It’s always a shock to learn an actor started on the standup circuit. While very common – plenty Hollywood stars found early and mega success on the stage – I’m hesitant when someone’s formal introduction is totally removed from that platform. For instance, Marlon Wayans releasing standup specials seemed out of place, since he’s never been anything but a screen star to me. I had the same sentiment seeing King of Queens‘ Kevin James released a new comedy special. Yes, he’s hilarious as Doug Heffernan. But do those comedic chops translate when it’s just him and a mic. For the most part, yes.
I’ve always enjoyed James’ comedy. He was the sitcom’s everyman in nine seasons of the CBS hit comedy, King of Queens. He catapulted to film star in the hilarious romcom, Hitch and the semi-gay friendly, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. And even though it didn’t need a sequel, Paul Blart: Mall Cop is an enjoyable time. He’s never not been working, and with the exception of the Kevin Can Wait debacle, his public persona is pretty pristine. While not a general fan of standup specials (I feel awkward if they aren’t funny), I took a chance to check his out.
Irregardless is a pretty decent, middle-of-the-road comedy special. It’s a snapshot of where James is in his life. A husband and father of four who is being betrayed by his age, body, and this era of screen time and participation trophies. While never escalating to the trite topics of “cancel culture” or punching down a marginalized community (thank you!), the material has conservative tones underneath the surface. Commentary on how the world went to hell because we traded spanking children for timeouts is a bit cringe, but nothing to fret about.
He also highlights society’s obsession with pre-fear, a pretty accurate bit on stoking folks anxiety over nothing. His simple retort to his physician’s estimate that he’s pre-diabetic was golden. He hilariously chimed, “Everyone’s pre-dead also.” It concluded with a dramatic roll of a woman’s dramatically reassuring her family that she will be absolutely fine after being diagnosed as pre-anemic.
James is at his best when portraying the character we know too well: the married buffoon. Near the latter half of the hour special, James plays up the marriage material that was the basis for King of Queens. The throes of being married to a woman exceptionally smarter than him, dragging him to events where his 4th-grade vocabulary cannot spar with the likes of people talking basic city politics. It feels the most familiar and warranted the best laughs from me. Even his banter about his wife’s need to talk unnecessarily was gold.
In all, a solid and appropriate effort from someone of his stature and age. Something the whole family can enjoy, Kevin James: Irregardless premieres Tuesday, Jan. 23 exclusively on Prime Video.
my streamable life 