First of all: I made an IMDb account just to write this review. That's how much I enjoyed this special. I discovered Nate Bargatze on The Standups, and I've since watched everything he's done that I could find, including Full Time Magic. I watch a lot of standup, and it isn't often I see something that makes me go "hold on a second... THIS is a whole thing...." Full Time Magic is a whole thing. The disarming delivery and details of the material make it stand out as unquestionably unique, but underneath the specifics, the silly, petty thought processes he's describing are relatable on a deep level—the kind of level that makes you realize exactly how ridiculous you are as an animal. And it takes you sort of by surprise. Nobody really expects to be confronted by their very nature out of nowhere like this. And the resulting laughter feels like that moment when somebody catches you making superhero poses in the frozen vegetable aisle. Normally that would be embarrassing, but the guy's dressed up like batman, so what's he gonna do? Judge you? And what are you gonna do? Judge HIM? How are you gonna get away with that, Blade Arms McFlashPose? The second you make eye contact, you both melt down laughing because yeah, this was undeniably a silly thing to be doing, but guess who wanted to do it anyway? And the reason you wanted to is something deeply revealing of the silly animal you are in your real heart. That's what this special feels like. Anyway, this is one of the best things I have ever seen. I just wanted to say that.
... View MoreThis show aired on my network as the finale of a Comedy Central special series of stand up comedians. By far, Nate Bargatze was the absolute best. His stand-up style might be unappealing to some viewers who prefer the theatrics and antics but Full Time Magic is simply an hour long of old-school CLEAN comedy. His jokes were hilarious but his delivery makes you laugh out loud heartily and even, in a couple of instances, I was in stitches. If you enjoy clean, simple comedy. If you're looking for the run of the mill Comedy Central toilet comedy then you might be bored. Either way, this show is worth the time and I hope I get to see Nate Bargatze in future shows. On a side note, Mr Bargatze could probably use a better agent or publicist or manager. I have never heard of him prior to seeing this. I expected him to be another dud since I try to keep up with up and coming new comedians but I was very pleasantly surprised his act was more than entertaining.
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