December. Cinema’s recognized “Awards Season” where studios slate projects that vie for Oscar’s golden attention. Typically where an “entertainer” like Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle would become buried – but what an injustice that’d be. I, as a responsible critic, won’t let you skip on one of the year’s wildest cinematic excursions. See Lady Bird with your mom, embrace the peachiness of Call Me By Your Name, but when you need a break from deeper affairs of the filmmaking heart, lighten moods with Jake Kasdan’s dynamite sequel-reboot. Danger is the name of this revamped 90s game, hilarity keeping pace with animalistic enthusiasm.
Our journey begins in modern-day detention, where four high school students from various cliques uncover a prehistoric gaming system while de-stapling old magazines (Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman and Ser’Darius Blain). Spencer (Wolff) plugs the console in and an exploration game titled Jumanji loads up.
Our journey begins in modern-day detention, where four high school students from various cliques uncover a prehistoric gaming system while de-stapling old magazines (Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman and Ser’Darius Blain). Spencer (Wolff) plugs the console in and an exploration game titled Jumanji loads up.
- 12/9/2017
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
A semi-related sequel to a 1996 kids movie that exactly zero human beings have watched since the death of VHS, the mildly amusing “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” is further proof that even the stalest whiff of brand recognition has become preferable to originality. Only part of the blame for that belongs to the studios, but after cannibalizing themselves for much of the last 20 years, Hollywood has clearly eaten their way down to the crumbs.
That’s not to suggest the original “Jumanji” was such an unspeakably terrible thing — Joe Johnston has always known how to serve a fine bowl of popcorn entertainment — but rather to say that no one should ever have to write the words: “The original ‘Jumanji.’” And while it’s nice that this new adventure has virtually nothing to do with the first one, “The Lego Batman Movie” screenwriter Chris McKenna leveraging the franchise’s most basic...
That’s not to suggest the original “Jumanji” was such an unspeakably terrible thing — Joe Johnston has always known how to serve a fine bowl of popcorn entertainment — but rather to say that no one should ever have to write the words: “The original ‘Jumanji.’” And while it’s nice that this new adventure has virtually nothing to do with the first one, “The Lego Batman Movie” screenwriter Chris McKenna leveraging the franchise’s most basic...
- 12/9/2017
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
After Steven Spielberg and company broke visual effects barriers with Jurassic Park, two years later, 1995’s Jumanji brought more large-scale, creature-focused thrills to theaters. Directed by Joe Johnston–who would go on to get his own crack at the dinosaur franchise a few years down the road–the Robin Williams-led adventure occupies that rare subset of oft-replayed, worn-down VHS tapes from childhood that one might be hesitant to revisit for fear of the nostalgic charm wearing off. In many ways, the set-up of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle may quell some trepidation in this regard.
Functioning as a sequel rather than a reboot, there’s gratefully no CGI recreation of Robin Williams (in fact, only a brief reference), an altogether different setting as we go into the game rather than vice versa, and more modern concerns in virtually every aspect (Yes, “yaaass queen” is uttered during an action scene...
Functioning as a sequel rather than a reboot, there’s gratefully no CGI recreation of Robin Williams (in fact, only a brief reference), an altogether different setting as we go into the game rather than vice versa, and more modern concerns in virtually every aspect (Yes, “yaaass queen” is uttered during an action scene...
- 12/9/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Since production officially kicked off on the Hawaiian set of Jumanji, not a day has went by when some morsel of information hasn’t emerged from the depths of the jungle.
The mere inclusion of Dwayne Johnson means that those status reports can typically be traced back to the actor’s lively Instagram feed and sure enough, Johnson’s social platform has offered up our first look at Nick Jonas suited and booted on the Jumanji set.
An absentee from the group shot of Johnson (Spencer/Dr. Bravestone), Kevin Hart (Moose Finbar), Jack Black (Professor Shelly Oberon (Black), and Karen Gillan’s Ruby Roundhouse, little is currently known regarding Jonas’ involvement in Sony’s star-studded sequel, and Dwayne Johnson’s caption offers up nothing to change that fact:
“Officially welcoming my guy @NickJonas to #Jumanji. Great dude, great positive energy and very talented. He’s gonna kill this role like...
The mere inclusion of Dwayne Johnson means that those status reports can typically be traced back to the actor’s lively Instagram feed and sure enough, Johnson’s social platform has offered up our first look at Nick Jonas suited and booted on the Jumanji set.
An absentee from the group shot of Johnson (Spencer/Dr. Bravestone), Kevin Hart (Moose Finbar), Jack Black (Professor Shelly Oberon (Black), and Karen Gillan’s Ruby Roundhouse, little is currently known regarding Jonas’ involvement in Sony’s star-studded sequel, and Dwayne Johnson’s caption offers up nothing to change that fact:
“Officially welcoming my guy @NickJonas to #Jumanji. Great dude, great positive energy and very talented. He’s gonna kill this role like...
- 9/27/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Caroline Preece Aug 11, 2016
UnReal is the most meta experience you'll have watching a TV show, criticising 'trash' TV while playing into its best-known conventions...
Contains spoilers for UnReal season 2
At an early point in UnReal's season two finale, Quinn tells her young producer, "We have an obligation to our viewers, we have to escalate the tension, up the stakes, complicate the story." That statement, though obviously supposed to be taken as meta by the audience, pretty much sums up the experience of watching this whole season.
At its core, UnReal is a series about itself. It seeks to comment on television and the nature of those who work behind the scenes, and season two has been no different.
For those unfamiliar, UnReal takes place on the set of fake reality show, 'Everlasting', as we follow showrunner Quinn and troubled producer and protégé, Rachel. At the beginning of the first season,...
UnReal is the most meta experience you'll have watching a TV show, criticising 'trash' TV while playing into its best-known conventions...
Contains spoilers for UnReal season 2
At an early point in UnReal's season two finale, Quinn tells her young producer, "We have an obligation to our viewers, we have to escalate the tension, up the stakes, complicate the story." That statement, though obviously supposed to be taken as meta by the audience, pretty much sums up the experience of watching this whole season.
At its core, UnReal is a series about itself. It seeks to comment on television and the nature of those who work behind the scenes, and season two has been no different.
For those unfamiliar, UnReal takes place on the set of fake reality show, 'Everlasting', as we follow showrunner Quinn and troubled producer and protégé, Rachel. At the beginning of the first season,...
- 8/10/2016
- Den of Geek
“This is what’s wrong with America: women constantly hurting other women.”
While absolutely on point, Yael’s (Monica Barbaro) comment to Rachel (Shiri Appleby) during Monday’s “UnREAL” finale might sound out of place to anyone who still remembers where we started in Season 2. Rachel and Quinn (Queen Constance Zimmer) began the year by snagging matching “money dick power” tattoos and promising to make “Everlasting” ever-relevant by featuring the first black suitor. The focus leaned heavily into race and how race was discussed on TV — as Rachel sacrificed everything to get there — but that worthy cause was all but forgotten by the finale.
Yes, when Darius (T.J. Britt) made the surprising choice to pick the previously disqualified contestant, Ruby (Denée Benton), the moment was meant to convey how Rachel had succeeded in orchestrating a genuine interaction without orchestration: actual reality in reality TV. But really, as the camera...
While absolutely on point, Yael’s (Monica Barbaro) comment to Rachel (Shiri Appleby) during Monday’s “UnREAL” finale might sound out of place to anyone who still remembers where we started in Season 2. Rachel and Quinn (Queen Constance Zimmer) began the year by snagging matching “money dick power” tattoos and promising to make “Everlasting” ever-relevant by featuring the first black suitor. The focus leaned heavily into race and how race was discussed on TV — as Rachel sacrificed everything to get there — but that worthy cause was all but forgotten by the finale.
Yes, when Darius (T.J. Britt) made the surprising choice to pick the previously disqualified contestant, Ruby (Denée Benton), the moment was meant to convey how Rachel had succeeded in orchestrating a genuine interaction without orchestration: actual reality in reality TV. But really, as the camera...
- 8/9/2016
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
UnREAL really knows how to do a season finale.
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 10, Rachel tried her best to make sure Coleman and Yael couldn't take their information about the secrets from Everlasting public.
Might that have been the first time Rachel didn't find a way to manipulate her way to the top? Jeremy's return was a shock. It really was.
Who would have thought Jeremy would be the one to save the day? After everything he did to Rachel, it's clear where his loyalty lies.
I can't be the only one who guessed there was going to be some sort of car crash in store for Yael and Coleman. The speed they were driving made it even more obvious.
It would have been an intriguing twist to have had Coleman and Rachel reveal the truth about Everlasting. It would have left things up in the air until next summer, but...
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 10, Rachel tried her best to make sure Coleman and Yael couldn't take their information about the secrets from Everlasting public.
Might that have been the first time Rachel didn't find a way to manipulate her way to the top? Jeremy's return was a shock. It really was.
Who would have thought Jeremy would be the one to save the day? After everything he did to Rachel, it's clear where his loyalty lies.
I can't be the only one who guessed there was going to be some sort of car crash in store for Yael and Coleman. The speed they were driving made it even more obvious.
It would have been an intriguing twist to have had Coleman and Rachel reveal the truth about Everlasting. It would have left things up in the air until next summer, but...
- 8/9/2016
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Warning: The following contains spoilers for UnREAL‘s Season 2 finale
The future of Everlasting took a sharp turn during Monday’s Season 2 finale of UnREAL.
With Coleman and Yael determined to expose all of the dating show’s dirty secrets, Rachel and Quinn tried desperately to save their jobs and their lives. But it was Jeremy who, after learning that his ex had been raped, stepped up and did the unthinkable in order to win back her trust. At the close of the episode, the trio (plus Chet) watched as a news report revealed that Coleman and Yael’s car...
The future of Everlasting took a sharp turn during Monday’s Season 2 finale of UnREAL.
With Coleman and Yael determined to expose all of the dating show’s dirty secrets, Rachel and Quinn tried desperately to save their jobs and their lives. But it was Jeremy who, after learning that his ex had been raped, stepped up and did the unthinkable in order to win back her trust. At the close of the episode, the trio (plus Chet) watched as a news report revealed that Coleman and Yael’s car...
- 8/9/2016
- TVLine.com
Things can change quickly on the set of Everlasting.
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 8, Rachel revealed the shocking truth about her past to Coleman, but is he really working with Yael?
Watch UnREAL Season 2 Episode 8 Online
Let's just say that Yael as a reporter was too obvious. She was trying to find out information about everyone. I'm really surprised no one on set figured out her game sooner.
It's doubtful it's the first time anything like this is happening. I hope that Coleman is somehow double crossing her. I don't think Rachel will be able to handle the repercussions of him working with Yael.
Rachel's story is heartbreaking. We've been wondering about her strained relationship with her mother for quite some time now. The dark turn was certainly unexpected.
Her mother is dead set on keeping her quiet. She'll go to any lengths possible, so having Rachel all drugged up probably felt good for her,...
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 8, Rachel revealed the shocking truth about her past to Coleman, but is he really working with Yael?
Watch UnREAL Season 2 Episode 8 Online
Let's just say that Yael as a reporter was too obvious. She was trying to find out information about everyone. I'm really surprised no one on set figured out her game sooner.
It's doubtful it's the first time anything like this is happening. I hope that Coleman is somehow double crossing her. I don't think Rachel will be able to handle the repercussions of him working with Yael.
Rachel's story is heartbreaking. We've been wondering about her strained relationship with her mother for quite some time now. The dark turn was certainly unexpected.
Her mother is dead set on keeping her quiet. She'll go to any lengths possible, so having Rachel all drugged up probably felt good for her,...
- 7/26/2016
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including Casual, General Hospital, Wayward Pines and Beauty and the Beast!
1 | Should/can ABC’s $100,000 Pyramid and Match Game work harder to not “share” celebrities (e.g. Ana Gasteyer, Rosie O’Donnell) on the same Sunday night?
RelatedPreacher Renewed for Bigger Season 2
2 | How many Preacher fans would’ve been perfectly happy if the insane brawl between Jesse, DeBlanc, Fiore and the seraphim had lasted the entire episode?
3 | How is this UnREAL surveillance camera getting...
1 | Should/can ABC’s $100,000 Pyramid and Match Game work harder to not “share” celebrities (e.g. Ana Gasteyer, Rosie O’Donnell) on the same Sunday night?
RelatedPreacher Renewed for Bigger Season 2
2 | How many Preacher fans would’ve been perfectly happy if the insane brawl between Jesse, DeBlanc, Fiore and the seraphim had lasted the entire episode?
3 | How is this UnREAL surveillance camera getting...
- 7/8/2016
- TVLine.com
Jeremy went too far.
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 5 Jeremy finally cracked and lashed out at Rachel.
It was always a matter of time before something like that happened, but his time on the show really needs to be over, so I hope this sticks. I've struggled to agree with Rachel on just about any of her decisions on UnREAL Season 2, but she didn't go out her way to make Jeremy's life hell.
Sure, she done a whole lot of questionable things on UnREAL Season 1, but she didn't constantly try and make his life hell. Jeremy has been doing everything and anything to piss Rachel off, so he really needs to go now.
There's no going back from this. Coleman is going to ensure that Rachel gets revenge, but Rachel will probably want to draw a line under the whole ordeal. Say what you want about Rachel, but she proved this...
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 5 Jeremy finally cracked and lashed out at Rachel.
It was always a matter of time before something like that happened, but his time on the show really needs to be over, so I hope this sticks. I've struggled to agree with Rachel on just about any of her decisions on UnREAL Season 2, but she didn't go out her way to make Jeremy's life hell.
Sure, she done a whole lot of questionable things on UnREAL Season 1, but she didn't constantly try and make his life hell. Jeremy has been doing everything and anything to piss Rachel off, so he really needs to go now.
There's no going back from this. Coleman is going to ensure that Rachel gets revenge, but Rachel will probably want to draw a line under the whole ordeal. Say what you want about Rachel, but she proved this...
- 7/5/2016
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
UnREAL is known for its jaw-dropping plot twists, but Monday's episode once again pushed its own boundaries ... and to a very dark place even by the show's standards.
Spoiler warning: For those who haven't seen the latest episode of UnREAL, plot details will be revealed ahead.
At the end of Monday's episode, "Infiltration," Rachel (Shiri Appleby) and Jeremy (Josh Kelly) found themselves in a frighteningly intense and violent fight that resulted in Chet (Craig Bierko) firing Jeremy from Everlasting, the show's Bachelor-esque show-within-a-show, and physically kicking him off the set.
Coming to BlowsKelly tells People that the blowup stems from...
Spoiler warning: For those who haven't seen the latest episode of UnREAL, plot details will be revealed ahead.
At the end of Monday's episode, "Infiltration," Rachel (Shiri Appleby) and Jeremy (Josh Kelly) found themselves in a frighteningly intense and violent fight that resulted in Chet (Craig Bierko) firing Jeremy from Everlasting, the show's Bachelor-esque show-within-a-show, and physically kicking him off the set.
Coming to BlowsKelly tells People that the blowup stems from...
- 7/5/2016
- by Lanford Beard, @lanfordbeard
- People.com - TV Watch
UnREAL is known for its jaw-dropping plot twists, but Monday's episode once again pushed its own boundaries ... and to a very dark place even by the show's standards. Spoiler warning: For those who haven't seen the latest episode of UnREAL, plot details will be revealed ahead.At the end of Monday's episode, "Infiltration," Rachel (Shiri Appleby) and Jeremy (Josh Kelly) found themselves in a frighteningly intense and violent fight that resulted in Chet (Craig Bierko) firing Jeremy from Everlasting, the show's Bachelor-esque show-within-a-show, and physically kicking him off the set. Coming to BlowsKelly tells People that the blowup stems from...
- 7/5/2016
- by Lanford Beard, @lanfordbeard
- PEOPLE.com
UnREAL is known for its jaw-dropping plot twists, but Monday's episode once again pushed its own boundaries ... and to a very dark place even by the show's standards. Spoiler warning: For those who haven't seen the latest episode of UnREAL, plot details will be revealed ahead.At the end of Monday's episode, "Infiltration," Rachel (Shiri Appleby) and Jeremy (Josh Kelly) found themselves in a frighteningly intense and violent fight that resulted in Chet (Craig Bierko) firing Jeremy from Everlasting, the show's Bachelor-esque show-within-a-show, and physically kicking him off the set. Coming to BlowsKelly tells People that the blowup stems from...
- 7/5/2016
- by Lanford Beard, @lanfordbeard
- PEOPLE.com
On this episode of UnREAL, "Infiltration," Quinn makes a powerful new ally. Rachel resorts to her old tricks. Jeremy unravels, and Darius and Ruby's relationship hits a snag.
Wars continue to rage behind-the-scenes of Everlasting. Jeremy learns that Rachel is sleeping with Coleman, and due to "Hot Rachel's" complete lack of discretion, Rachel discovers the contestant is sleeping with her ex. Rachel warns Yael that sleeping with a crew member is grounds for getting kicked off the show, but Jeremy points out Rachel doesn't have much room to talk since she was screwing the suitor all last season. Yael tucks this tidbit away for later. ...
Wars continue to rage behind-the-scenes of Everlasting. Jeremy learns that Rachel is sleeping with Coleman, and due to "Hot Rachel's" complete lack of discretion, Rachel discovers the contestant is sleeping with her ex. Rachel warns Yael that sleeping with a crew member is grounds for getting kicked off the show, but Jeremy points out Rachel doesn't have much room to talk since she was screwing the suitor all last season. Yael tucks this tidbit away for later. ...
- 7/4/2016
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
That was not my favorite hour of UnREAL.
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 4, Quinn and Chet joined forces against Rachel and Coleman. It was bizarre and made little sense.
The only person that seems to have the best interests of Everlasting at heart is Coleman. Quinn, Chet and Rachel won't be happy until the show is canceled.
This back and forth and power struggles got old a few weeks back. Back when this show kicked off last summer, it was billed as a look into how reality TV shows are really made.
If half the crap that's happening behind the scenes on Everlasting happened on a real show, there would be much more changes than just the showrunner.
That said, I do feel a little bad for Quinn. Quinn hasn't gone out of her way to betray Rachel. She's always tried to push her to be better and that's why she's...
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 4, Quinn and Chet joined forces against Rachel and Coleman. It was bizarre and made little sense.
The only person that seems to have the best interests of Everlasting at heart is Coleman. Quinn, Chet and Rachel won't be happy until the show is canceled.
This back and forth and power struggles got old a few weeks back. Back when this show kicked off last summer, it was billed as a look into how reality TV shows are really made.
If half the crap that's happening behind the scenes on Everlasting happened on a real show, there would be much more changes than just the showrunner.
That said, I do feel a little bad for Quinn. Quinn hasn't gone out of her way to betray Rachel. She's always tried to push her to be better and that's why she's...
- 6/28/2016
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
We need to talk about Brandi!
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 3, Quinn returned to producing and was pretty darn good at it. She was exactly like Rachel, and it further proved that Quinn really is the reason Rachel's so good at her job.
I can't be the only one who was shocked about what went down with Brandi. Chantal has been nothing but nice to everyone on the show. Sure, she's got a past, but don't they all?
The scene with Brandi pulling Chantal's leg was just horrifying. Why would anyone even think of doing that?
She could have freaking killed her. The chick is obviously battling some demons right now, but she should not be on the show like that.
If she stayed, it could have been a rehash of what happened with Mary on UnREAL Season 1.
Quinn needs to do something about Rachel pretty quickly. Having two master manipulators...
On UnREAL Season 2 Episode 3, Quinn returned to producing and was pretty darn good at it. She was exactly like Rachel, and it further proved that Quinn really is the reason Rachel's so good at her job.
I can't be the only one who was shocked about what went down with Brandi. Chantal has been nothing but nice to everyone on the show. Sure, she's got a past, but don't they all?
The scene with Brandi pulling Chantal's leg was just horrifying. Why would anyone even think of doing that?
She could have freaking killed her. The chick is obviously battling some demons right now, but she should not be on the show like that.
If she stayed, it could have been a rehash of what happened with Mary on UnREAL Season 1.
Quinn needs to do something about Rachel pretty quickly. Having two master manipulators...
- 6/21/2016
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Need to catch up? Check out last week’s UnREAL recap of the Season 2 premiere, “War.”
“Just grab the craziest one, and do your thing.”
In case you had any doubt about whether UnREAL‘s Rachel retains any amount of control over Everlasting — especially in the wake of Quinn’s sly re-takeover last week — the sentiment above should clear things up promptly (and kinda bitchily).
The worst/best part? The newly demoted Ep does exactly as her boss says, slinking back into her dirty-hair, kicked-puppy role and giving even more momentum to the lopsided tilt-a-whirl that is their abusive relationship…...
“Just grab the craziest one, and do your thing.”
In case you had any doubt about whether UnREAL‘s Rachel retains any amount of control over Everlasting — especially in the wake of Quinn’s sly re-takeover last week — the sentiment above should clear things up promptly (and kinda bitchily).
The worst/best part? The newly demoted Ep does exactly as her boss says, slinking back into her dirty-hair, kicked-puppy role and giving even more momentum to the lopsided tilt-a-whirl that is their abusive relationship…...
- 6/14/2016
- TVLine.com
Last Week’S Review: ‘UnREAL’ Season 2 Premiere Makes History
This Week on ‘UnREAL’…
If Episode 1 started a war, then Episode 2 pulled the pin from the grenade. After getting manipulated by Jay into thinking she’ll never be a real showrunner as long as Quinn is around, Rachel went to visit network head Gary and demand control of the show. Ill-fated from the start, considering her public breakdown not even two years prior makes her a pretty poor on-paper candidate for the job, the gamble backfired and introduced a new power player to the mix: Coleman Wasserman (Michael Rady). Worse yet, those “Money, Dick, Power” tattoos likely aren’t strong enough to ward off the upcoming brouhaha between Quinn and Rachel.
Meanwhile, in the world of “Everlasting,” all the key players made the first cut, including the Confederate Flag-sporting Beth Ann and the “I Can’t Breathe” “Blacktivist,” Ruby (Denee Benton). All this came after two opposing productions tried to turn everyone their way, as Chet tried to cut his manly version of “Everlasting” (preposterously titled “Everblasting”) and Quinn attempted to prove her tried-and-true formula would bring home the bacon. Somehow Chet ended up on top, as Coleman preferred his fellow man’s lewd spin on the long-running series and the entire “UnREAL” audience at home screamed, “Burn the patriarchy!”
How’s Rachel Doing?
While, yes, Rachel’s overall emergency level is lower than last week’s, there was one moment in Episode 2 that bumped her up almost to orange: Quinn’s quip of the week. Well, it would be the quip of the week if it wasn’t so cold-blooded. From the second the words, “Maybe your mother was right,” escaped Quinn’s lips, we knew Rachel was in for an emotional beatdown. And boy, did Quinn deliver.
Still, Rachel’s reaction to the borderline-unforgivable “You’re great, until you’re not” wasn’t to down a bunch of pills and go bone in the back of a production truck. She took a calculated risk to go see Gary; a calculated risk that has already come back to bite her once and will undoubtedly hit her again when Quinn finds out, but a business decision nonetheless. Quinn tried to manipulate Rachel, and Rachel responded by going over her boss’ head. It’s a fair move in the world of “UnREAL,” even if it’s not what a wholesome, upstanding, totally sane human being would do. Hence, Rachel earns a yellow card this week.
Quinn’s Quip of the Week
“I can shoot ping pong balls out of my vagina,
but no one wants to see that either.”
Honestly, without the benefit of closed captioning, I’m not sure if Quinn said “shoot” or “chew,” but either way, her early precedent for what should and shouldn’t be spoken, seen or heard carried all the way through to the end. A punchy quote right before the title card, the line kept “UnREAL” on target in terms of tone, but it also applies to what happened at show’s end: A man, who thinks he knows what’s best for a woman, is given too much leeway to do just that. First, it was Graham trying to propose a singing element to his hosting duties while blindly supporting Chet’s ugly new vision for the show. Later, it was Coleman backing Chet after Gary backed Coleman. The patriarchy rages, even if we’d all rather let Quinn — and her “fantastic” talent — go forward however she pleases.
This is What a Feminist Looks Like
If there’s anything that can make “Everlasting” look like Rosie the Riveter, it’s “Everblasting.” Chet’s homage to tits and ass was painfully familiar, as pretty much everything on reality TV focuses exclusively and exhaustively on those two things — and only of the female persuasion, of course. It’s a man’s world, and “Insurgent” was a rough reminder of that. It’s doubtful Coleman’s preference for it is as simple as “straight white man backs straight white man,” but if this marks the start of “UnREAL” addressing how the patriarchy reinforces itself — again and again, even when women are more than qualified, clearly producing better content and ultimately the better choice — then bring it on. Rachel’s quest for respect is now on the same level as Quinn’s, and, while that may cause a few personal problems for these two tattoo sisters, here’s hoping they find a way to topple the male gaze once and for all.
Top of the Call Sheet (Episode Mvp)
You can say I was manipulated all you want, but exemplifying the confounding argument supporting the Confederate Flag with a tongue-tied, stubbornly proud Beth Ann worked wonders for me. Though Rachel wasn’t dumb enough to engage at a higher level of discussion, most of the contestant’s defensive statements could have been chucked aside with ease.
For instance, why does it matter if she wears her Southern pride bikini in front of a black man she likes versus one she doesn’t? “I was not raised to rude,” Beth Ann said when Rachel asked why she panicked upon seeing Darius when she already knew a black suitor was on the way. “I like Darius. I’d like him to like me.” So shouldn’t the fact that you’re hiding who you “really are” tip you off that maybe you do, actually, have something to be embarrassed about?
“Racism is confusing.” It is indeed.
The Real Behind the Reality
We’re early on in Season 2, but the possibilities set up in the first two episodes are vast. Quinn and Rachel’s relationship has been put front and center; fitting for a series committed to its feminist spirit and creatively sound given how volatile each can be. Chet has been established as an imposing, undeserving and nonetheless powerful presence, representing the inexplicable male dominance in the entertainment industry.
And then there’s Darius, the black suitor. Easily the most cited and obvious example of “UnREAL’s” attempt at biting social commentary, we got a good look at his decision-making process in Episode 2. Why did he choose who he chose, other than for the good of “UnREAL”? We’re not sure. The man himself has yet to be as fully defined as last year’s suitor. But there’s plenty of time left for that.
More importantly, Episode 2 showed the power behind Rachel’s fractured self. Yes, she was yet again on the verge of tears when Quinn turned on her, but seeing her make a savvy, manipulative move on her own behalf and not the show’s reminded us why Rachel is the star, no matter who’s got the power. With those two on a collision course and “Everlasting” in transition, Season 2 seems primed for a wild war. Bring it on.
Grade: A-
“UnREAL” airs Monday nights at 10pm on Lifetime. Season 1 is streaming on Hulu.
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This Week on ‘UnREAL’…
If Episode 1 started a war, then Episode 2 pulled the pin from the grenade. After getting manipulated by Jay into thinking she’ll never be a real showrunner as long as Quinn is around, Rachel went to visit network head Gary and demand control of the show. Ill-fated from the start, considering her public breakdown not even two years prior makes her a pretty poor on-paper candidate for the job, the gamble backfired and introduced a new power player to the mix: Coleman Wasserman (Michael Rady). Worse yet, those “Money, Dick, Power” tattoos likely aren’t strong enough to ward off the upcoming brouhaha between Quinn and Rachel.
Meanwhile, in the world of “Everlasting,” all the key players made the first cut, including the Confederate Flag-sporting Beth Ann and the “I Can’t Breathe” “Blacktivist,” Ruby (Denee Benton). All this came after two opposing productions tried to turn everyone their way, as Chet tried to cut his manly version of “Everlasting” (preposterously titled “Everblasting”) and Quinn attempted to prove her tried-and-true formula would bring home the bacon. Somehow Chet ended up on top, as Coleman preferred his fellow man’s lewd spin on the long-running series and the entire “UnREAL” audience at home screamed, “Burn the patriarchy!”
How’s Rachel Doing?
While, yes, Rachel’s overall emergency level is lower than last week’s, there was one moment in Episode 2 that bumped her up almost to orange: Quinn’s quip of the week. Well, it would be the quip of the week if it wasn’t so cold-blooded. From the second the words, “Maybe your mother was right,” escaped Quinn’s lips, we knew Rachel was in for an emotional beatdown. And boy, did Quinn deliver.
Still, Rachel’s reaction to the borderline-unforgivable “You’re great, until you’re not” wasn’t to down a bunch of pills and go bone in the back of a production truck. She took a calculated risk to go see Gary; a calculated risk that has already come back to bite her once and will undoubtedly hit her again when Quinn finds out, but a business decision nonetheless. Quinn tried to manipulate Rachel, and Rachel responded by going over her boss’ head. It’s a fair move in the world of “UnREAL,” even if it’s not what a wholesome, upstanding, totally sane human being would do. Hence, Rachel earns a yellow card this week.
Quinn’s Quip of the Week
“I can shoot ping pong balls out of my vagina,
but no one wants to see that either.”
Honestly, without the benefit of closed captioning, I’m not sure if Quinn said “shoot” or “chew,” but either way, her early precedent for what should and shouldn’t be spoken, seen or heard carried all the way through to the end. A punchy quote right before the title card, the line kept “UnREAL” on target in terms of tone, but it also applies to what happened at show’s end: A man, who thinks he knows what’s best for a woman, is given too much leeway to do just that. First, it was Graham trying to propose a singing element to his hosting duties while blindly supporting Chet’s ugly new vision for the show. Later, it was Coleman backing Chet after Gary backed Coleman. The patriarchy rages, even if we’d all rather let Quinn — and her “fantastic” talent — go forward however she pleases.
This is What a Feminist Looks Like
If there’s anything that can make “Everlasting” look like Rosie the Riveter, it’s “Everblasting.” Chet’s homage to tits and ass was painfully familiar, as pretty much everything on reality TV focuses exclusively and exhaustively on those two things — and only of the female persuasion, of course. It’s a man’s world, and “Insurgent” was a rough reminder of that. It’s doubtful Coleman’s preference for it is as simple as “straight white man backs straight white man,” but if this marks the start of “UnREAL” addressing how the patriarchy reinforces itself — again and again, even when women are more than qualified, clearly producing better content and ultimately the better choice — then bring it on. Rachel’s quest for respect is now on the same level as Quinn’s, and, while that may cause a few personal problems for these two tattoo sisters, here’s hoping they find a way to topple the male gaze once and for all.
Top of the Call Sheet (Episode Mvp)
You can say I was manipulated all you want, but exemplifying the confounding argument supporting the Confederate Flag with a tongue-tied, stubbornly proud Beth Ann worked wonders for me. Though Rachel wasn’t dumb enough to engage at a higher level of discussion, most of the contestant’s defensive statements could have been chucked aside with ease.
For instance, why does it matter if she wears her Southern pride bikini in front of a black man she likes versus one she doesn’t? “I was not raised to rude,” Beth Ann said when Rachel asked why she panicked upon seeing Darius when she already knew a black suitor was on the way. “I like Darius. I’d like him to like me.” So shouldn’t the fact that you’re hiding who you “really are” tip you off that maybe you do, actually, have something to be embarrassed about?
“Racism is confusing.” It is indeed.
The Real Behind the Reality
We’re early on in Season 2, but the possibilities set up in the first two episodes are vast. Quinn and Rachel’s relationship has been put front and center; fitting for a series committed to its feminist spirit and creatively sound given how volatile each can be. Chet has been established as an imposing, undeserving and nonetheless powerful presence, representing the inexplicable male dominance in the entertainment industry.
And then there’s Darius, the black suitor. Easily the most cited and obvious example of “UnREAL’s” attempt at biting social commentary, we got a good look at his decision-making process in Episode 2. Why did he choose who he chose, other than for the good of “UnREAL”? We’re not sure. The man himself has yet to be as fully defined as last year’s suitor. But there’s plenty of time left for that.
More importantly, Episode 2 showed the power behind Rachel’s fractured self. Yes, she was yet again on the verge of tears when Quinn turned on her, but seeing her make a savvy, manipulative move on her own behalf and not the show’s reminded us why Rachel is the star, no matter who’s got the power. With those two on a collision course and “Everlasting” in transition, Season 2 seems primed for a wild war. Bring it on.
Grade: A-
“UnREAL” airs Monday nights at 10pm on Lifetime. Season 1 is streaming on Hulu.
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