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| I watched the first two episodes (minor spoilers like those found in a review); and link to NYT review | |
| Last Edit: mikem 11:20 am EDT 07/16/21 | |
| Posted by: mikem 11:15 am EDT 07/16/21 | |
| In reply to: WSJ: “Schmigadoon” Review, a Rave! - TheHarveyBoy 07:08 am EDT 07/16/21 | |
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| I watched the first two episodes already (minor spoilers like those found in a review follow). The show is certainly fun and enjoyable, but I have a slightly different viewpoint than the WSJ reviewer, who is looking at the show purely on whether it is funny (which it is). I get that it's a parody, but there is a lot of self-awareness and winking at the audience. The acting is a bit too exaggerated and feels like that found in a "Saturday Night Live" sketch. The emphasis is on the laugh rather than on development of character. But it's one thing not to care about the characters in a five-minute sketch. Here, we've got 6 episodes of thirty minutes each. It doesn't help that the show wants to contrast the two modern characters to the seemingly happy-happy-happy townspeople, so the two modern characters are both a bit negative and not that much fun to be around. I wish the show had more sincerity. You can have outlandish characters and situations in a parody and still have some degree of sincerity. Barry Sonnenfeld, the director, did both The Addams Family and the first two episodes of Pushing Daisies and was able to create characters we care about within an outlandish, artificial framework. I don't feel he was as successful here. But it's great to see so many Broadway names and the song parodies are great fun. I'm linking the NY Times review, which is positive but not as much of a rave as the WSJ one. |
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| Link | https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/15/arts/television/review-schmigadoon.html?action=click&module=Features&pgtype=Homepage |
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| re: I watched the first two episodes (minor spoilers like those found in a review); and link to NYT review | |
| Last Edit: AnyaS 03:53 pm EDT 07/17/21 | |
| Posted by: AnyaS 03:44 pm EDT 07/17/21 | |
| In reply to: I watched the first two episodes (minor spoilers like those found in a review); and link to NYT review - mikem 11:15 am EDT 07/16/21 | |
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| That was my problem too. I laughed a lot but I didn't care about the two leads...not one bit. Not sure if you're even supposed to be cheering for them to get back together. If you are, that's a shame because they have zero chemistry. I thought Aaron Tveit was the best thing about it. | |
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| spoilers | |
| Posted by: mikem 07:03 pm EDT 07/17/21 | |
| In reply to: re: I watched the first two episodes (minor spoilers like those found in a review); and link to NYT review - AnyaS 03:44 pm EDT 07/17/21 | |
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| Spoilers The lack of chemistry is notable. They say they love each other, but I don't sense any actual affection between the two. Keegan-Michael Key's character has been consistent throughout that he doesn't take the relationship as seriously as Cecily Strong's character does. Except for arranging for the candy cascade at their first-anniversary dinner three years earlier, I don't think he's done anything that would be considered to be a positive for their relationship (or frankly, at all - has he said anything positive for two episodes?). And she seems to be constantly pushing him to feel differently about their relationship than he does. Minor plot holes: Would they not have tried to call the modern-day retreat hosts shortly after arriving at the Inn the first time? Surely, they would realize that there would be a major search expedition for them by that point. But they are just hanging out the next morning, having a leisurely meal, seemingly not caring that hundreds of people are probably combing the woods looking for them. Also, when they try to cross the bridge in Episode 2, they aren't carrying their backpacks anymore. |
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| re: spoilers | |
| Last Edit: WaymanWong 04:15 pm EDT 07/18/21 | |
| Posted by: WaymanWong 04:13 pm EDT 07/18/21 | |
| In reply to: spoilers - mikem 07:03 pm EDT 07/17/21 | |
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| I've read that upcoming episodes will include flashbacks of Melissa and Josh that show more how they bonded and fell in love. Traditionally, in a musical, that relationship would be shown through song, usually a duet. But since the premise of ''Schmigadoon!'' involves Josh, a guy who hates musicals, you can't have him singing ... yet. I'm assuming his arc will involve how he comes around and literally finds harmony with Melissa. As for minor plot holes, musicals already expect you to take a leap of faith, especially if you believe people can suddenly burst into song. Looking back at ''Brigadoon,'' would modern-day Americans really be able to understand, let alone sing with, Scottish folk from a century ago? ;) |
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