I never thought that Jason Schwartzman could be good in any film after witnessing his performance in "Marie Antoinette." But after watching this series, I stand corrected. Screenplay writer Jonathan Ames knows how to make the most of Jason Schwartzman's acting skills, because the latter seems so natural in the role of the free lance detective (who strangely enough also happens to named Jonathan Ames).
I do not want to oversell this series though. There are some episodes that people are going to dislike, if not hate. For me, the real downers include a story about a kid and his skateboard and another about a lesbian couple accepting a sperm donation. I do not know why Mr. Ames thought that either story was a good idea for a series. Perhaps, he had a off-day or the pressure undermined his creative powers. But on the other side of the coin, there are episodes that are written intelligently, show originality and can be hilarious. In short, this series is really a strange jumble of brilliant and terrible episodes.
"Bored to Death" also stars Ted Danson, famous for his role in the Cheers series, who consistently gives a wonderful performance as Jonathan Ames' boss, George. Zack Galifianakis gives an OK performance for an OK role. Then there is Oliver Platt who gives a far superior performance as George's eccentric nemesis.
I do not want to oversell this series though. There are some episodes that people are going to dislike, if not hate. For me, the real downers include a story about a kid and his skateboard and another about a lesbian couple accepting a sperm donation. I do not know why Mr. Ames thought that either story was a good idea for a series. Perhaps, he had a off-day or the pressure undermined his creative powers. But on the other side of the coin, there are episodes that are written intelligently, show originality and can be hilarious. In short, this series is really a strange jumble of brilliant and terrible episodes.
"Bored to Death" also stars Ted Danson, famous for his role in the Cheers series, who consistently gives a wonderful performance as Jonathan Ames' boss, George. Zack Galifianakis gives an OK performance for an OK role. Then there is Oliver Platt who gives a far superior performance as George's eccentric nemesis.