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

My week being Bored to Death

This Sunday ushers in the second season of HBO’s comedy series Bored to Death, starring: Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson.  A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of watching the entire first season and I didn’t even become distracted by Jason’s amazing hair! Just in case you missed it, Jason Schwartzman plays writer Jonathan Ames who moonlights as an unlicensed private detective after the break up with his girlfriend (played by Olivia Thirlby).  While solving cases, Jonathan also acts as the confidante to his boss, George (Ted Danson), and best friend Ray (Zach Galifianakis).  The antics of this trio prove to be quirky and absurd in a fun way.  Despite the craziness, you will be rooting for Jonathan and co. to succeed at the end.  Catch the new season of Bored to Death, tonight on HBO at 10:00 pm EST.  Here is the link to the Season Two Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6nNRufm0yA




Ted Danson, Zach Galifianakis, and Jason Schwartzman
(photo courtesy of tvguide.com)

 

A Quick Introduction

Hello Everyone!

I would like to start off my introducing myself.  My name is Rachel, I’m a Bronx native, and I have recently graduated with degrees in English and Film Studies.  Like everyone else, I love film and television.  My love of coffee came from all-nighters during my undergraduate years.  The first movie that gave me the "itch" for film studies was Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull, which I first viewed in my twelfth grade Survey of Film class.  However, my interest in writing and directing became full-fledged during my college Creative Writing, Film Criticism, and Independent Cinema classes.  Those three along with other English and Film classes provided me with my awakening.  Though I may be a little late in the game, I say, better late than never. ;).

 Here's a quick look at the film that provided my "re-awakening."

 A Woman Under the Influence (1974) directed by the pioneer of indie film, and one of my favorite filmmakers, John Cassavetes.

Gena Rowlands (above) as Mabel Longhetti in, A Woman Under The Influence (1974), (photo courtesy of www.criterion.com).

I shared one of the films that captured me.  Are there any films that you find yourself watching repeatedly? Or any that really "got" you?  Also, I'm open to suggestions for improving my blog.  This is my first, so be gentle ;)

This Cassavetes film is one of my favorites because of the story and camera work.  As a viewer, I can’t help but be intrigued by Mabel and even more by those who react to her behavior.  It makes us wonder are the things we see in front of us strange, or do we only  perceive them to be.  Not only is the story captivating, but the acting from Rowlands and Peter Falk (as husband Nick Longhetti), and Cassavetes’ directing is phenomenal.  He definitely crosses the cinematic and cultural codes that audiences are used to seeing.  I would highly recommend this. Enjoy!