Don't Believe the Hype

Better Late Then Never

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

Barely Famous is one of those shows where Hollywood people make fun of Hollywood people. It follows two sisters making a reality show that they insist is not a reality show. One tries to trade on her fading fame (she was in a series that was canceled a few years ago) and the other is uncomfortable with the celebrity-filled world she's lived in her whole life. (At least, that's what was going on in the pilot.)It's a cute show, and has some funny moments. The sisters are reasonably likable. But it's no where near the level of a sharp Hollywood satire like The Larry Sanders Show or a silly mocking of the life like So Notorious or Grosse Pointe.I wouldn't discourage anyone from watching it, but for myself, one episode was enough.

I am not only highly amused by this program but by the mediocre reviews that imply "these women are making fun of themselves." Has this satire gone clear over the heads of people who may themselves watch "serious" reality shows and believe what they are seeing is real life? That's how skillfully the Fosters have done this day to day, continuing shallow travesty and transparent hubris, this satire of two elegant women in the Hollywood acting scene...which they are but "playing yourself" has to be one of the top ten difficult acting tasks made easy by Sara and Erin. The sotto voce comments alone make a second viewing an added enjoyment because they are talking not only about themselves but the audience for wish fulfillment industries and the industry itself that develops and profits from it.

OK, this show is about the daughters of a famous composer. A great one. They decided to do a show that is some sort of faux reality show and they call it documentary. Looks like they really do know a lot of celebrities because they appear on the show at all times. For me, the way the two sisters act is just annoying, because they seem to be making fun of wannabes but also of themselves, of people who drop names and the regular people who are amazed about the celebrities they do know. It is not quite like acting, but more like faking a show. To me it seems like they are making fun at all times and trying to be cute and entertaining, witty maybe, but it doesn't work very well. They are very beautiful and somewhat endearing, however overall I didn't find this show amusing or working towards a point. It is a show without sense or a foundation. Just weird to watch, but there was nothing else.

I'm smitten with this show, totally. It's funny and smart and innovative. This is satire with my generation firmly in its sights, and I just hope people can "get it." The hybrid premise is genius, and I want to folks to watch. I've put together a few of the best quotes from last night's episode. Since Erin writes for the show, the exchange between the sisters feels authentic, even though I'm not sure I"d tolerate much of that from my sisters.