teddinut1 Reviews

Benidorm (2007–2018)

Campy British Humor At Its best!

[9/10 · 7 April 2021]

My cousin Brian recommended this show to me. Available on Netflix UK (if you're in the US, I'm sure you'll be able to watch it with a little ingenuity.) British humor alludes many Americans. I, however, appreciate it very much. The writing is simple and the comedy bits well worn, but there's something quite endearing about this show which takes place at a fictional "all-inclusive" resort in the seaside town of Benidorm, Spain.

The characters are outlandish and VERY funny! From a swinging older couple to a bragging liar who visits every year with his Mum to a very much in love gay couple who excel at barbed humor to a cheap as hell son in law who relishes verbal sparring matches with his mother in law...the character development draws us in. Like I said in the title, it's campy British humor. It allowed me to escape to Spain and laugh at these very entertaining people for an hour. It's ironic that Brits and Americans share a common language, yet have so little in common when it comes to humor. I think Americans are decidedly more conservative in their acceptance of comedy compared to folks from the UK. A quick example would be the character "Les/Leslie" who plays a transvestite on the comedy. As I was watching him, I kept thinking to myself.. ."Hmmm, this would NOT play well in Texas or Kansas !"

One of the funniest characterizations came from Geoffrey Hutchins, who plays entrepreneur Mel Harvey on the show. He really made the first couple of seasons work. A very funny actor with a rich voice, the comedy he brought in his interactions with the other actors was memorable. I was so sad to read that he had passed away after the 2nd season wrapped up. I was looking forward to seeing much more of him. He did an ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS version of "Lonely Girl" by Eddie Holman on the show in the karaoke bar at the fictional resort...NOT TO BE MISSED...he was actually amazing with his falsetto voice!

Watch Benidorm! It's pure British CAMP at its best!

Avenue 5 (2020–2022)

God Awful

[1/10 · 29 February 2020]

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. "Scotty give me full phasors on Avenue 5. Ready...FIRE...Direct hit Captain! Thank God the beast has been destroyed!"

The Righteous Gemstones (2019– )

Great show

[10/10 · 22 September 2019]

Exceptional cast and really well written. Shows like this and Succession (my two current favorites) make the money I spend every month for HBO worth it. If I had to pick one cast member that impressed me the most, it would be Jennifer Nettles as Aimee-Leigh. Walton Goggins and the venerable John Goodman are right on her heels, but to learn that Nettles has only been acting 4 years and can handle her character so well is inspiring. I think she has a future in acting to go along with her incredible singing career. Goggins also really stands out as Baby Billy.

This show is going to be a huge hit for HBO. Spread the word brothers and sisters and jump on the Righteous Gemstones train. It's funny as hell! Oops, sorry Eli.

Barry (2018–2023)

Great acting all around

[10/10 · 5 April 2019]

GREAT show. Quirky as hell, but in such a good and unique way. Hader and Winkler get all the accolades, but the character of Hank played bu Robert Carrigan, in my opinion, steals this show. Carrigan is SO FUNNY in this role. His accent, the oddball way he pronounces common things, mostly with the emphasis on the WRONG word just cracks me up. There's a scene in Season 2 episode 1 where he's talking to his Chechen boss on the phone that literally had me on the floor. It must be seen to be appreciated. Carrigan has a unique character to buuld on here and he is VERY funny in this role. I hope the show runner keeps him around.

The show is extremely well written and played by the entire csst. Another great scene has Winkler in trauma on his back and he's describing his depression to Barry while holding his hand over his face...(paraphrasing)

Winkler: i'm so depressed Barry. Thinking suicde Barry. Have you heard anout the Japanese ritual hari-kari? Hader: You mean the baseball announcer? Winkler (without raking his hand away from his fsce) I need you out of my house. Barry: OK

Scenes like that are done with the driest sense of humor and they come off hilarious.

It's a great show that's worthy of the awards given to iy...WATCH BARRY!

Kidding (2018–2020)

DO NOT GIVE UP!

[10/10 · 10 November 2018]

When I first started watching Kidding, I was ready to give up about midway through the first episode. Then, I looked at a few reviews that said give it time, it starts slowly. So I went back and continued watching. I am so glad I did. This show has a heartfelt density to it. Ar about midway through the second episode it started to really kick in for me and now I am completely hooked. Jim Carrey and the supporting cast are magnificent in the show. It has many lessons to teach, including dealing with death, how we relate to others around us, and especially how imperfect and vulnerable we all are and how we strive to OVERCOME. This is a special show and once again Jim Carrey rises to the top and shows his incredible diversity as an actor. He should get an Emmy nominations for this role. Watch this show !!

Trees Lounge (1996)

Great

[10/10 · 25 December 2006]

This is real life stuff at its best. Two hours flew by while I was watching this movie because I felt like I was there at Trees Lounge. It was like I had my own barstool just watching what was going on.

The character development is superb. Even though nothing much happens in the movie that is really profound, you feel like you are rewarded by watching because you get to know the characters, especially Tommy, played by Buschemi. You can almost feel that he is not really acting in this role...it feels more like he is re-living part of his life experience in the movie.

It is a slice of life from the outskirts of NYC or Nothern NJ that seems like it would actually happen.

Distant (2002)

Um....I don't get it

[3/10 · 12 July 2005]

I've seen comments from Turkish people (which I'm not) saying this movie is fantastic and accurately portrays Turkish life. All I have to say is... Turkey must be one of the most boring and depressing places in the world, because in my opinion, that is exactly what this movie was to me. If I were Turkish, I think it would have had a greater impact. But if you're not from Turkey, I would advise you not to waste two hours of your life on this.

"Distant" seems to lag on forever. Many scenes are painstakingly long with little or no purpose. I don't understand the director's objectives in even including many of the scenes. It is pointed out that the director used his own car, apartment, and friends in making the movie...Well guess what? It shows. It looks low budget. The acting is poor. If it's a cultural thing then so be it. I just don't understand the purpose of basing a movie on this story. It's unbelievably boring.