John Mulaney’s latest comedy special, Baby J, sees the comic talk about his severe drug addiction relapse in 2020, his time in rehab, overcoming his need for attention, and more. It is now streaming on Netflix.
Story
Mulaney performs this special in Boston’s Symphony Hall and addresses his past couple of years that have been tumultuous.
He talks about his addiction relapse that led to an intervention by his friends which included Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Nick Kroll, and Natasha Lyonne, among others.
The Emmy-winning artist also talks about his time in rehab that followed the intervention for his dependence on cocaine and prescription drugs, his divorce, a sudden new relationship with Olivia Munn, his baby, overcoming his desperate need for attention, and more.
Positives
Mulaney doesn’t hold back with his stories. The anecdotes are detailed, and borderline unpleasant, yet rib-tickling. He tries his best to present his misery and catharsis in a manner acceptable to most audiences.
His style is still loud, and animated, and his impression work is top-notch.
However, there is a different vibe to his comedy in Baby J. Mulaney is darker with his jokes, probably because the subject matter is always him. He also tries to create a relatability factor for viewers as he explains the thought processes behind his reckless behavior for the past few years.
The happy ending to his story is a much-needed one. Even though Mulaney presents his spiraling tale in a way that will make you laugh out loud, it is still full of reckless decisions, misbehavior, and hurt. It is good to know that the comedian made it out alive.
Negatives
As detailed and raw as Baby J is, Mulaney is careful to give the majority of the attention to his drug-fuelled antics during the pandemic. He mentions his divorce once and barely talks about his new partner Munn or their 14-month-old son.
Not that it was necessary, but this proves that the special isn’t as transparent as the comic claims to be. Touted to be a wide-ranging conversation, Mulaney doesn’t explicitly deliver on that note.
Verdict
Baby J is an enjoyable ride that John Mulaney takes you on. His stories are funny, his style is infectious, and his journey is equally relatable and harrowing. Maybe he should have covered more aspects of his disaster in detail, but that is just nitpicking.
However, if dark, drug-related humor isn’t something that floats your boat, steer clear from this one.
John Mulaney: Baby J
Director: Alex Timbers
Date Created: 2023-04-26 12:58
3.5
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