Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush (2009)

Will Ferrell's humor isn't for anyone, but his quick wit and quirky manners kill me.  Here, Ferrell brings the Dubyah impersonation he honed on SNL to Broadway with this one-man show.  Eight years in office gave Ferrell plenty of material, but this two hour DVD is laborous at best.  Ferrell has moments of funny, but there are more moments of stupidity than anything.  As a HUGE Ferrell fan, I was disappointed, not by the nearly mean-spirited skewering, but by the trawling.  Can't imagine anyone enjoying this. 

Sorry Will.  It needed more cowbell!

Russell Brand in New York City (2009)

Fresh on the heels of his scene stealing turn in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and freshly minted memoir comes Brand's comedy special. Russell Brand in New York City gives the unique Brand much deserved face time. Although he spends more time on his infamous MTV VMA foray than necessary, Brand delivers a brilliant turn as he examines the parallels of Britney Spears and elephants. His tirade on current events, particularly the Jonas Brothers is spot-on.

There's more to the glam comic that his bird-nest hair and kohl-rimmed eyes. Poking fun at the mundane and exposing the ludicrous, Brand's self-deprecating humor is wickedly funny.

Ricky Gervais: Made in England: The Stand-Up Special (2008)

Ricky Gervais, the genius behind The Office and Extras finally gets his own HBO special. Made in England cements Gervais as stand alone funny. His take on current events and tackling 'taboo' is acerbic and entirely worth seeing.

His everyman attitude belies a sharp wit that kills. Gervais examination of America's obesity epidemic is spot-on. He makes life's little events humorous like you can't imagine and with an occasional British F-bomb for emphasis, Gervais is charming. The fictional conversation between Hitler and Nietzsche hits the spot. As does the coast guard and elephant interaction. He plays to social issues and their respective uncomfortable pauses.

Gervais' technique isn't rapid fire humor; rather it's a gentle story-telling that delivers a hearty laugh. Made In England is a nice outlet for Gervais. With his wonky teeth and disarming smile, Gervais gets to be everyman's best mate.