dvd review

Thou Shalt Laugh 4

By Chris Carpenter
CBN.com Program Director

What's This?

As the old adage goes, “If something ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  With a winning formula of comedy, clean fun, and Christianity, Grace Hill Media returns with their fourth installment of the Thou Shalt Laugh comedy video series, set to release next Tuesday (Nov. 3).

Filmed before a live audience in Corpus Christi, Texas, Thou Shalt Laugh 4 (TSL 4) showcases an eclectic mix of comedy, edgy enough to please secular audiences but deeply grounded in clean, wholesome family themes.

Hosted by Emmy Award winning television personality John Tesh, the TSL 4 features several Christian comics including Rex Havens, Michael Jr., and perennial favorite Taylor Mason.

At first glance, Tesh appears to be the last person you would consider as a comedy show host.  Known more for his musical career and 10 year stint as host of Entertainment Tonight, the genial entertainer does a commendable job filling the interludes between each comedian.  What Tesh lacks in comic timing he more than makes up for in likeability.

Mason is the only comedian to appear on all four Thou Shalt Laugh videos and there is a very good reason for it:  he is hysterically funny.  Fusing comedy, ventriloquism, and piano playing into his act, the 25 year stand-up veteran once again mesmerizes audiences with his enthusiastic brand of characters and songs.  He is a can’t miss. 

Michael Jr. makes a return visit to the TSL series and doesn’t disappoint.  Using his low key, sometimes offbeat style, the veteran comic breaks down several religious barriers with his brutally honest yet very funny commentary on “creepy Christians”.

One promising newcomer to the project is 20 year comedy veteran Rex Havens.  Leading off the show, the bald headed Havens dispenses valuable insights on life through his observational brand of humor revolving around the age old struggle between men and women.  Especially funny is Havens’ bit on a couple’s wedding day.

TSL 4 succeeds on most levels but its one drawback is that it feels like no new ground is being broken.  Sure it was filmed in a new location but the format is nearly identical, the set looks the same, and even the audience cutaway shots look strangely familiar.  However, no one can deny that the jokes are funny, the comedy is clean, and it sure is a wonderful alternative to other videos on the market. 

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