Film Reviews & Movie Analysis

As you can tell from the title, I decided to switch up my regular Netflix Review thanks to my sister giving me access to her Amazon Prime Video account.

So. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

The series follows the titular character Mrs Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a Jewish female comedian (comedienne) in the 1950’s. Always found amusing to others, Midge’s love for the mic and the stage is born after her husband announces he is having an affair and leaves her.

I watched the pilot for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel last year as part of Amazon Prime Video’s pilot season, and from there knew it had the potential to be a winner. It’s a genuinely funny and smart comedy that features a subject I never would have thought to take an interest in; a Comedienne.

Writer, Director and Showrunner extraordinaire for the series is one Amy Sherman-Palladino (ASP). If that mouthful of a name sounds familiar it’s because she is known for the popular television series and Netflix revival Gilmore Girls.

The emphasis on family and tradition both within the Jewish culture and the times, made for an enjoyable and exploitative backdrop to the series.

ASP is known for creating crazy and distinguishable characters and the actors did their roles justice. From the legendary Tony Shallhoub (aka Monk) who played Midge’s no nonsense albeit caring father Abe Weissman, to potty mouthed Susie Myerson played by Alex Borstein. Each were memorable and added their own unique flavor to the ensemble.

Shout out to the soundtrack. If you love older music then this is an added bonus to the show which features nostalgic tunes form Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra and Harry Belafonte to name a few.

My only dislike is less of a ‘dislike’ and more of a; roll my eyes because this is so obvious but I also understand that there’s no way around it. And this is in regards to how Midge always found a way to be in front of a microphone/audience and do a bit.

ASP has a very distinctive way of writing her lead characters. In a way they’re all the same; fast talking, quirky, independent, resilient, witty and undeniably likable. If you’re intimidated by Gilmore Girls and want to ease your way into the world of ASP then The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a good place to start.

Side Note: The show has been confirmed for two more series.