Month: October 2014

Movie Review: The Judge (2014)

So, I actually saw this movie the first weekend it was out but I am just now getting around to writing the review for it. The attitude I’m displaying towards writing the review pretty closely mirrors my general feelings about the experience of the movie as a whole.

This was by no means a bad movie. It was actually pretty good. I appreciated some of the choices they made.

There is a scene where RDJ, dressed all snazzy, puts on black sunglasses and walks away from a large black vehicle and it doesn’t blow up. I was memorized by the lack of explosion in a way no explosion has ever done.

The plot had enough twists not to be a boring slice of life story but nothing too big that I was like, that could never happen in Indiana.

And it is obvious that the actors genuinely believe in this move and the role, none more so than RDJ. Continue reading →

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Your best bets for fun this fall

If you don’t have a bustling social life and do have room in you queue that is.

I have tried out a sampler of new shows that have aired in the past few weeks and will now give my verdict in order of obsession and on a scale of “Please Cancel Immediately and Erase All Film” to “Can You Just Stream this to My Eyes? kthxbye” (0-5)

Selfie: I was looking forward to this and it hasn’t disappointed me. This show is smart social satire packaged for both those who consider themselves jaded enough to get it and those who are watching it because they totes relate and don’t see why Kumar or Harold or whoever keeps giving the best thing to happen to the Doctor a hard time. John Cho in this show is the spirit animal of the woman I wish I was.

Score: 5 (Pilot Review)

A to Z: Continue reading →

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Pilot Review: Manhattan Love Story

Of the four new half hour shows I have tried on this autumn this is my third favorite. It is pretty far behind Selfie and A to Z but miles ahead of Mulaney in that I will still be watching it.

The first thing I noticed is that the lead male looks short. I know, I know, I’m a heightist. But I own that flaw. And granted, the lead female is a tall model in control of her angles making momma Tyra proud. I like him as a character though.

The mortician from Psych found work pretty quickly and I’m happy to see him. The rest of the supporting cast is somewhat lackluster. They need to begin to become necessary as individuals and not just as a blob plot device machine if I am going to stay invested in this show.

Give it a chance. The pacing is nice. And since the main couple is already together it might not be too long of a commitment.

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Pilot Review: A to Z

I did not expect much and have been pleasantly surprised. I have an above average positive reaction to episode 1 of this show. The actors work well together and seem fairly talented.

The main couple is delightful. The main supporting cast is diverse and full of potential. There are some trumped up stereotypes, of course, but at least they feel fresh.

I identify with the main female. She is skeptical of love and weary of emotionally driven men. I also identify with the leading man because he and I share a few ridiculous quirks.

The writing is also enjoyable. They pull from a broad frame of reference. Episode 1 contains the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon and Teen Titan jokes.

I don’t know how long this show will be on, there are only 26 letters and we had a romantic kiss already in episode 1, but I am willing to sign on. If you want a show that feels easy and doesn’t promise a complicated web of lovers you might like it.

Heads up though folks, the narrator tells us how long the couple will date. The initial assumption I made was that the relationship ends. But this show has kind of a feel good vibe to it so my money is going to be on them getting married.

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Pilot Review: Mulaney

I was excited for this show. I enjoy his standup. And when it started I was like, I guess it’s okay that you are mimicking older comedians.

The story line is lifted straight from his standup except drawn out and weakened. The acting is stiff and reminiscent of a student written comedy sketch.

This show took kind of funny monologues and had mediocre actors stab them to death with overemphasis and practiced gestures.

His endearing awkwardness is super annoying as a leading man. I kept waiting for the scene to end and the real show to start but unfortunately the entire pilot episode felt like a failing SNL skit.

No matter how funny I find his material I cannot support this show. I want it to die soon so he can get back to what he is good at. Don’t waste your time on this show.

I’ll make you a deal, John. You put this show out of its misery and I will not hold it against you.

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