TV Show Review - The Four Seasons

Season: 1
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2025
Starring: Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Marco Calvani, Kerri Kenney, Erika Henningson   

Description: Three suburban couples vacation together each season, but tensions arise when one couple splits up and the husband brings a much younger woman on subsequent trips.  

Review: A 25-year marriage is hard work, but the love is worth it, the group friends in “The Four Seasons” agree. Until one of them decided to end their marriage.

A trio of befriended couples can’t figure out how you define love after 25 years of marriage. Is it a soulmate? Or just devotion?

When the friend meet up in Spring, one of them decides he wants to leave their partner. He is unhappy and is marriage is boring, he tells his friends. We follow the group of friends a full year; during Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season taking up two episodes.

You really fly through this series, since each episode is about 30-minutes long. And you will effortlessly care about these characters. Especially Danny, played by Colman Domingo, and Claude, a role by Marco Calvani, really stole my heart. “The Four Seasons” is a lighthearted, warm and comical series, without becoming bland. Not a series you would expect a shocking twist from, but it does happen.

It's a fun series, that will have a second season, which is needed after that major cliffhanger. A great assemble cast, that portray characters you really care about. Would recommend.

20s Movie Review - Maggie Moore(s)

Director: John Slattery
Genre: Comedy/ Crime/ Mystery
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Jon Hamm, Tina Fey, Micah Stock, Nick Mohammed, Happy Anderson, Mary Holland, Louisa Krause

Description: Police Chief Sanders (Jon Hamm) investigates the bizarre murders of two women with the same name and unravels a web of small-town lies. He meets and quickly falls for Rita (Tina Fey), a nosy neighbor who is eager to help solve the mystery.  

Review: Jay’s wife discovers her husband is running his sandwich store in a shady way. To make sure she keeps quiet, Jay hires someone to threaten her. Instead, she is killed, forcing Jay to take further measures to lead the police astray.

Jay’s business is a sandwich store like Subway of sorts. As a franchise, he actually has to buy from the main company’s supplier. He saves a lot of money by illegally purchasing his supplies from someone else: he gets spoiled ingredients for next to nothing in exchange for supplying obscure photos. Jay’s wife discovers this and her world collapses.

The wife is named Maggie Moore and not much later another Maggie Moore is found dead. Small-town cop Sanders investigates, discovering a web of lies.

John Slattery, known for his roles in the TV show “Mad Men” and Oscar-winning movie “Spotlight”, takes on the role of director this time. It’s clear he was inspired by the Coen Brothers, most specifically “Fargo”. It never reaches the level of any of the Coen Brothers’ movies, it feels a bit messy and clumsy at times.

It’s a comic crime story, which has some good moments. But it’s overall a pretty basic and forgettable movie. Not great, not bad, just okay.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - A Haunting in Venice

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Crime/ Mystery/ Drama/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh, Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, Kelly Riley, Jude Hill
 
Description: In post-World War II Venice, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a séance. But when on of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.

Review: Hercule Poirot is invited to attend a séance and use hi unique skill to debunk the paranormal.

Kenneth Branagh shines for the third time as detective Hercule Poirot and once again takes on the role of director as well. After “Murder on the Orient Express”(2017) and “Death on the Nile” (2022), “A Haunting in Venice” takes a different approach. Crime, mystery and horror are merged to give this case a unique twist. Based on the book “Halloween Party” by Agatha Christie, one that fans call one of her more underrated murder mysteries.

The film succeeds well in putting you down alongside Poirot as a spectator of events. Like the detective, you try to unravel the story behind the haunted house and ponder the how and why of this murder. It remains fascinating to puzzle together the answers.

For fans of the genre, the horror-inspired scenes are a welcome addition. This is what makes “A Haunting in Venice” different from the other two movies. The variety between the three films, for example, in tone, location and characters, ensure that you won’t easily become bored with Poirot and his case.

If Branagh decides to continue this franchise, I would love that. Because “A Haunting in Venice” is definitely the best one yet. “Murder on the Orient Express” was okay and “Death on the Nile” was downright disappointing. I really loved “A Haunting in Venice”. Branagh managed to deliver an atmospheric production. With beautiful sets, clever use of one location and an intriguing mystery. I does not bore you for a moment. And I’m very confused that its average rating is so low.

Rating: 4/ 5

TV Show Review - Only Murders in the Buiding (Season 2)

Season: 2
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Crime/ Mystery
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2021
Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Tina Fey, Amy Ryan, Nathan Lane, Amy Schumer, Michael Cyril Creighton, Jackie Hoffman, Jane Houdyshell, Cara Delevigne, Ryan Broussard, Adina Version, James Caverly, Jane Lynch

Description: Three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime suddenly find themselves caught up in one.
 
Review: At the beginning of the second season of “Only Murders in the Building”, things are not looking good for Charles, Oliver and Mabel. A new mystery presents itself when neighbor Bunny Folger is found dead in Mabel’s apartment and it seems this murder is meant to frame the latter. Where most people would choose to wait for it all to blow over, the three amateur detectives choose to take matter into their own hands to clear their names and find justice for Bunny.

It took some waiting to see if a second season of “Only Murders in the Building” would be able to live up to high expectations created by the successful first season. Bunny Folger’s death, at first glance, seems less interesting than the murder of Tim Kono. The motive seems obvious, as the victim was not well-liked, so the question is where this story could go from here. But with the introduction of new characters, secret passages through the Arconia building and once again a connection to one of the main characters, the formula manages to prove itself once again.

“Only Murders in the Building” is still the perfect combination of murder mystery and humor: a cozy mystery. The main characters are well fleshed out and their strong dynamics bring things to life. In the main plot of season 2, the focus shifts from Mabel to Charles, allowing us to learn more about his background. In addition, we are introduced to three important characters: Charles’ almost-daughter, a new date for Mabel and the assistant to podcast queen Cinda Canning. While they all contribute at some point in the investigation, they could have been better integrated into the story.

Everything comes together in the end. The solutions is clever and surprising. And we are also treated to a glimpse of another new season, where Oliver will be the main focus I assume. And Paul Rudd is going to be in season 3 as well, which makes me even more excited.

“Only Murders in the Building” is the perfect comfort watch, I love cozy mysteries. The dynamic between the three main characters is so unique and wholesome. I could watch this series all day.

00s Movie Review - The Invention of Lying

Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson

Genre: Comedy/ Romance

Runtime: 100 minutes

Year: 2009

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Jonah Hill, Jeffrey Tambor, Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, Louis C.K

Description: A comedy set in a world where no one has ever lied, until a writer seizes the opportunity for personal gain.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 26: A ROMANTIC MOVIE 

Review: The film is set in a world just like our, but with the only difference: mankind never “invented” lying. People just have jobs, children, a house, a car. But in the meantime they are 100% honest with each other. And one man, writer Mark, one day is somehow able to lie and uses it to help himself and others. Comedian Ricky Gervais wrote the story and directed the film. But also star in it.

I’ve always liked Gervais’ humor and I enjoy watching him in films. “The invention of Lying” is a fun film, with jokes that may or may not work for you. For me it did most of the time. I really liked the premise of the film and it played out well.

Rating: 3 / 5

TV Show Review - Only Murders in the Building (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Crime/ Mystery
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2021
Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Tina Fey, Amy Ryan, Nathan Lane

Description: Three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime suddenly find themselves caught up in one.
 
Review: Steve Martin and Martin Short, both in their seventies, go back a long way. Martin wrote she screenplay for this new show and brough in his friend Short.
“Only Murders in the Building” is a very engaging series about jaded television actor Charles Haden-Savage, bankrupt theater producer Oliver Putman and the mysterious Mabel Mora. Not only do they all live in the Arconia Building in New York, but most importantly they find each other in their love of the true crime podcast “All is Not OK in Oklahoma”.
The addition of former Disney child star Selena Gomez to the cast is a golden touch. Not only to bring younger fans on board, but also she has perfect comedic timing and is great in combination with veteran actors Steve Martin and Martin Short. The age gap really works in our favor here.
When a murder is committed in the building, the three find each other in the ambition to sat in their own podcast, the title of which will be “Only Murders in the Building”, as they will be limited to the murders that have taken place in the Arconia. It is quickly apparent that each member of this curious trio has their own motives for making the podcast a success.
I love a good old-fashioned whodunit murder mystery. And that’s what “Only Murders in the Building” is. Add in a bit of humor, a fast-paced story and three protagonist you will love from the start (Oliver was my favorite). I loved this series. Easy to watch, since each episode is about 30 minutes long and there are only 10 of them. I can’t wait for a second season, which hopefully will be released in 2022.  

20s Movie Review - Soul

Director: Pete Doctor, Kemp Powers
Genre: Family/ Adventure/ Animation
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove, Angela Bassett

Description: After landing the gig of a lifetime, A New York jazz pianist (Jamie Foxx) suddenly finds himself trapped in a strange land between Earth and the afterlife.

Review: The Disney Pixar animation film “Soul” became the ‘victim’ of the Covid pandemic. Because due to the closure of cinemas, the release schedule was turned upside down. “Soul” was released directly on the streaming platform Disney+. And you didn’t have to pay a ridiculous additional price to gain early access.
Joe is a music teacher who has dreamed of performing as a jazz musician for years. But disaster strikes when his joy at finally getting his chance on stage causes him to fall into a well. Joe ends up in a place, somewhere between Earth and the afterlife, where he manages to escape the final end just in the nick of time. He ends up in the Big One. Here he is given the task of preparing the old soul 22 to go to Earth. But Joe also sets out frantically to return to his body himself.
“Soul” deals with a heavy theme. It deals with death or rather life. Important questions that humans have wondered about for years are addressed. What is out purpose and what is the purpose of life? And what is there after death? The animators of “Soul” manage to create an excellent picture of the afterlife and the world before the final end. that something more abstract than Earthly life is animated. With colorful characters who guide Joe’s soul in his new task as mentor of the ancient soul 22.
Despite its fraught theme, “Soul” is also tremendously funny. Especially when Joe and 22 return to Earth and have a wacky adventure together. With that, “Soul” offers us a lot. There is humor and drama. One moment there are tears of laughter and the other moment it’s of sadness. This makes “Soul” not only a beautiful film, but also one of the Disney Pixar film of recent years. Not only because of the beautiful story, but also the animation and voice performances are stunning. A film that entertains and moves. But above all brings the message that life is short and you should enjoy every minute of it.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Muppets Most Wanted

Director: James Bobin
Genre: Comedy/ Adventure/ Family/ Musical/ Crime
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, Zack Galifianakis, Tom Hiddleston, Ray Liotta, Danny Trejo, Christoph Waltz, Josh Groban, Céline Dion, Peter Serafinowicz, Usher Raymond, Salma Hayek, Stanley Tucci, Lady Gaga, Chloë Grace Moretz, Hugh Bonneville, Tom Hollander

Description: While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

Review: In 2010 The Muppets made their comeback with an amazing film that was filled with humor, emotion and great music. Off course there had to be another sequel, hoping for that same success.
In “Muppets Most Wanted” the Muppets go on a world tour, led by Dominic. They don’t know that Dominic actually has some evil plans, he is the right hand of Constantine, the most dangerous frog in the world and Kermit’s doubleganger. During the tour, Dominic makes sure Kermit and Constantine switch places. Constantine will tour with the Muppets and Kermit will be send to the Goelag. This way Constantine and Dominic can plan big heists in each city the visit.
The movie starts with a fun song about sequels, mocking Hollywood and themselves. Sequels are never as good, but bring in the money. This is also the fact for “Muppets Most Wanted”. It’s never the same level as “ The Muppets” from 2011. It’s still a fun movie, with lots of humorous moments and fun cameos. And the songs are fun too.
I likes Ricky Gervais as villain Dominic and I especially loved Ty Burrell as the French Interpol agent. And I have to admit, The Muppets always make me smile. No matter what.

Rating: 3 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 31: This is Where I Leave You

Director: Shawn Levy

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver, Corey Stoll, Dax Shepard, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant, Rose Byrne, Katherine Hahn, Abigail Spencer, Debra Monk

Description: When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens.

Review: In “This is Where I Leave You” we follow a family that comes together after the father of the family died. There are a lot of unsolved issues, frictions and relationship problems and this doesn’t make the mourning process any easier.

After Judd finds his wife in bed with his boss, he gets a call from his sister Wendy, that their father passed away. His father wants to be buried within the Jewish tradition and this means they have a ‘sitting Shiva’. Here people will visit them for an entire week, to give them their condolences. Which also means that the family has to be together the entire time.

The family is a party of five: Judd, sister Wendy, oldest brother Paul, youngest brother Philip and mother Hilary. Judd is trying to deal with his upcoming divorce and he also bumps into a woman he used to like. Wendy is married with two children, but her husband is a work-aholic and she is secretly still in love with her first love Horry, who she was in an accident with. Paul and his wife Annie are desperately trying to have a child, but nothing has worked so far. Philip, who just brought home his new girlfriend Tracey who is much older, never really grew up. Mother Hilary has to deal with all her children, while also saying her final goodbyes to her husband.

The movie is a mix of drama and comedy, but the focus is more on the drama. Although that’s very light. There are subtle jokes and especially the dysfunctionality of the family is funny. All the characters are really interesting to get to know.

The cast is really good. Jason Bateman plays a role he has played before, but he is likeable and proofs he can carry a movie. Tina Fey is also strong in a more serious role then we are used to from her. Adam Driver is solid and Jane Fonda is delightful as the mother, who sometimes overshares information that as a kid you wouldn’t be very happy with.

“This is Where I Leave You” is an excellent film about a family with problems. Dysfunctional families somehow always interest me, it reminds me of how great mine is.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 52: Admission

Director: Paul Weitz
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Lily Tomlin, Michael Sheen, Wallace Shawn

Description: Portia Nathan (Tina Fey) is a Princeton admissions officer who is up for a major promotion. She takes a professional risk after she meets a college-bound alternative school kid who just might be the son she gave up years ago in a secret adoption.

Review: Two of Hollywoods favorite comedy stars are joined together in “Admission”. Fey plays Portia Nathan, an admissions officer at Princeton, who is an absolute control freak. Rudd is teacher John Halsey, who’s school is visited by Portia.
Tina Fey is known for her amazing humoristic timing and her great comedic ideas. And Paul Rudd is someone very often seen in Judd Apatow movies and he knows how to win over a crowd. Both actors are holding back in this movie, it could have been a lot better. The story isn’t the flaw, because that’s just fine. There aren’t a lot of jokes, the romantic storyline is very bland and the melodramatic touch is just minimal.
“Admission” isn’t a movie that I will remember for a very long time, it’s very average. Maybe they should give Fey and Rudd another chance, because they both have the potential to make a great comedy together.

Rating: 2,5/ 5