HBO’S Barry has finally started to hit its stride as a mirthfully dark comedy/drama.
HBO
Television Review: “Crashing” — The Power of Being Earnest
Crashing shows us how Holmes’s innate sweetness and affability carries him through the awkwardness and indignities of being a working comedian.
Television Review: “Jane Fonda in Five Acts”
The more we hear Jane Fonda’s homilies about needing to be “whole” and “self-actualize” the more her personal journey sounds more like a succession of carefully calculated branding exercises.
Television Review: “Barry” — The Trials and Tribulations of a Low-Rent Hitman
One of Barry’s strongest attributes is its brand of dark, surreal, and unexpectedly witty satire.
Television Review: Elvis Presley — The Searcher?
What we don’t learn very much about is Elvis’ inner life, his motivations, and his deeper ambitions.
Television Review: Gary Shandling — Your Favorite Comedian’s Favorite Comedian
Gary Shandling’s life and art are both given the redeeming appreciation they deserve.
TV/Film Review: “Paterno” — Acts of Dishonor
What we want is for Al Pacino to convey something deeper, something illuminating about the fall of the hero from the highest reaches of the gods.
WATCH CLOSELY: “The Last Five Years” — David Bowie’s Immortal Artistic Vision
To the end of his life, David Bowie was excited about creating innovative sounds and collaborating with new musicians.
Fuse Music Feature: At 76, Singer Mavis Staples Continues to be an Antidote to Despair
Mavis Staples’ voice and stage presence still exude power, still plumb emotional and spiritual depths.
Television Review: “Silicon Valley” Gets the Algorithm Right
The creator of the series, Mike Judge, and his team have gone to great lengths to sweat the details of the corporate landscape of San Jose and its environs. Right from the start Silicon Valley rang true.