hyped garbage

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

This show (technically mini-series) is incredible. I first heard about it while watching the 2015 Emmys, and decided to watch it after it dominated there, winning 8 awards, out of its 13 nominations. And there is a reason for those awards. This show is phenomenal. I've never seen anything like it. It's simultaneously super depressing and of a certain quality standard that you don't see too often, although to be fair, it is only four episodes. I won't tell you what it's about because it already says on the IMDb page, all I'll say is the story revolves around depression, emotions, and family. If you are debating watching it, do it. HBO Now gives users a 30 day free trial, and honestly, this is an example of how excellent HBO shows can be. Even if there wasn't a free trial, it's worth paying for a subscription to watch this.

Frances McDormand is Olive Kitteridge, a hard-core no-nonsense New Englander dealing with a case of inner turmoil manifesting in bouts of indigestion and an impolite, abrupt attitude. Not a sweet woman, and not unlike some sour school teachers I knew in New Hampshire. The supporting cast is fantastic. Richard Jenkins as Olive's husband Henry Kitteridge is spot on. John Gallagher Jr. as their son portrays a young man's dynamic struggle to accept his parents and their ways. Cory Michael Smith's portrayal of the older Kevin Coulson is amazing, and it is hoped we see more of him in future roles. Some of the bit parts are charming. Ann Dowd as the Kitteridge's friend Bonnie Newton shines as what one might think a genuine Downeasterner. Martha Wainwright appears repeatedly as Angela O'Meara, a pianist and singer all dolled up and performing in the restaurant piano bars, lending some levity to the darkness. There are a large number of great actors and actresses giving excellent performances, which provide this drama with a vastness going beyond the usual character development. It is not a cute romantic comedy or anything like that, so if you're looking for something lighter Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks starred in some very nice films. This is not like any of that, it's a truly remarkable work of art.

While I agree that the characters are well drawn and the acting is incredible, what an epic and crushing downer. There's absolutely an art to the technical aspects of the program, but why would anyone want to see tragedy upon tragedy, heartbreak after heartbreak, pain on top of pain. Not to say "happy endings" are always the answer, but homeless people seem to have it better than this lot. Granted, I'm sure there are some life lessons here but I don't need to spend my time getting my feelings hurt by a freaking TV show - and because this IS well made that is what they want to happen. I do not see the upside. Grasping the appeal of this kind of teleplay is befuddling, perhaps more than the miniseries itself. I saved myself a lot of sad hours watching uncaring, annoying negative people zombie through hardship and adversity by skipping this rest of this maudlin cry fest. A special thanks to Rich Muller from Berkeley, California - his review was spot on and allowed me to put my time to better use. Perhaps those hours could be spent improving the world instead of reveling in all it's tragedy. Maybe that's the lesson for me here.

This is an extra-ordinary piece of television. Where so many mini-series are constantly driven by a thread that drives it forward with momentum, this doesn't have that same urgency, which allows it to explore its themes in a way I don't think many TV series or mini-series have done. It's so wonderfully crafted, in all aspects. But really, it's the writing and performances where its true power soars. The acting is magnificent, McDormand might've just outdone her work in Fargo. A truly soulful, aching, incredibly heartfelt performance. We see Olive and her various flaws, and yet we can't help but sympathize with her and like her despite everything she does. The mark of a true revelation. Kind of hard to describe in words, but the acclaim is justified.