Netflix has been the prime hub for many a different type of specials. They air many of the most popular comedy specials nowadays, hitting big with “A Very Murray Christmas” last year and they even make short animated programs to trick little ones into thinking New Years has happened when it’s only 9 o’clock.
Now the people behind the critically acclaimed “Popstar” mockumentary, The Lonely Island and the legend himself, Michael Bolton, are making their own special, aptly titled, “Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy, Valentine’s Day Special.”
The special makes it clear from the start that it is satirical in nature. Bolton sings a song about how Christmas is close, despite it only being February. Then, Santa Claus appears and tells Michael that the elves made too many toys, so he needs Bolton to make everyone get down to it and make 75,000 new babies to account for the toys.
You can overlook a lot of things if the material is good. The special is only an hour long, and its setup is genius, parodying telathons where you call in to make a donation that tend to be filled with cheesy singers and celebrity bits. There’s even a huge LED board where the tally of babies is kept. Bolton brings his A-game in both singing and acting, playing an over the top version of himself.
The problem is that once the initial humor of the setup wears off, the special just isn’t very funny. The songs performed by Maya Rudolph and Sara Silverman are clever, but they go on for too long. There’s a bit about a chef reading people’s thoughts that is funny at first, but quickly overstays its welcome.
Bolton does sing in the special, although there aren’t any new songs, just some of his old ones. His performance is the reason to watch the entire special, but even that is compromised by a twist that is just poorly executed and is made even worse when a twist on the twist is revealed.
It isn’t all bad though, as there are some great comedic moments. Like previously stated, Bolton is great, as are guest spots from Eric Andre, Kenny G and Will Forte as Bolton’s brother, Michael Fulton. An ongoing gag about a mattress salesman is also genius, a flashback to prepping a dance number with Bolton is a treat and the ending ‘prophecy’ is also great.
There isn’t enough, however. It’s not all bad, but even at an hour, it feels empty. There are too few standout moments and too many moments that fall flat. If you’re a fan of Bolton, watch it for his self-depreciating performance, as that is the best part of the special. This reviewer looks forward to whatever else he does with his newfound comedy chops. Let’s just hope it’s funnier than this. 2.5/5
