gina_gemini Reviews

Hacks: Better Late (2024) Season 3, Episode 2

Love Jean Smart, LOVE that the show is back, go Jean! (and Hannah)

[8/10 · 6 May 2024]

Absolutely love the fact that this show is back. I doubt that the creators themselves saw this show going past one season (although one strong season). The second season was such a joy to watch and the ending was so emotional and bitter sweet at the same time.

I am really looking forward to the rest of this season and the story arc of our two main characters , and also quite a few very interesting side characters as well.

I am personally very invested in how these stories unfold. And let's not forget a big part of this show's success relies on the brilliance of Jean Smart and the way she has made Deborah's character her own. Kudos and God bless.

Steve-O's Bucket List (2023 TV Special)

It is way more sad than funny.

[4/10 · 10 December 2023]

I have been a Jackass fan and am not easily shocked but I guess there is a reason some of these stunts didn't feature on that show. Besides the shock factor Jackass tried to keep a balance between being shocking and funny and entertaining, at least for their target audience.

Here, Steve O tries to think of the most shocking ways you can perform a stunt and hoping that it'll make for viral entertainment. But in reality the end product is the sad attempts of a middle aged man near the end of his career looking for one last hoorah, and hopefully a payday.

I don't know what more to make of this but I wish he would work harder on his stand up act if he looks forward to transitioning into a more age appropriate career.

Rick and Morty: That's Amorte (2023) Season 7, Episode 4

Solid episode. Back to the roots.

[9/10 · 6 November 2023]

Wow, I had a great feeling at the end of this episode. Reminded me of how this show felt during the first seasons. Great story, pushing some boundaries and for bonus points a BEAUTIFUL musical number.

The new voices were almost indistinguishable. Didn't notice anything out of place. When you see a whole episode and don't get reminded of the change I think we can safely say we're over that hump.... I really like these standalone story lines, especially if they're done this well. The season started kind of shaky but there has been a slow but steady line of improvement and I hope they can keep it up.

Northern Exposure: Democracy in America (1992) Season 3, Episode 15

One fine episode. Amongst the best of this series.

[9/10 · 31 October 2023]

Having found this old gem in 2023 I can't help but applaud the way creators of this show navigated some touchy subjects. Show runners today can take a page from their book on how to present and educate their audience without being preachy or appearing biased.

The show has an air of maturity and wisdom about it which we can hardly find these days.

From all the episodes I have watched I get the feeling that its creators wanted to advocate unity and tolerance. Emphasizing on things that make us come together rather than divide us.

Although the subject matter of this episode can potentially be dividing they managed to stay true to the heart of this show and once again present a scenario where at the end people can come together despite their differences.

MILF Manor (2023– )

Sometimes you crave shows like this the way you crave unhealthy food.

[7/10 · 23 January 2023]

Lets not act shocked or try to virtue signal by screaming disgust and discomfort at this show. If it is not your cup of tea just leave it amongst the mountain of reality shows that came and went. And this is from someone who rarely watches any kind of reality tv.

That said, it is what it is. Nobody tuned in this show expecting prestige television. Speaking for myself I tuned into this expecting exactly what they delivered and to this extent I consider it a success in its genre.

One night every week, after a long day I wanna take a warm bath, relax and for a few hours forget about the world and that's exactly when a show like this comes handy. I pour myself a glass of wine after my bath, put on my robe and lie down and put this on. Something sexy, taboo-ish, scripted "shocks", gossip and confrontations etc is exactly what I crave those nights and this show just hits the spot.

Enjoy it the way you enjoy cheap pizza after a night of clubbing and the next day have a salad.

Yellowstone: The Dream Is Not Me (2022) Season 5, Episode 7

Heart warming episode with a beautiful message.

[9/10 · 19 December 2022]

At this point Yellowstone is a fine-tuned machine. Different parts of story moving along smoothly, each part capable of piquing your interest depending on which characters you're most invested in.

This one has exceptionally memorable writing, especially towards the end. Summer's talk with John was thought provoking. It is definitely something Taylor himself cares about and the words coming out of Summer are Taylor's way of presenting us a road for all who really care about these issues, no matter on which side they are.

I am personally going back and rewatching that part and I suggest you do too. A reasonable voice like this is what we all can use these days.

Sebastian Maniscalco: Is It Me? (2022 TV Special)

Tries too hard and still not funny.

[4/10 · 18 December 2022]

He tries hard, one might say too hard and always have tried too hard but his act just isn't funny. Really never was.

His whole act is starting a story, doing some physical stuff and voices and just leaving it for the next one with no real punch lines. Can't remember a single laugh, the most was probably a single chuckle somewhere.... And after all these years does he himself know what exactly he is trying to do? Is it a persona or a poor impersonation? Because it feels a lot like the latter.

I still can't watch him and not get reminded of Dice. But that's just the extent of it. Dice was on a whole other level and sadly even after all these years Sebastian has failed to improve his act above an opening act.

Neal Brennan: Blocks (2022 TV Special)

He is a comedy giant even if he doesn't believe it himself.

[9/10 · 17 November 2022]

I dare say it was as enjoyable and thought provoking as Chappelle's special. Same high quality level. One of the best specials I saw this year. Unforgettable.

He has a great comedy mind and even though he calls it 'traumedy' the emotional parts are exactly what makes it unique. I am a big fan of 3 Mics and before watching this I was exactly hoping for something similar. Comedy plus emotional revelations I too can relate to.

Hands down this had some of the most original and funniest jokes i've heard in quite a while and the last part was so moving I am sure it'll stay with me for a few days.

Thank you Neal for your comedy and also for sharing these deeply personal moments with us.

What Is a Woman? (2022)

The second half is amazing.

[8/10 · 16 November 2022]

I started watching this and the first half had nothing I haven't already seen before in some form or other but I must admit it totally went up quite a few levels in the second half.

Stick with it to the end and you'll see some very good journalistic work. Any good documentary should ask the hard questions, reveal uncomfortable truths and challenge our views exactly for the purpose of us thinking more critically about a subject we might think we already know enough.

No matter whether you agree or even strongly disagree with Walsh's views, if you're open to different viewpoints you'll benefit from watching this movie. I know I did.

Inside Amy Schumer: Gratitude (2022) Season 5, Episode 1

Excruciatingly Unnecessary!

[4/10 · 22 October 2022]

I used to be a fan of earlier seasons as something light to watch when you just wanna have a chuckle (regardless of where she got her sketch ideas) having said that it's only natural to check out this comeback. And One episode was enough to see how unnecessary this revival turned out to be.

Besides the sketches not being funny, most of their subject matters have been done numerous times by other shows. It felt like something that was written in 2014-2015 as an edgy show and kept into a drawer and they took it out in 2022 and made it regardless of whether it was fresh or relevant anymore.

The old show used to have some good segments but they successfully managed to take all of them out and replace them with the likes of these BTS scenes smack in the middle of the show, go figure!

The only thing that got me scratching my head was the number of big names she managed to convince to have parts in her sketches, I suspect she might have had some help from her dear uncle or other friends to pull that off.

Reboot (2022)

Good thing I trusted Paul Reiser.

[7/10 · 20 September 2022]

I should admit after the first episode I was not thrilled about watching more of this show. It looked like another show you could safely pass without missing much. But the second episode changed everything. The story got much much more worthwhile. The show and characters started showing some depth and especially Paul Reiser's character kept me interested and I am glad I kept watching.

From a show I was ready to forgo it turned into something I am looking forward to. I gave it a 7 rating but it has the potential to go higher (and hopefully not disappoint).

Rachel Bloom and Paul Reiser central story line is my favorite and the richer it gets the better.

Dark Side of Comedy: Andrew Dice Clay (2022) Season 1, Episode 2

The least they could've done was to ask the man himself!

[3/10 · 8 September 2022]

The point is Dice is still with us. They went and interviewed every person connected to him by six degrees but never bothered to ask the man himself? Is it really hard to imagine that the character is not the man himself? Can't you realize that they're not 100 percent separate either and that also can be ok? Don't you know how show business works? And can't you understand some act that was relevant 40 years ago can age badly and that's ok too?

If people laugh at a horrible joke nobody's forcing them. But it says something about the state of society or at least parts of it. Nobody breaks a mirror if they don't like the image it reflects. Some people today like to treat society as a group of naive children who constantly need protection. They're most dangerous to society themselves.

Bill Murray said it best. If you don't like the act you vote with your feet.

Sprung (2022– )

Perfect timing

[8/10 · 19 August 2022]

It was just the other night I was thinking about "the guest book" and missing shows like Earl and I was craving something similar that I came across this show and couldn't be happier.

Thanks to Greg Garcia for putting out another show with his signature style of comedy. I really needed a show like this and I am looking forward to more episodes.

Nikki Glaser: Good Clean Filth (2022 TV Special)

Good, solid performance after a hiatus.

[7/10 · 17 July 2022]

I am not even gonna waste time by pointing out that if you're shocked or disgusted by Nikki's routine you can easily move along to something better suited to your taste.

That said, I found this special pleasing. Considering past two years I found it comforting watching Nikki in her familiar territory doing her classic type of material. This was a great start after the hiatus and I am glad we got to enjoy Nikki making fun of her/our 'public parts' one more time.

The Old Man: V (2022) Season 1, Episode 5

It's a show for grown-ups, kids who accidentally wandered in can leave, quietly!

[8/10 · 9 July 2022]

It is a joy watching John Lithgow's range. It is a joy watching Alia's masterful performance. Their scene together, I keep going back just to enjoy the back and forth.

Those who accidentally wandered in looking for adrenaline and action alone can go choose from countless other forgettable shows that can best satisfy their taste.

This keeps getting deeper and I am loving it. Keep up the good work and don't mind the mindless.

Welcome Home Nikki Glaser? (2022)

One of the healthiest and funniest shows in its genre.

[8/10 · 7 July 2022]

I really don't watch reality shows. I have watched probably three episodes of real housewives in my life and from the whole Kardashians universe the total is less than 10 mins. I checked this show solely because I like Nikki. I like her comedy and I like her as a person. Whether she is doing a special, a hilarious roast, or is a guest on late night or on a podcast she has always managed to lift my spirit. (Actually I came across this after listening to an episode of inside Conan podcast where she was the guest) if you are Nikki's fan you'll definitely enjoy this. Nikki isn't being phony on it, she is being herself, like always. As far as reality shows go this one is one of the healthiest you'll find. She is one of few celebrities I can say with reasonable certainty that are good decent people in real life (another one is Conan O'Brien himself).

PS. Dear Nikki, you deserve all the good things that has come to you in life. At times you have made our lives happier with your comedy when we needed it the most and you deserve good things to come to you.

The Bear (2022– )

Four episodes and I am done.

[7/10 · 2 July 2022]

There really isn't anything major wrong with this show. Actually it has quite a few points of strength. But it can be a great example of how you can ruin a show even when most of your production is decent and how you can ruin your talented people's work by injecting unnecessary toxic viewpoints into your work.

One word only. Sydney. I like the actress but they should keep an eye on the writer who writes for this character.

Now and Then (2022– )

How not to make a show.

[3/10 · 11 June 2022]

They should show this in film schools as an example on how not to make a show.

Arrogant creators having no idea that a show needs an audience to justify its existence.

Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill (2022 TV Special)

Meh.....lukewarm but not totally cold.

[6/10 · 7 June 2022]

I expected more from Bill Burr. The only thing some of these comedians managed to kill was the laughter, especially the better known ones, with the exception of Jimmy Carr.

The lesser known comics were kinda better, some had a weak start but managed to win me over at the end of their set, e.g. Jessica Kirson.

Hacks: The One, The Only (2022) Season 2, Episode 8

We will miss you Ms Deborah Vance

[9/10 · 3 June 2022]

One the most satisfying finales. I fell in love with this show from episode one and it's mostly thanks to Jean Smart's fantastic performance. She brought Deborah's character to life in ways that I personally won't forget despite the show being over, for now.... I am not sure whether they're planning for a 3rd season, but if they can put out another season as strong as this one I'd be beside myself.

Love, Death & Robots: The Very Pulse of the Machine (2022) Season 3, Episode 3

One for the thinking man....

[8/10 · 23 May 2022]

I am sure those who enjoy reading good sci-fi connected with this one. It had a brilliant idea at the core of story and in conjunction with thoughts on mortality, etc made one of my favorite episodes from this season.

Season 1 still holds on a much higher level, but I am glad this season was at least stronger than the second one.

I hope the creators give more weight to depth and cleverness of stories they pick, rather than going for the more widely appealing "video game" look and feel.

Family Guy: First Blood (2022) Season 20, Episode 19

They still got it.

[8/10 · 16 May 2022]

It was a great episode with a few good laughs. As long as they keep their equal opportunity offender spirit I'll remain a customer. The Stewie story was a hoot and very good satire of a touchy subject I don't dare to mention explicitly here, but I loved it. Finally Sam Elliot is a brilliant addition to the cast, love his voice and his manly cowboy character here.

Candy (2022)

Jessica Biel steals the show

[7/10 · 10 May 2022]

Two episodes in and Jessica's performance is reason enough for me to watch the rest of this show.

Not every show has to be the next breaking bad. The 80s atmosphere is done well and acting is great all around. Over-all very entertaining considering the story. Not a waste of time at all, if it is to your taste.

Life & Beth (2022– )

Classic Hulu material!!

[4/10 · 20 March 2022]

All the reviews I "can see" here are praising the show yet the overall rating is low and those stellar reviews are complaining about all the negative reviews I apparently can "no longer see".....I guess you get what's going on here LOL Great effort by Hulu for making a safe space for everybody portrayed in this show, kudos! I hope they're just making as strong profits too. Real revolutionary stuff. Artistic expression at its best , especially the shower scene. As par with Mona Lisa, congratulations to everyone involved, except those who used to oversee shows before putting them out. But who needs those nuisances, good riddance.

Mr. Mayor (2021–2022)

Feels like a special kind of "camp"

[2/10 · 17 March 2022]

....re-education camp! When the "reds" finally take over, this is gonna be the kind of programming they're gonna show you in their re-education camps.

Enjoy your journey, hope you enjoy the destination just as much!