honestashol Reviews

Dexter (2006–2013)

I feel dirty after liking this guy.

[7/10 · 27 September 2006]

While I admit that I do have the average morbid fascination, and have the same attraction to Hannibal Lecter as everyone else, I actually found myself chuckling at some of Dexter's situations and emotions much to my dismay. I found the first episode to be promising. It shows the same anti-heroic essence that Showtime is famous for however there is a hint of Hollywood drivel about it as well.

Michael C. Hall does an excellent job at being likable. He has no other expectations to fill now. In one episode he proved he can take a character from boringly evil to someone I'd invite over to watch the Sunday game.

Julie Benz provided a chillingly accurate portrayal of Dexter's scarred and fragile girlfriend as well. One would almost expect to see her on Oprah in fact.

Along with the actors, proper credit must be given to the writers as well. These two characters, along with Dexter's adoptive father, are incredibly well created and nurtured to the point that I was willing to cheer them through their respective faults. On the other hand, the writers should be flogged for the remaining characters. In order to build sympathy with Dexter, he has been surrounded by THE most annoying people possible. For example, while I have absolutely no desire to commit any crimes outside of tax evasion, if Dexter doesn't kill his whiny, gutless, how-the-f***-did-she-become-a-cop sister, I will.

With that in mind, the promise of the recurring bad-guy killer (Dexter is the good-guy killer) will keep me tuned in as this show desperately needs a third point of interest.

Blue Collar TV (2004–2006)

Unsure...

[28 March 2005]

I'm proud of my redneck heritage, except when Foxworthy is mentioned. Together with Larry the Cable Guy, he is the king of abusing the easy joke. If the show were mine, I'd keep Bill Engvall and Gary Anthony Williams and replace the rest. Even Ron White's appearances are too often.

As stated, I grew up in the rural south, but I'm not sure if it's because I'm educated, or if I have good breeding, but every punchline is telegraphed at the beginning of the sketch. I think I would find the show funnier if I sat in on the writers meetings instead of having to sit through the sketch itself. Example: the idea of using Ranch Dressing as a cleaner (spray it on your window and people come and lick your window clean) is hilarious, but the sketch ruined a perfectly good joke.

I am familiar with each of the stars' careers except for Ron White, who has done more to hurt "'Tater Salad" than my ex's recipe. Foxworthy started with an excellent franchise, but had to ruin it by turning it into his stand up act which was good at first, now that he must provide a weekly monologue, he's stretched past his abilities. Larry the Cable Guy was perfect on the John Boy and Billy radio show. Unlike Jack Benny, Bob Hope and others, he shouldn't have made the jump to TV so early as there can only be so many fart jokes in one show. Bill Engvall stumbled upon his "Here's your sign" bit early and I'm unsure whether that should have been only a book or a stand up routine. He, however, has expanded his stand up act to reflect his age (explaining what happens at a physical to his son for example.) Unfortunately, sensible ideas like this are left out of the show, to be replaced by plagiarized bits like an armless and legless stuntman!?! Super Dave was there first and better, guys. Politically Correct Fairy Tales? George Carlin. What Burns Me Booth? Rowan and Martins Laugh In. At least this list is long and distinguished. Original jokes from this show are not as plentiful. They are there, but again, a good joke is ruined by the sketch.

I have found moments of the show funny. Not enough to classify the entire show a success. I continue to watch the show out of my own stupidity, but in their defense, these guys know they can't please everyone all the time and they aren't trying. They know what their target audience is and they are aiming right at it with perfect accuracy. I'm sure they're glad everyone has seen the show, but for those who didn't like the show, these guys could care less. They do seem to be having fun and frankly, I'm envious. I wish I enjoyed my job that much.

The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)

Learning to late of their mother's love...

[10/10 · 18 February 2005]

John Wayne as the weathered, weary gunslinger determined to give his mother a better legacy; Dean Martin as the lovable, harmless con artist; Earl Holliman as the wild west version of the middle child; Michael Anderson, Jr. as the baby whose full of p**s, vinegar and gunfighter worship and tired of living by everyone's rules. Watching these four "express their opinions" is enough to make anyone want front row seats to the next reunion.

James Gregory as Hastings, the new man determined to have the town in his pocket; Dennis Hopper as his son; George Kennedy as the hired gun who really, really enjoys his work. Martha Hyer as the mother's friend who's tired of the violence. All wonderfully written characters and fleshed out believably.

While I do agree that this movie has a varied pace that drags at times and the music is distractingly close to "The Magnificent Seven" I still see the story of four sons who never realized the value of their own mother until her death.

The opening scene at the railroad depot sets the underlying tension and up until the cattle drive, all the supporting characters are walking on eggshells. Whether the townsfolk refuse to speak of the father's death or they berate the sons for their treatment of, or lack of, their mother, the sons receive no breaks throughout the film.

Regardless of the music, the direction and writing are at times both sufficient and excellent. With the town's protection of the deceased mother and scornfull arguments to the sons, as well as the relationships of the brothers themselves, this entire story is fleshed out no better than our own actual lives. Since when do brothers need an excuse to wrestle? Also, who would you rather spend ten years away from if not your family?

All told, the movie and story reflects the family dynamic and its affect on its surrounding, how the family extends to include neighbors as well. Basically, I'm glad I bought it.