The Flying Deuces & Look Around You

The Flying Deuces (A. Edward Sutherland, 1939)

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Rating: Q=4, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

Early Comedy, Comic Duo, Slapstick

I adore the Marx Brothers, Buster Keaton, and Charlie Chaplin. Their films are genius, to me, and no matter how many times I watch them they will never lose the spark. But I've never felt that way about Laurel and Hardy comedies, for some reason. While The Flying Deuces has its moments -usually when Stan is being his naive, patient, loyal self and Hardy is flailing around miserably- the humor is just not my cup of tea. Slapstick can be magical when Chaplin and Keaton dress it up with acrobatics and subtle charm but Laurel and Hardy just don't hold my attention. If you've never watched one of their films, though, you should. It's hard not to have an appreciation for how they paved the way for future comic duos.

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Look Around You Season 1 (Peter and James Serafinowicz, 2002)
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Rating: CSS=11, SP=7 / Double Whoopee!
Scale F=4, Scale G=3, Scale H=4, Scale I=3, Scale J=4

BBC Comedy, Wacky, Spoof Series, Satire

OK... why I hadn't heard of this show before is beyond me. Absolutely HYSTERICAL. If you enjoyed watching "made-for-kids" documentary and educational television programs when you were growing up, you just might love this spoof show. Absurd doesn't even begin to describe it. You'll just have to watch. I know I'm going to keep coming back to watch each ten-minute episode. Favorite one = Sulfur.

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The Forsyte Saga

The Forsyte Saga (Christopher Menaul & David Moore, 2002-2003)

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Season 1 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=4, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough
Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Melodrama, Late 19th/Early 20th Century, Complex Relationships, Emotional

What an absolutely captivating and whirlwind drama series. The art direction is stunning; like a painting, every scene is layered with color and complexity. The acting is superb. Damian Lewis's portrayal of Soames Forsyte is excruciatingly superb. I found myself cringing and becoming totally furious at his character but someone also sympathizing. Both seasons of the saga are intense in the stories and scenes, characters and utterly complicated relationships. If you enjoy soap operas and melodramas, this is for you. If you love period dramas that are lovingly crafted and timeless, this is for you.

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Tom Brown's School Days

Tom Brown's School Days (David Moore, 2005)

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Rating: Q=5, P=5 / Average OJ
Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 5=2

Based on Book, 19th Century, Coming of Age, Bullying, School Drama

The classic book of boys, growing up, and values is wonderfully adapted in this film. I was captivated by the young actors' performances: emotional and realistic, sometimes painfully so. Tom Brown's School Days captures the complex struggle between doing what is difficult and right or what is expected of your peers. A very worthwhile viewing for any young person.

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The Trip

The Trip (Michael Winterbottom, 2010)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ
Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

British Comedy, Mockumentary, Travel and Food, Being a Comedian

If you love British comedians as much as I do, then this film is for you. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon dish out plenty of absurdity and wit but all is kept balanced by the subtle, dark humor found in any good Mockumentary. This one is a spoof of Gourmet Food Travel shows. Steve wallows in melancholy, contemplating his relationships and overwhelming desire for more fame. Rob sits back and relaxes, perfectly content with his life and style. Comedic rivalry, impressions, goofiness, countryside... it's a treat.

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