Monk: The Obsessive Compulsive Collection - Seasons One - Four (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Sherlock Holmes, Columbo, Hercule Poirot -- genius detectives are usually a bit quirky. But no other is as quirky as Adrian Monk, the obsessive-compulsive detective.
"Monk: The Obsessive Compulsive Collection" compiles the first four seasons of this funny, likable little mystery series. Tony Shalhoub shines as everyone's favorite obsessive-compulsive detective, solving the case with his gift/curse and his willingness to go anywhere... that doesn't have germs.
Adrian Monk's wife Trudy was killed in a car-bombing, and the devastated detective fell apart completely. Years later, Monk (Tony Shalhoub) is partially recovered, but he still is obsessive-compulsive and has dozens of phobias. The only way he manages is with his assistant Sharona (Bitty Schram) -- and later her successor Natalie (Traylor Howard) -- babysitting him.
When a politician is nearly killed in a mystery shooting, the police are baffled. So Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) reluctantly calls in his old pal to solve the case. From then on, Monk is called in for dozens of bizarre, baffling cases. His excellent memory and his OCD ("It's a gift.... and a curse") allow him to see patterns and details where other people see nothing.
Among Monk's cases are going undercover at a prison, a killer dentist, a deadly Christmas gift, an elephant used as a lethal weapon, a billionaire mugger, saving Willie Nelson from a murder rap, trapping a black widow, the death of a 115-year-old man, the Mafia, martial-artists, murdered models, and a guy who leaped out of a plane -- and died by drowning.
But as quirky and bizarre as the cases is, it never stops hitting the heartstrings. Monk is still passionately devoted to his dead wife; in the whole series, he goes on two dates (both disastrous). He also becomes attached to a little boy and even tries to adopt him, and it's a credit to this show's writers that the ending of that episode isn't maudlin or sappy.
"Monk" is the sort of show that usually gets cancelled after five episodes -- it's well-written, amusing, and smart. So by TV standards, lasting four seasons is nothing short of miraculous. Like any long-running show it has its duds ("Mr. Monk Takes His Medicine" always makes me cringe), but the overall series shows no signs of decline in all four seasons.
There are gunfights and SWAT teams, like on any cop show, but the main focus here is on detecting. And the writers are skilled at coming up with all sorts of bizarre or unsolvable crimes, which only Monk could unravel. Not to mention the dialogue, which leans heavily on dry humour ("There's an old saying: 'Don't change anything, ever." "That's an old saying?" "I've been saying it for years...")
But the series wouldn't be what it is without Tony Shalhoub. He played weird roles in movies like MIB and "Galaxy Quest," and so he knows how to balance out Monk's weirdness and genius without leaning too heavily on either. When told to sit on the ground, he says nervously, "I can't. Animals do things on the ground. Terrible, terrible things."
Schram and Howard are both good as his assistants, and they're similar without being TOO alike -- one was a hardened New York gal, and the other is a rebel rich girl with a checkered employment past. And Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford round off the cast as genial cop Stottlemeyer and his earnest (if slightly goofy) sidekick Disher.
"Monk: The Obsessive-Compulsive Collection" shows us all of this excellent show (so far), with its uniquely appealing hero. It's a gift... and a curse.

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The critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe winning MONK finally gave talented character actor Tony Shalhoub a chance to shine. Shalhoub\'s performance as the mentally unstable title character contains just the right mix of pathos and perfect comic timing earning him an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role. Adrian Monk (Shalhoub) is San Francisco\'s most brilliant detective but is unable to serve on the police force because of his crippling neuroses and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However he continues his investigations independently often solving cases before the actual police are able to do so and always seeking clues to the unsolved murder of his wife. The combination of comedy mystery and a distinctively eccentric character has led many to dub MONK the successor to COLUMBO. This collection includes every episode from seasons one through four of the series.System Requirements:Running Time 123 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating:NR UPC:025192669026 Manufacturer No:26690

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Monk - The Premiere Episode (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)When an assassin takes a shot at a mayoral candidate, the current mayor insists that Monk is brought in as a consultant on the case. Adrian Monk has been consulting for three years trying to get over his intense fears and obsessive compulsive disorder enough to return full time to the force. Still, his curses are also gifts that help him notice little things others miss. Right away, he makes a connection between this case and another murder that otherwise would appear unrelated. But can Monk figure out what is going on?
I came to the party rather late, not watching until season 2. I was quite anxious to see the pilot because I wanted to get the complete background on the character. Since I've seen almost every episode now, I did know the basics of what I needed to know, so I could just sit back and enjoy the storyline.
I am a mystery fiend, and I especially love a good puzzle. Monk is wonderful for that, and this episode is no exception. I should have seen the ending coming, but, as usual, was taken completely by surprise. There are some wonderful laugh out loud moments as well.
The episode does fall into the traps of a series premier. Since we need to know about our characters, story is often slowed down for exposition. While it would have been helpful the first time around, I didn't need it. Fortunately, we were treated to the back story in small doses, so it didn't slow the story down for long. Also, the actors and writers are still trying to define the characters. While not as sharp as they later in the series, they're quite acceptable here.
I'm not completely sure why this DVD was put out. Maybe it was to test the waters or hold over fans until season one was released. Either way, all you get here is the two part pilot episode. No extras whatsoever. Since it's included again in the recently released complete season 1 set, if you are a fan of the series, just pass right on by.
Monk is one of the most original and entertaining shows currently on TV anywhere. While not perfect, this is a great intro to the character and tone of the series. If you only want an intro, get this disc. Otherwise, save your money for all of season 1.

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MONK:PREMIERE EPISODE - DVD Movie

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Monk - Season Five (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Most cult TV dies pretty quickly, but Adrian Monk has been charming viewers with his quirky detecting for five seasons now. The fifth season occasionally crosses the line into cartoonishness, but overall it's still an entertaining, amusing little detective show... with the world's only OCD detective.
In the opening episode, a movie is going to be made about Monk's (Tony Shalhoub) life and amazing abilities, with well-known actor David Ruskin (Stanley Tucci) as Monk. But Ruskin turns out to be the world's best method actor, as he observes Monk doing his detective work -- and starts to acquire Monk's OCD and personality. Sometimes acting can be TOO good.
But Monk's problems don't cease when he's paralyzed by a garbage strike, and the strike leader is murdered. Other cases include a mysterious electrocution in a gym shower, being blinded by a murderer, a stint as a private eye, a college reunion, a disastrous rock concert, a leper, posing as a butler, a radio host whose wife died while he was on the air, and he competes against technology to find a serial killer.
On the personal front, Monk gets reacquainted with his father, who left the family when he was a child, and he also tries to deal with Dr. Kroger's early retirement, by solving the crime that prompted him to leave. And he helps Randy (Jason Gray-Stanford ) out when the latter inherits a farm -- and a mysterious death.
The fifth season does sag a little in the middle -- the retirement and rocker episodes have Monk's OCD becoming almost cartoonishly comic. But most of the rest of the episodes are quite good, with the typical unsolvable cases, unbreakable alibis, and inexplicable phobias from poor Monk.
Writingwise, there's nothing to complain about -- solid writing, solid plots full of difficult mysteries, and Monk undergoing lots of stress as he tries to deal with his many phobias. The dialogue is top-notch ("There's never hope. I wish I drank. Is it wonderful?"), and the writers allow all the regular characters to shine now and again, including Randy and Stottlemeyer (who have a kind of big-brother/little-brother vibe).
Tony Shalhoub is just amazing here, as Monk tries to navigate the dangers of a dirty, random world. He's absolutely hilarious when poor Monk has to square dance, feed chickens, and single-handedly tries to clean up San Francisco. But he also gives us some truly beautiful moments, such as when we see Monk watching his wedding video, quietly crying.
Traylor Howard continues to give a solid performance as Monk's assistant, while Ted Levine and Gray-Stanford round off the regular cast as the kindly Stottlemeyer and naive Randy. Alice Cooper has a fun cameo, and Tucci is absolutely great as a Monk-impersonator. And Sean Astin gives a glorious performance as a murderous, spoiled rich brat.
The fifth season of "Monk" has a few episodes that are lacking, but most of them are still excellent, suspenseful little mysteries. Definitely worth seeing.

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It's time to tidy up for another season with Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub in all 16 Season Five episodes of Monk, television's most fresh and funny series. Gumshoe Adrian Monk would never actually have gum on his well-polished shoes: in addition to intellect and instinct, he also has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Though his eccentric traits bewilder his colleagues Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard), Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) and Lieutenant Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford), Monk's attention to detail keeps crime-and grime-off the streets. Included in this highly collectible, 4-disc set are both the black & white and color versions of the noir-style episode "Mr. Monk and the Leper," obsessively good bonus features and the pilot episode of the hit comedy-drama Psych. Follow the clues to Season Five of Monk, the quirky and original show TV Guide hails as "alternatively hilarious and touching."

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Monk - Season Four (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Season four of Monk is one of the best seasons so far. The episodes are:
Mr. Monk and the other Detective. In this one Monk is outshined by another detective but like Monk says he is probably cheating.
Mr. Monk goes home again. In this one it is Halloween and someone is stealing candy from kids who went to Monk's brother's house. Could this tye into the murder of a security guard?
Mr. Monk Stays in bed. In this one Monk is sick for the first time but he still manages to solve the case of the murdered judge and the pizza boy.
Mr. Monk goes to the office. In this one Monk goes under cover at an office to solve the murder of a security guard and who broke the hand of a millionaire.
Mr. Monk gets drunk. In this one Monk gets drunk (from one sip of wine) and he remembers talking to a man no one can seem to remember. Is he going insane or is everybody trying to hide something.
Mr. Monk and Mrs. Monk. In this one Monk is getting better with his O.C.D. but that just happens to be the time when people start seeing his departed wife.
Mr. Monk goes to a wedding. In this one Natalie's brother is getting married and Monk thinks the bride is up to no good.
Mr. Monk and little Monk. In this one Monk runs into his old middle school flame and this brings back flashbacks to when he was a kid.
Mr. Monk and the secret santa. In this one a police officer is poisoned after drinking a bottle of wine he got for Christmas. Can Monk solve the case?
Mr. Monk goes to a fashion show. In this one Monk's favorite shirt inspector is upset. Monk learns her son is behind bars for a crime he could not have committed.
Mr. Monk bumps his head. In this one Monk gets a false lead about the murderer of his wife. When confronting the con artist Monk gets hit in the head, put on back of the truck, and sent to a far off town. Even with amnesia Monk is able to solve the murder of a waitress he met.
Mr. Monk and the captain's marriage. In this one Captain Stottlemeyer hits a cop who said he was sleeping with his wife. Monk agrees to shadow his wife and try to solve a murder at the same time.
Mr. Monk and the big reward. In this one Monk is trying to find a stolen diamond with a $1,000,000 rewars.
Mr. Monk and the astronaut. In this one Monk is trying to solve the murder of a woman. There is only one problem though, his key suspect was in outer space when it happened
Mr. Monk goes to the dentist. In this one Lt. Disher claims to have witnessed a murder while under sleeping gas at the dentist's office. Monk believes him but when the dentist kidnapps him he undergoes what the dentist calls Marathon Man.
Mr. Monk gets jury duty. This is the season finale where Monk sees if he can solve the case he is there for and stop a drug king pin who is trying to escape in the same courthouse.
Monk is one of my favorite shows and I look forward to June 27th when I can complete my collection.

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Return to the scene of the crime with Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub in all 16 Season Four episodes of the quirky and amusing series Monk. Private detective Adrian Monk has brains, instincts, a photographic memory and more than a few Obsessive Compulsive Disorder’s. These traits, his ever-present handy wipes and his devoted assistant, Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard), help him as he solves cases involving amnesia, betrayal, first-loves, true loves, and of course, murder. Along with Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) and Lieutenant Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford), Monk is on the case and more germ-phobic than ever in this fresh and funny 4-disc set.

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Monk - Season One (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I blew it. I didn't start watching this show until it's second season. Little did I know what I was missing.
Tony Shalhoub stars as Adrian Monk, a former police detective no longer on the force because of his obsessive-compulsive disorder and his phobias. He does still consult on some of their most bizarre cases, however. For example, how could an 800-lb. man commit murder? Why was a billionaire killed while mugging a man on a date? Did a fellow airline passenger really kill his wife? How could a man commit murder and run a marathon at the same time?
This series falls into the classic puzzle mystery genre, my personal favorite. Sometimes I have an idea why or how, but it takes the ending for me to know for sure. More often then not, I'm stumped. Along the way, we get plenty of laughs at the various situations we find Mr. Monk in. The obsessive-compulsive disorder and his fears are handled just right. They provide the clues needed and humor without being over the top or annoying.
Of course, the series is helped by its actors. Tony Shalhoub is excellent as Monk with a performance just slightly understated. He deserved his Emmy win for this season. Just as praise worthy is Bitty Schram as Monk's nurse Sharona. She mixes exasperated and compassionate while providing a strong sidekick character that doesn't get lost behind the lead. Ted Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford as the police Monk helps and Stanley Kamel as Monk's shrink are equally excellent.
The writing is sharp and manages to find humor without mocking Monk, a subtle but clear distinction.
This DVD set is great for old and new fans alike. All twelve first season episodes are present, including the previously released two-hour pilot. They're presented in widescreen and look sharp. The sound, while presented in 5.1 surround, is nothing spectacular. Still, it gets the job done. Disc four has some short extras discussing the creation of the show, obsessive-compulsive disorder, the cast and crew's obsessions, the Emmy win, and the casting of Bitty Schram and Ted Levine. I would have loved a commentary track or two and some outtakes, but they aren't to be found here.
While the extras could have been just a tad better, this set is a must have for those who love light mystery. It was nice to catch the cases I'd missed. This is one mystery show you can watch time and time again for the humor and character even if you remember how it ends.

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He’s ingenious, he’s phobic, he’s obsessive-compulsive.Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner "Tony Shalhoub is a riot" (TV Guide) in Monk, the show that critics are praising as "fresh, exciting and utterly original." (Chicago Tribune)Monk’s hilarious, offbeat antics have made him unfit for duty but he’s back as a police consultant to help out on their most baffling cases.The brilliant but neurotic Monk is now fighting crime as well as his abnormal fears of germs, cars, heights, crowds and virtually everything else known to man in "the best detective show to come along in decades." (NY Post) "Nothing on TV generated more fun than this" (LA Times) and now you can enjoy the entire first season of Monk on DVD.

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