DVDs in Review

Jimmy Carr: Telling Jokes

Title: Jimmy Carr: Telling Jokes (2009)

Release date: November 2 2009

Certificate: 18

Format: DVD

DVD RRP: £19.99

Rating: 4/5

‘Jimmy Carr: Telling Jokes’ isn’t the most original of titles for a stand-up comedy DVD, but then again it isn’t the most original of shows either.

Not that that’s a bad thing – Carr tells jokes, offensive as they may be, without resorting to showy theatrics, musical interludes or video technology. He’s a one man show; you either love him or hate him, but there’s no escaping him.

This 90-minute performance in London sees Carr move almost effortlessly from one liner to insulting put-down, but his shows seem to lack some of the spontaneity or general craziness of someone like Robin Williams who regularly breaks away from the script if something excites his imagination on the spot.

It means that at times Carr can come off as rather flat in terms of delivery, even if the material is spot on.

Still, this is a minor gripe and Carr does interact with the audience on a regular basis, but usually just to insult them. It makes the atmosphere a little icy, as the majority of the audience must be holding their heads down like unruly students, not wanting to be picked on.

Carr is a talented comedian, and one who may need a slightly better outlet for his performances. As standard as this show is, it still comes heartily recommended for those who aren’t easily offended.

Don't be put off by the slightly insane looking cover, the DVD contains a decent extra feature – a half an hour performance in New York for Comedy Central, as well as the usual collection of outtakes.