alwayshungry Reviews

Monk: Mr. Monk and the Actor (2006) Season 5, Episode 1

Stanley Tucci tries to out-Monk Tony Shalhoub

[9/10 · 30 April 2011]

First off, I haven't been following Monk so this is one of the few episodes I caught and I have to say Stanley Tucci deserves the award he received for playing his character, David Ruskin.

In this episode, Stanley Tucci plays a method actor who will play Monk in a movie based on a previous case. Tony Shalhoub has made a name for himself playing the very peculiar Monk and to have someone to attempt the role and succeed really shows the strength of these two actors.

I was hooked at the beginning when Tucci showed up on set and I could already see that he can pull off the Monk look and the rest of the episode made me truly applaud his outstanding portrayal. And I have to remember the actor that help brought such a wonderful character to life.

I'm glad that of all the episodes I caught, I was able to see such talented actors. I guess the only downfall would be the lack of shine from the supporting cast. It's like the two amazing actors took so much of the attention that the others sort of fade into the background.

Yesterday Once More (2004)

A surprisingly delightful movie

[7/10 · 21 September 2005]

Plot summary: Sammi and Andy are a pair of successful thieves. Happily married, they've been stealing together since their teens. One day, as they were splitting up the gems, Andy suddenly announce he wants a divorce. Without an explanation, he leaves.

To years later, you find a business tycoon named Steven proposing to Sammi but she only agrees if she is given a piece of the family jewels. But the sly soon to be mother-in-law doesn't trust Sammi and makes her agree to a contract. Sensing that this is going to be too much trouble, she decides to just steal the necklace herself. Only she is beaten to the punch by her ex husband. As she tries to recover the stolen necklace, the passions between the two are once again revived. However, one question will always remain: Why did he leave her two years ago? Not of a fan of either Sammi or Andy, I was pleasantly surprised to discovered that this movie was very enjoyable experience. The two lead characters had great chemistry together as they played very in-sync thieves as well as lovers. Although Andy is always a step ahead of Sammi, you can help but see that these two were made for each other. The supporting cast does their roles well. You feel sympathy for the blinded tycoon but know that Sammi is not for him. As well as the funny pair of comic relief detectives.

Another notable aspect is the settings and the placement of all the characters. There are scenes that are like art displays. Nice camera angles and no lagging in the duration of the whole movie. The actors and plot line successfully pulls you in to a roller-coaster of emotions as you guess along with them what the other is thinking. With the benefit of knowing what the other is doing, the audience also gets to anticipate whether the other is aware. A fun puzzle like quiz. In the end, you will leave with a satisfied 98 minutes of delightful entertainment. Hope you like it as much as I did. =)

something to look closely at: each time Andy gives Sammi a choice between two questions.