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Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 2271
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 10:42 am: | 
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Well, I watched the first episode with pretty high hopes. This was the first sitcom that HBO created. They hired the producer of Malcolm in the Middle to come to HBO to produce comedies. I was very hopeful. But after the first episode, I really didn't know what to make of it. I DID LAUGH, that was certain but something about it left me confused and unsure. I reserved judgement for future episodes -- the verdict was still out.
Second episode is over, and I think the thing is growing on me. A LOT. I think I can say that this show is genuinely and consistently funny, the characters are you and me, but in a ridiculous caricature sort of way. And as I watched the characters sitting around their extremely working class home, it occurred to me (sorry guys, I'm slow sometimes) it's a modern version of the Honeymooners for the new generation.
The humor is VERY off color (so this show is going to offend some people) and they curse quite a bit (maybe uneccessarily so) but also it's almost refreshing when your watching it and it occurs to you that this is how sit coms would be if we didn't have prurient Standards and Practices departments tinkering with every show we watch. South Park pushes the boundaries INTENTIONALLY to see what they can do within those rules set up by S&P which is funny to watch. But Lucky Louie doesn't even have to worry about the rules. They can just write the script however they think is going to be funny. I found myself watching the show blissfully unconcerned by this until I finally noticed it.
So clearly, I'm enjoying the show, but I think the reason why I'm sort of hemming and hawing about it being a break away success is because...I think the acting is bad. Like really bad. At first I thought, maybe the scripts were off and that is why they couldn't pull any scene off. But then I realized that the writing is probably the only saving the show. No, it's definitely the acting. The show is filmed in front of a live audience and maybe that is part of the problem. Maybe none of these actors (I think most of them are actually comedians and not true actors) are skilled enough or seasoned enough to do sketch comedy in front of a live audience. You gotta do it right. You can't do scene after scene of retakes. Having said that some of the actors work, but after two episodes (which still isn't very many) they haven't perfected their craft. Maybe it will continue to get better.
Regardless, if you haven't been watching, I would recommend giving it a try. Especially if you like comedies. Sunday night on HBO. Because this one feels like traditional and untradional both at the same time. Anyone catch it so far? What did you think?
(As an aside, Dane Cook's Tourgasm, seems unwatchably bad). After the first episode I couldn't muster the strength to watch the second. It's sitting on my Tivo awaiting deletion. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2324
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:46 am: |
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Alley - I agree with you. I only saw the first episode (can catch the 2nd sometime during the week) and I found myself laughing even at the stupidest things. Even the gratuitous profanity. But I wasn't sure if I liked the show overall.
I love the whole interaction with the neighbors. Priceless.
The acting is a little weak, but perhaps that will change over time.
I liked the studio audience, too. It's reminiscent of the laughter in all those old 1970s sitcoms. Better than a laugh track! |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1565
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:58 pm: |
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I watched it this past Sunday. I have to say, it was weird as hell, but I kinda could see it growing on me. I thought it was interesting. But strange. So I think my jury is still out on this. |
Hoops
Citizen
Username: Hoops
Post Number: 1522
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 1:23 pm: |
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I tried to watch the first episode and after the first 10 minutes I changed the channel. I found nothing in it funny. It seemed forced, stereotyped and just bad.
The very first bit was the why, why, why thing with the kid. I found that tedious and frankly not new. Once the neighbors came over and the similarities to all in the family began, again I found it in bad taste, maybe because the acting was stiff but also because the dialogue was not real.
I wont tune in again. (and I love South Park, the Honeymooners and All in the Family). |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1287
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:50 pm: |
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I thought it was gross. I also thought it was extremely funny. |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 2277
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 5:36 pm: |
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Hoops, I was put off by the "WHY" routine too. But then when the credits rolled, I was like, you know that was a very simple way to tell A LOT of information about the main character without having to do an INTRODUCTION. His answers were VERY telling about who he was. Hoops, I'm sure the show isn't for everyone, but it actually was sorta clunky and off kilter and funny, if your willing to ignore some of it's flaws. You might want to give it one more try. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4649
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 6:04 pm: |
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I agree with all of the above. I watched a little of both episodes. The acting was bad, but Seinfeld was no actor either! How many times did you catch Jerry holding back laughter or just really over acting? Definitely reminiscent of Honeymooners and other old sitcoms that mostly took place in one apt. set. I won't go out of my way to watch but I think it would really grow on me. |
justmelaura
Citizen
Username: Justmelaura
Post Number: 670
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 6:12 pm: |
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I haven't seen the show, but I did hear the title character being interviewed on NPR (FreshAir?). He did say he wanted it to be very much like the honeymooners and he really liked the hit 70's shows (All in the Family?). He isn't an actor, but more of a comedian/comedic writer. He did talk about learning to act in front of an audience and learning how to react. From what he had discussed, it seems like he accomplished most of his goals based on the above reviews. Will have to wait for it to come out on dvd to see it. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 761
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 6:54 pm: |
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I agree with all of the above, but have to add that the last episode had moments when I was truly rolling with laughter. Because of that, I will overlook the flaws for a while longer and continue to give it a chance. |
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