Bunheads Review: From Vegas to Paradise Comments (Page 2)
44 Comments
chameleon88
June 18th, 2012 5:33 PM
I really, truly, sincerely wanted to love this show. I mean, with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Kelly Bishop what could possibly go wrong? (And before anyone jumps me, I had no idea who Sutton Foster was before this show despite my love for theater and musicals.) The premise is alright (though a bit unbelievable that Hubble was not a serial killer or something else) and the Paradise bunhead girls are charming, earnest and possibly the most interesting things about this show so far. It was only 20 minutes in when I figured out what was off - Ms. Sutton Foster. I'm sure she's amazing on stage, but acting for TV is a completely different beast. I find that she over emphasizes, both delivery and actions, as if she's trying to reach all those poor college students in the nosebleed section of the theater. I mean what good is amazing dialogue and witty zingers if it sounds contrived or forced? Finally, I think one of the key successes in Gilmore Girls is that Lorelei always had a partner-in
chameleon88
June 18th, 2012 5:32 PM
I really, truly, sincerely wanted to love this show. I mean, with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Kelly Bishop what could possibly go wrong? (And before anyone jumps me, I had no idea who Sutton Foster was before this show despite my love for theater and musicals.) The premise is alright (though a bit unbelievable that Hubble was not a serial killer or something else) and the Paradise bunhead girls are charming, earnest and possibly the most interesting things about this show so far. It was only 20 minutes in when I figured out what was off - Ms. Sutton Foster. I'm sure she's amazing on stage, but acting for TV is a completely different beast. I find that she over emphasizes, both delivery and actions, as if she's trying to reach all those poor college students in the nosebleed section of the theater. I mean what good is amazing dialogue and witty zingers if it sounds contrived or forced?
Finally, I think one of the key successes in Gilmore Girls is that Lorelei always had a partn
Anna
June 17th, 2012 7:32 PM
Just finished the pilot of Bunheads (thank you, Hulu) and seriously frustrated so far...dancing on a wooden floor is not safe. Aside from that, the ballet isn't the annoying part (as a dancer myself, it's important to me that dance shows be accurate)--it's how similar Michelle is to Lorelai, except she's like her less beautiful sister, and Amy Palladino didn't change her writing at all so Michelle sounds exactly like Lorelai even though she isn't. And the mother in law is Kelly Bishop (Emily), and of course she sounds the same as well--and there you have the return of the awkward mother-daughter relationship. Even Hubble sounds like Chris, both in his voice and his speech patterns (again, writing didn't change...), and then there's the music that goes with the show--it sounds like the next track on the cd that the Gilmore Girls theme came from (because both soundtracks really were written by the same person). Grrr. I absolutely loved Gilmore Girls...but you can't duplicate it so don't
sixty-four
June 16th, 2012 8:51 PM
I never viewed one minute of GG- it was for a younger crowd. BUT this show has Sutton Foster and I would (and have) watch her in anything. And it turns out this show is great ! The writing is funny and literate and Kelly Bishop (always great on stage) is very good. And Ms Foster is fantastic ,as usual. If she has to leave the stage for awhile, at least she's in something that appears to be very good. I hope this show is a hit - but don't keep Sutton off the stage too long.
Sarah
June 15th, 2012 11:48 AM
I watched this with my 13-year old last night and loved it! She is a dancer so that was the obvious draw for us, but the entire storyline was refreshing and new for us since we did not watch GG. I'm hoping it comes to stand on its own and continues to entertain like in the pilot episode. Can't wait to see more :)
Nix
June 15th, 2012 4:35 AM
Although I loved the first episode of this show, the fact that it is so reminiscent of Gilmore Girls may not be such a good thing. From the very beginning, you could tell this was of similar stock: the main character, the cooky town and people, even the matriarch mother - although Bishop is crazy here, she still a somewhat controlling personality just like in GG. And although I loved it, I don't want another one! Let's hope this is sufficiently different.
Fear not, Ceceliz, as I am not the reviewer, but merely reviewed the pilot. A pilot which I, admittedly, had no intention of watching. It was that admission that brought on the GG comparisons because the thought of watching anything even remotely resembling a "bunhead" was not something that interested me.
Amy Sherman-Palladino, however, has a style and a design to her writing that draws you in, no matter your interests. If that meant that I made comparisons to Gilmore Girls for the pilot review and perhaps engaged viewers for later showings, I will not apologize.
Melissa
June 13th, 2012 9:03 AM
I thought the pilot of Bunheads was so good. I actually watched it a couple of weeks ago on line at ABC Family, then watched it with my daughter, and last night again with my husband (who surprisingly said he'd watch it again. Each time I came away with something new. Loved that some of GG characters were there. Drea, the harp player as the hooker, and Gypsy the auto mechanic, Truly's friend/coworker. Also loved the terrible cut off shorts Michelle wore, just like the ones Loreli wore to Rory's first day at Chilton. Oh, I so missed ASP's unique writing style. I am so happy this show got picked up. The advertisements do NOT do it justice.
Ceceliz
June 13th, 2012 1:24 AM
While I loved Gilmore Girls, I hope that every review for Bunheads going forward does not contain belabored comparisons to Gilmore Girls. Different show, folks, time to move on.
As a GG fan much was expected of Amy and she delivered. Sutton Foster was impressive and beautiful and those legs wow. I never much liked Kelly Bishop's GG mom as a character, the cold moms aint my cup of tea but am looking forward to a character of hers that I can connect more to. Seeing these young girls reminds me of when my daughter was their age. Seeing all that vulnerability and energy and sweetness in Boo brought back some pleasant memories. I must say I had my doubts about this new marriage and it makes some sense to me that they are probably knocking off the lead guy right off the bat. He makes more sense as a plot device to land Michelle in a place she can give her life direction, maybe find meaning in something and still be funny adorable and dance like crazy.
Tanner1511 Rank: Recurring Character
June 12th, 2012 8:31 PM
Nothing can or ever will replace Gilmore Girls in my heart!!! I liked the pilot and will definitely check it out again, but I will never love a show like I did GG! :(( I miss it so much!
rita
June 12th, 2012 8:15 PM
As an avid GG fan, I was not all that impressed with Bunheads. It felt like Sutton Foster's character was trying too hard to sound like Lorelai Gilmore. And why are there no black/Latina/Asian ballet dancers in the main group of four -- the lack of diverity is really alarming.
enteromnes
June 12th, 2012 5:41 PM
Wry, witty, relevant, poignant, smart, engrossing, fast moving, and with character honing (especially Fanny's who is coming from the outside IN) this show should be a long staple. Ms Foster is a chameleon who really delivers the complexity of her troubled character. I just hope they use the poor dead guy as a ghost of some sort. He really was a sweetheart character.
I really enjoyed Bunheads and will continue to watch it. I'm over 55 and found that it had something for everyone (love Fanny). What a breath of fresh air! Delightful!
Fred
June 12th, 2012 4:05 PM
I never saw Gilmore Girls. Actually I watch very little television other than old movies but when I read an article about "Bunheads" and learned that it was starring Sutton Foster I had to watch. I saw her in "Anything Goes" on Broadway and was knocked over by her talent. I believe this is a real winner - fast, sharp, funny repartee, interesting characters, and I’m sure we will get to see Sutton strut her stuff. That alone will make watching the show well worth it. She is also a wonderful comedic actress. Good luck Sutton and cast. Break a leg, or two, or three.
Karen Fields
June 12th, 2012 2:54 PM
I absolutely loved this show. My daughter was in from out of state, and we started to flip the channel after Secret Life, but it caught our attention from the get-go. We were actually laughing out loud during parts of the show. I am also a little disappointed that they killed off the husband, as I thought the chemistry between these two characters made the show. I will continue to watch to see if they can top the premiere last night.
Kathy Sheehan
June 12th, 2012 2:03 PM
show will repeat tonight.
As a mom of a dancer, would be nice to see a couple of the dancer moms in the mix. Should make for some great comedy.
Love the story line about the girl with the imperfect body, but yearns to dance. I think alot of young dancer students can relate to that. Good show, but what's with the Joffrey Ballet auditioning for a summer program scholorship? Been there, done that on "Dance Moms".
Suzanne
June 12th, 2012 12:41 PM
I, too was surprised at how much I enjoyed it (especially since my Mom called and said how stupid it was). I plan to keep watching!
I'm pretty sure Hubble is dead. With him out of the way, the story is all about Michelle, Fanny and the students.Sorry to see him go, though!
Caitlyn Rank: Regular Character
June 12th, 2012 11:35 AM
Gilmore Girls still remains to be my #1 favorite show and of course, I had to check out Bunheads. The writing is as great as it was in Gilmore Girls and I love that about it! Yes, there are definitely similarities between the two. Michelle easily reminds me of Lorelai and at times I caught myself thinking the character of Fanny was Emily. But I really appreciate those similarities. I feel like we're in Ms. Patty's world in Stars Hollow or something. I'm just really appreciating its similarities with Gilmore but still having its own identity. And I was definitely hooked at the end when you realize that the relationship that's going to be explored here is really that between Michelle and Fanny.
Sara
June 12th, 2012 10:44 AM
Surprisingly enjoyable show. Somehow kept things family oriented while still addressing adult themes of sex, marriage, jealousy, settling for something less and more. Had moments of real joy, laughter and poignancy. It is not meant to be "realistic" along every line story, but it none-the-less seems very real. Well written and amazingly well cast - especially among the younger folks who avoid the typical Disney trope that saying something louder equates to funnier.
Missy
June 12th, 2012 9:52 AM
I LOVE Gilmore Girls - came late to the show through repeats and bought all the dvd's - and will love this show.
Good writing, acting and style. Finally.
HazyThoughts Rank: New User
June 12th, 2012 8:54 AM
Wow! That is my main comment about "bunheads" as when I heard it was GG's magician ms Palladino...couldn't wait. I think it is super, yes, I have been totally lacking Gilmore caffeine rapid dialog,and to see Kelly Bishop during the first five minutes told me this is a door to open with crossed fingers.
SPOILER ALERT:
But, like "Fran" I too think Alan Ruck is a great male lead and bummed if his future is limited. Realize without him "fanny" and "michelle" will have to bond but he could give a good male spin on this ballet journey.
All in all, I still want to watch despite "Hubbell" (honor the character Redford played in "the way we were"?) --here or there...Palladino is back...Gilmore or Flowers, the name may be different, but the talent remains the same!!!!
memaw
June 12th, 2012 7:15 AM
Get a real dancer or at least an actress that has the body of a dancer.
JT
June 12th, 2012 4:39 AM
I am somewhere up in the air about the show. Not that it is not enjoyable - because it is. And it is not that it does not have potential - because it has. I am somewhere undecided on the question: Is it possibly too much like Gilmore Girls?
The question is actually based on another one: Do I just see so much Gilmore Girls in this show because I knew beforehand that it is Amy Sherman-Palladinos new "child" or are there just really so many similarities that the comparison was unavoidable? Now, I loved Gilmore Girls and I truly miss it - so similarity is not a bad thing per se. The tempo and witty reparte are Lorelai-esque and even the relationship between Michelle and Fanny are in some instances so very much like Lorelai and Emily. Kelly Bishop is awesome (pretty much in every character you throw at her). And seeing Alex Borstein was yet another reason to be sentimental about Gilmore Girls. Maybe the show just makes me realize once again, how much I miss GG. Who knows? Anyways, you can
June 18th, 2012 5:33 PM
I really, truly, sincerely wanted to love this show. I mean, with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Kelly Bishop what could possibly go wrong? (And before anyone jumps me, I had no idea who Sutton Foster was before this show despite my love for theater and musicals.) The premise is alright (though a bit unbelievable that Hubble was not a serial killer or something else) and the Paradise bunhead girls are charming, earnest and possibly the most interesting things about this show so far. It was only 20 minutes in when I figured out what was off - Ms. Sutton Foster. I'm sure she's amazing on stage, but acting for TV is a completely different beast. I find that she over emphasizes, both delivery and actions, as if she's trying to reach all those poor college students in the nosebleed section of the theater. I mean what good is amazing dialogue and witty zingers if it sounds contrived or forced? Finally, I think one of the key successes in Gilmore Girls is that Lorelei always had a partner-in
June 18th, 2012 5:32 PM
I really, truly, sincerely wanted to love this show. I mean, with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Kelly Bishop what could possibly go wrong? (And before anyone jumps me, I had no idea who Sutton Foster was before this show despite my love for theater and musicals.) The premise is alright (though a bit unbelievable that Hubble was not a serial killer or something else) and the Paradise bunhead girls are charming, earnest and possibly the most interesting things about this show so far. It was only 20 minutes in when I figured out what was off - Ms. Sutton Foster. I'm sure she's amazing on stage, but acting for TV is a completely different beast. I find that she over emphasizes, both delivery and actions, as if she's trying to reach all those poor college students in the nosebleed section of the theater. I mean what good is amazing dialogue and witty zingers if it sounds contrived or forced?
Finally, I think one of the key successes in Gilmore Girls is that Lorelei always had a partn
June 17th, 2012 7:32 PM
Just finished the pilot of Bunheads (thank you, Hulu) and seriously frustrated so far...dancing on a wooden floor is not safe. Aside from that, the ballet isn't the annoying part (as a dancer myself, it's important to me that dance shows be accurate)--it's how similar Michelle is to Lorelai, except she's like her less beautiful sister, and Amy Palladino didn't change her writing at all so Michelle sounds exactly like Lorelai even though she isn't. And the mother in law is Kelly Bishop (Emily), and of course she sounds the same as well--and there you have the return of the awkward mother-daughter relationship. Even Hubble sounds like Chris, both in his voice and his speech patterns (again, writing didn't change...), and then there's the music that goes with the show--it sounds like the next track on the cd that the Gilmore Girls theme came from (because both soundtracks really were written by the same person). Grrr. I absolutely loved Gilmore Girls...but you can't duplicate it so don't
June 16th, 2012 8:51 PM
I never viewed one minute of GG- it was for a younger crowd. BUT this show has Sutton Foster and I would (and have) watch her in anything. And it turns out this show is great ! The writing is funny and literate and Kelly Bishop (always great on stage) is very good. And Ms Foster is fantastic ,as usual. If she has to leave the stage for awhile, at least she's in something that appears to be very good. I hope this show is a hit - but don't keep Sutton off the stage too long.
June 15th, 2012 11:48 AM
I watched this with my 13-year old last night and loved it! She is a dancer so that was the obvious draw for us, but the entire storyline was refreshing and new for us since we did not watch GG. I'm hoping it comes to stand on its own and continues to entertain like in the pilot episode. Can't wait to see more :)
June 15th, 2012 4:35 AM
Although I loved the first episode of this show, the fact that it is so reminiscent of Gilmore Girls may not be such a good thing. From the very beginning, you could tell this was of similar stock: the main character, the cooky town and people, even the matriarch mother - although Bishop is crazy here, she still a somewhat controlling personality just like in GG. And although I loved it, I don't want another one! Let's hope this is sufficiently different.
Rank: Staff Member
June 13th, 2012 11:59 PM
Fear not, Ceceliz, as I am not the reviewer, but merely reviewed the pilot. A pilot which I, admittedly, had no intention of watching. It was that admission that brought on the GG comparisons because the thought of watching anything even remotely resembling a "bunhead" was not something that interested me.
Amy Sherman-Palladino, however, has a style and a design to her writing that draws you in, no matter your interests. If that meant that I made comparisons to Gilmore Girls for the pilot review and perhaps engaged viewers for later showings, I will not apologize.
June 13th, 2012 9:03 AM
I thought the pilot of Bunheads was so good. I actually watched it a couple of weeks ago on line at ABC Family, then watched it with my daughter, and last night again with my husband (who surprisingly said he'd watch it again. Each time I came away with something new. Loved that some of GG characters were there. Drea, the harp player as the hooker, and Gypsy the auto mechanic, Truly's friend/coworker. Also loved the terrible cut off shorts Michelle wore, just like the ones Loreli wore to Rory's first day at Chilton. Oh, I so missed ASP's unique writing style. I am so happy this show got picked up. The advertisements do NOT do it justice.
June 13th, 2012 1:24 AM
While I loved Gilmore Girls, I hope that every review for Bunheads going forward does not contain belabored comparisons to Gilmore Girls. Different show, folks, time to move on.
Rank: Extra
June 13th, 2012 12:40 AM
As a GG fan much was expected of Amy and she delivered. Sutton Foster was impressive and beautiful and those legs wow. I never much liked Kelly Bishop's GG mom as a character, the cold moms aint my cup of tea but am looking forward to a character of hers that I can connect more to. Seeing these young girls reminds me of when my daughter was their age. Seeing all that vulnerability and energy and sweetness in Boo brought back some pleasant memories. I must say I had my doubts about this new marriage and it makes some sense to me that they are probably knocking off the lead guy right off the bat. He makes more sense as a plot device to land Michelle in a place she can give her life direction, maybe find meaning in something and still be funny adorable and dance like crazy.
Rank: Recurring Character
June 12th, 2012 8:31 PM
Nothing can or ever will replace Gilmore Girls in my heart!!! I liked the pilot and will definitely check it out again, but I will never love a show like I did GG! :(( I miss it so much!
June 12th, 2012 8:15 PM
As an avid GG fan, I was not all that impressed with Bunheads. It felt like Sutton Foster's character was trying too hard to sound like Lorelai Gilmore. And why are there no black/Latina/Asian ballet dancers in the main group of four -- the lack of diverity is really alarming.
June 12th, 2012 5:41 PM
Wry, witty, relevant, poignant, smart, engrossing, fast moving, and with character honing (especially Fanny's who is coming from the outside IN) this show should be a long staple. Ms Foster is a chameleon who really delivers the complexity of her troubled character. I just hope they use the poor dead guy as a ghost of some sort. He really was a sweetheart character.
Rank: Guest Star
June 12th, 2012 5:17 PM
I really enjoyed Bunheads and will continue to watch it. I'm over 55 and found that it had something for everyone (love Fanny). What a breath of fresh air! Delightful!
June 12th, 2012 4:05 PM
I never saw Gilmore Girls. Actually I watch very little television other than old movies but when I read an article about "Bunheads" and learned that it was starring Sutton Foster I had to watch. I saw her in "Anything Goes" on Broadway and was knocked over by her talent. I believe this is a real winner - fast, sharp, funny repartee, interesting characters, and I’m sure we will get to see Sutton strut her stuff. That alone will make watching the show well worth it. She is also a wonderful comedic actress. Good luck Sutton and cast. Break a leg, or two, or three.
June 12th, 2012 2:54 PM
I absolutely loved this show. My daughter was in from out of state, and we started to flip the channel after Secret Life, but it caught our attention from the get-go. We were actually laughing out loud during parts of the show. I am also a little disappointed that they killed off the husband, as I thought the chemistry between these two characters made the show. I will continue to watch to see if they can top the premiere last night.
June 12th, 2012 2:03 PM
show will repeat tonight.
As a mom of a dancer, would be nice to see a couple of the dancer moms in the mix. Should make for some great comedy.
Love the story line about the girl with the imperfect body, but yearns to dance. I think alot of young dancer students can relate to that. Good show, but what's with the Joffrey Ballet auditioning for a summer program scholorship? Been there, done that on "Dance Moms".
June 12th, 2012 12:41 PM
I, too was surprised at how much I enjoyed it (especially since my Mom called and said how stupid it was). I plan to keep watching!
I'm pretty sure Hubble is dead. With him out of the way, the story is all about Michelle, Fanny and the students.Sorry to see him go, though!
Rank: Regular Character
June 12th, 2012 11:35 AM
Gilmore Girls still remains to be my #1 favorite show and of course, I had to check out Bunheads. The writing is as great as it was in Gilmore Girls and I love that about it! Yes, there are definitely similarities between the two. Michelle easily reminds me of Lorelai and at times I caught myself thinking the character of Fanny was Emily. But I really appreciate those similarities. I feel like we're in Ms. Patty's world in Stars Hollow or something. I'm just really appreciating its similarities with Gilmore but still having its own identity. And I was definitely hooked at the end when you realize that the relationship that's going to be explored here is really that between Michelle and Fanny.
June 12th, 2012 10:44 AM
Surprisingly enjoyable show. Somehow kept things family oriented while still addressing adult themes of sex, marriage, jealousy, settling for something less and more. Had moments of real joy, laughter and poignancy. It is not meant to be "realistic" along every line story, but it none-the-less seems very real. Well written and amazingly well cast - especially among the younger folks who avoid the typical Disney trope that saying something louder equates to funnier.
June 12th, 2012 9:52 AM
I LOVE Gilmore Girls - came late to the show through repeats and bought all the dvd's - and will love this show.
Good writing, acting and style. Finally.
Rank: New User
June 12th, 2012 8:54 AM
Wow! That is my main comment about "bunheads" as when I heard it was GG's magician ms Palladino...couldn't wait. I think it is super, yes, I have been totally lacking Gilmore caffeine rapid dialog,and to see Kelly Bishop during the first five minutes told me this is a door to open with crossed fingers.
SPOILER ALERT:
But, like "Fran" I too think Alan Ruck is a great male lead and bummed if his future is limited. Realize without him "fanny" and "michelle" will have to bond but he could give a good male spin on this ballet journey.
All in all, I still want to watch despite "Hubbell" (honor the character Redford played in "the way we were"?) --here or there...Palladino is back...Gilmore or Flowers, the name may be different, but the talent remains the same!!!!
June 12th, 2012 7:15 AM
Get a real dancer or at least an actress that has the body of a dancer.
June 12th, 2012 4:39 AM
I am somewhere up in the air about the show. Not that it is not enjoyable - because it is. And it is not that it does not have potential - because it has. I am somewhere undecided on the question: Is it possibly too much like Gilmore Girls?
The question is actually based on another one: Do I just see so much Gilmore Girls in this show because I knew beforehand that it is Amy Sherman-Palladinos new "child" or are there just really so many similarities that the comparison was unavoidable? Now, I loved Gilmore Girls and I truly miss it - so similarity is not a bad thing per se. The tempo and witty reparte are Lorelai-esque and even the relationship between Michelle and Fanny are in some instances so very much like Lorelai and Emily. Kelly Bishop is awesome (pretty much in every character you throw at her). And seeing Alex Borstein was yet another reason to be sentimental about Gilmore Girls. Maybe the show just makes me realize once again, how much I miss GG. Who knows? Anyways, you can
June 12th, 2012 2:52 AM
@Maria
The pilot is on Itunes for free now.