remraf55 Reviews

The Beautiful Life: TBL (2009)

Could be good if repackaged for HBO/Showtime

[5 March 2010]

So i randomly caught the pilot episode of this while surfing around on Youtube and followed up with the other remaining episodes just to see what all the hype was and possibly deteremine why this show got cancelled. After watching a few episodes I really didn't see much difference from any of the other CW teen/young adult dramas like 90210, Gossip Girl, and Melrose. Bare in mind that I haven't really seen much of those other shows but from what I have seen they are all very formalic and simliar in overall content and context. The idea of The Beautiful Life is still an interesting one though with its setting in NY and the Fashion World, and could really lead to some interesting story lines and overall television. I wont comment on the overall performances or characters within the show but will say that they are done well and underapreciated by many of the shows critics. However, this show is ultimately flawed in its being structured for CW audiences and having to stick within the guidelines of a TV14 rated network. CW already has its pick of dramas from those mentioned above and another such as TBL was overkill to an extent and with its similarities between GG being in NY and all it was setup to fail based upon comparison alone.

With its premise of the aspiring models trying to make it in NY's Fashion World the show could have been the NY version of Entourage if done correctly. Throw in some more adult sexual situations and occasionally nudity, more fashion celeb cameos, and overall sexiness whle focusing on the NY setting and fashion world/nightlife and the story lines become compelling. I don't know that using the original cast of the show and just throwing it on another network would have worked but the overall premise and concept for the show would really work better in a more adult oriented setting. Unfortunately it appears that wont be the case, which is unfortunate because the potential was there.

How to Make It in America (2010–2011)

Still undecided after 4 episodes....

[5 March 2010]

Upon learning about this new series and the fact that it is from the creative behind Entourage I had high hopes for How To Make It In America, and after watching the first four episodes I am still undecided on whether I really enjoy the show or if its just the idea and not the execution of the show that I enjoy. The overall premise is promising with the Main character of Ben and his friend Cam trying to hustle their way through a life in New York City while dealing with relationships and life in general, while the backdrop of NY is the perfect setting and if done similar to Entourage's style of using significant LA landmarks it could lead to some fun and interesting stuff on the show. Even the shows opening montage really captures the spirit of NY and sets up for something that could be great but thats about where it starts to go downhill. The overall performances are done well and I really like Greenberg as the main character but there really is little to no depth to any of the characters in the show and by episode four there are really no real likable characters to root for other than Ben. Cam to me comes across as annoying to an extent and the others are not featured enough to warrant any real audience judgment or reactions. I think one of the main flaws is the fact that it is a half hour long show and could benefit from being longer to better develop story lines and character. It is early in the show though and comparing it to Entourage is not fair in that Entourage has 6 seasons of backstory it can build on for character and story advancement. Right now it just seems like the show is lacking any real direction and motivation and the characters interacting with each other seems unnatural to some extent. Thats oe thing Entourage did have immediately is that chemistry between the main characters that really seems to be lacking at some points in this show. Overall though I have high hopes that it will grow to be a success and go on with further more interesting stories and character developments. As i said before, the premise is promising and if they were to showcase New York and its diversity, mix in some nightlife and fashion world/celeb cameos, more character development and direction it could be really good. I do have to say though that the opening credits has me hooked though...