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Chris H Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1364 Posts |
...and he was crap!
I have never seen a more arrogant and talentless person "entertain" people for longer than he did. He genuinely looked like he didn't want to be there, his jokes fell flat, and he kept his only "volunteer" onstage for atleast 45 minutes. I wasn't expecting a magic show, but I was expecting him to be funny. Am I on my own here? Is there something I'm not getting? Would love to hear what others think, but in my opinion, a self indulgent, pathetic waste of time. -- Topher |
MagicMan1957 Inner circle 1445 Posts |
Who is AJ?
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Chris H Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1364 Posts |
The Amazing Johnathan.
-- Topher |
Tim Ellis V.I.P. Melbourne, Australia 1234 Posts |
Topher, I was also in the audience at that show along with Anthony DeMasi. You should point out that Amazing Johnathan's two week season is playing to almost capacity houses and the line to buy for AJ books, DVDs, and T-Shirts after the show is quite long every night.
Not bad going for a "talentless" person.
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briansmagic Special user USA 507 Posts |
You said it seemed like he didn't want to be there. Isn't that part of his edgy attitude that makes up a huge part of his performing style? When I think of Jonathan, that is what I think of...
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MagicMan1957 Inner circle 1445 Posts |
Tim, Did you enjoy the show?...
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Tim Ellis V.I.P. Melbourne, Australia 1234 Posts |
Yeah, I thought it was very good. Not my style, and I know quite a few people who really can't stand him, but that's his angle - love him or hate him - the rest of the audience certainly seemed to enjoy the show too. I'm not sure what Topher's definition of jokes falling flat is... if people are laughing, then I think the jokes are working... but that's just me.
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Chris H Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1364 Posts |
Fair call, and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Having said that, I've seen another half dozen shows during this years Melbourne Comedy Festival, and in comparison, AJ's performance was dismal. He had the biggest venue and the largest crowd I've been in this year, but received the most luke warm response. There were jokes in that show that I was using in Grade 6, so it's no surprise they fell flat. I certainly didn't expect a "seasoned pro" to be using stock jokes. Please don't get me wrong, I was really looking forward to the show. I bought tickets the morning that they went on sale, and was sitting front row, in the centre. I was just really disappointed. When I mentioned this to the guys I work with, they described the exact show I'd seen. When I asked them where they were sitting, they told me that they saw him 10 years ago. If you're expected to cough up $40 to see a show, you'd think the performer would have the decency to use some new material. No matter. I certainly won't be seeing him again. Bring back Paul Zenon I say. He was awesome last year. -- Topher |
Tim Ellis V.I.P. Melbourne, Australia 1234 Posts |
Here is a copy of Steve Bennett's review of The Amazing Jonathan at the Melbourne Comedy Festival 2006:
"The Amazing Jonathan has spent the last six years playing the casinos of Vegas, and now he’s at the Melbourne Comedy Festival performing in … a casino. It’s easy to see why he’s at home in these large, glitzy venues, for he is the consummate showman; slick, fast-paced and always in command of the room. The premise of his act is that he’s a useless magician. But not only does he make no excuses for his lack of ability, he makes it a virtue, sticking two fingers up to the audience for even daring to expect the tricks to work. Where Tommy Cooper’s inept bungling ruined his acts supposedly against his will, The Amazing Jonathan’s aggressive arrogance means he doesn’t care that they go wrong. The differences in style couldn’t say more about the difference between British and American national senses of humour. Jonathan is always the boss: the ultimate practical joker relentlessly milking the poor sap selected to join him on stage as his unwilling stooge for countless humiliating gags. He’s a swaggering bully, happy to admit he’s an *** looking out only for himself and his own hedonistic happiness through drink, drugs and women. Again, analogies with the American national psyche are impossible to ignore. This stance can be slightly uncomfortable. When he physically and verbally abuses his airheaded, peroxided bimbo of an assistant, the violent sadism overshadows the jokes. But directed against the reluctant ‘volunteer’ or the world in general, the browbeating has an undeniable appeal. He conquers the audience through the speed and accuracy of the unceasing banter. He’s got a smart-arse line for every occasion and trots them out without missing a beat. You are never more than a few seconds away from the next withering gag or stupid visual joke, and it’s hard to argue with that level of industriousness. Yes, this is unapologetically mainstream entertainment – but it’s done so impeccably well it’s impossible to resist. The Amazing Jonathan is on at The Crown Casino until May 7."
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Chris H Inner circle Melbourne, Australia 1364 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-02 07:48, MagicTopher wrote: Tim, I'm bringing in a ladder to help you get off that high horse. -- Topher |
Williamanon New user Atlantic Canada 45 Posts |
Hmmm
Sold out shows... Good reviews..... And what more do you need? |
Dean A Regular user 114 Posts |
I met AJ about a week go and he was a Top Bloke. We talked about magic and he offered to get me tickets for his show. He said nice to meet you Dean and I said nice to meet you too. Anyone who is that nice off stage is just as genuine, if not more so, ON stage. It stands to reason. I think that Topher has possibly misread the theatrics of the situation and taken things a little too personally.....maybe?
D |
Tim Ellis V.I.P. Melbourne, Australia 1234 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-03 06:56, MagicTopher wrote: Topher, when you make comments like that it appears that what you are saying is "... everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as long as it doesn't contradict mine." You told The Magic Café that Amazing J's gags "fell flat" and he received a "luke warm response". That part of your critique was not an opinion, but stated as a fact. I came to his defence with a press review and you say I'm on a "high horse". Looking at your history of posts both here and on The Magic Store Forum it's pretty clear that you like to indulge in the popular Aussie pastime of 'dragging people down'. How about trying this more civil approach instead: "Thanks for posting the review of Amazing J Tim. I still don't agree with the reviewers comments. I still feel that Amazing J was disappointing and here are the reasons why:....." Then perhaps instead of saying he was "a self indulgent, pathetic waste of time." you could explain why you came to that conclusion.
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doublelift Veteran user 342 Posts |
I saw AJ in Vegas back in Febuary during the same week as WMS. I was probably over entertained that week to say the least. I still managed to enjoy AJ's show but I knew who he is and what he does. I got it. I also like Penn and Teller and some people don't get them either. Life goes on, find what you like and enjoy it.
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