Ralphie May: Austin-Tatious - DVD Review

About.com Rating

I remember watching comedian Ralphie May on the first season of Last Comic Standing, and while I didn't hate him I remember thinking his style of comedy was indicative of what I don't like about that show -- it's generic and lacks any edge whatsoever. I haven't seen any of Ralphie May since, though I know he's gone on to have a much more successful career than the guy that won (the barely-heard-from-since Dat Phan).

May's DVD, Austin-Tatious, was the first time I've seen the plus-size comic in at least five years.

Austin-Tatious (because it was recorded in Austin, see?) is May's fourth stand-up special, and it's fairly ambitious. At 90+ minutes, it's less a comedy special than a full-on concert film (director Michael Drumm even tries to dress it up by occasionally cutting in black and white footage taken from a different angle; the effect is distracting and unnecessary). May spends a good deal of time talking about being a new father and what it's like to live with a pregnant woman; elsewhere, he riffs on race relations, political correctness, his passion for food and the art of self-love. He has an energetic delivery and enthusiasm that's hard to dislike, making Austin-Tatious easy to watch even during the slow spots.

Spelling It Out

For me, Austin-Tatious was largely slow spots. Like I said, May is perfectly likable and I appreciate the way he combines southern dialect with urban street speak (this, I believe, is the future of America -- just ask Mike Judge).

I can totally understand why his fans find him funny. I can't say that I do, but I also didn't find the special hard to get through. I can't say that about the comics I really dislike.

If I do have a complaint about May, it's that he need not try so hard to convince us that he's edgy. He takes shots at political correctness, and that's fine. He does racial humor that has the potential to offend some sensitive audiences, and that's fine. It's the point he's making. But then he goes on to spell out just how politically incorrect and edgy he is (Carlos Mencia is notorious for doing this). If you have to call attention to the fact that you're edgy, you're either a) not edgy or b) not doing it right.

The thing about reviewing comedy is that it's always the same story. You can take my word for it, but chances are your mind is made up. If you're already a fan of Ralphie May, what I say isn't going to matter. You're going to enjoy Austin-Tatious and should definitely seek it out. If you're just looking for new comedians and want to give May a look, be my guest. I would suggest you start elsewhere, because there are a number of comedians I enjoy more. I don't feel like I wasted my time with Austin-Tatious, but I probably won't be first in line the next time May comes to town.

One more thing. Even for a comedian, the title Austin-Tatious is pretty obvious and bad. If you don't think so, be sure to pick up my new stand-up DVD, Chica-Go Away.