Jobrani, Joey Coco Diaz.
