Any Netflix Original series is worth taking a peek at, before surrendering to the binge-fest that inevitably ensues. That’s because Netflix doesn’t muck about with tired content.
The same can’t be said of Hollywood. Tinseltown is so obsessed with youth, beauty and relevance – it doesn’t exactly cater to the more mature generations.
This is exactly the predicament once-famous actor Sandy Kominsky (Michael Douglas) finds himself in – grudgingly – in the new series The Kominsky Method.
Sandy and his long-time agent, Norman Newlander (Alan Arkin), spend a chunk of their days (and screen time) driving around Los Angeles, navigating their twilight years.
Actors Alan and Michael share terrific chemistry on screen.
That largely involves complaining – cue hilarity! – about being “old” in a town that reveres pretty young things.
Now a renowned acting coach, Sandy is dating a woman half his age, while pal Norman is dealing with his wife’s illness and a 45-year-old daughter in rehab.
Penned by “King of Sitcoms” Chuck Lorre – think The Big Bang Theory, Cybill and Two And A Half Men – the eight-part, single-camera series is funny and poignant, tackling life’s big issues in a raw, honest way.
And with themes as deeply layered as love, loss, friendship and loneliness, the mood is balanced with the kind of irreverent humour you’d expect from two fellas who’ve been around the traps – and each other – for a long while. (Hello, endless prostate jokes!)
Sandy shares his advice with up-and-coming actors.
As for the powerhouse stars themselves, nobody oozes charm and cheek quite like Michael, 74, and no-one delivers deadpan sarcasm as well as 84-year-old Alan.
The two Oscar-winners share an infectious chemistry and behave like an old married couple.
They bicker and whine, but, in the end, what’s both amusing and endearing about these reluctant buddies is that, not only are they stuck with each other, they need each other.
Earnest and entertaining, it will tug at the heartstrings while you’re laughing your heart out.
