aabonander Reviews

The Bear (2022– )

So Darn Good!

[9/10 · 10 February 2024]

I resisted watching this show because someone I despise wouldn't shut up about it. I'm so glad I decided to let go of my childish attitude and give this show a try. Wow! I'm blown away. The character arcs are just incredible, and there are so many great characters in this show. Even those you despise end up surprising you and winning you over as you watch their growth. I can't even count the number of times I got goosebumps from "the feels" of seeing these characters adapt and grow. You don't have to have kitchen experience to enjoy this show. The themes are universal. If you've been on the fence, give this show a try. As others have pointed out, I have no clue how this show is categorized as a comedy (for awards), it is 100% drama. And what a great drama it is. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the music. Whether it's background or rolling with the end credits. The music choices are on point and perfectly placed. I want the soundtrack to this series. Gosh darn it, I love this show.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

So underrated

[10/10 · 13 March 2021]

I saw this in the theater twice back in '08. I know this movie probably could never have been made today. Watching again in 2021, still holds up and has to be one of the most underrated comodies out there. What a cast, what a plot. So good on every level. I agree with previous reviewer; RDJ deserved an Oscar for this performance. This movie never gets old.

Six Feet Under (2001–2005)

Even more profound almost 20 years later

[10/10 · 27 January 2021]

I watched Six Feet Under when it originally aired on HBO. Hard to believe that was almost 20 years ago. At the time I remember thinking this was the best thing I'd ever seen on television. It was too good for television. It just transcended anything I had ever seen. Over the years I've recommended the show to countless others. After recommending it to another friend recently I decided to rewatch the show. I finished the series in less than two weeks and it is still one of the best things I've ever seen on TV. The effect this show has on me is even more profound today than it was the first time I watched it. This show punches you in the gut. It makes you think. It makes you reflect. It makes you question your choices. It makes you evaluate life. A lot of incredibly great television series have come along since Six Feet Under originally aired but none of them will hit you as deep as this show.

The Staircase (2004–2018)

Unsympathetic Character

[2/10 · 10 June 2018]

If you are going to make a 13 hour documentary film, find a more sympathetic protagonist. Did Michael Peterson do it? I have no idea. Was there enough evidence to convict? Not in my opinion. Despite this, even when he was incarcerated I had no compassion towards Michael Peterson because he is so highly unlikable. He comes of very narcissistic. By the 12th and 13th episode I had to fast forward through the interviews of just him talking. I simply could not listen to him go on talking another minute. I'm not sure if this series was meant to evoke empathy for a wrongly accused man or to show the flaws in the American justice system, or both. I found it impossible to have an ounce of empathy for the accused thanks to his self centered, egotistical manner. I found myself having way more compassion for Greg Taylor and he was shown for probably less than 10 minutes in the 13 episode series. Perhaps a film chronicling his injustice would have been time better spent.

The Naked Brothers Band (2007–2009)

Stupefying

[1/10 · 31 March 2007]

I challenge anyone to find a worse show than this one - in the history of television. I am actually dumbfounded that there is at least one exec (and, more astonishing a whole team) at Nick that felt comfortable putting this on the air. I know they are kids but that shouldn't exclude them from meeting even the lowest standards. Mary Kate & Ashley had more talent in their "You Got It Dude" at 9 months than these two tweenie bopping twits (Nat & Alex) can probably ever hope to have. I can't dis on the kids too much - you can't blame them for saying yes to their own show, however ill equipped they may be. I blame the adults involved; the execs at Nick and Viacom for forcing this putrid caricature of a - I can't even bring myself to call it a sitcom. I'm thinking of taking up a class action suit against Nick for impeding my mental health and intellectual development while watching this "show". Now who's with me?

I think Comic Book Guy would appropriately describe this as: Worst Show Ever