shark-43

I was thoroughly looking forward to this series when I learned about it - I am a huge Gilbert Shelton fan and maybe that's the problem, I know the comic book series so well that I was really disappointed with the animated TV show. The animation itself was so lifeless as was the writing and I am a big Tiffany Kaddish fan but thought she was totally miscast as the voice of Fat Freddy's Cat. Woody Harrelson was about the only voice actor that seems right otherwise the rest of the voice cast was unimpressive. Anyway, don't mean to harsh your mellow, but I certainly can't recommend this lame attempt at bringing Shelton's funny and fascinating world to life.

I have really enjoyed Annie Baker's plays & was looking forward to seeing her feature film debut with JANET PLANET. And while I always admire Julianne Nicholson's work (she is incredible in everything from I, TONYA to MARE OF EASTTOWN) this film & Baker's script just moves along with no structure or no drive. I have no problem with films that take their time, or move slowly as long as there is some kind of emotional or cerebral pay off but sadly, I did not think this film had one. There are small nice, very real moments between some of the characters and I liked Sophie Okenedo's scenes but overall the story is not compelling and yes, the character's keep others at arms length but the viewer wishes they could get a bit closer to the characters and their thoughts and emotions. Overall, a rather lackluster summer coming of "age" from a very talented playwright.

It was a nice surprise to stumble upon AMBASSADORS because I am such a fan of Mitchell & Webb - their sketch show and then PEEP SHOW are both terrific. What was refreshing was that the tone and pace and humor in AMBASSADORS is very different from their previous stuff. This show is like a mix of Yes, Minister, Veep and In The Loop. What is also impressive is the superb supporting cast - Keely Hawes, Matthew MacFayden, Tom Hollander, Amara Karan, Susan Lynch and Shivani Ghai. Don't expect the raunchy, will comedy of their sketch show/Peep Show. This is engaging, smart, measured and there are certainly laughs.