Review of Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen (2011) by Robert H — 12 Sep 2016

Now 9 roasts deep into the 11 that Amazon has available for streaming, I can see a unique character developing for each one. It might seem obvious at first glance, but I promise that it isn't. Yes, they recycle a lot of jokes even though they may tailor them to specific people, but I'm not really referring to those.

What I mean is how the production is tailored to each roast honoree. Although it is mostly confined to the introduction, you can see how the animations are unique in their own way, and the choice of song when the man/woman of honor enters.

Maybe I'm putting a little too much thought into a comedy special, but at least Comedy Central did. The earlier ones were kind of anonymous in that kind of detail (or maybe I just didn't notice it until now), but it is clear that CC is getting into kind of a groove.

As for the jokes, I continue to hear a lot of recycled material, particularly before each roaster gets to the main person. They're still funny, but the enthusiasm of my laughter does decline with each repetition.

Thankfully, Charlie Sheen has had significant enough of a career and personal failings with which to generate comedic material. My personal favorites were Anthony Jeselnik, Amy Schumer, and Patrice O'Neal.

Mike Tyson was tolerable at best, and way too many barbs were directed at him, distracting from the main event. It also didn't help that he couldn't keep his mouth shut when it wasn't his turn.

Anyway, I digress. I found the level of humor acceptable, and Charlie Sheen himself equally adept at dishing it as taking it. Overall, in the upper echelon of these Comedy Central roasts.