Grace & Frankie-The Golden Girls of Modern Television

Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda as Grace & Frankie | Source: Netflix & Berkshire Eagle

Upon creating a new show that would fill the “hole in entertainment” Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris set out to form a new series that would speak to an older audience. (Hollywood Reporter) Such a show hadn’t really been seen since the era of The Golden Girls, a show that audiences praise for its snappy comedy and feminine edge. Grace & Frankie further capitalize some of the topics presented in The Golden Girls such as the LGBTQ+ community, sexual expression and the pains of growing older. The advantage of Grace & Frankie however, is that they are able to dive deeper into these topics with two of its main characters (Sol and Robert) representing the LGBTQ+ community far more than Golden Girls had.

For the past five seasons, Grace & Frankie have kept fans like myself with tears of laughter. I can’t say another show has made me laugh quite as much as these two ladies have. A television veteran, Grace & Frankie co-creator Marta Kauffman has kept generations of audiences laughing for decades with having also co-created one of television’s most successful sitcoms, Friends. One of the contributing factors of the show’s success is witty dialogue and unwillingness to hold back barrier-breaking topics such as same sex marriage and sexual intimacy among elder generations. (Both of which are not talked about enough!)

I believe as television continued to advance in the 1980s, 90s and into the 2000s, it allowed writers to be a bit more forthcoming about these deemed “taboo” topics. What’s amazing is that many networks and cable programming perceive these topics as just that, taboo. However, why should real-world topics be perceived as such? This is what makes Grace & Frankie one of my personal favorite shows. Any writer (or show for that matter) who is willing to represent a community too often unheard, is the kind of show I want to watch. While Kauffman was in search of a show that targeted the older generation, she was also surprised to find that younger generations became fans of the show for its honesty and ability to shed light on topics avoided by most programming. The younger audience was in fact, looking for real female role models that represented far more than just beauty, and through Grace & Frankie, they found them.

The show opens of course with the discovery that both Grace and Frankie’s husbands Sol and Robert have been in a twenty year affair with each other. The ladies must then transition from married life to being single in their 70’s for the very first time in nearly 40 years. While the ladies struggle with the separation, they form an unbreakable bond that leads them to seek love and purpose within their relationships, family and their joint business venture.

The Golden Girls touched on LGBTQ+ characters such as Dorothy’s friend Jean (who had a crush on Rose) but hadn’t introduced a series lead representing this community like Grace & Frankie was fortunate to. And who doesn’t love a good Sol and Robert scene? These two are vastly different in personality but together, form a dynamite duo. (Much like Grace and Frankie) Countless episodes continue to show the friendship Grace and Frankie form with Sol and Robert and I really enjoy how they have grown to get along and continue to display love for their former spouses. Making for more interesting dialogue than the typical bitter divorcees you often see on television. Robert and Sol’s marriage also represents the notion that it’s never too late to fall in love. If you haven’t seen the show, please do! It’s everything I believe modern television comedy should be; truthful, relatable, and undeniably funny.

Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen as Sol and Robert | Source: Netflix

Grace and Frankie represent a female group far to often ignored with real world problems such as vaginal dryness, sex in your 70’s and proving you’re never to old to say “f–k it!” The series introduces Frankie’s yam lube then inspiring their future company ‘Vybrant’ which creates vibrators designed for older women. (yes, you read that correctly) Again, what makes this show undeniably honest yet hilarious, is its ability to have fun with these real world topics. Aging doesn’t have to be perceived as negative, it can open conversation for audiences who are experiencing these exact situations. I applaud the series writers for never straying from their original goal of the show and what it represents to all sorts of communities.

Lastly, one of my favorite episodes of the series is Season 4 Episode 13 where Grace and Frankie break out of Walden Villas (a retirement home) on a golf cart only to return to their beach house to discover it had been sold by their children. What makes this episode one of the best is its snappy comedy. Taking back what was once their home, Grace and Frankie learn that sometimes you just have to say “f–k it!” In doing so, they “squat” in the living room to prove that they’re reclaiming what is rightfully theirs and that old age is merely a construct. Many of times the ladies have proven that all they truly need is each other to survive. If you’ve seen the show, every season ends with a medium shot of Grace and Frankie on the beach discovering that despite life’s hurdles, they’re all they really need.

While The Golden Girls may have helped lay down the foundation in which Grace & Frankie have further developed, they are never-the-less a modern representation of the unconventional narrative life can sometimes hold. And in these turn of events, they discovered a new found friendship that would lead to sisterhood and an extraordinary business venture. Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris struck gold when pairing two of Hollywood’s funniest gals on one show; creating something that was inclusive, truthful and downright hilarious. I am proud to be a fan of Grace & Frankie as it has truly inspired myself as a filmmaker to strive to create a show of this caliber. I can’t wait to see what their upcoming sixth season, premiering in 2020 will hold!

13 Reasons Why-Dark Secrets

This week, 13 Reasons Why released a new trailer for its third season titled, ‘Who Killed Bryce Walker?’ slated to release August 23rd. This new theme comes as a surprise given the thematics of Season 2 as well as the massive cliff-hanger of the season finale, in which the show’s protagonist Clay Jensen saves Liberty High from a near catastrophic event. Many questions have been raised since the trailer’s release, including Hannah Baker’s absence and the introduction of a never before seen character. Oh how the plot thickens!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pws-LN_-riM&app=desktop

One thing the 13 Reasons Why writers perfect, is the ability to keep its audience on the edge of their seats. Derived from the novel written by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why began as the story of Hannah Baker who through the use of cassette tapes, describes the 13 reasons that contributed to ending her life. Excluding Clay, the novel sparsely explores these antagonists, giving the show room to introduce them in more ways than Hannah’s personal account.

Throughout the series, the audience is exposed to in-depth character exposition between Clay and these antagonists who find it difficult to cope with the truth that lies beneath (or rather within) Hannah’s tapes. Despite their association with Hannah, the tapes hold a lingering sense of accountability and remorse towards her suicide. The exception being Bryce Walker who we learn is the true villain. Which leads to much speculation as to what this new season will hold for the show’s most sinister character. Bryce Walker, a victim? Only time will tell.

I’m a sucker for a good ‘who done it?’ theme however, I was quite surprised the newest season of the show would be focusing on Bryce Walker. Last season we saw the ups and downs of one of the most heart wrenching characters, Tyler Down played by Devin Druid who delivered one of the best performances of the show. Again, the jocks who bullied Hannah, seek revenge on Tyler. I’m hoping of course we get a satisfying conclusion to the events in the last finale as it left the audience wondering what was in store for Tyler, Clay and the rest of Liberty High. I truly hope this next season surprises me. (It’s a rarity that a show ever pulls the rug from under me, but you know!)

Many fans of the show have speculated Hannah’s parents as the culprits given the unfortunate outcome of their trial while trying to take down Bryce Walker. Netflix does not hint at a particular suspect but rather, suggests that perhaps each of the original Liberty High students involved in Hannah’s case may be harboring far more than they lead on.

Miles Heizer as Alex Standall | Source: Netflix

Gearing up for the newest season, Netflix created an interactive website that allows fans to engage with the “easter eggs” that may be present in the new plot, including a FaceTime call with Deputy Standall who asks the audience for help in finding Bryce’s killer. Much like Netflix’s marketing strategy for Stranger Things 3, they again market the show’s latest season with fan participation. The first trailer released begins with a narration by a character who we’ve never been introduced before, leading the fans to wonder how she will fit into the new narrative. The trailer also omits the show’s original protagonist, Hannah Baker as well as fellow Liberty High student, Sherry Holland. I wonder if they will make at least a cameo since I presume they will mention Hannah’s case from the previous season.

Check out the interactive website in anticipation of the third season and see if you can help Deputy Standall find a suspect!

https://whokilledbrycewalker.com/start/

The show’s Twitter page also announced the season’s fourth and final renewal which is perfect timing but also, a bit sad for a fan like myself. I have been watching the show since its release and have always appreciated it’s never-ending plot twists and episode shockers. I can’t wait to see what it’s third and fourth seasons will entail! Since the original characters are alleged seniors, I raise the question if the final season will focus on the same cast or if they will pass the torch and tell a new story from Liberty’s next generation of students.

Who do you think killed Bryce Walker? Was it the Bakers seeking justice for their daughter? Clay Jensen? Or did those connected to Hannah, each have hand in Bryce’s death? Sound off in the comments below who you think is the suspect of Liberty’s latest tragedy.

Tune in August 23rd for the release of Season 3!

Things Get Stranger: The Rise of Starcourt

Just a few weeks after the release of the long awaited third season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, I dive into how Netflix has established one of the greatest marketing strategies, giving fans a first hand look into the Upside Down.

Gearing up for Stranger Things 3, Netflix’s creative marketing team planned one of the most emersive experiences I have seen for any film or television show. While several other cities in the world experienced these themed pop-ups, Los Angeles was the first stop for the ultimate Hawkins fan experience.

Santa Monica

Taking over the beach city of Santa Monica, Stranger Things 3 transformed Santa Monica High School with a celebration of all things Hawkins. Netflix created a blast from the past experience accompanied by a Hawkins cheer team, sweet treats reminiscent of 1985 and of course, premiered its first couple episodes to those lucky to attend. However, the celebration didn’t end there; the Santa Monica Pier was also converted to ‘Mayor Cline’s Fun Fair’ which was a near replica of the fictitious carnival in the latter episodes of the new season. This event proved to be a massive success for its marketing team in promoting the show’s newest season, drawing thousands of fans to engage with each event. So much so, the third and final day of the carnival was at capacity within only a couple hours of it’s opening.

Stranger Things 3 premiere at SMHS | Source: Reagan Pierce

Ahoy, Burbank!

This event definitely takes the cake, or rather… the cherry on top of a Demogorgon sundae. With the Starcourt Mall as the center of the seasons’ plot, Scoops Ahoy is seemingly one of the biggest attractions of Starcourt. The show’s marketing team however, took Scoops to the next level. (And boy did they not disappoint!)

A new branding partner of Stranger Things, Baskin Robins attached itself to one of the biggest shows on Netflix, turning its Burbank location into a full blown Scoops Ahoy. Seeing some of the photos of the pop-up on social media, I knew I had to experience it for myself! While it did take a few hours of standing in line, it was definitely worth the wait! Not only did they deliver the most delicious sundaes’ based on the fictitious ice cream assortments offered at Scoops, the decor of the store was again, one of the most impressive I had ever seen!

Let’s just say, the U.S.S. Butterscotch sundae was all the rave!

The Starcourt Experience

The final act of this three course fan experience, was the Starcourt Mall Experience. (One of the most immersive pop-ups I had the pleasure of attending) When announcing yet another interactive pop-up, the Stranger Things Facebook page provided very little detail as to what exactly the experience would be. Created at the corner of Sunset Blvd, a production team began re-decorating the “mall” from the ground up. I visited Starcourt just a couple days before opening to take a quick peak of the production’s exterior.

Below is a photo of the exterior getting a few last minute touches before opening day.

Star court Mall with a few last minute touches

On its second day of opening, my friend Reagan and I arrived early and eager to get our Starcourt Mall fix. (Again, we were not disappointed!) Essentially, the experience began the minute we walked into the queue. We were served a scoop of U.S.S. Butterscotch from a Scoops Ahoy themed ice cream truck (shaped like a boat I might add), a can of New Coke and a cute penny press keepsake in a design of our choice! (I was instantly hooked)

Once we reached the front of the line, I didn’t think the experience could possibly get any better! (But it did!) The first room of the mall was a miniature version of the Starcourt atrium. It was like walking straight into the 1980’s and was nearly an exact replica to the set of the show. I loved each small attention to detail, including the neon sign and guest information kiosk.

Each of the rooms that followed, represented a set from the new season such as the Flash photo studio, Hawkins Community Pool, El’s bedroom and even a Russian science lab! Each of the set-ups were very detailed with props and costumed actors in place to further bring the experience to life. Overall, It was an event I will never forget!

Below are a couple photos from my trip to The Starcourt Mall!

Flash Studio that looks nearly exact to the set of the show

Sweet Success

After a two year intermission, the Duffer Brothers and Netflix spared no expense when promoting the show’s biggest season yet. With such a large fan following, it was smart on the marketing team to find a new way of emerging fans through experiences that could make them feel in touch with their favorite characters. What better way to make your fans enjoy the new season than by experiencing it for themselves? As a longtime fan of Stranger Things, becoming part of Hawkins was a unique experience. This innovation and attention to detail is what separates this show and its marketing strategy, far from others. Of course, with a few edge of your seat teaser trailers and a few fan pop-ups, the show now holds the record for the most watched television series on Netflix. And rightfully so!

As an aspiring professional in the industry, I am continuously amazed by the amount of thought that goes into the marketing of these shows. These unique campaigns give fans the opportunity to connect with the show in ways far beyond the imaginable. It’s because of experiences and moments like these that I am grateful to have chosen a career that allows its creators to interact with audiences in ways fans could never have imagined. Kudos to the creative marketing team at Netflix for one of the most successful campaigns in television history. It’ll be interesting to see how other shows will compare to the scale of the ultimate fan experience of Stranger Things 3 .

‘Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood’-A Twist In History

An ode to the glimmering city of Hollywood, Tarantino’s ninth installment, ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’ hits the box office with a particularly surprising tale that left me wanting just a little more. (I must warn there are a few spoilers ahead for those who have yet to see it!)

Tarantino’s approach to filmmaking is one that immediately separates himself from the rest. Known for beginning his scripts with music preceding its narrative, Tarantino takes his viewers on a journey that appears to go one way, but quickly derails. His newest edition to which he describes as his “love letter to classic Hollywood” begins with a relaxed plot, which I must admit, kept me on my toes. It felt as if Tarantino was leading up to a major reveal. (And to my surprise, I was correct!)

We are first introduced to Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) who are the first of many that made up the star-studded cast. Dalton, a once rising television star in the 1950s, finds himself lost in the new age of Hollywood. During the late 1960s, America had its hands tied with the backlash of the Vietnam War, Watergate and an inability to suppress the growing hippie movement. Hollywood in particular was a great indication of the audiences’ growing distaste for musicals and family affairs; they craved an anti-hero who would neither know success or prosperity. This film exploits this very topic.

Dalton, like many actors of the time, floundered in 1960s Hollywood with an unforeseeable career and dangling promises of a successful pilot season. Stunt double, Cliff Booth is a relaxed character who is essentially in it for the ride. Pegged for murdering his wife (and getting away with it), Booth much like Dalton is also struggling to find his way given his reputation. Living next door to Dalton is Hollywood’s up and coming star, Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). Tate appears to have it all, but as we soon find out, also struggles with maintaining fame amongst moviegoers of the day.

Once Upon A Time has a few underlying themes that appear to be the center of the story but to my disappointment, appeared to be ornaments as oppose to major thematic points. One of the drawing points of this film for me was the introduction of one of the world’s most notorious serial killer groups, the Manson Family. I was particularly interested in how Tarantino would adapt the story of the murder that stirred America. Unfortunately, we only see Manson (Damon Herriman) once, which is the same scene presented in the trailer. I felt the rug had been pulled from under me learning that he would only play a minor role as too would Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme (Dakota Fanning).

Why build them up and then take them away from us? One of the most puzzling aspects of the film is Tarantino’s quick introduction and conclusion of these characters when advertising them as far more.

I thoroughly enjoyed how each shot was crafted and the fact that it was shot on 35mm film (one of my favorite Tarantino traditions). A full A+ in the production design department! Hollywood in the 1960s is one of my favorite periods of time which is why I am so conflicted with how I feel about the film. It had the look, but the film was composed of far more exposition than narrative; perhaps the pacing could have been improved. However, what Tarantino does make evident in the narrative’s character arc, is that Dalton’s fear of being a has-been is simply that, a fear; assuring Dalton he is worth far more than he gives himself credit for.

When it came down to the final twenty minutes of the film, Tarantino threw the most unforeseeable wrench in the plot I’d ever seen. (Maybe that’s his magic?) The original events of the Tate murder are completely derailed and instead follow the Manson family into Dalton’s house where Booth’s career as a stunt man will ultimately prevail. It was bloody, loud and definitely had Tarantino written all over it. While I appreciated the historical turn of events, I couldn’t help but feel that everything we learned in the past two and half hours led to what felt like a quick and messy resolve.

Overall, the comedy and innovation of the story was absolutely fantastic and created a positive consensus amongst the audience. (based on the audible laughs and gasps of horror in it’s finale) However, I found the lack of Manson (and others’) involvement in the film as my ultimate resolve of the film. It was aesthetically stunning with just the right amount of comedy as any Tarantino film should have; but I still felt like it was missing some meat in its narrative. Major props to the entire cast, both veteran and new as they all truly embodied each of the characters. (Especially Margaret Qualley who really took the reigns of one of her first major roles) Ultimately, I’d give this film a B for its creative take of 1960s Los Angeles and its irreplaceable cast who really made the film. Again, I wish I was given just a little more in its narrative. Is it Oscar worthy? We will have to wait and see!

What did you think? Was Once Upon A Time In Hollywood everything you imagined? Let me know in the comments!

Photo credit: https://people.com/movies/leonardo-dicaprio-unveils-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-poster-brad-pitt/

Welcome!

“The greatest art in the world, is the art of storytelling.” – Cecil B. DeMille

Welcome to my first ever film review blog! Growing up on films from the early years of Hollywood to now working in a film studio, I am forever fascinated by the magic of the movies from set to screen. The natural curiosity of discovering what’s behind the velvet curtain has sparked a need to create an open forum to discuss the latest, greatest and maybe not-so-greatest film and television shows to hit the big and little screens alike.

Landing my first promising career move in Hollywood, I (like many others) am working my way up the food chain. No two days are alike on the backlot, with new projects wheeling in and out of our stages and exterior facades. Naturally a “sponge” I take great importance to each small detail that I learn watching the construction and even destruction of these sets. My curiosity knows no limit as my gratitude for what these individuals do to put on a show continues to amaze me. So much history has passed through each of these studios and I take great pride in keeping this history and enthusiasm for the art, alive.

I began this blog with the simple goal in mind; to open conversation about Hollywood’s newest and up-and-coming releases. I’d also like to share stories of Hollywood’s small beginnings and blossoming rise to fame as one of the most popular cities in the world. I hope you find yourself on a journey as I dissect the newest films at the box office and unveil the history behind Hollywood and the studio system.