TV Show Review - Only Murders in the Building (Season 5)

Season: 5
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Crime/ Mystery
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2025
Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Tina Fey, Meryl Streep, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Cyril Creighton, Téa Leoni, Renee Zellweger, Christoph Waltz, , Dianne Wiest, Keegan-Michael Key, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Logan Lerman, Beanie Feldstein

Description: While investigating the mysterious “accidental” death of their beloved doorman Lester, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) are lead to clues outside Manhattan into some dangerous territory.
 
Review: “Only Murders in the Building” is my favorite comfort show for the fall season, a cozy murder mystery to wrap your head around. At the end of season 4, crime podcasters Oliver, Charles and Mabel, found their doorman Lester dead in the fountain. We pick up the story in the first episode of season 5.

There is nothing new to the formula, another murder in the building and the three amateur sleuths are trying to solve it. This season the world of organized crime is added to it, bringing us a ton of new characters and guest roles. Among these famous actors are Renee Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz (who is underused), Bobby Cannavale, Téa Leoni, Beanie Feldstein, Keegan-Michael Key and Dianne Wiest.

The mix of humor and mystery is still present, one of the reasons why I love this show so much. But the dynamic between Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez is my favorite part. And it’s still strong. They have so much chemistry and it remains the highlight of the series. I also love it when Da’Vine Joy Randall’s character Detective Donna Williams is added to the mix. She is my favorite supporting characters, who we met in previous seasons.

I think the plot of this season is not as strong as previous seasons, but it was still entertaining and the mystery is enjoyable to unravel. And yet again, we are left on a cliffhanger, a set-up for a new season. Which has already been confirmed. Cannot wait. I could watch these three amateur sleuths all day.

Movie Reviews - Booksmart

Director: Olivia Wilde
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Jason Sudeikis, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte, Diana Silvers, Billy Lourd

Description: On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.

Review: Molly and Amy are not popular at their high school, but they really don’t care about that. The two girls can be found in libraries in the weekends and never at their classmates’ parties. But that’s okay, because in the end they will be the ones going to prestige colleges. When Molly finds out that even their classmates, that don’t care about school at all and party all the time, also managed to get into those schools. And they have let high school pass by like that, without having all the fun. Their plan is to catch up on what they missed out on all those years, but they only have one night to do it in.
“Booksmart” is the directorial debut of Olivia Wilde and it’s an interesting choice for the actress to start with this kind of movie. The genre of high school comedy has, since “Superbad”, not brought us a lot of refreshing movies. And looking at just the plot, “Booksmart” looks like another one of these unforgettable films. But luckily for us, it’s a wonderful film that measures up to “Superbad”. “Booksmart” is clever, innovative, funny and a film with a lot of heart. We don’t only have Olivia Wilde to thank for that, but also the screenplay and cast.
To start with the first: the excellent writing brings dynamic between the two main characters and make it look natural and credible. The dialogues are smart, fast and hilarious. And it constantly avoids expectations and conventions.
The stars f the film are the duo Amy and Molly, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein. Their chemistry is strong, sympathetic and believable. It’s fun to take the trip with them on this crazy night.
Within the genre of the teen comedy, “Booksmart” is a true gem. A hilarious cast and great writing make sure for a film that will speak to a broader audience. An excellent debut for director Olivia Wilde.

Rating: 4,5/ 5