Hustle - Complete Seasons One and Two (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Hustle" is a breezy, lightweight treat from BBC America. Originally broadcast in the States on AMC, the series follows a group of con artists as they stage one elaborate setup after another. London is their playground, and these pros are in for the "long con" to make a fortune from each episode's caper. Their "mark," in each case, is generally undone by his/her own failings or misdeeds for our group has distinct ethics--they only target people who deserve it. That's certainly a pleasant notion. It keeps things frothy and fun--and keeps anyone from viewing the protagonists as villains and criminals (which, in truth, they are).
"Hustle" succeeds by having a talented and appealing cast. Not only do you like everyone, you root for them. Robert Vaughn is the show's biggest name, and here he plays the mastermind who often lures the victims to their eventual undoing. Adrian Lester is the group's leader, a legendary con man recently released from prison. Marc Warren provides much of the comedic relief as Danny Blue--a young, irreverent newcomer who challenges and frustrates the others. The funniest moments generally involve Lester and Warren going head-to-head, each always trying to outdo the other. The team is rounded out by Jaime Murray (the bombshell) and Robert Glenister (the tech expert).
The tone of "Hustle" is light and the pace is fast. It is easy to enjoy the antics within the program and to be amused by the scenarios. The cons themselves, however, are fairly familiar territory for those who follow this type of entertainment. While I was entertained consistently, I was rarely surprised. And while this may sound like a large problem, it's not. This show is more about the journey--and with witty, intelligent scripts and a spot-on cast, it's hard for me to imagine anyone not being engaged and entertained by "Hustle."
Each season consists of six episodes, some more effective than others--but not a loser in the bunch. My personal favorite comes from season 2. In it, Lester and Warren take on a personal competition. They are both dropped naked in the middle of London and then each strives to win by ending up the day with more of value. Once and for all, they want to determine who has more skill. This was a very funny episode and the only one that didn't deal specifically with a con.
Recommended as a lark--good for lovers of comedy and capers. "Hustle" may not be particularly edgy or challenging, it's just fun. KGHarris, 12/06.

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Leverage: The Complete Second Season (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)After the success of their freshman season, the gang from Leverage: The First Season are back and have relocated to Beantown to right the wrongs committed against regular people who have nowhere else to turn. They have all found that after doing good deeds, crime just isn't what it used to be. Whether it's tangling with the Irish mob, dealing with a shady boxing promoter, returning a corrupt investment banker's ill gotten gains, or ensuring that an inheritance goes to the rightful heir, all exhibit the savvy wit and quirkiness that has become the Leverage signature.
Thank goodness for TNT - which produces some of the best dramas on television. With plenty of nail biting action, humor, great music soundtrack, and ripped from the headline stories, the momentum just keeps building. And the chemistry among the cast is first rate, seamlessly adding Jeri Ryan to the cast late in the season when Gina Bellman (Sophie) took a hiatus due to her pregnancy. One of my favorite scenes is in the first episode when hacker Hardison introduces himself and Parker as detectives Costigan and Costello - an homage to the outstanding film The Departed (Widescreen Edition). My only gripe? The seasons are much too short.


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Leverage is a slick and crafty drama following a team of thieves, hackers and con artists who act as modern-day Robin Hoods, standing up for the little guy who has been victimized by the rich and powerful. In this riveting and timely second season, the team takes on corrupt bankers, high fashion, the tabloid media and, most shockingly, an old nemesis from their past!

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Amazing Johnathan - Wrong On Every Level (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Amazing Johnathan is a hilarious guy. He's one of the top comedy magicians in the world today, and this special highlights why. Keep in mind this isn't for everyone though. One of his trademarks is the ability to find creative ways to give someone the finger, and he does so many times throughout.
While this can't be described as family entertainment by any means, it IS a pretty funny way to spend an hour. His original Comedy Central Presents appearance is included here and though there are a few similar moments, there's enough new stuff to make it worth watching.
I would have liked to have seen this cleaned up a bit so everyone could enjoy it, but at least it's out there. This show is almost exactly what aired on CC earlier this year. The "Uncensored" parts are mostly concerning not blurring out the finger and a couple of different props that weren't seen on the special.
Not recommended for the family, but if you know what you're getting into it's funny. A little gross sometimes (the razor blade trick, for instance), but overall good.

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Part comedian, part madman magician Amazing Johnathan brings his unique brand of comedy to DVD in The Amazing Johnathan: Wrong On Every Level – Uncensored. This all-new Comedy Central special showcases "The Madman of Comedy" at his best, hilariously skewering one magic trick after another with unexpected and sometimes gory results.This UNCENSORED DVD also includes bloody good deleted scenes, Johnathan’s Comedy Central Presents episode, and more!

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Hustle: Complete Season Three (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you enjoyed the first two season then you'll love this one as well. It follows the same fantastic formula as the previous two and includes some daring cons and some bits of humor that will have you laughing so hard, it hurts.
Episode 1- The beloved con artists go after a "mark", and use his son (a makeshift rapper) to get to him.
Episode 2- Danny and Mickey, the two stars of the show, compete for the title pf "best con artist". They enter a challenge to make the most money, they start with nothing, not even the clothes on their backs.
Episode 3- This one was great, the "crew" defrauds the stock market with their fake company "Chad Mining".
Episode 4- After a failed con on a sweatshop owner, the "gang" tries the same trick again, of course, the man has amnesia.
Episode 5- After a newspaper leads to the suicide of a close friend, Mickey and gang go after the company and It's money.
Episode 6- This one was a bit of a repeat but still nice, It features Mickey and friends and another dirty cop.
Hustle continues to be one of the best BBC shows that I've seen in quite a while. If you're a fan of the series or enjoyed the previous season, you wont want to miss this, especially episode 2...really....watch episode 2, I insist.

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Strapped for cash after a spell in Las Vegas, the expert tricksters are confronted by some risky situations. Mickey poses as a hip-hop record producer when the crew pit themselves against a notorious mark with a bratty son who thinks he's the next Eminem. But when the con goes wrong, will the gang end up paying the price? When James Whittaker Wright III, a matchless American con artist, joins the crew to seek revenge on some unscrupulous city bankers, will they be able to pull off the con before Wright III pulls a double-cross on them? And in the high heat of summer, it suddenly looks like it might be the last score for some of the crew. When Danny and Mickey take up a challenge to determine the group's leadership, they end up engaged in a race against the clock and each other -- if the crew end up with a new leader, will Mickey walk away?

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