Marisa Carroll

Reviews

Hoarders

Hoarders vividly illustrates the psychological effects of hoarding, the feelings of shame, worthlessness, and despair caused by living in an uncontrollable mess. [14 September 2009]

Entourage: Season Six Premiere

Vince is simply too old, too handsome, and too successful to still be coming of age. [12 July 2009]

The L Word

As a result of the much publicised murder at the start of this season's L Word, the first few episodes resemble Murder She Wrote, just with more, um, oral. And yes, in terms of the sex, The L Word is as hot as ever. [18 January 2009]

The Ex List: Series Premiere

The supernatural premise underlying Bella’s quest may be fantastic, but the urgent desire to find a husband “before it’s too late” is unfortunately all too common. [3 October 2008]

The Return of Jezebel James

To start, the premise of The Return of Jezebel James -- infertility -- isn’t exactly a knee-slapper. [14 March 2008]

Family Ties: The Complete First Season

The writing and delivery on Family Ties are strongest when the main characters were in conflict with each other, especially when Alex and Mallory go head to head. [29 November 2007]

Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show

One of the most innovative series of the ‘90s finally arrives on DVD, with the set produced by none other than star and creator Garry Shandling… [3 August 2007]

The Two Coreys

On the heels of Lindsay Lohan’s recent DUI arrest and Britney Spears’ reported meltdown at an OK! magazine photo shoot, the premiere of A&E’s The Two Coreys seems almost suspiciously well-timed. [27 July 2007]

The Sopranos: Series Finale

A priest once explained to Carmela, "God understands that we all live in the middle of tensions." David Chase understands that too. [19 June 2007]

The Sopranos

The problem with the Soprano family, as Bobby chided Tony, is that they "always go too far." It's also a primary reason the show is so compelling. [25 April 2007]

The L Word

The L Word is more enjoyable to watch with a group, mostly because subtlety is not one of its strengths. [11 January 2007]

The L Word: The Complete Third Season

Season Three's biggest storylines were also the most controversial among fans: Dana's death from breast cancer; and the introduction of a transgender character. [5 January 2007]

Deliver Us From Evil (2006)

Where do you go when your clergy have behaved so abominably? Do you leave the Church that you love? If you decide to stay, are you in some way complicit in the crimes of your leaders? [25 October 2006]

My Name is Earl: The Complete First Season

At the end of "Joy's Wedding," Earl lets loose to Young MC's "Bust a Move" his eyes brightening and his mouth melting into a blissful grin. It's a sublimely goofy moment. [23 October 2006]

Six Degrees

In a city of eight million people, I’d bet you could find at least 7.9 million everyday dramas that are more engaging and genuine than the ones assembled here. [28 September 2006]

Imagine Me & You (2005)

Heck's heartbreak, the most resonanting aspect of this film, is not necessarily a bad thing, but it sure does drain the piss out of Luce and Rachel's final, loving, lesbian embrace. [3 August 2006]

The OH in Ohio (2006)

The main problem with The OH in Ohio is that most of its hijinks seem cribbed from episodes of Sex and the City -- and we're talking Season Two. [14 July 2006]

Entourage

Entourage's depiction of the delicate symbiotic relationship between the talent and their support staff is often perceptive and revealing, elevating the series above pure fantasy or self-parody. [27 June 2006]

Mommie Dearest: Hollywood Royalty Edition (1981)

Watching Mommie Dearest: Hollywood Royalty Edition with John Waters' commentary track is like seeing it with your sharpest, funniest friend, who just happens to have inside dish on Melanie Griffith. [5 June 2006]

The Family Stone (2005)

In trying to balance the competing forces of farce and pathos, the film is at times funny and moving, though there are so many characters and subplots that some get lost in the shuffle. [1 May 2006]

The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2005)

If only Lazarescu had wandered into a slick American melodrama, maybe someone would have made sure he received the relief he needed. [26 April 2006]

Lonesome Jim (2006)

Anika (Liv Tyler) is either an earthbound guardian angel or the Midwest's most voluptuously lipped stalker. [14 April 2006]

The Evidence

The introduction of a running metanarrative that links all the episodes upsets the underlying sense of justice this formula typically provides. [29 March 2006]

The Sopranos

Punctuated by whip-smart, often salty humor, The Sopranos is also permeated by violence, uncertainty, and dread. By Season Six, Tony Soprano's fear seems realized. [1 January 1995]

Entourage

Entourage's depiction of the delicate symbiotic relationship between the talent and their support staff is often perceptive and revealing, elevating the series above pure fantasy or self-parody.