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Martin Short

Only Murders in the Building: Killer Fun While Embracing the Mess

August 29, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

From podcasts to true crime stories, the mystery genre has never been hotter and, thankfully, the sheer joy within Only Murders in the Building keeps that trend alive and well. Tightly written and executed, the series pops with fun amidst the murderous mayhem. As unlikely sleuths, Martin, Short and Gomez are simply delightful together onscreen. Backed by some wonderfully fun supporting cast like Tina Fey, Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan and a dog-hating Sting, the three sleuths bound around the hotel looking for clues to the murder of the mysterious Tim Kono with a youthful energy and enthusiasm in their performances that we haven’t seen in a very long time. 

Set in a restless condo in New York City, Only Murders in the Building follows three strangers whose lives are turned upside down after a young man they know as Tim Kono is suddenly killed. Labelled a suicide by the police, the ruling doesn’t sit well with wannabe sleuths Mable (Selina Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short) who immediately set out to uncover the truth about Tim Kono’s demise. Although they know nothing about each other, their love of true crime podcasts and mystery fuels their passion for the case. However, the greatest lies may in fact be the ones that they tell each other as they keep their own secrets hidden on their quest for the truth.

Despite the age gap between the leads, the team may be unlikely but never seems out of place together. Having found a bit of a career boost in recent years, Short and Martin have worked together for so long that their banter stems out of their very real friendship but even they seem rejuvenated here. In addition, while she may seem like an odd choice at first, Gomez is a suitable addition to the team and she bridges the generation gap, making the series more accessible to younger viewers. 

As with all stories of this nature, Only Murders deals with the impact that the secrets and lies we keep have upon our daily lives. What may set it apart however is its interest in ‘embracing our mess’, rather than simply hide from it. Without giving any spoilers, for Mable, Charles and Oliver the appearance of success and happiness have become just as much of a priority as actually experiencing it for themselves. In each case, these broken souls seem to have everything together on the outside, even as they waste away within. Oliver refuses to let go of his apartment, despite his own financial setbacks. Charles happily reminds people of his career long ago as television detective Brazzos. Mable lives in luxury but keeps her emotional traumas close to her vest. To them, anonymity is power and image is everything.

As they hide their stories from one another, they play a sort of emotional poker with one another (and themselves). However, as their shadows begin to emerge, they become forced to accept the dark corners of their lives that they despise most. (“Embrace the mess. That’s where the best stuff happens,” they’re told.) For Oliver, Mable and Charlie, embracing the mess means being willing to address their brokenness and acknowledge it as a part of who they are. While this is never an easy task, the three characters begin to experience a personal wholeness that has eluded them for some time as they open themselves up to the flaws in their journey. Their stories are as intricate as that of Tim Kono and just as important to reconcile.

Lively and hilarious, Only Murders in the Building has all the makings of a hit. Led by its eager cast and anchored by a solid script, the series is easily one of the most fun surprises of the summer and well worth investigating. Like the podcasts that the characters adore, these Murders are killer fun and should keep people tuning in. 

The first 3 episodes of Only Murders in the Building are available on Hulu and Disney+ on Tuesday, August 31st, 2021, with new episodes weekly.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Hulu, Reviews, SmallFish Tagged With: Amy Ryan, Disney+, hulu, Martin Short, Nathan Lane, Only Murders in the Building, Podcast, Selina Gomez, Steve Martin, Sting, Tina Fey, true crime

Elliot the Littlest Reindeer: Move Over, Rudolph

December 13, 2018 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

When Blitzen suddenly announces his retirement from Santa’s elite team of reindeer, Santa needs to find a replacement. Filled with dreams of pulling the famed sleigh, Elliot the pony and his best friend, Hazel the goat, set out to prove that he is the horse for the job. As Elliot and Hazel take on the North Pole reindeer try-outs, Hazel learns that Christmas, as we know it, may be headed for disaster. When he discovers that a villainous woman is threatening the family farm back home, Elliot is faced with the biggest decision of his life.

Written and directed by Jennifer Westcott, the film’s sense of wonder and adventure ensures that it will fit nicely into any family’s rotation of annual Christmas. Animated in a style reminiscent of such Christmas classics as The Polar Express, Elliot the Littlest Reindeer has a timeless feel from the outset. Featuring a stellar cast from Martin Short, Josh Hutcherson, Samantha Bee and more, the script also offers them opportunities to shine in each of their various roles. (This is particularly true of Short who voices two different villains in the film.)

At its heart, Elliot the Littlest Reindeer is a tribute to believing in what someone can achieve, even if others don’t believe it’s possible. Though he yearns to pull Santa’s sleigh, Elliot is consistently looked over by those around him simply because he isn’t a reindeer. Although he has the drive, the heart and the ability, he is consistently told that he doesn’t measure up to the others because of his species. By viewing him through only one lens, his peers stereotype him in a way that continues to be limiting. In fact, only after dressing in a reindeer disguise is he respected enough to be included in serious conversation about whether or not he has the talent to achieve his dream. (Interestingly, as he becomes increasingly accepted as a reindeer, Elliot also must struggle with his views of others as he begins to take on the personality traits of the bullies that once intimidated him.) In doing so, the film serves as a reminder of the importance of knowing who we are and the dangers of limiting others with stereotypes.

In the end, Elliot the Littlest Reindeer is an entertaining children’s film that speaks to more than believing in Santa Claus and leaving presents under the tree. By looking at what happens when we view others through one set of lenses, Elliot speaks to the importance of accepting ourselves—and one another—for who we are.

 

For audio of our interview with CG Supervisor Sumira Dhawan, click here.

Special featurette on the Blu-ray is “Meet Eliot.”

Filed Under: Film, Podcast, Reviews Tagged With: animation, CGI, children's film, Christmas, Christmas film, Elliot the Littlest Reindeer, John Cleese, Josh Hutcherson, Martin Short, Samantha Bee, Santa Claus, Santa Clause, Sumira Dhawan

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