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Reviews
The Bear: Napkins (2024)
Great but Formulaic
Let me start by saying that I liked this episode. It's good, even great. It gives us some more backstory on a character whose growth and evolution has been a pleasure to watch and for me, is a standout for the season. With that being said, as good as this episode is, it still can't reach heights of the previous seasons. My main critique is that it all plays out the way you think it will. Everything about it feels cookie cutter and unfortunately a bit tropey. In the first two seasons, this show felt like the story was unfolding naturally and not always taking the expected path. It felt organic and just alive. It had this live-wire edge and feeling to it. Every episode this season has felt as though it lost that certain spark. This episode is definitely more substantial than "filler" and delivers on the principle of "show don't tell" but the way it unfolds is unfortunately formulaic and unsurprising despite some fantastic acting.
The Bear: Tomorrow (2024)
Slow Start
I get the purpose of this episode, to see how a wide variety of experiences can shape us and stick with us. I appreciate the glimpse into Carm's history but this episode could've cut out about 8 minutes and been better for it. The montage overstays its welcome and begins to drag. The montage also doesn't really flesh out that much more than we already know about Carm. It tips the scales towards being more filler than anything else. Not a great way to kick off the newest season for a beloved, award-winning show.
However, the ambient sound design and some of the cinematography is fantastic. So, there's still that aspect.
The Bear: Children (2024)
Just the Faks
This episode leans way too much into the Faks and thinking their banter is hilarious. For me, it wasn't. I could barely follow their conversation and what was there wasn't funny it was just annoying. Then adding in John Cena as another Fak was just unnecessary. I'm of the opinion that John Cena is not a very believable actor at least in the company of some outstanding ones. Cutback on the Faks!
Also the drama in the kitchen is getting old and they keep trying to add tension to recreate the same tense moments from the first two seasons but it's unearned and not as interesting. There's also just weird moments that don't flow like Carmie randomly asking Ebraheim if he's messing up. They have little to no interaction and Carmie doesn't listen to anyone else so why would he ask Ebraheim out of nowhere? It just felt like the writers didn't know how to bring these two characters together in a genuine moment. They could've just made it more of a natural moment by having Carmie go to Ebraheim's to-go window for a smoke (that he is trying to kick) and they get into a more natural interaction. Carmie can have a talk with Ebraheim where Ebraheim can air his concerns since he is seen struggling.
Also, the interaction between Syd and Uncle Jimmy feels unearned. Uncle Jimmy is picking the place apart in the budget and he's trying to have a moment with Syd. It's just not genuine, earned or believable.
I also don't understand that Carmie had Richie go to the fancy restaurant so he would hopefully learn some things which Richie did. So, why does Carmie shoot down every idea Richie has for the front of the house? Why won't he respect Richie's evolved perspective? It's like the writers don't know how to treat Carmie and Richie's relationship if it's less combative.
Poker Face (2023)
Law of Diminishing Returns Applies
I really liked the first 3 episodes, thought it was fresh, unexpected and fun with a quirky, intriguing main character, Charlie, portrayed so well by Natasha Lyonne. However, the formula starts to wear a bit thin the further you go along until by the finale it just completely falls apart for me. Charlie becomes less of a detective and more of a passenger in the story.
Since each episode features a different mystery it needs to introduce a new cast of characters and in the second half of the season it feels like too much time is spent with the setup of this side characters and the murder or maybe they are just less interesting. The finale feels rushed and it has no pay-off. By the end, I had completely lost interest and it ends how the season started: Charlie hitting the road and going off the grid to elude another crime boss but meaner this time.
Honestly, after thinking about it, just watch episodes 1-5 and then skip to the finale just so you can see how it ends. There ya go.
I would rate episodes 1-5 like an 8/10 and episodes 6-10 like a 4/10. Overall though, I feel like I sort of wasted my time.
I do appreciate the out-of-left-field use of Blues Travelers, The Hook. Never thought I would see that referenced in a movie or tv show.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023)
Fun For Kids and Adults That Aren't Grumpy
Don't listen to the old grumps complaining that it wasn't made for them because it doesn't appeal to people that read a comic from 1978. This is a fun, light show with animation that pops and has a great style. My 8-year-old daughter enjoys it. Some of the references go over her head (i.e. Internet trolls, social media) but when it's on she's pretty enamored with it and I find myself enjoying too.
I've seen some people complaining its not deep and that there's not much character development and while that is true can't help find that rich coming from a generation whose cartoons were thirty minute toy commercials.
Anyways, I love the narration that feels like a throwback to Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoons (how's that for old). I like the family dynamic and you can never go wrong with Alfre Woodard. If you got kids check it out and watch it with them, you might find yourself having fun with it too.