Bored_Dragon

Inside No. 9 - S9E6 - Plodding On

During the celebration of nine seasons of "Inside No. 9", an unpleasant conflict between Sheersmith and Pemberton occurs, which threatens to destroy a long-standing friendship and cooperation. But "Inside No. 9" is over, so does it even matter...

The farewell episode that closes the series has both a story and twists, but both are quite lame. The essence of the episode is in the cameo appearance of a lot of actors who paraded through nine seasons, and an even greater number of visual and verbal references to the episodes behind us. The episode is basically a tribute to the decade they're leaving behind, and I have the impression that it's something they did more for themselves than for the audience.

6/10.

A brother and sister from the nineties are instantly transported to a black-and-white sitcom from the fifties, to a small town where everything is seemingly perfect, conservative, without a hint of individualism, essentially gray and lifeless. At first, they try to adapt to the new situation until they find a way to get out of it, but soon, they begin to influence their environment themselves, bringing more and more color into it.

Criticism of society and human nature, both then and now, touches on the nuclear family, American Puritanism, gender and racial discrimination, and much more, all wrapped up in a visually beautiful teenage comedy. The black-and-white world that slowly takes on color is done impressively, and the excellent camerawork and direction are supported by good acting. I'm not a fan of either Tobey Maguire or Reese Witherspoon (what's more, if I had known they were in the lead roles, I probably wouldn't have watched the movie), but these roles really suited them. It's a shame William H. Macy didn't get a chance to flourish, but such is the role. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also some "easter egg" details and references, although they are difficult to notice on the first viewing.

8/10.

An eccentric best-selling author with extreme obsessive-compulsive disorder slowly comes out of his shell under the influence of a gay neighbor and a waitress from his favorite restaurant.

A romantic comedy that has its moments, but not quality material for its over two hours. At times I genuinely laughed out loud, at others I even shed a tear, it held my attention from beginning to end, but all the time I couldn't shake the impression that it could have been much better. A good film, but with wasted potential for excellence. Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt deservedly won Oscars for their leading roles.

7/10.