ViewGuide

Created Sep 17, 2013 09:24AM PST • Edited Sep 17, 2013 09:24AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   This is my first immersion in to a Larry David indulgence, and I’m told this is classic Larry David. Some call it the unofficial ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm” movie. How to describe? ⅓ full-on LOL, ⅓ whiny sarcasm, and ⅓ character-schtick. Clear History is funny indeed. Watching David plague himself with misfortune and engage in sometimes nonsensical dialog with an equally funny and well known cast was a hoot. The story itself is almost irrelevant; it was merely a vehicle to expose some really great and funny on-screen talent.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   This was a head-turning cast. Literally chock-full of stars:

   Larry David is in his prime – but its a bit of an acquired taste. You have to tolerate the whiny-ness to get to the funny.

   Jon Hamm of ‘Mad Men’ fame, is perfect as the polished and slimy 1%-er

   Kate Hudson! Yes! Her character was actually much more refined than necessary for a movie like this.

   Michael Keaton is just great as a redneck buddy with half a screw loose.

   Danny McBride is a buddy’s buddy and holds the movie together.

   Eva Mendes was hilarious with her interpretation of a cuban accent and guy-handling skills.

   Amy Ryan as the jaded waitress is classic!

   J.B. Smoove – acts like his name sounds like he should act.

   Bill Hader from the Mindy Project, the Office, and other TV sit-coms is muted but a funny accomplice

   Philip Baker Hall always seems to find himself in comedies like this. A fall-guy trooper.

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.4

17. Sex Innocent 1.4

18. Violence Gentle 1.4

19. Rudeness Polite 1.4

21. Reality

    Glib 1.7

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.7

23. Biological Glib 1.7

24. Physical Glib 1.7