Change Your Image
Deborahguarino
Reviews
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
Your Epitaph Here...
Like many others, I assumed this series was going to be a spoof of recent thriller movies and anticipated a hilarious parody or tribute comedy along the lines of the "Scream" franchise. Instead, this odd mutation unsuccessfully blended the suggestion of a thriller with sloppy slapstick and running gags such as the endless parade of shattered Corningware casserole dishes, impossibly large goblets of wine and a tombstone whose ever-changing inscribed epitaphs was such a thirsty plea for laughs I winced each time I was forced to notice it. Real knee-slapping stuff, right? If only this epic fail had been done in the glorious style of Steve Martin's "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" and decided what it really wanted to be--serious comedy or hilarious thriller--it could have been a far more entertaining, satisfying production. And if it HAD been a true comedy, the fate of its first victim--a little girl apparently murdered and eaten by a serial killer her psychiatrist father casually left her with after bringing her with him on a blissful visit to the murderers row section of the state penitentiary during "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" wouldn't have seemed the only truly zany attempt at campy humor in the entire series. As it is, (spoiler alert), Glenn Close's tribute to Agatha Christie's "The Lady Vanishes" at a key moment made me wonder why this Oscar-nominated actress would appear in such an odd hybrid. As much as I love Ms. Bell and can never fault her performance in anything she attempts, even her beauty, talent and innate sense of humor can not overcome as clumsy an attempt at true dark comedy as this series was.
Gayby (2012)
No Maybe...Gayby's a HIT!
Far from the usual cliche, cleaned-up straight versions of single women getting pregnant by accident or design, "Gayby" is a full-on gay tour de force of sometimes farcical, many times profound and always real human interaction. Writer and director Lewiski, ironically, casts himself in the most superficial role as "Nellie" a newly-made gay "Bear" whose effeminate demeanor and catty wisdom serve as both comic relief and moral anchor for the rest of the outstanding cast, which includes, surprisingly, now distinguished actor Adam Driver in an early, minor role.
Throughout , this tale of two best friends--one gay, one straight--who decide in their 30s to procreate "the old-fashioned way," has a unique and sweetly real quality that deals with the actual logistics of gay/straight copulation in ways both touching (pun intended), and absurd. The emotions, insecurities, friendships and even the average, non-movie-star appearance of the central characters, as well as their natural, seemingly improvised dialogue and performances, overall, are refreshing. Although one very predictable plot twist to provide some conflict for the characters comes up, its equally predictable resolution is still very satisfying and the tying up of loose ends for all the characters leaves the viewer with a smile on their face and a new appreciation for all the friends we consider family, and family who become friends. Don't miss this hidden gem on Hulu!!