EricRous Reviews

True Blood (2008–2014)

Absurd comedy, and works on okay on that level

[6/10 · 10 August 2009]

(This review is for Season 1. I haven't yet seen Season 2. But I suspect that little has changed.)

I'm giving "True Blood" 6/10 stars because it works as an absurdest comedy. But it certainly does not work as the advertised drama or romance that it's often sold as. The humor is sometimes intentional, sometimes not, but it is worth checking out as a lark.

The setting and premise of the series provide most of the humor. "True Blood" takes place in an alternate universe where vampires have revealed themselves to the human world and demanded civil rights (the obvious allegory to the gay rights movement is quite intentional). But at the same time, with the notable exception of the main vampire character, vampires are presented as almost completely vile and despicable beings. The series clumsily attempts to blend the traditional bad-boy/sexy/dangerous vampires of horror films with the oppressed/underdog homosexual image of the gay rights movement--and the result is absurd, if often unintentionally funny. To appreciate the absurdity of the series, imagine a gay rights documentary which argues for gay rights but which also portrays 99% of homosexuals as bloodthirsty psychopaths with absolutely no regard for heterosexual life. That's basically "True Blood." In one scene, vampires will be seen in TV interviews asking humans for civil rights. In the next scene, we'll see a gang of them killing a human for looking at them funny. The series writers seem oblivious to this obvious contradiction and seem to want to have it both ways--making for a very surreal and humorously unrealistic world.

Equally unrealistic are the human inhabitants of the town of Bon Temps (a small Louisiana town where most of the series takes place). Despite a per-capita murder rate that has to be about 200x that of Detroit; and a town comprised almost exclusively of supernatural beings and psychopaths; the residents of Bon Temps seem to forget from episode to episode that their town is more like a house of horrors than any small town in America. Content with their two-man police force and expressing no desire to leave--residents debate the intricacies of vampire civil rights even as the arrival of their first town vampire is accompanied by no less than a dozen murdered citizens in the span of about 2 weeks. The citizens of Bon Temps act more like robots than real human beings--as if the whole town is populated by characters banged out on the computer keyboard of a stoned writer at about 2 a.m. the night before they're to shoot the scenes--with no real thought given to how real human beings interact.

The two protagonists of the series (and supposedly love interests in the "romance" aspect of the show--which is equally absurdly presented) are town telepath, Sookie Stackhouse, and newly arrived town vampire, Bill Compton. Both are presented as the most naive, stupid, and oblivious creatures on the planet earth. Even as Sookie's friends and family are dropping like flies, she gushes over Bill bringing her roses. And, as for Bill, it takes a uniquely epic dullard to have lived 150 years and not realize that attempting to "mainstream" himself among humans will only cause problems for those humans (as all his psychopath vampire friends start showing up to town right behind him, to threaten and kill humans on whatever the whim strikes them). Bill is the kind of window dressing love interest character that has the depth of a kiddie pool. He professes his undying love for the Sookie even as his very presence puts her and everyone she knows and loves in constant mortal danger. He acts like someone who hasn't even lived 15 years, much less 150.

But, again, I'm still giving this 3 stars--mainly because it is fun. If you watch it more like a Paul Verhoeven comedy (a la "Robocop" or "starship Troopers"), it actually works--complete with interstitial comedy bits posing as new stories (the aforementioned reports of vampires demanding civil rights and debating on news shows with humans who are ostensibly presented as bigots, but whom come off more in the context of the series as not alarmist *enough* about the murderous vampire horde in their midst). Some of the writers seem to appreciate this as comedy more than others, so it's hit or miss. But even the misses are funny. You can't help but laugh at a scene where a character reacts to losing half his family in one night with a shrug of the shoulder and a "Oh well, I still have to go to work" the next morning.

Broken Allegiance (2002)

Best Star Wars fan film I've ever seen

[10/10 · 31 August 2006]

Most Star Wars fan films give themselves away with bad lighting and bad acting. Special FX are easy enough, but the kind of care and skill that has to go into things like proper lighting are often overlooked by filmmaker wannabes. Amateur filmmakers also often fall for the temptation to cast themselves and their friends in their film rather than trying to cast actual actors (amateur or, preferably, professional), leading to horrific acting that becomes a constant distraction. Combine these sorts of "giveaway" serious fan films with an annoying proliferation of Star Wars spoof and parody fan films (it wasn't even that funny ten years ago, guys) and one can see a real problem.

Finding a good Star Wars fan film is like looking for an oasis in a desert of bad acting, bad lighting, overplayed special effects, and lame jokes.

So, when I came across the gem that is "Broken Allegiance" it warmed my heart. Combining professional production values (including great lighting, costuming, etc.) with professional actors and a compelling script, "Broken Allegiance" is the kind of thing more young filmmakers should strive for. Everything about this film says "professional," to the point where it looks virtually indistinguishable from an actual Star Wars film in many instances (it only gives itself away a little in some of the effects shots and in some mildly melodramatic moments among the actors).

I want give away too much about the story here except to say that it is about two dark Jedi apprentices fleeing Darth Vader in the period between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. Over the course of the film, expect to develop real sympathy for the characters and their plight (and learn a subtly-presented secret that they're hiding from Vader).

This is the first time I've ever seen a Star Wars fan film that left me longing for its sequel (or, more accurately, continuing serialization). If Lucasfilm had any sense (and they don't), they would hire the people behind this and turn it into a television series.

Mail Order Wife (2004)

Relieved when I realized it was a mockumentary

[9/10 · 4 August 2006]

I was over halfway through this "documentary" when I realized I was being had. God, was I relieved, too! The thought that fellow "human beings" could treat a woman this way was gut-wrenching.

I spent most of the first half of the movie just wanting to punch Adrian and Andrew in the face. It was easily the most depraved portrait of men since "In the Company of Men." Very ugly stuff, yet also insightful (as in all great black comedies). There are, after all, many men who do use similar services, and all too many of them are looking to take advantage of women in poverty or desperate circumstances.

It slowly dawned on me at the mid-point that there were just too many coincidences and contrivances for it to be real, though. Why would Adrian keep agreeing to come back into the documentary? No one was reporting all this to the cops or the INS (they had to have broken at least ten laws, including the obvious major one prohibiting slavery)? Very clever film-making. That Eugenia Yuan is absolutely adorable.

7th Heaven (1996–2007)

Laughably bad, yet oddly mesmerizing

[19 October 2005]

This series has all the qualities that should go into a horrid sitcom. The acting is beneath sub-par--with kids who were clearly picked more for their "look" than their acting abilities. The writing is so syrupy and pedestrian as to make "Martha Stewart's Living" look edgy and sophisticated by comparison. And the production quality looks like that of a 5th-rate syndicated show from 1987.

And, yet there is something oddly mesmerizing about this show. Maybe it's Aaron Spelling's knack for populating a world with such pretty people with such simple, easily solved problems. Maybe it's part of a secret desire to live in such an uncomplicated world where good guys are soapy pure and every house has a picket fence. Or maybe I just like to ogle Jessica Biel.

But what I really think is so appealing about this show is its camp value. Like a really cheesy B-horror film, 7th Heaven is at its best when it's at it worst. The hokier the story-line, the worse the acting; the more you have to laugh at it. It's like a train-wreck that you HAVE to watch--to find out who will introduce the next groan-inducing plot point, who will utter the next over-rehearsed bit of "spontaneous" dialogue, or what guest star has sunk so low this week.

7th Heaven is must-see TV, if for nothing else than watching desperate sup-par directors' constant cutaways to the family dog (to cover bad edits and, presumably, even worse dialogue). And the great thing is, the dog is actually a better actor than most of the kids on the show.

So, check it out. Get some popcorn, and have a good laugh.

Dead Like Me (2003–2004)

One of the most creative shows on television since Twin Peaks

[16 June 2004]

"Dead Like Me" proves that cynicism, humor, depth, and even compassion can not only co-exist on a single television series, they can actually flourish together. With sharp and witty writing and directing, "Dead Like Me" explores the bizarre world of our working-class grim reapers, the good folks charged with escorting human souls to the afterlife. As the second-lowest level group of bureaucrats in the afterlife system (best not to ask about the lowest), grim reapers must trudge along "popping" the souls of the soon-to-be-departed before they meet their grisly (and, dare I say, often hilarious) ends. And they must also survive, and pay rent, in the living world.

The chief protagonist on the series is George (a.k.a. Georgia), a recently deceased, uber-cynical, 18 year old who just can't seem to resist rebelling against the whole "death" system. Her fellow reapers include an unapologetically opportunistic drug-smuggler, a meter-maid who does a lot more than write parking tickets, a happy-go-lucky pragmatist who has developed a truly macabre taste in photography, and an actress whose resume is surprisingly out of date. And then, of course, there is Rube.

Rube is the would-be foreman of this somewhat strange assemblage of reapers. He is also, arguably, the most sympathetic, complex, and mysterious character on the showâ€'thanks in no small part to the superb acting of Mandy Patinkin. As with the other characters on the show, no amount of space here can really hint at the depth alloted to Rube by the writers and directors of "Dead Like Me" or the skill with which Patinkin explores that depth. Suffice it to say that Rube plays a lot more like a real person (or real undead person) than any mere television contrivance. Rube is more alive as a dead man than any television character from the living world.

The very essence of "Dead Like Me" is, in fact, its willingness to explore not only the bizarre world of the reapers, but also the lives and personalities of the reapers themselves. Undead life has had (and continues to have) some pretty strange effects on these formerly-living reapers, and watching their individual responses to the problems of their bizarre occupation provides much of the humor of the show.

And, not to leave out the living world, the creative minds behind "Dead Like Me," also frequently turn their attention to living characters on the show, from the "soon to be referred to the past tense" reaper clients to the families they leave behind (most notably George's grieving family). Just about any character is subject to being fleshed-out on this show (even dogs and frogs). A minor character named Angus Cook makes a more memorable impression in one episode of "Dead Like Me" (appropriately titled "A. Cook") than most TV series regulars will make in an entire season.

Some have compared "Dead Like Me" with shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and similar, more pedestrian, fare. But about the only thing Buffy and George have in common is youth and blonde hair. And the only thing the reapers have in common with television vampires is that they've both been around a while. Of course, one of the problems with television vampires is that they never seem to *realize* they've been around a while. They are also generally kind enough to join up with either the "good guys" or "bad guys" teams of the Buffyverse and its ilk, teams which don't exist in the universe of "Dead Like Me."

But you might want to visit the universe of "Dead Like Me" for yourself, and form your own impressions. Just don't stay too long. You might end up with a post-it note and a new job.

Session 9 (2001)

Truly Disturbing, a horror masterpiece

[10/10 · 19 February 2004]

I came across "Session 9" on cable late one night. I had no idea what it was, but it quickly drew me in. This movie masterfully maintains an incredible amount of suspense with the barest minimum of action (and almost no gore or onscreen violence). It will truly send chills down your spine.

Some have compared this film to the "Blair Witch Project." But about the only thing they share is a low budget and the fact that they're both horror films. A more apt comparison is to Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" (which was clearly a strong influence on the filmmakers who did "Session 9"). If you liked "The Shining," you'll probably like "Session 9." If "The Shining" left you scratching your head, this is probably not the film for you.

I should add that this movie is selling for only about $10 on DVD. I HIGHLY recommend it. It's definitely a "must see" for horror fans.

I also recommend watching it late at night. Alone.

Homegrown (1998)

A pleasant surprise! A must for Thornton and Azaria fans.

[10/10 · 19 October 1998]

Homegrown is one of those movies which sort of fell through the cracks, but deserves better. When I first saw it, I had a luke-warm reaction. But, over time, it's really grown on me--no pun intended ;-). The more I see it, the more I appreciate it. The writing is top-notch, as is the acting. Throw in a few surprising cameos and good direction, and you end up with a great little film.

It's also good to finally see Hank Azaria get a chance to shine in a starring role. And Thornton delivers his usual quality performance. Even relative newcomer Ryan Phillippe delivers, playing a friendly innocent with wit and subtlety.

On a side note, Homegrown is simply a "must see" if you're a Billy Bob Thornton fan. It appears Stephen Gyllenhaal was influenced by earlier Thornton projects like One False Move and Sling Blade (though Homegrown is certainly a lot more tongue-in-cheek than either). And Thornton's role as a character who is both sophisticated and down-to-earth is a perfect match for the actor.