Why you should watch the "Just kidding" series with Jim Carrey

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The life hacker talks about the artistic merits of the new project, as well as the life situations in which the heroes find themselves.

On November 11, Showtime aired the final episode of the first season of Kidding, a collaboration between Jim Carrey and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Michel Gondry. This project is not just a triumphant return of the actor, but a truly magnificent series with many artistic merit. In addition, a lot of useful things can be learned from it.

The plot tells about Jeff (aka Mr. Pickles) - the creator of everyone's favorite children's show. Jeff is adored by people of all ages. He tries to help not only in word, but also in deed: he transfers money to charitable foundations, supports the sick and children.

But he cannot figure out his life: one of the twin sons died, the second does not want to talk to his father, Jeff divorced his wife and now lives separately. And a person who is used to bringing goodness and wisdom is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, completely not knowing how to live with these emotions.

3 reasons to watch this show

1. Jim Carrey starring

Once upon a time, this wonderful actor was known exclusively for his comedic roles. For many, "The Mask", "Ace Ventura", "Dumb and Dumber" are favorite films of childhood or youth. But then Kerry began to reveal more and more dramatic talent, played controversial and even gloomy roles. And best of all, he succeeds in tragicomedy - a combination of the funny and the sad.

This talent is revealed in "Just Kidding". The hero Kerry is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, he has fits of rage, he tries to shave his head. But at the same time he tries to be nice to others, continues to conduct a children's program, although he is more and more inclined towards serious topics in it.

In addition, all this is too reminiscent of the fate of Jim Carrey himself. He became famous for his funny roles and delighted millions of viewers, but for years he practically disappeared from the screens due to personal tragedies.

In addition to Kerry, many wonderful actors play in the series. The role of his father is played by Frank Langella, and the sister is played by Catherine Keener (both nominees for "" and winners of multiple awards). But we must admit that, first of all, the story rests on the main character.

2. In 5 minutes from tears to laughter and back

"Just kidding" is one of those rare stories where the viewer can choke with laughter, and after five minutes can hardly hold back tears. The crazy plot moves are surprising, and the jokes are really funny, although they often balance on the very edge of decency. Here they talk about sexual orientation, using as an analogy playing the clarinet and the piano, and a guest from the East portrays shadow theater, but manages to hold three dolls at once, using not only his hands.

And literally immediately they raise serious topics: how family members can learn to communicate again after the death of a child, how to behave with a terminally ill person, whether it is necessary to maintain a marriage without love for the sake of a son. Each of these moments touches to the core, because in funny masks and strange situations they show real life and ask questions that neither the characters nor the audience have an answer to.

3. A feast for the eyes

Jim Carrey and Michelle Gondry have already worked together on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. And in many ways "Just kidding" repeats the history of the picture. Here again an ambiguous plot, framed in a very unusual visual series. For example, during a dialogue between two characters in a cafe, only their legs under the table are shown. And it conveys emotions better than if there were faces in the frame. Filming for a kids show is a constant set of simple yet very ingenious effects that allow characters to fly in a barrel or tap dance.

But the most striking example is a continuous scene, which shows the changes in the room of one of the heroines over time. The creators of the series then shared a video about the work on this moment, and there really is no hidden editing - only the well-coordinated work of the film crew.

This scene can be called a separate piece of art. The whole story of a man in two minutes and amazingly complex preparation behind the scenes.

What teaches "Just kidding"

The plot of the series, as it were, echoes the wishes of the hero himself: here, in simple words, they talk about very difficult situations that may be familiar to many. And perhaps a screen example will help someone avoid problems in real life.

1. You can not lock emotions in yourself

Jeff Pickles is used to being always kind and joyful. He tries to stay calm even in the most difficult situations. But in fact, irritation and anger accumulate in him, which leads to a nervous breakdown. cannot be hidden forever: the consequences can be disastrous. And the broken furniture in the office is not the worst thing.

2. You need to talk to children about serious topics

Talking to a child about the death or divorce of the parents is very difficult. But if you constantly protect him from such topics, then the consequences can be much worse.

Children know the sky is blue. Now they need to know what to do when it collapses.

Jeff Pickles

Jeff wants to speak to them in plain language about such things. He records programs, makes analogies with lost things and toys. But they refuse to broadcast all this, offering in return to talk about colors once again. And then his sister's daughter falls into hysterics, learning that the parents may separate.

3. Family and friends of a successful person remain in his shadow

Jeff's family and friends in the series devote no less time than the main character. And the best example of someone who gets overlooked is his sister Didi. She stays on the sidelines all her life, yielding to her father and brother. At the same time, Didi has been making costumes for shows for years, managing dolls and trying in every possible way to support loved ones. But her work is almost always invisible to others.

4. Doing business with relatives is very difficult

Mr. Pickles' company is run by his father Sebastian. When a man begins to doubt the adequacy of his son, he finds himself in a difficult situation: on the one hand, he must support a loved one, on the other, take care of jobs and the possibility of the show itself without its main character.

At first glance, it may seem that Sebastian is ready to sacrifice his son for the sake of business, but in fact he really worries about the well-being of the family and such decisions are very difficult to make.

5. When helping strangers, do not forget about your loved ones

Thousands of people thank Mr. Pickles for his help. But due to the fact that he was all the time busy with the show, Jeff's own children were often deprived of communication with their father. He also lost touch with his wife. As a result, it turned out that Jeff, helping almost the whole world, forgot about his relatives. Strangers come to him for advice, they send him letters. But he doesn't know how to talk to his own son.

All 10 episodes of "Just Kidding" have now been released on Showtime. And now is the time to get acquainted with the series, even for those who did not catch its start. In addition, it has already been renewed for a second season, which means that the story of Mr. Pickles is not over.