Simon Amstell's new standup special "I Love It Here" fails to deliver an exciting departure from his previous work, instead opting for the same self-analytical and humorous tone that has come to define his comedy. The show revolves around Amstell's disappointment with not being reciprocated by a famous singer he had a crush on in high school.
Amstell takes himself on at the Hollywood party, where his celebrity crush will be present, but instead of moving on, he revisits his childhood agonies and awkwardly tries to absolve them by coupling up with an unnamed pop star. This anecdote makes for an entertaining if not particularly impactful story, relying on Amstell's signature wit and humor.
However, the show's reliance on name-dropping and Amstell's vulnerability may alienate some viewers who find it hard to invest in his supposed high stakes. The audience that does connect with him is likely those familiar with his persona, but for others, the show falls flat due to its lack of substance.
Amstell remains a skilled comedian, delivering enjoyable moments throughout the set, such as jokes about self-help books and his dwindling fame. His humor is undeniably engaging, but it fails to create a sense of excitement or departure from his previous work. Instead, "I Love It Here" feels like more of the same territory – therapy, spirituality, and neurosis meet – that Amstell has successfully navigated in the past.
Ultimately, what would have made this show exciting is if Amstell had taken on new challenges and explored different themes. As it stands, the special is more of an exercise in his signature style rather than a bold departure.
Amstell takes himself on at the Hollywood party, where his celebrity crush will be present, but instead of moving on, he revisits his childhood agonies and awkwardly tries to absolve them by coupling up with an unnamed pop star. This anecdote makes for an entertaining if not particularly impactful story, relying on Amstell's signature wit and humor.
However, the show's reliance on name-dropping and Amstell's vulnerability may alienate some viewers who find it hard to invest in his supposed high stakes. The audience that does connect with him is likely those familiar with his persona, but for others, the show falls flat due to its lack of substance.
Amstell remains a skilled comedian, delivering enjoyable moments throughout the set, such as jokes about self-help books and his dwindling fame. His humor is undeniably engaging, but it fails to create a sense of excitement or departure from his previous work. Instead, "I Love It Here" feels like more of the same territory – therapy, spirituality, and neurosis meet – that Amstell has successfully navigated in the past.
Ultimately, what would have made this show exciting is if Amstell had taken on new challenges and explored different themes. As it stands, the special is more of an exercise in his signature style rather than a bold departure.