Chugalugaboo Reviews

Live! (2007)

Good when viewed for what it is

[8/10 · 19 June 2012]

I think the biggest negative this movie gets stems from it's implausibility. I completely agree that it's not something that would ever happen but the idea of going into any show is suspension of disbelief. The methods used to get the show greenlit weren't fullproof but they were good enough for the 40 minutes they spent on that topic of the show. It's enough to build drama but if you get caught up in the messy details of will this or won't this happen you miss the best part of the film and that's the end.

As I watched the last half of the movie I found myself on edge and I thought the contestants (barring the model/artist) to be very well done. And the sort of transition from documentary to game show was well done enough to make you believe someone was going to die. That this show was real. The hokey setting, the host, the whole game show environment was done nicely. When someone lived you saw the joy and you felt it.

The very end felt a little rushed but I think everything else throughout was very well done and when you try to see things as though they're possible instead of dismissing everything you can better enjoy the film.

Moral Orel (2005–2009)

Impossible to define, always a unique surprise

[9/10 · 3 February 2010]

I can't for the life of me figure this show out. Sometimes I find myself genuinely laughing almost uncontrollably, others I'm left reflecting on the message, and still others I'm just lost and a little bored even; the episode with orel's stop-motion animation for example. Interesting concept but fell very short. In any case I admire the uniqueness. Now I've seen jokes in a negative light and dark comedy in plenty other animated shows but this one manages to pull off full on cynicism about a wide range of topics using some very unique yet inexplicably relatable characters.

In fact the character analysis alone makes for interesting conversation. I mean for a show that takes a pretty good number of jabs at Christianity the reverend seems to be the most logical down to earth character. Which may be a statement about people's inability to truly understand what's being said to them. In any case the entire show has so many undertones that can be interpreted in just about any way depending almost entirely on the individual. I know I found some new little thing each time I watch the show.

The soundtrack used is another thing I loved about this show. Unique again but you feel an instant attraction to almost every song. Be it tongues in other people's mouths from the first season or The strangely alluring mountain goat songs in the 3rd season.

Which brings me to the third season. It in my opinion is one of the best final seasons of any show I have ever seen. This doesn't just include animated or comedy shows but just about every series I've followed. I am very sad this show was unable to come to the end intended of it.

I'm sad that adult swim couldn't let it run its course to the end. I mean I like their programming for the most part but I would have preferred keeping something like metalocalypse (a show I also enjoy) at 15 minutes so this could continue, if not just for curiosity's sake to see how it would continue to play out. C'est la vie. Thank you Mr. Stamatopolous, this will forever be one of the more memorable shows I've ever seen.

I watched the full series again recently and had to up my rating even higher. I miss this show.

The Cleveland Show (2009–2013)

Could be better

[4/10 · 5 October 2009]

At first when I heard about this show I wasn't expecting much, but the more I saw of it in previews the more interesting it became. I was able to get past the quickly thrown together pilot explaining Cleveland's leaving. I was able to overlook the major, random change in Cleveland jr's appearance. But I began to give up hope when the humor resorted back to the same stupid overused cut away jokes that has become Family Guy's signature style. This has the opportunity to be pretty good I thought. I liked the new characters for the most part. I think this show can be a creative, intelligent, self-aware sort of spin-off if it stops using the same humor as family guy. Perhaps if it has the chance to develop it's own identity it can actually work but I have a feeling the show will fizzle out in an attempt to become a family guy clone instead of it's own show.

Red (2008)

A well told dramatic thriller

[7/10 · 22 May 2009]

I remember watching the trailer to this and thinking that it gave away a lot of the film. Made me wonder if it was really worth going out to see this when the entire story is basically told in trailer. So when I recognized the title and decided to give it a try I was pleasantly surprised.

I feel like you really know how everything's going to unfold, barring a few minor details, but it's not what happens so much as how it's told. The story is written and cast almost perfectly. I believe this movie is a good example that a plot is really only as good as how well it's written and who is put in the roles. Brian Cox is an excellent choice as the protagonist. He's not a Clint Eastwood or a John Wayne type of aging star. He's a fat, bald, old man who enjoys his work, fishing, hunting, and his dog. I know several men just like his character in my own life. In addition, I know people who I could see in the kids roles in this story. Noel Fisher was a perfect choice. I think everyone's met a kid like that; someone who thinks they're owed everything in life and will throw a tantrum if they can't do something on the first try. A person who will go off on someone for any perceived slight against them. Someone who's so jaded in life they could find entertainment in others' suffering.

That said, my only complaint is that the ultimate message of the story gets kinda lost or clouded throughout. On the other hand at least it isn't too preachy and full of itself. Some symbolism is a bit too blatant (Look no further than the title for that haha) and there are some other points that get lost. But like I said, it's worth watching just because it's told rather well. You never really get bored with the film and is a very good change from movies that can't figure out if they want to be thrillers or action flicks.