Once I determine what the rules are concerning giving cocaine to a mogwai, I'll offer up a review of tonight's SNL, after the jump...
Bill O'Reilly Open: There was something amiable about this sketch, even if it didn't really have a point (and took a few turns along the way). There was just something so disarmingly charming about the 'Pop Culture Quiz' jokes, and I like the idea of O'Reilly forcing Obama to stay seated while he reads fawning viewer mail. Sudeikis may have not nailed O'Reilly's voice, but he definitely got the attitude right, and that helped to keep this sketch going.
Monologue: Is it just me, or does Brand's voice sound really high? I guess this is meant to be a bit of stand up, but it was very meandering, as he covered being famous in England, wearing tight pants, the Oscars, Valentine's Day, and his marriage to Katy Perry. There were a few laughs, but monologues are almost always better when they stick to one theme, and this wasn't one of those times
Gublin & Green, Attorneys at Law: Look, the Internet has already made just about every joke that can be made concerning the injuries sustained during Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark (hell, SNL did it as part of Weekend Update just a few episodes back). So I was glad that they tried to expand beyond this, and I liked the idea of people getting their settlements in tickets to the show (or a hat!), and the list of injuries was pretty funny too.
Ultimate Vacation Giveaway: This wasn't funny when they did it with Emma Stone, and it wasn't funny now. Just another sketch that needs to go away and never, ever come back. (Clearly, they don't know how to end these sketches either.)
Don' You Go Rounnin' Roun' To Re-Ro: Just a brilliant take-down of “overly British” films. At least for the first minute. But then it just went on for waaaaaaaayyyyyyy too long. The more I think about it, the more I appreciate the brevity of last week's “The Roomate” digital short.
King Reginald's Royal Taster: Though I wasn't laughing at first, this sketch eventually won me over, mostly because I have a soft spot for “yelling humor.” I just wish the beginning jokes worked as well. Though that “King's Speech” joke to finish the sketch off was a nice touch as well.
Weekend Update: While I understand why the show would bring back Armisen as Hosni Mubarak, at least on a topical level, I don't think he was funny enough the first time to justify a repeat performance. However, I did like the idea Lil' Wayne and Eminem creating a Valentine's Day song that they felt was non-misogynistic. (Plus, Killam's impression of Shady was just perfect.) But the best part, obviously, was the return of Stefon, Hader's gay city correspondent. I just hope the show doesn't run this character into the ground like they've done with past favorites.
Livin' Single: Finally a sketch that takes advantage of Brand's particular comic skill of playing smarmy guys. But what really made this sketch was Killam as the lovestruck, jealous DJ Terry. Playing those two personalities off of each other kept things fresher than if sketch had only been about one of those characters.
A Spot of Tea: This is the perfect example of how and why SNL should always had layers to repeated jokes. When the first quake hit, it was funny. (It's the kind of dumb humor I enjoy.) When it happened the second time, it wasn't. With the introduction of the tall shelves full of glass for the third time around, it was funny again. But when the sketch closed with adding fondue to the mix, it once again wasn't funny. When sketches don't mix up the jokes a little each time, then the predictability ruins it, regardless of how funny the joke was the first time.
George Washington, Time Traveler: Admittedly, I just laughed at the premise of politicians bringing Washington from the past to solve the partisan debate. But then George started showing up and punching people...and it was just damn funny. And then the sketch ended on a high, yet dark note by having Pelosi stabbing Washington, thus altering the course of history forever. This is the kind of weird sketch that makes me look forward to the 11:55 section of the show, and the kind of sketch the show should try to do more often here.
Overall, this wasn't the best showcase of Brand's talents (and he didn't appear to be in that many of the sketches), and all of the weakest sketches seemed to be placed in the first half, for some reason. (This was, however a good showcase for Killam. I'm always happy when the show gives their featured players chances to shine.) After Brown's first performance, the show stated to pick up, and it ended on a pretty high note. Very sneaky, SNL. Very sneaky.
Best Sketch: George Washington, Time Traveler
Worst Sketch: Ultimate Vacation Giveaway
Best Surprise: Killam's Eminem impersonation/the return of Stefon
Additional Thoughts:
“That's our vocabulary word for the day: 'long-winded.'”
Chris Brown, you can't afford to goof around with the camera until America forgets about you beating up Rihanna. (That means never.)
“Or as some call it, 'Tea Party Comic-Con.'”
“Say what you like about Hosni Mubarak, but at least we don't know what his nipples look like.”
“So look for Iran's new show, 'Hummus, Again?!'”
“Gizblow, the coked-up gremlin”
“I guess I got struck by Jupid's arrow.”
“JUST SHOW US THE CAKE.”
I can't decide if the Brand still weating the earring when he introduced Chris Brown for the second time was intentional or not.
SNL is off the for the next two weeks, but will be back on March 5th with Miley Cyrus. Expect Vanessa Bayer to break out her impression for awkward jokes. But next Sunday, NBC will be airing some sort of “behind the scenes” special, if your into that sort of thing.
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