Modern Family

When I was first recommended Modern Family, I assumed it was nothing more than a generic, Network friendly sitcom with predictable laughter cues, inoffensive dialogue and a schmaltzy conclusion to each episode.

Only one of those was correct.

A first-time viewer of Modern Family would be right in thinking the show was indeed all of the above. It has a gloss to it, a certain polish that only seems to accompany big-budget Primetime Network programmes, and when you realise this particular production was owned by 20th Century Fox, you immediately understand why it looks the way it does.

But arguably Modern Family's greatest asset is its ability to disguise itself as a by the numbers entry, whereas underneath the surface lies a fantastic ensemble cast, a group of characters that bounce off one another with veritable ease, and in amongst that family of comic actors lives arguably the best comedy character on television.

Phil Dunphy, played by Ty Burrell (of Dawn of the Dead remake fame), is a masterfully idiotic character who manages to encompass a level of humiliation and clown-like aloofness which places him on-par with the likes of Homer Simpson. Whilst many saw Hal from Malcolm in the Middle (brought to life by Bryan Cranston) as the real-life Homer, Phil manages to seemingly best him in every department, other than the former being more willing to go all out for physical gags.

Whilst the rest of the characters work so well with each other, and quite literally create this sense of hysteria, calamity and silliness that only a fictional family could, Phil stands tall. His look to camera as he accidentally angers his wife (Julie Bown, of 'Ed' fame), his constantly tripping up the stairs, never seemingly learn from his previous mistakes, his awkward yet wholesome relationship with his unnervingly frisky father. It's in his delivery that Ty Burrell really comes into his own as Mr Dunphy. His sheepish and almost childlike enthusiasm when boasting to the camera about his worklife, his kids and wife all demonstrate his ability, but arguably his greatest moment was when he received an iPad on his Birthday. Words can't do justice to that particular episode (Game Changer, season 1 episode 19), so I'll let you see for yourself.

Enjoy.

Boardwalk Empire

Seeing as Boardwalk Empire has just finished its fourth season, now seems like a good time to actually discuss it. I don't think I've mentioned it or covered it on here before.

Basically, the HBO show covers the start of Prohibition, and the fallout. It stars Steve Buscemi as the lead character, Nucky Thompson, though others such as Stephen Graham (of This is England fame) also appear, Graham playing the infamous Al Capone.

There are various film stars in the show - not necessarily A list, but it's a start - and this is a recurring theme as Hollywood actors make the transition from the big screen to the silver screen, realising the rising interest in basic and premium cable shows from the US, as well as a select few Primetime UK shows.

What needs to be said of Boardwalk Empire, if you've endured the first couple of slow-burning seasons, is that the character development has now reached a point where the show genuinely has ten or so characters, upon which any number of storylines can be forged. In terms of US TV dramas, its strength in depth (to use a terrible football cliché) is unmatched.

The cinematography is up there with the likes of Breaking Bad - you'd hope so, given the supposed budget - and its all-round narrative, albeit sometimes directionless, constantly creates scenes of genuine intrigue, tension and serious drama.

Without giving too much away, the season four finale had two notable story arcs, both involving characters the audience had grown to love and invest their time in. Those two story arcs ended in opposing fashion, and has had many Internet writers feeling somewhat betrayed by the show's creators for forcing such a heartbreaking ending on its fans.

But sometimes that's what quality drama is about. In order to truly feel a part of a show such as Boardwalk Empire, you have to take the good with the bad. You have to invest yourself, your emotions, and your time. And although the viewing figures don't match up - The Walking Dead attracts roughly eight times as many viewers - it's a show which has been consistently well-written from day one, has created memorable and universally loved characters, and will hopefully be remembered, long after it ends.

2013: Films of the Year so far

Although I haven't done any updates since the Ryan Davis entry, I was reminded tonight that I've seen some films worth watching (and recommending) this year, from the Oscars season in January, up til October (thus far).

The following is a list of films from 2013 that I feel are worth watching, though I believe Rundskopp may be a 2012 release, though that doesn't mean it's not worth watching by any means:

Rundskopp
In the House
Intouchable
The Sessions
The Way Way Back
The Conjuring
Disconnect
Mud
What Maisie Knew

Intouchable is actually a 2011 film that had a 2012 release on DVD, but it's arguably the best (foreign, at least) film I've seen of recent times, so it's going on the list too.

Also worth mentioning, although I may have written about them on here before, are Teddy Bear and Michael, recent films but I'm unsure of their original release dates.