artemuscat Reviews

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022–2023)

HBO Makes a Shot and It's....A WINNER!!!!!

[10/10 · 7 March 2022]

"Winning Time" is a fun, engaging, funny, poignant, and hilarious show. The acting from the two main newcomers (playing Magic and Kareem) is really, really good. John C. Reilly, ALWAYS a great actor, gives enthusiasm to the story. He moves it along and never looks fake. Love the forth wall approach, since i absolutely think Adam McKay's "The Big Short" was one of the best films I've ever seen.

I have got to point out one actor in particular: Rob Morgan, who plays Magic Johnson's dad. He gives such a heartfelt, intense, father performance that he almost had me in tears with his lines.

Adam McKay has the "Magic" touch when it comes to hilarity, but watch out: he can turn it into tragedy or sorrow on a dime. I am guaranteed to have a great time on the court with this show.

The Gilded Age (2022– )

Upper Crust Americans with a Grudge and an Axe to Grind

[5/10 · 2 February 2022]

Hmmm...I've read about fifty reviews of this show so far, and last night I finished Episode Two. The reviews aren't positive...do I take on the reviewers for what they expected of this show or do I critique the show itself? How about a little of both, as they do seem to butt heads just like the characters in this show.

Dear Julian Fellowes lovers: Get over it. Yes, it's not Downton Abbey. It is HBO's version (and you know what that means and what that brings) of a Pseudo-Wharton NY. Don't watch if you don't like it. Quit giving this show ratings of 1 or 2.

Yes, it feels stilted. Yes, it sounds clipped. Did you live in that era? Do you have first-hand knowledge of how they sounded back then? Granted, they are using many Broadway people (and all that that entails), and lets face it, Broadway people don't always translate to TV, let alone HBO. But just enjoy it for what it's supposed to portray - don't foist your demands upon this show.

Christine Baranski is being used for who she is adored for portraying - a smug uptight rich bitch (see her episode as Dr. Nora on Frasier and you'll see what I mean). Carrie Coon is being played against type (see her in Leftovers, an 11 out of 10 show on HBO, or in Fargo, a superlative show on FX) as the new bitch in town. Let this simmer and see what it brings.

What I will admit is that by the second episode, I was getting the hang of what was unfolding. Usually when that happens it means the plot is too simple. But as some have pointed out, I watch TV (and HBO) for many reasons, so if this is simple to follow then why not indulge in it? After all, don't we watch sitcoms for the silliness?

I'd like to end with putting down the reviewers here who just don't want to see things like class/race struggles, civil rights issues, and women's rights issues. And especially the reviewer who couldn't stand seeing two men having sex"...for God's sake, the two men kissed and fell onto a bed! That was IT. You have a problem with THAT? You people who want to diss a show that doesn't conform to your wants and expectations and how you view life should stop writing reviews - because those aren't reviews you're writing, those are diatribes against understanding humanity in all of it's ugliness and messiness, not to mention missing critical thinking skills.

The White Lotus (2021–2025)

People - Where is Your Sense of Humor?

[9/10 · 25 July 2021]

Honestly, "reviewers"? This show is a true HBO show. It is quirky, uncomfortable, exquisitely written, beautifully acted, and is presented nakedly, warts and all.

I found the reviewers fell into two categories - love it or hate it. The "love its" praised it for what I praised it for (above). The "hate its" did not like that you don't have a joke, then a laugh, then a joke, then a laugh. This is an adult satire. When you reviewers write that you can't find anything to like about the characters, THAT'S the idea. You are supposed to delve into why you don't like them. You are supposed to not like what they do (or, if you're a little bit twisted, LOVE what they do). Brilliantly written by Mike White, it exposes the underbelly of people, yet still shows dignified people in the same context. You don't like water breaking? That is a natural occurrence. White mingles humanity with absurdity, and coats it with a sheen of money, power, and humility. These actors are willing to be bad people, honest people, people at the end of their rope, and people trying to understand what life holds for them. I have only watched two episodes, and I feel that this show could go in any direction and I'd still love it.