Russell Brand in New York City – DVD Review

“My personality doesn’t work well without, fame. Without fame this haircut just looks like mental illness.”

My cousin has a theory that everyone loves the “bad boy.” The guys want to be him, and the girls want to be the one to save him with their love. With Russell Brand the mixture of genuine charm and intellect with unbelievable audaciousness is irresistible. Russell Brand goes a long way to proving my cousin right as we watch people of New York fall under his spell!In this performance in New York City on Comedy Central, Russell Brand covers the world, with topics such as the difference between English and American people, meeting other famous celebrities versus meeting an elephant, and some of the background behind his infamous MTV 2008 Award Show. He’s clever, he’s outrageous, and he has a unique perspective and he is very very funny using the most unconventional subjects as his comedic material. Who else could have an audience falling out of their seats in laughter over death threats. Because of a political statement he made, Russell says he has received many angry threatening emails. He proceeds to read some of them exposing the ridiculous nature of such communications. You won’t want to have the kiddos in the room when you watch this, as death threats tend to be phrased in very ugly language.Russell Brand uses language, not the run of the mill stand up barrage of standard obscenities and trash talk. When a “bad” word is spoken, it is usually couched by intelligent phrases and a really funny concept. Far from being shocked, or disgusted as is the case with performances by the usual “controversial” comedians, the audience seemed to be laughing in a most jovial manner. Even when the talk turns pretty naughty, Russell maintains that “oh I’m just putting you on” or “this is a lark” type behavior, that somehow gets laughs rather than gasps of shock. However, this is not for the easily offended, because regardless of the wit and humor, there are some rough patches.Russell Brand in New York City is presented on single disc in widescreen format. It has a running time of 61 minutes. Bonus features include “The Notorious 2008 MTV VMA Monologue,” a featurette “An Englishman in New York, where Russell goes riding and walking around the city of New York making friends everywhere……and then there is the drunk woman at the show who almost causes things to fall apart. Russell Brand seems to be gifted with an ability to bounce off problems and insults, unwanted attention and situations that might frighten off or inspire wrathful reactions in other “stars,” with natural humor and interest. Russell Brand in New York City is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.