Smash (TV Series) Pilot (2012) User Reviews

Smash Can Crack You Up ***1/2

[edwagreen · 9/10 · 13 February 2012]

I'm wondering if the two actresses vying for the part of Marilyn Monroe, in a Broadway musical about her, will engage in backstabbing in the tradition of 1950's Oscar winner "All About Eve."

After discussing the disadvantages of creating such a show, suddenly we see that rehearsals are beginning.

We see a director demanding from the women who want the Marilyn Monroe role, that they totally immerse themselves in the part. They have to walk, talk and think like the late Monroe.

We see clips from "Some Like it Hot," and it will be interesting if other Monroe clips are shown in the context of the story.

NBC Could Finally Have a "Smash" on Their Hands

[kgny309 · 24 January 2012]

In the past few years, NBC has been in a long search for finding the next "ER", "Law and Order" or "Seinfeld". Plus, people have also been searching for the next "Glee". Well, people of earth, I'm proud to say that the search is finally over with NBC's "Smash".

Songwriters Julia Houston {Debra Messing, "Will and Grace"} and Tom Levitt {Christian Borle} are creating a brand new musical based on the life and times of Marilyn Monroe. Joining them on board is producer Eileen Rand {Anjelica Huston} and director Derek Wills {Jack Davenport}. But it's a battle for stardom as longtime chorus girl Ivy Lynn {Megan Hilty} and outsider Karen Cartwright {Katharine McPhee, "American Idol"} compete for the lead role of Marilyn.

The pilot has a funny and fast-paced start and it really never goes downhill from there. Creator Theresa Rebeck's script is sharp with smart and rib-ticking references to Michael Riedel of the NY Post, "Spider Man: Turn off the Dark" and the 1983 musical flop "Marilyn: An American Fable". The musical numbers give a lively touch to the show, especially a rocking and Billboard destined hit ending duet in the pilot between Karen and Ivy, "Let Me Be Your Star".

The actors are really taking their characters for granted as we are watching. Messing really makes us forget about Grace Adler and makes us start thinking about Julia. Jack Davenport acts like a young version of Alan Rickman. Hilty brings down the house with two numbers in the pilot and McPhee makes a fine impression in the interesting role of Karen.

All in all, this is a witty, fine written and intelligent look at Broadway and a perfect alternative to "Glee". This is truly one show that's sure to find a big audience and to make people fans of Broadway. This is really a show I'm looking forward to watch every week. Let's hope NBC keeps it alive for more seasons to come.

FYI: The show is executive produced by Steven Spielberg.

Rating: 3 and a half stars

Review: NBC's Smash (Feb 6th, After the Super Bowl)

[chuguesii · 10/10 · 20 January 2012]

OK, I never thought I would ever consider a show like Smash, it's really not my forte, you know for an "Alpha, Head-O-Sexual Male." But I always want to be above that stigma. There for, it had interests me. And when I saw it on Amazon, I LOVE IT! There was a part in the show where Katharine McPhee had singed the "Christina Angular" hit "Beautiful"; how she started to shine and glow, singing not to the producers, but to the one she love, oh man, I wish she was singing to me. It was so breath taking. I tell you, just for that number alone, I must see what happens next, and I am going to be rooting for the character. The show also, seems to have some drama to it, to keep it going, great cast ensemble including Emmy Award winner, Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Oscar Winner, Anjelica Houston (Prizzi's Honor) with Broadway Sensation Megan Hilty. And introducing, Katharine McPhee! (American Idol {Season 6})NBC has finally brought back "Must See TV"

Loved it!!!!

[cathydanielrealtor · 10/10 · 7 February 2012]

Everything about this show was excellent! The writing, the music, the characters, the cast....I was absolutely hooked 15 minutes into this. I now have my DVR set on series record. I cannot wait for next week. Oh wait! Would that be a Monday??? Did I say I'm looking forward to Monday?? Well I wouldn't care if I had to get up at 5 am on a Sunday to see this show I would do it. I am only hoping that there is not a situation where we have to see Debra choose between her husband, family, soon to be adopted child and the theater. We all get it. We all have other commitments, I want to be lost in the fantasy of being able to go to work without being encumbered with all of that aforementioned. Either way I vow to watch every episode. At least three time.