Change Your Image
bcthedj
Reviews
The Mentalist (2008)
The Mentalist - Global Village 'Art' on American TV
.
Thanks to Bruno Heller, Cast, and Crew from the Magical Village of Primrose Hill Productions - another Great Season of The Mentalist. They may not be the first or only Global Carnivàle on American TV, but if you find a better one, watch it.
And since this is a 'Series' we must use 'Art' until we've come to a complete stop. Till then, please continue to keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times, and try to contain your 'whodunnit' impulses. But when we do reach the 'End of The Ride', my 'psychic skills' tell me we'll remove those 'quotes' and all will 'see' - this is Art.
.
Now - Without Further Ado - Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls of All Ages - Please Meet The Real Mentalist, Our Ringmaster, The Tyger Tamer of Red John and Patrick Jane - Mr. Bruno Heller.
Very interesting man, as if he was born to all this, like Jane. Many know his Mini-Series "Rome" and IMDb/Wiki/Google (source of info here) tells his background - Brit, Londoner, Graduate Sussex University - Father was escapee from Nazis and Screenwriter of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, What Happened Baby Jane, Dirty Dozen - and Mother a Social/Political Activist. Then add the obvious connection to the Primrose Hill District of London, with its famous 'Artistic Community', is easy to see Heller is a Global Man from a Magical Village.
And he's not alone - didn't research the Crew (probably similar) but the Cast is like a United Nations Roll Call - Korean, Welsh, First Generation Irish, Tasmanian Aussie, Nevaudvillian. Also Educated - Oxford, UC Berkeley, Harvard, Chicago Art Institute, Streets of Vegas. And yes - Simon Baker might appear just a pretty-boy surfer from Down Under, but his Mother was a High School English Teacher who obviously taught him well.
OK, now let's take this Eclectic Group of Villagers, this Carnivàle, and send them out on The Internet, our Global Village TV Station (ty CBS). Then go look at the IMDb Message Boards - the Whole World is Watching, and They Love It. This Show connects with all People and Cultures around the Globe, and could be an 'archetype' for the future of TV on Planet Earth.
.
Heya Heya - Step Right Up - The Big Show is About to Begin - But No Pushing, No Shoving, Plenty of Room for Everyone
Well, if you're not into Carny Slang, and don't mind mixing metaphors, we could have a Meal at a Fine Restaurant - so let's sit down each week to enjoy the Cuisine - Dinner is Served.
And what a Menu - not only can we expect "a weekly lesson in how to be a Mentalist" (a DVD Feature) or Tips and Tricks for 3 Card Monte, Pick-Pocket, and Spotting Tells - we also get Academic and Cultural References worthy of PhD Research.
All easily recognize the links with Sherlock Holmes, Colombo, and similar Stories of the Genre. And here's a little tribute they dreamed up - Jane's Car, that 1971 French Citroën. A Producer says Simon Baker "wanted a car that reflected his quirky character. He's a longtime fan of Peter Falk, who drove a beat-up 1959 Peugeot in his detective series Columbo, so we went looking for a Columbo car."
Also hard to miss Red John's love of William Blake, with soundtrack by Bach. But 'pay attention' - usually 'something' every week. Like Occam's Razor (parsimony) in Ep 214, or this Season when Patrick, pulling a rabbit out of the hat, rattles off Macbeth - line by line - to 'catch' the 'bad guy'. Wait, linger a moment, now savor the flavor in last week's Finale - Patrick reading Carl Jung's "Modern Man in Search of a Soul", or (ty poster in IMDb Boards) The Femme Fatale - Lorelei - Nautical Siren from Norse/Germanic Mythology whose name means "luring rock".
Yes, the Primrose Hill Villagers are adeptly applying their Craft - those steps on that 'Path to Art' - as they give their own Unique version of the Universal.
And all skillfully blended with ingredients from Academia to Street Smarts.
.
Finally, some in the Boards here seem to have difficulties with the 'narrative arc' and other 'literary elements'.
Many of them are essentially saying, "I don't like The Mentalist, they won't tell us who Red John is, and there's not enough salt in the soup"
Relax Folks, it's fine, just keep eating. And don't forget is a TV Series, not a Film.
As Heller said in a NY Times interview, "There is a place for visionaries and the avant-garde in this world, but not at 9 o'clock on a network."
If he says so, but we should stay suspicious - is more going on than meets the eye - wink wink.
(ars est celare artem)
.
So do enjoy this Fine Meal, Great Ride, Really Big Show
But don't worry about 'Back in the Kitchen' or 'That Man Behind the Curtain'
All we need to do is have Faith in The Wizard, Ringmaster, Chef
and Team
When we reach The End all will agree ...
Patrick's Heroic Journey is Epic Art for Our Global Village
Till then - remember these 'adapted' words of Kierkegaard
The Mentalist, like Life, is not a Puzzle to be Solved, but a Mystery to be Lived
.
"Check Please"
.
Deadliest Sea (2009)
Once you leave Port, it's too late
.
OK, some of the others reviewing here lasted only 10 minutes into this
I made it to almost 14
As an ol' Navy guy who has seen my fair share of Blue Water and White Waves, was interested in this Film and its Story. Love Rough Water and Bouncing Boats.
And even have a Nephew who took a turn on one of these Alaska fishing boats. ONE turn, then as he put it - felt half lucky to make it back to shore, and never go out again.
So had great hopes as this Film started, but they quickly sank, like this Film.
Am always willing to grant 'literary license' to the Teller of a Tale, and even be forgiving for what may be shortcomings in how 'good' a Story could have been Told. Either in reading a book, for example, or here in a Film.
But, when the Young Kid - in town for less than an hour - signs on with a Boat and Crew he knows nothing about ?
Damn, what a dumb azz.
THEN, the one guy empties the Kid's stuff on the deck and throws the suitcase onto the pier ?
AND - the Kid still wants to stay with THAT boat and crew ?
Damn, what an Official Dumb Azz.
OK Kid - you'll get what you deserve
But you won't get me to 'sign on' with the crew of this film and story. Like said above - willing to give a little bit, but this is too far from reality for my taste. OK, yes, perhaps it is realistic in the context of this Story for the Kid to be a Dumb Azz and sign on with that Boat and Crew only after JUST meeting them, but I'm not him.
So yes, like a smart rat - I know when to get off a sinking ship, even at 14 minutes
If you're reading this - you'd be advised to do the same
And be like my Nephew - don't go back .
Winter's Bone (2010)
Giving this Review for only one reason ...
.
Thankfully, others are also saying this.
But still need to chime in, so here goes ...
.
I see a LOT of Films each year - very few of them impress me, and even fewer impress enough to get me here for a Review.
Winter's Bone is, well ... impressive - VERY Impressive.
YOU see it, and if not impressed - then let me know.
I'll send you the price of your ticket, or rental, whatever.
(are we up to 10 lines yet? whew, made it ... smile).
Now, for that reason why I'm here writing this, my "chiming in" - is very simple.
Not many Great Films come along each year.
Winter's Bone is a Great Film and better be up for some kind of Oscar.
Thank You.
Hawaii Five-0 (2010)
I Want to Like This Show, but ...
So far, my jury is still out
The opening episode was good, in spite of the VERY opening scene/set-up/intro that was confusing and muddled as a way to get acquainted, imho
Then the 2nd show was total TV Trash and waste of an hour - chase, chase, shoot 'em up, chase, chase - more video game than what should be expected of what CBS says is the "Best New Show on TV"
3rd Episode was 1/2 good, but 1/2 all over the map, and can't remember which 1/2 was good and which 1/2 sucked - yea, THAT memorable
OK CBS - in about 1/2 an hour we get Episode 4
I'll hang with you ONE more time, and see if you go 2 to 2.5 for 4, or hit grounder into a Double Play
Oh yea, what would impress me ?
Less camera jitter/short shots, more character development, and tighter scripts/story/plot lines that don't seem rushed trying to cram 2 hours of 'Action' into a 46 minute prime time TV slot
Examples - the OTHER "New Shows" this Fall - Defenders and Blue Bloods, both very good and so far much better than "Book 'Em Dan O"
OK, this might help Five-0 ...
Bring in Patrick Jane for an episode, then they can all chase Red John around Oahu or an hour, or is that too 'Mental' for ya Brudda ?
Shakka da Kine
(smile)
.
Nightmares in Red, White and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film (2009)
Excellent Overview of the Genre
Yes - a fine introduction to 'Horror' in American Film.
But the singular use of the word 'Horror' does not do justice. Are many elements of Film Genres that cross over, and this Documentary gives tribute - so add Suspense, Thriller, Crime, Sci-Fi and all those other 'things' in Movies, Stories, and Tales that keep us on the edge of our seat, or huddled in fear around the campfire.
Especially impressive is the Multi-Disciplinary approach. Movies and Stories don't exist in a vacuum, so factors of History and Culture are included to give further understanding of Society and how these Movies illuminate and/or reflect their Times. And although not directly mentioned, the Film does give tacit reference to Freud/Jung/Joseph Campbell's insights on Dreams, Archetypes and Myth - nothing you'd notice if you weren't aware of their work, but a taste to tease those who want to learn more.
At the time of my posting are only 2 other reviews, with value in them both. Yes, a Ken Burns comparison is appropriate - has that Academic Quality. And yes, the 2000's as a decade may not measure up to those in the past. But this Film, at least in passing, does address that somewhat - plus, is difficult to write History as it's still evolving.
Now, what is maybe the Greatest Thing ?
All the Movies it tells us about, then gives the complete list, by Date, during the End Credits.
Should keep you busy here at IMDb - and your 'video store' - for a while (smile).
.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Meat Jekyll (2010)
Not the *best* End of Season Show
.
****** Yes, some "spoiler" stuff ************** .
Now perhaps we've merely been spoiled with other Season Endings - like buried alive, the doll under the car, the shooting in the car, or the trip to the jungle.
But this was not even close - seemed too rushed, like the writers were in a hurry ?
That part can almost forgive, but ...
To have the crazy guy - who needed an escort of 27 cops, motorcycles and helicopters - then leave him in cell with ONE cop to watch him. THEN that cop simply walks off when the Doc asks him ?
AND, the crazy guy is no longer handcuffed, and apparently wasn't searched for his eyeglass temple thingy ?
Naw, not buying it - not well scripted at all.
Not up to CSI's Usual Scientific Standard.
.
Yes, I miss Grissom as much as many others, but like Fishburne's character.
And don't see that change as a deal-breaker.
However, the writing should still be there, should still be Excellent.
Sorry, but this time, imho - no.
.
Creature Comforts (2007)
CBS is afraid of political and social fallout
Got to this show late - believe it was the 3rd, and final episode, when first watched it - and was blown away by a social commentary that hasn't been seen on American TV since 'All in the Family'.
Was very surprised CBS would even run this in the first place.
Which is merely to say the last time CBS 'had a set' - if you know what I mean - was back in the day of 'All in the Family'. The most controversial decision they're willing to tackle today is how much eye make-up to put on Katie Couric.
If you want to make a bunch of folks really, really mad - let them discover the truth about themselves. And if you want them willing to pull strings, make calls, and get a work of Art removed - let them discover that truth by hearing their own words spoken from their own mouths.
The Aardman folks have always been WAY ahead of the curve. And this show is no different. Somehow it snuck under the CBS 'corporate/social/political/censor radar' to get it onto the schedule (perhaps the 'big brass' never really watched it till it finally aired?), but once good 'ol middle 'merika heard and saw themselves being themselves - well, can bet the farm that message, or the messenger, won't last long.
Now, if only the 'missing episodes' can find their way onto Usenet or bit-torrent ;-)
Thank You BC Kelly Tallahassee Fla
My Big Fat Greek Life (2003)
CBS (or Viacom) - No Attention Span
Well, looks like Nia's Big Fat Greek Life is 'history' -- too bad.
Years ago, it was fairly common for a well received Film to move over to TV. MASH is the most notable. It was considered by many to be quite lame in its initial effort, but with time ... yes, you know the rest of THAT story.
Big Fat Greek Life could have achieved a status on par with Wedding. But it needed time to find its rhythm. And, reading between the lines of how TV operates, can imagine that Nia was handcuffed by the 'experts' in details of the show (i.e. - laugh track). She should have been left alone to develop the show in same way she was left alone to develop the Film (where's Tom Hanks when you need him ? ;-)
If some 'expert' had some patience, we may have been treated to a weekly, wonderful, eclectic view of America that is needed in our Land of McDonalds, Malls, Bimbo Blondes, and ignorant TV experts ... and TO those "experts" - what's the basic definition of Tragedy and Comedy ? (k, uncle ? ... alrighty, if YOU are a TV 'executive/expert' don't peek -- Comedy is something 'good' happening to someone who doesn't 'deserve' it ... Tragedy is something 'bad' happening to someone who doesn't 'deserve' it)
Thank You Nia ... you WILL be missed
ps - but it'll be ok in the long run ... just imagine, we'll only need to wait another 2500 years for the NEXT installment from the folks who invented Theater ... patience, patience
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Academy Missed a Great Chance
Not sure about all the details of how the balloting works in the Oscar voting, but IF the Best Original Screenplay category was open to ALL members of the Academy, then they missed a golden opportunity to 'send a message' to the Film Industry.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding, as the well known story goes, was ignored by the Industry at large. Or was offered the chance at production only if it was 'adjusted' to fit the vision of the 'experts'. Thank you Tom and Rita for holding fast to YOUR vision of letting Nia show us HER vision.
In our Land of homogenization, McDonalds people-chow, cookie-cutter Shopping Malls, and Popular Culture with more Pop than Culture -- Greek Wedding is a refreshing breeze in the midst of too much stale air. And the 'experts' who run the Industry are, apparently, breathing nothing but that stale air in their offices isolated from the World the rest of us live in. Another example, from another segment of the same Industry that controls ALL of Popular Culture, is Oh Brother Where Art Thou. The Music from that film was ignored by the Industry, but walked away the winner in the Grammy Awards a year ago. Awards which, same as the Oscars, are selected by the 'masses' who comprise the Membership in the respective Academies. These 'masses', the bulk of everyday folks who work in these Industries, are much closer to the 'streets' and more closely reflect the rest of us who do NOT get to vote for the Awards. This showed itself in the Grammy Awards. Too bad it didn't show itself in the Academy Awards.
Nothing against the Film that did win the Best Original Screenplay. Perhaps a fine work no doubt, or it wouldn't have won. But IF the 'masses' in the Academy WOULD have ALL voted for Greek Wedding they could have shown the Film Industry Experts that yes, they, along with the Public who voted with their wallets this past year, support an independent, original, and quality effort. An effort that was recognized by the 'streets' and can still be seen by a few, a very few, 'experts' like Tom and Rita. Again, thank you both for letting us get to 'know' Nia and her family.