This week, the Water Cooler Podcast gang looks at some major late-season Emmy premieres. First up, we finally get to talk about Netflix’s Ryan Murphy vehicle Hollywood. Does the sprawling alternate-universe take on inclusion in 1940s Hollywood work? Or does it suffer from too much Murphy? Then, HBO dropped two major Emmy contenders in the limited series and TV movie categories. Bad Education gives us one of Hugh Jackman’s very best performances, but what about the rest of the film? Then, we preview Derek Cianfrance’s I Know This Much Is True, starring Mark Ruffalo as struggling twin brothers. We talk about the Emmy guarantees and possibilities for all titles.
But first, we return to Corona(virus) Corner to discuss the latest television and movies we’ve seen during the quarantine. We also talk about this week’s big news on the Oscars front. What rule changes did they announce, and how do they change the landscape for the 2021 Oscars?
NOTE: A listener pointed out that the streaming rule only applies to films with originally planned theatrical releases that then opted for a streaming debut. So, The Hunt would be eligible, and Bad Education would not. Thanks to Pepe Ruiloba for pointing that out! Also, the rule only applies to the 2021 Oscar season.
We close our podcast, as always, with the Flash Forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week.
Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts!
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saw “Bad Education” today and found it was nothing special (cast aside). I would not object too strongly to nominations for Jackman or Janney, but I… just don’t think they were awards-worthy?
On “Hollywood”… it is just a “what if?” soap that is barely catching my interest (seen 2 episodes so far). That being said, I would nominate the electrifying Dylan McDermott in a heartbeat, he is commanding, charming, scene-stealer and always makes me want to see him again, whenever he is not on the screen.
I agree with most of what’s said in the podcast about Hollywood. The older, seasoned actors excel, the younger actors bring a ripe energy but not always enough rigor (when richer writing could have helped them to summon it), and it’s not quite clear where this alternative history is headed. Thankfully there’s also sumptuous art direction as well as very nice costumes, hair and makeup.
I like the show’s antic spirit, and I think these seven episodes are really just a push-off. I’d like to see what questions about Hollywood and the industry in what remains of the 1940s, as well as in the 1950s, the show might raise in seven more episodes. And watch it ponder following decades, in further episodes, after that.
Because even in this start-off season they’re not just fantasizing about a more decent agenda for Hollywood’s past, they’re inevitably inviting questions about what controversies today’s entertainment industry might, or might not, dare to tackle. What endangered current ideals are we short-changing rather than advancing? And with what 21st-century feints and dodges are we deceiving ourselves? Those are fair questions, and a fantasy alternative could provoke some down-to-earth soul-searching right here and now. So I’d like to see Hollywood‘s creators given a chance to do exactly that.
I have mixed feelings about “Hollywood.” Phantom makes a great point about the actress playing Anna May Wong and the irony of her limited screentime. For the most part, I enjoyed it, especially the biting, mean-spirited performance by Jim Parsons, but there are two aspects of it I really thought were a bit too much, especially the final episode. I don’t want to say why because it’s too early to give a spoiler. I also absolutely hated the portrayal of Vivien Leigh.
Hollywood felt a bit preachy but not Ava Duverney preachy. It’s sexual politics were confusing as it seemed to be glamourizing a sex trafficker and I would encourage Scott Bowers to sue. I mean did the real-life inspiration for Ernie force his employees to force everyone despite whether they were uncomfortable? Jim Parsons’ character was also awful and Rock Hudson didn’t really resemble Rock Hudson though his storyline was interesting I’d say it’s worthwhile through the end.
The other TV show that came out last weekend Upload is just a gold mine. Greg Daniels (from The Office) said he spent years working on the show bible and it really shows. This is extremely strong world building with few plot holes and multiple plot lines that had me at the edge of my seat
I also saw Mindy Kaling’s new show. Never Have I Ever. Talk about jumping the shark. The big craving for the main character gets resolved at the end of the first episode. If not for that, I’d like the show and now that Fresh off the Boat is Off the Air, I need 90s Nostalgia.
I also just watched the Office: Six Observations from Rewatching the First Season of The Office
http://sophomorecritic.blogspot.com/2020/05/six-observations-from-rewatching-first.html
Bad Education – To be honest I expected better. It wasn’t bad I just didn’t find it to be great. Jackman is awards-worthy though for sure. 10 / 7
Hollywood – Very well-intentioned however writing was distractingly clumsy and cheesy more often than not. Production values and some of the performances almost made up for it. Almost. Pope, Lupone, Montello, Taylor, McDermott had the best showcases. Laura Harrier and David Corenswet definitely had the look their respective roles required but the performances weren’t as strong as they should have been. Both are still very young and very green so they definitely have time on their side so maybe they will be great one day. Not there yet though. They weren’t bad they just aren’t great. Yet. Jim Parsons felt miscast, Darren Criss was forgettable. Samara Weaving low key stole all the scenes she was in (including her screen test) so I wish we could have seen a lot more of her. Another standout with very limited screentime was Michelle Krusiec playing Anna May Wong, she should have been in it more. It was rather ironic how the show set out to do her justice yet the actress playing her beautifully, could barely get screentime. 10 / 6.5
I Know This Much Is True – Haven’t seen it yet but looks incredibly bleak which usually I’m perfectly OK with, but in times like these I may opt out and check it out later. As in in a few months.
This!