The Raw Truths

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MOVIE REVIEW
Ilana Glazer: Human Magic
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Genre: Stand-Up, Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 56m
Director(s): Jeff Tomsic
Where To Watch: coming to Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers on December 20, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Ilana Glazer's HUMAN MAGIC bursts onto Hulu. Diverging from her typical scripted work in some of my favorite TV series, she dives headfirst into the waters of stand-up comedy. Here, she swaps scripted punchlines for the unpredictable spontaneity of live performance, tackling the intricacies of life with a candor that resonates with the audience. This blend of personal narrative with universal understanding invites viewers into a relatable exploration of life's unpredictable, often chaotic experiences.

Glazer sets a fun and sometimes uncomfortable tone, revisiting her awkward teenage years with self-aware humor. She transforms these tales of youthful misadventures into relatable sketches that connect with anyone familiar with the bittersweet pains of growing up. Her ability to mine comedy from personal experience underscores her talent as a comedian and observer of life's most confusing times.

Glazer navigates through deeper waters as the show progresses, dissecting adult relationships and the rough seas of parenthood with a blend of humor and honesty. Her portrayal of her life as a 'stoner mom' offers a fresh, seldom-seen perspective in mainstream comedy, deepening the audience's engagement and expanding the comedic landscape beyond simple jokes. Some of the jokes land with perfection, while others struggle to find the target audience; it’s an intriguing mix either way.

Throughout HUMAN MAGIC, Glazer maintains a strong yet even pace, transitioning from dark and funny stories about her life to more introspective moments without missing a beat. Her presentation keeps the audience on their toes, ensuring that each joke and story makes the audience think!

Glazer also tackles the expectations the world puts on people with a sharp wit, challenging audiences to question everyday absurdities. From social media's peculiarities to adult life's contradictions, her commentary cuts through facades, encouraging viewers to put themselves in her shoes. This approach entertains and invites more profound engagement with the content, turning passive viewership into an active, thoughtful experience.

However, while HUMAN MAGIC delivers consistent laughs, it occasionally overdelivers on exploring some of the edgier, more controversial themes. This approach sometimes limits the special’s potential to fully connect with a broader audience, although anyone who has seen Glazer’s work before should be more than prepared!

The special's minimalist production style enhances its impact, focusing attention squarely on Glazer. The understated direction captures every nuanced expression and gesture, spotlighting her natural style and ensuring that nothing distracts her performance. This bare-bones production helps to enhance the special's intimacy, making it feel like a personal story being told rather than a traditional stand-up act.

HUMAN MAGIC is a testament to Ilana Glazer’s versatility and appeal as a performer. Known for her comedic roles, this special highlights her ability to captivate and engage a live audience with nothing but her wit and the power of her storytelling. It serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of comedy to entertain and illuminate life's complexities with humor and heart. Longtime fans and newcomers to Glazer's work will find this unique and insightful addition to the comedy landscape full of laughs that resonate with honesty and genuine human connection.

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[photo courtesy of HULU]

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