Comedy: A Matter of Taste - Some Acts I Can’t Stand

Comedy is a subjective art form, and what makes one person laugh can leave another cold. For some, certain comedians stand out as the pinnacle of talent, while others might find their jokes and performances unbearable. This article explores comedians whose acts I personally cannot stand, along with their reasons for being off-putting and the impact they have had on the comedy scene.

Unfunny and Ineffective Comedians: A Critical Look

Comic acts that rely on harsh and mean-spirited attacks on an individual’s appearance or actions never resonate with me. Instead, they come across as shallow and disrespectful. Comedians who use insults to elevate their own standards and seek laughs through belittlement undermine the very essence of comedy, which typically aims to entertain and sometimes provoke thought.

There's a certain level of shout and lob about these acts, especially when the material hits a particular low point. When a comedian uses an unfunny line or joke, the attempt to force an audience's laughter with increased volume often only serves to expose the lack of true humor in their material.

Comedy Standouts and Disappoints

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer is a performer with her fair share of popularity. While she has moments that are entertaining, for my personal taste, she is grossly overrated. It's hard to understand how she managed to sell out Madison Square Garden twice and secure an impressive 13 million for a Netflix special on her own terms. To me, her special was far from the train-wreck some might suggest, but still not a standout performance.

Amy Schumer - Snatch

Compared to her other works, her special "Snatch" seems to fare better. It shows a more mature approach to humor and content, something I did appreciate.

Carlos Mencia

Carlos Mencia is another comedian who fails to amaze me. His stand-up performances are not funny, and his attempts to provoke laughter often fall flat. It’s difficult to understand the appeal of jokes that don’t even require volume or shouting to fail.

Andrew Dice Clay

Andrew Dice Clay is known for his repetitive and uninspired material. He essentially follows the same comic style for an extended period, which can be a sign of artistic stagnation. However, his acting career shows that he has a range beyond stand-up, and while his movies like "Ford Fairlane" might not be universally lauded, they certainly aren't as atrocious as some critics make them out to be.

Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin presents a unique case. I’ve tried to appreciate her humor but find myself struggling to do so. Her satirical style and harsh comments might work for some, but they don’t resonate with me personally. I find it challenging to warm up to her brand of humor.

Eddie Griffin

Ed Griffin has been a controversial figure in comedy. While some might describe his stand-up as funny, to me, it feels like a cocktail of profanity and a lack of material. In his attempt to shock or entertain, often, the profanity becomes the punchline, a tactic that quickly loses its appeal without substance.

Jerry Seinfeld

Seinfeld is a name with a large following, but not one that resonates with me. The HBO special I saw in the late 80s was uninteresting to say the least. Jerry Seinfeld had a successful sitcom, but it wasn't the comedian that made the show a hit. The true stars of the show were the other talented actors, such as Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Michael Richards.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish is an actress and comedian with undeniable talent. Her performances on screen are a joy to watch, but as a stand-up comedian, she falls short. Her efforts on the stage feel too gimmicky and typecast. While she doesn’t completely lack material, she lacks the consistency and flair that make for a truly captivating stand-up performance.

Russell Brand

Russell Brand is an actor and comedian who initially seemed to have an engaging personality. However, when I saw him on "Real Time with Bill Maher," he came across as more evolved and intelligent than genuinely funny. His performances in movies and his on-camera persona often leave me irritated. The volume and intensity of his approach don't translate to true comedic timing, leaving much to be desired in both his live and pre-recorded performances.

In conclusion, the world of stand-up comedy is as diverse as the people who partake in it. While some comedians hit the mark for me, many others fall short due to their reliance on crass humor, lack of material, or just an inability to entertain effectively. Comedic tastes vary widely, and it’s important for both performers and audiences to embrace the diversity within the genre.