Groundhog Day the musical

Last week I saw Groundhog Day, the Broadway musical. It was hard not to compare it to the brilliant movie and accept it on its own terms. They did a good job executing the premise, and it was generally fun. The lead was very good. He didn't imitate Bill Murray, whose arrogant performance was tinged with a sad sense of failure. This actor added the cocky assurance of a self-satisfied handsome man, and seemed a little meaner, which worked very well. The female lead was not so great. She didn't have the charm of Andie McDowell and seemed like a generic girl character. You didn't care if they got together or not.

The music itself was ordinary with no memorable or rousing numbers and the voices were solid but not special. With the exception of the man who played the insurance salesman, when he sang his solo I was moved by the song and the quality of his voice.

I'm glad I saw it though. Like I said, it was fun.

Puzzle from January

I did this very challenging 750-piece puzzle in January. VERY challenging and satisfying.

Amy Schumer, The Leather Special

I didn't think Amy Schumer's The Leather Special was that funny, and at times it was annoying. I totally love her and was excited to watch, but was disappointed. Her perspective is great and this special did not lessen my appreciation of her. Looking forward to the next project.

The Eighties

The multi-episode CNN documentary series The Eighties kind of depressed me. It made me feel so old. The eighties was my coming of age decade, and it was weird to see it presented sort of as a historical relic. The episodes focused on television, Reagan's presidency, AIDS, nuclear disarmament, technology, music, and wall street excesses and deregulation. It was fascinating and I wanted more details on every single segment. Looking back it seemed like a more innocent and homier time, but I guess that is "the ruinous work of nostalgia".

Being There

I was nervous to watch the beloved Being There which I hadn't seen in decades. I was afraid it wouldn't hold up. It does have a slightly dated feel, but it is lovely and engaging and funny and absolutely does hold up. Peter Sellers as Chance the gardener, or Chauncy Gardener, is painfully endearing. His clueless egolessness... And the running gag about they way others project expectations on his simplicity doesn't get draining. I was kind of uncomfortable with the romantic/sexual relationship in the movie, but tried to just accept it.

Jen Kirkman Just Keep Livin'

I thought Jen Kirkman's special, Just Keep Livin' was mostly annoying. Nothing really made me laugh and her personality grated on me. She seems like someone at a party who thinks they are far more entertaining than they actually are and everyone has to smile and give them the attention they need.

Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes

Mike Birbiglia's new Netflix special, Thank God for Jokes, is enjoyable. I really loved his earlier special. This one didn't seem quite as tight, but I like his perspective and there is something affable and pleasant about him that I enjoy. Looking forward to more from him.