Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself (2006)

Too much of everything

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Hard to believe this comedy special is over a decade old already. I saw it years ago and once again last night and it's just as funny as it was the first time. This show was taped in Santa Ana, California and the town takes a few hits courtesy of Dunham's opening bit with Walter, the old curmudgeon. What's really quite good is when Dunham goes off script to engage members of the audience, with Walter carrying on with someone who had to take a restroom break. Dunham's real talent shows through in the bit with Peanut and Jose, Jalapeno on a stick. When all three argue back and forth, with a bit of Spanish thrown in, it's rather amazing that Dunham doesn't miss a beat. His other characters appearing here included Sweet Daddy Dee and redneck Bubba J, and they're all hilarious. At times, it almost seems like the dummies are really talking, so engrossed one gets with the laugh lines. The only downside is some of the language Dunham employs, making this particular show unsuitable for family viewing.

Ventriliquism is an act of deception. The audience must believe that the puppets are actually talking instead of the puppeteer making voices. Unless the audience buys into it, nothing works. And Jeff Dunham is so skilled that it is near impossible to believe that this is a ventriloquist.That being said, "Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself" is nothing short of hysterical. The first time I watched it, I was nearly crying because I was laughing so hard. It may take up little more than an hour of time, but you're laughing heartily the whole way through.The performance opens up with Jeff doing a small roughly 5-7 minute routine. The little story that he tells is pretty funny, and sets up a running gag throughout the show. Dunham may be a ventriloquist, but he's still funny without them.First up is what is arguably his funniest doll (his most famous one, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, was created later), Walter. Walter is a cantankerous, foul-mouthed, wife hating old man who loves sarcasm and verbally abusing everyone, including certain audience members.Next up is Jeff's new agent, Sweet Daddy D, who Jeff suddenly realizes is a pimp, and considers Jeff to be his "ho." He's present in a few "backstage" scenes offering commentary, but on stage he's pretty funny.Unfortunately, after Walter and Sweet Daddy D, the level of hilarity decreases. There are still laughs to be had, but his remaining characters are just not as funny.Jeff's third character is Bubba J, a self-proclaimed redneck who married his cousin. A lot of the jokes revolve around this and his obviously low intelligence, but the gags are just too broad to be truly hilarious.Next up is Peanut, a creature from a Micronesean country that looks like some sort of bizarre minaret. He's like a hyperactive, but less intelligent Walter (including a similar voice). He's really only funny when he's paired up with Jose the Jalepeno...which is exactly what you'd think.Jeff Dunham is clearly talented. His jokes are hysterical, and the voices are so different from his own that it's hard to believe that he's creating them...especially while barely moving his mouth. What I really like is the interaction between himself and his puppets. The rapport that they have is crucial and makes a lot of the jokes funnier than they normally would be. Next to his puppets, Jeff acts meek, and often embarrassed, at the things his co-stars say. What's especially noteworthy about his puppets is that their faces are very versatile...their eyes and many of their facial features move, which adds to the hilarity.The unsung hero is Manny Rodriguez. Taping a stand up routine seems easy, but it's really not. Rodriguez is able to capture Jeff in the perfect frame: we can clearly see him and his puppets and read their emotions, but we can't see his lips move when he's voicing the puppets. He also knows the concept of comic timing, such as when he switches to the audience members reactions (and the scenes backstage).This is a raunchy, obscene and hilarious performance (the unbleeped version would definitely be rated R, although in my opinion it should squeak by with a PG-13 rating). If you want to laugh, check Jeff Dunham out!

I laughed until I cried! He has definitely taken over as the best comedian on my list...sorry Jeff, Larry, Bill, and Ron! It still amazes me how he can argue with Peanut and Jose in Spanish with the accent and it never bleeding over into the other! Walter is a riot (what you lookin at?). He reminds me of some people in my life and his cynicism is perfect. (She got on her menstrual cycle and ran my ass over!) Too funny! Then Big Daddy D (word)was pretty funny as well. Bubba J his favorite beer is (an open one). He was late getting to his girlfriends house and so was she! Peanut wasn't what I expected him to be...I have a feline named Peanut. This martian looking character is just that a character! I love them all but the one that stands out the most is Jose the Jalapeno (I am Jose a Jalapeno on a steeeek!) He wanted to wow the ladies when asked why he said (cause I have a steeeek!) Except for a few rough words, anyone can enjoy this comedy. Even the Watler's in the world. (nahhhh what you lookin at?) Highly recommended to cure any ailment you have...enjoy!

Jeff Dunham has to be the funniest ventriloquist on the planet. He incorporates a wide variety of distinct personalities amongst his unforgettable sidekicks. From Walter, Peanut, Jose Jalapeno (... on a steeek!), to Bubba J and Sweet Daddy Dee, you will not soon forget these memorable characters. Years ago I remember seeing Mr. Dunham do numerous shows coming up and he was a definite standout from all his comedy competition. Recently at the American Comedy Awards, Mr. Dunham was voted Male Stand-up comic of the year. This piece has been a long time coming and delivers spot on. If not for a slight bit of vulgar language this would be a piece for comedy lovers of all ages. A definite master of his craft, Mr. Dunham is not one to be missed. Arguing With Myself is a must have.