brooksshows

I love this great example of early Joe E. Brown. He delivers a great performance in a role that is more dramatic than most of his work. A brilliant comic, he shows his chops as a good serious actor here. Watching it, I am amazed that it's from 1929. It seems to pace much more like a 40s film noir or modern romantic comedy. And the plot is more robust than many of the earlier talkies. It keeps you entertained and doesn't bog down or plod. The scenery and props works is excellent as well. The writers do a great job of telling a compelling story and the circus atmosphere is interesting and captivating. All in all, it was a very decent movie for it's time.

It's maybe not one of Brown's funniest movies or even one of his best. But I think it's an important movie in his career and likely one that was instrumental in propelling him to stardom. I gave it a solid 7.

I am a big fan of Peep Show, The Inbetweeners and other British comedies as well as shows like Trailer Park Boys and Arrested Development. I also tend to like college/high school drama/comedy, so it comes as no surprise I really did enjoy this program.

Being American, I admit that it took me a while to adjust to the accents and I still have to rewind some parts to see if I can figure out what they said, many of the jokes go over my head because they are referring to culture across the pond. There is also a certain annoyance factor with regard to several of the more 'hipster' characters and the self-centered younger generation in general. I am probably a bit older than the typical demographic who like this show, therefore I try not to be too judgmental.

The thing I like most about the show are the diversity of characters. The six main characters are all completely different. It is through their sometimes awkward interactions the humor abounds. Then there are the consequences of the choices made by young freshmen in college. Add to the formula, the way the show mixes drama with the comedy to keep it from ever becoming too sappy and goofy. It's the perfect blend of both, with some very cool music replacing your father's laugh track in traditional sitcoms.

The humor can sometimes be dark, subtle, or downright lurking in the bushes outside like an intruder in the night. Sometimes it hits you in the face like a Three Stooges skit and other times it challenges the mind with sophisticated rapid-fire precision.

I really enjoyed the first three seasons and I am looking forward to a fourth and final season which is currently in production. I am happy they gave them one more go. All I can say is, I am so glad I came to the party late and could binge watch all the episodes in a few days... I would have hated to wait week after week for a scant 6 episodes a year.

I'm not a high-brow movie critic by any means. I have my personal niche of movies I tend to enjoy and I'm comfortable with that. I would make a terrible professional critic because I tend to find the good in all things artistic. When I bother to rate movies here, I usually rate them a 5 or better, I don't think I've ever given a 5 rating. I gave this one an 8.

The 'co-lead role' actor is a pro-wrestler-turned-actor, but doesn't do a completely horrible job. It's really not difficult to imagine since a pro wrestler is simply acting a role for the most part. So he seems to carry a confidence that most newcomers don't have. His contrast with Jamie Kennedy is really good and there seems to be a good chemistry and blend to make the characters interesting.

The plot and story line get a little confusing, lots of sub characters to remember and try to keep up with. But for me this makes the movie more interesting, especially the second or third viewing. You pick up things you missed the first time, and it's like watching a new movie. Some people have very analytical minds and can quickly pick this one apart in no time, so the details are part of the puzzle. In any event, there is enough action and comedy mixed with drama and suspense, it makes for a pretty decent movie overall.

Plus... Any movie set in New Orleans is going to be interesting. Add a street-wise, bend-the-rules cop and you have a good foundation for Kennedy's comic relief. It's just a good formula in my opinion.