How to Make It in America: Season 2

PHOTOS BY HBO.COM



Happy Weekend Cinephiles! I hope you’re all excited as I am for the Season 2 premiere of the HBO series, “How to Make It in America.” I was initially apprehensive about watching Season 1, but a friend prompted me to watch (shout out to graenewyork!) and when I finally did, I fell in LOVE! In short, the back drop is NYC where we follow 20 something’s, Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) in particular, on their journey from dreaming to making those dreams happen. The show is fresh, familiar, and has a badass soundtrack. This season introduces new characters and the stakes are even higher for our buddies, Ben and Cam. Anyway, instead of blabbering on, here are five reasons everyone should watch an all-day marathon of Season 1 and start Season 2.

1) The setting: what better place is there to set a show about 20something’s hustling to make their dreams come true than NYC, the city of opportunities. The show is shot here, giving it an air authenticity of everything New York and the lives of this generation of young entrepreneurs. Being a New Yorker it is all so familiar.

2) Characters: Though it doesn’t delve into deep, psychological character study (not supposed to) audiences feel as though Ben and Cam are their best friends. We laugh, root for them, and want to see them succeed. Watching their determination is what makes me write this blog.

3) It’s relatable: The producers have definitely struck a chord with this generation of “go-getters.” Not only do we find jobs, but we also create them and become our own bosses. It’s refreshing to see people in my age bracket honestly ask themselves: what the hell should I do with my life? What do I love? How can I dream big and make it happen?




Photo from wallpaper.net
(l-r. Greenberg, Rasuk, Mescudi, Thomas)













4)     Bryan Greenberg: Greenberg has always been a solid actor, but I really love him as the determined, head strong, self-starting (prompted by best friend Cam) designer.  He plays Ben in a way that represents “everyman” yet there’s an essence of mystery present that audiences want to know more about.  I think in season two there will be a lot more to discover.  Bryan Greenberg displays understated passion in the eyes of Ben. 

5)     Victor Rasuk: Rasuk, who originally grew up on the Lower East Side, is authentic in his portrayal as best friend Cam Calderon to Greenberg’s Ben Epstein.  He provides the hijinks, funny, and raises the stakes for him and Ben to get the ball rolling.  Not to mention he has many of the best lines on the show.  He’s the best friend (and for the ladies, boyfriend) anyone would want to have around to keep things interesting.  He radiates bromance chemistry with Greenberg, not to mention, he’s pretty charming in person. Both he and Greenberg are naturals.

Now go! See if New York City eats its young, or if Ben and Cam conquer. Go and catch up on Season 1 of the show so that you can experience the awesomeness that will ensue on Season 2.   I hope I’ve convinced you all, and remember the Season 2 premiere of “How to Make It in America” airs Sunday, October 2^nd, 10:30PM est, only on HBO. Here's a quick link to the Season 2 Teaser Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCHUd9y5yQs&NR=1