**** ( Good find)
What I have to say....
I stumbled upon this briefly- heard- about programme on Sky Anytime, one desperately boring afternoon. After the first five minutes, I wasn't expecting much more than a glorified glee, but I was proven wrong. although similar to the popular teen-musical drama, Smash is something more mature, something for an older audience with a little more spark and sexuality to it.
The series centers on the process of creating a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe – written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband Frank (Brian d’Arcy James) of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty Karen (Katharine McPhee) – who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds – and stage veteran Ivy Bell (Megan Hilty), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break.
each character is undetstandable and relatable, and i felt my self warming to each one of them, as well as wanting more once the episode finish. My verdict? I will be watching the next episode and hopefully not be dissapointed anytime soon. The americans do make some rubbish, but this shall not disappoint, its a pity us English don't make any big production series like this.
Star Rating... ****
The basic low-down...
Do you ever wonder where script writers get such ideas and story lines? revival of the 80's 21 Jump Street, which starred ever famous Johnny Depp, is now updated with the hilarious Jonah Hill ( Superbad) and the sexy Channing Tatum (Dear John). Two clumsy cops are chosen for their youthful looks to go undercover and investigate teen crime. the two who were previously from different stages of the social ladder are now forced to relive their school days in hope of busting a drug ring.
what's right with it?
An unlikely couple to say the least, but to my disbelief it works. Tatum, previously suiting the role of the troubled and ridiculously gorgeous teen male forever falling in love with women, plays a role that is a complete switch of the expected. I have to admit, before going in to see the film I was a little caution towards him being in a comedy, Hill would no doubt supply me with plenty of laugh but Tatum? I was a little more sceptical. nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised. he took his role with a stride- he was goofy, crude, yet still managed to keep me swooning. but enough about that. the Police Academy-esque comedy is full of banter and laughs, supplied evenly by the cast and is scattered with familiar faces from respectable television comedies such as Nick from 'New Girl' who plays the little too lax Principal.
What's wrong with it?
The whole idea is a little far fetched and unbelievable. I'm pretty sure that if someone of Tatum's size posed as a student at my school I'd be a little bit more than suspicious. And a P.E teacher fuelling a drugs circle and selling to the kids? cummon.
Verdict...
You can't go wrong with this film, unless you don't like comedies that is, in which case you should take a long, hard look at yourself. A refreshing teen comedy that will hopefully be inspiration for more unlikely coupling and bizarrely entertaining plots.
