Eddie Izzard: Circle (2002)

Overrated and overhyped

Dreadfully Boring

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

I know a lot of people say this ones really bad... but still I think it shows his comic genius anyways. There is so much great material, even though it does start out a bit slow. Plus I watched the behind the scenes footage and in the middle of the show there were technical difficulties and they had to have an intermission... so its kind of messed up, and they might have done too much editing. I wouldn't say its as good as Dress to Kill, but I think it is better than Unrepeatable. I haven't seen all of his stand up so i can't testify to all of the shows... its not his best but its definitely worth taking a look at!

I have been a fan of Eddie Izzard for years now, ever since his bit on The Old Testament and "Evil Ducks". (If you don't know what I'm talking about it is his 1997 stand-up named 'Glorious') I have since watched all of his available stand-up several times, and always laugh.That being said, I was so excited to see this become available in the US. But I must say,I was a little disappointed. Although still chuckle worthy, I didn't feel like he was quite as comfortable with an American audience. His unique way of dispensing interesting pieces of information, always so witty and honest. I will continue to follow Eddie in hopes that this was an off year(2000). I would imagine,with all the world events lately,he should have plenty to say now. Let's just hope he will.If you're an Eddie fan,I would say this is a must rent. Still lively, and intelligent,just with slightly less enthusiasm than I've seen from him in the past.

I can understand why die-hard Eddie fans are disappointed with "Circle" because it really isn't as fall-off-the-sofa-my-jaw-aches-omigawd-I-can't-breathe-for-laughing hilarious as the likes of "Dress to Kill" and "Glorious". However, there's still a good deal of intelligent and extremely funny observation going on here and, like all of his stand-up before it, it's worth it 'cause it's Eddie and a true fan doesn't need anymore than that as a guarantee. But even those not familiar with humour of the Izzardeque variety should find plenty to amuse them on this show. The signing with chimps ("gimme a f***ing banana"), monkeys with guns and Darth Vader trying to order penne arrabiata in the Death Star canteen are truly hilarious and just what we expect from our hero. Yes, there are some re-hashed lines but the same could be said for most stand-up comedians and besides, this was released over two years after it was filmed so there's bound to be stuff that we've heard before but seemed a lot fresher at the time.I agree with those who recommend that Izzard novices start out on the true path of comedy righteousness with "Dress to Kill", "Glorious" or "Unrepeateable" but if you've seen them and not "Circle" please don't pass it by because you've heard that it's no good. There's plenty in there to make you utter many a hearty titter and more than a few mighty chuckles and like a lot of Eddie's stuff it gets funnier with repeated viewings.

Normally I would praise Eddie for his acheivements.... he has done a hell of a lot without getting into the dreaded British and American TV thing, but alas this dvd was a little too strained even for a hardened fan like myself.Some of the material was great..... but not up to scrath considering dress to kill and unrepeatable to name a couple.At least we have his acting skills if the comedy shows dont work out.Maybe eddie should come home to england and forget america for a bit and get to grips with the homeland that spawned his mind and its creativity