Showing posts with label Matthew Morrison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew Morrison. Show all posts

Glee: The Back Nine Review

Posted by Should I See It on Monday, June 14, 2010 , under , , , , , , , | comments (0)





Show: Glee: The Back Nine Episodes 14-22. (Fox)
Creator: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Diana Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz.
Plot: A High School Spanish Teacher attempts to revive the once promising Glee Club at his Alma Mata.


Glee has made its long awaited return from its mid season hiatus. Since then Glee has developed into somewhat of a phenomenon. Not only has it seen a spike in its ratings (ESPECIALLY here in Australia), Glee can now boast a swag of awards, a performance at the White House, a performance on Oprah (you can decide which is more impressive, or if there is actually any difference between the two), and launching its own national tour.


For the most part, the back nine episodes of Glee provide more of the same: Fun dance numbers, uneven character development and (sometimes) plots that take fascinating leaps of logic in order to get from point A to B.


Hell-o

Hell-o wasn’t really a strong return for the series. It spent most of the time recapping the last 13 episodes. One thing that really irked me about this episode was the dialogue that lead into “hello, Ilove You.’ It was definitely Glee at it’s worst.

However this episode also gave us THE BEST LINE OF THE SERIES: 'Did you know that dolphins are just gay sharks?' delivered absolutely perfectly by Brittany (Heather Morris).

Musical Highlight: I am going to say (probably quite controversially) Rachel and Jesse singing Lionel Ritchie’s ‘Hello.’ It was a delight to see Lea Michele reunited with her Spring Awakening co-star Jonathan Groff. And any time Jonathan Groff is singing is okay by me.


The Power of Madonna

While plot and character development were most decidedly on the back burner in this episode, It gave us lots of Musical goodness. It was lots of fun! The numbers were well chosen and pulled off with such energy and gusto that you couldn’t help but be entertained.

Musical Highlight: Sue Sylvester singing ‘Vogue.’ Omigod! Brilliant! Loved it! Though I think my favourite part of that episode was Kurt Hummel living out his America’s Next Top Model fantasy in the 'Vogue' video.



Home

This was probably my least favourite episode of the back nine. I was bored. Bored. Bored. Bored. I actually found myself fast forwarding through most of this episode.

Home saw the (totally unnecessary) return of Kristin Chenoweth as drunkard April Rhodes. While I loved her in Episode 4: The Rhodes Not Taken in the first half of the season, but this time around I felt as though she was playing a caricature of a caricature

Her earlier appearance certainly helped steer the show in the right direction, but now that the show has found its feet, she didn’t need to be there, at least not yet. Perhaps the writers could have saved her return for a little bit later in the show's run? (Perhaps when it is in desperate need of a lift?) I don't know that I could handle another Kristin Chenoweth episode anytime soon.

I quite enjoyed the scene between Quinn and Mercedes. Quinn has undergone quite the transformation hasn’t she? Just think, if Puck hadn’t gotten her pregnant she never would have turned into a nice person. But whether she is still nice in season 2 remains to be seen.

Musical Highlight: By default it is Kurt singing ‘A House is Not a Home’ because I hate ‘Beautiful’ (sung by Mercedes in this episode) and every other song featured Kristin Chenoweth being annoying.




Bad Reputation

Whenever Sue Sylvester is front and centre, Glee shines. Bad Reputation was no different. She became a top seven hundred recording artist in this episode!

Unfortunately we did get the return of Will rapping. But it was over quickly, thank goodness.

And I did love the ‘Run, Joey, Run’ video. It was totally Rachel Berry. They boy’s reactions were great too!

Musical Highlight: While I enjoyed half of the Glee Club attempting to create chaos in the Library with ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ the standout number was definitely Olivia Newton John’s duet with none other than Sue Sylvester! Let’s Get Physical!!!


Laryngitis

Finally an episode without Rachel singing EVERY SONG.

Is anyone surprised that Finn sang ‘Jessie’s Girl.’ I have been waiting for that song to come up ever since it was announced that Jonathan Groff would be playing a character called Jesse St James.

And who knew Santana (Naya Rivera) could actually sing?

Musical Highlight: As bizarre as the Puck/Mercedes relationship was, I really enjoyed the arrangement of their duet ‘The Lady is A Tramp’.




Dream On

The much anticipated Joss Whedon episode, in true glee fashion, was uneven. While it did give us a bit more back story to Rachel and Artie and Tina, it was the Neil Patrick Harris plot I couldn't stand.

Though there were some shots that were trademark Whedon (the flare of the sun in the background of the shot where Artie and Tina kiss and the final shot of the episode come specifically to mind) I expected more from him. It felt like we had to wait FOREVER for there to be a musical number

Surprise Surprise! Indina Menzel is Lea Michele's mother! But the big question is.... When do we get to meet Rachel's gay dads?

Musical Highlight: Artie’s ‘Safety Dance’, just because Kevin McHale never gets enough screen time and I loved the use of the video cameras inter cut between the ‘traditional camera’ shots.




Theatricality (otherwise known as the Lady Gaga Episode).

At least we know that McKinley High School is somewhat grounded in reality. Proof: it is packed with Twi-Hards (*shudder*).

The best part of the episode was definitely Tina the Vampire!

This week’s subplot was Finn and his mum moving in with Kurt and his dad. I really appreciate the way the writers have handled the relationship between Kurt and his father. This week was no different. The moment where Burt placed his hand on his son’s shoulder said so much about their relationship.

Musical Highlight: I really enjoyed the ‘Poker Face’ duet between Michele and Menzel. I think I liked this version more than the original. An honourable mention goes to Puck and the boys singing ‘Beth’.



Funk

Sue and Will… Oh my god! It was somehow amusingly painful to watch. However, I have real difficulty in believing that Will thinks the best was to hurt Sue is to break her heart. (‘What heart?’ I hear you ask. Yes, that is another mystery of the Glee-verse).

The pregnant girls dancing were ….weird. I can’t believe that any girl, no matter how good a dancer would be able to move that way with an eight month pregnant belly.

Oh and I hope you were paying attention this week, because somewhere between Theatricality (in which Jesse was conspicuously absent) and Funk, Jesse decided to quit the Glee Club. The Rachel /Jesse storyline started off quite well, but its conclusion was less than satisfactory. Jesse admitted to Shelby (the Vocal Adrenaline coach) that he did actually kind of like Rachel and yet had no trouble smashing eggs on her face or trashing the choir room. Yet another storyline left hanging. I doubt it will get any resolution.

Musical Highlights: New Directions singing ‘Give Up the Funk’ and proving they were not 'soulless automatons'.


Journey

I think we are all relieved to have the baby storyline all wrapped up. However, I did enjoy the scene of Puck and Quinn and the hospital watching over their new born daughter.

Think I went into shock when Matt (Dijon Talton) actually spoke! I thought he was mute. Seriously. I think that was the first time in the entire season he said ANYTHING!!! They are adding new high school characters in season 2. Perhaps they should hold off a little and develop the characters they already have. Perhaps they should go all out and let Matt have two lines next season!

Sue surprised us all by voting for New Directions. Though it wasn’t much of a surprise that they didn’t win Regionals. As much as we are supposed to root for New Directions, they are clearly inferior to Vocal Adrenaline in the choreography and staging of their numbers. So I am glad that New Directions didn’t win for two reasons: 1. it would have been TOO unbelievable and TOO cheesy, even for Glee and 2. Now we have a narrative drive for season 2.

I have to say I am getting a little bit over the whole: Sue Sylvester wants something, the school board wants something, the glee club doesn’t have any money.... so glee club might not exist anymore. Hopefully the writers can be a little bit more creative than ‘everybody hates glee club in season 2.

Musical Highlights: Vocal Adrenaline singing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, for sheer obnoxious over-the- topness.
 
Should I See It?

Of course, (but it would help if you have seen the first thirteen episodes!)


 




Glee Official Site here.

All photos courtesy of Fox.

Glee: THE TOP FIVE....

Posted by Should I See It on Saturday, January 16, 2010 , under , , , , , , , , | comments (0)








...Musical Numbers

* 'Don't Stop Believing' (Episode 1: Pilot)

* Rehab (Episode 1: Pilot)

* 'It's My Life/ Confessions Part II' (Episode 6: Vitamin D)

* 'Proud Mary' (Episode 9: Wheels)

* 'Single Ladies' (Episode 4: Preggers)

(Honourable mention to 'Jump' (episode 12: Mattress)






...Random Moments

*Terri Being fake Pregnant (and getting away with it for 11 episodes).

*Mercedes' reaction to Puck telling her that he is the father of Quinn's baby.

*Sue's in Love.

*Basically the entire episode of Ballad (Episode 10)



*Mr Schuester saying that the judges at sectionals will want to hear more traditional show tunes, so for the solo number he choses..... 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked??? what the....?




...Sue Sylvester Quotes



* 'All I want is just one day a year when I'm not visually assaulted by uglies and fatties.' (Episode 12: Mattress)

* 'I can't stand the sight of kids getting emotional, unless it's from physical exhaustion.' (Episode 7: Throwdown)

* 'I empower my Cheerios to be champions. Do they go to college? I don't know. I don't care. Should they learn Spanish? Sure, if they wanna become dishwashers and gardeners.' (Episode 7: Throwdown)

* 'I don't trust a man with curly hair. I can't help but picture little birds laying sulphurous eggs in there, and it disgusts me.' (Episode 7: Throwdown)

* 'That was the most offensive thing I've seen in 20 years of teaching — and that includes an elementary school production of Hair.' (Episode 2: Showmance)








...Worst Cory Monteith Auto Tune

* Can't Fight This Feeling

* No Air

* Somebody to Love

* Keep Holding On


* (You're) Having My Baby


...Characters

* Sue Sylvester

* Sue Sylvester

* Sue Sylvester

* Sue Sylvester

* Kurt Hummel






...Moments Where Mr Schuester Has Balls
(Otherwise known as THE ONLY moments wher Mr Schuester has balls)


* Refusing to give the 'Tonight' solo to Rachel (Episode 4: Preggers)

* Failing Sue's Cheerios in  Spanish (Episode 7: Throwdown)

* Making the Glee kids have a bake sale, ride around in wheelchairs every day AND do a number in wheelchairs (Episode 9: Wheels)

* Finally leaving Terri (Episode 12: Mattress)

* Finally kissing Emma (Episode 13: Sectionals)




...Glee Club Costumes


* The Black and White ('Keep Holding On')

* Leather jackets, white t-shirts and Jeans (It's My Life' / 'Confessions Part II')


* The cowboy outfits ('Last Name')

* Quinn's yellow mashup dress ('Halo'/ 'Walking on Sunshine')

* Emma's Wedding Dress, the second one. (yes, I know it's not a Glee Club Costume, but she looked so damned gorgeous!)






Read Glee: The Road To Sectionals Review here

Read Glee: The Back Nine Review here.

Glee Official Site here.

All pictures courtesy of Fox.


Glee: The Road to Sectionals Review

Posted by Should I See It on Thursday, January 14, 2010 , under , , , , , , | comments (0)




Show: Glee: The Road To Sectionals Episodes 1-13. (Fox)
Creator: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Diana Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz.
Plot: A High School Spanish Teacher attempts to revive the once promising Glee Club at his Alma Mata.



Glee is somewhat of a surprise hit. When I first heard about the show I was skeptical (In all honesty, my first thought was actually ‘Matthew Morrison is leaving South Pacific for this piece of TV Rubbish’). But perhaps that was because a press release couldn’t capture the spirit of the show.

In the generation that thinks they can dance and the prize in the ultimate karaoke competition is a record contract and a shot at international stardom, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that it is cool to sing and dance.




The premise of Glee is simple: Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), a high school Spanish teacher attempts to revive the Glee Club. Unfortunately those who are interested are the school ‘losers’: Rachel the Diva Extraordinaire, Tina the Asian Goth, Mercedes the overweight Black girl, Kurt the Gay Kid and Artie the kid in a wheelchair. Until popular guy and football player Finn Hudson comes along and is able to unite the club and lead them to success.

Sound familiar? Sound like High School Musical? (Just Substitute ‘Zac Efron’, 'Vanessa Hudgens’ and ‘School Musical’ where appropriate).

Of course it could all be a cliché. But, thankfully, Glee is more complicated than that. It’s as if Ryan Murphy took all of these stereotypes and held them up against one of those mirrors that distorts the reflection. Glee is that reflection. Everything is recognisable, but a little bit whacked up. The show creates its own realisy; A hyper-reality, if you will. This is a school where the cheerleading coach has the cheerleading uniforms dry cleaned in Europe. Seriously. In this world the implausible and the often ridiculous is accepted (Terri being able to hide her fake pregnancy from her husband for nearly nine months is case in point.)

But what really distinguishes Glee from the HSM franchise is that this high school is MEAN. It is the snark that makes Glee unique.

After an engaging pilot episode, Glee struggled to find itself. Inconsistency plagued the early episodes. Episode 3 ‘Acafellas’ seemed slightly misplaced; Will giving up the Glee Club for the Acafellas after spending the first two episodes trying to get it off the ground was out of character.





The show was briefly revived by a a guest appearance by Kristin Chenoweth in Episode 5 ‘The Rhodes Not Taken.’ Chenoweth did the hyper real better than any of the regular cast, and stole every scene she was in. (Do I hear an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress- Comedy Series????? )

But it wasn’t until Will and Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) went head to head in ‘Throw down’ (episode 7) that the series found itself and took off. Maybe it’s because the show started to value it’s supporting cast. The other Glee kids started to get more screen and song time. The show became more about the club as a whole than just Finn and Rachel, Will and Terri, Will Versus Sue Versus the World. It also delivered one of my favourite moments of the season; the scene where the students (I can’t call them kids because most of them are in their twenties) are mucking around in the choir room singing Nelly’s Ride With Me and are shown to actually be friends. We actually saw that they liked glee club, instead of just being told that they do.

From there Glee seemed to find its direction and took off. Episode 13, the finale for all intensive purposes until the show returns in April, did not disappoint. There was payoff for the season long sub plots, Will finally trumping Sue, great musical numbers.


Which brings me to my next point: The music.

Music is central to the success of Glee. And I’m not just talking about the massive sales both on ITunes and the recently released Glee: The Music Volumes 1 and 2 (Volumes 3 and possibly 4 will surely follow with the release of 9 more episodes in April.2010).But the music is , what I think, really keeps the show alive. There’s no denying that every time there’s a musical number, the energy of the show is really kicked up a notch (or ten). While I could do without the excessive use of Auto Tune and some better lip synching (Amber Riley listen up), the songs are always well chosen and always have fun arrangements.





Of course no show can be successful without a talented cast to back it up. And this cast is talented. They all d all their own singing and dancing.

Tony nominee and Broadway veteran Matthew Morrison leads the cast as Will Schuester. He lays the'staight man' in a world of wack, so his plot lines are never nearly a fun as everyone elses. But her always comes alive during the musical numbers. Every time he sings my mum always turns to me and exclaims "this guy i really good, isnt he!" I have a feeling his Golden Globe nomination was in recognition of his musial abilities reather than his comedic abilities, but the category is Best Actor in a MUSICAL or Comedy.

As for the students, the stand outs would have to be Lea Michele (Rachel), Chris Colfer (Kurt) and Kevin McHale (Artie). The rest are not necessarily fantastic indiviually, but great all together.

But the real stand out is Jane Lynch as acerbic cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester. She has the best lines and the best plots. Lynch clearly enjoys playing evil. With lines such as:

"You'll be adding revenge to the long list of things you're no good at, right next to being married, running a high school glee club and finding a hairstyle that doesn't look like a lesbian."

and

"You think this was hard? Try auditioning for Baywatch and being told they're going in another direction. That was hard."

and


"I empower my Cheerios to live in fear by creating an environment of irrational, random terror."

how could she possbly be considered anything but the best thing about Glee?
I hope she walks away with the Golden Globe on th 17th of January.




I'm looking forward to what Glee will bring in the second half of the season. I only hope the show can keep being consistent, and that, given it's success, won't get too big for it's boots.


Should I See It?

Yes. Loads of fun!


All pictures courtsey of Fox.