1617 - Curb Your Enthusiasm: season eight

The first thing you need to realize when you watch this show is that, in reality, Larry David is a billionaire (or close to it).  He absolutely does not need to do this show.  This is more like his hobby - and what a great one at that. 
This was the first season that didn't really attempt to have a strong ongoing arc - unless you count the relocation to New York, which did a lot for pumping fresh blood and ideas into the series.  Losing Cheryl Hines gave Larry the freedom he needed to really be himself (and what a treat that was).  With Leon as his sidekick there was no end to the delight.  There were some absolutely fantastic episodes this season and some that were just good.  I know that most people don't think like this, but what makes Curb Your Enthusiasm particularly great is it's comedic structure and how things come back to bite Larry.  In the lesser episodes you see them coming, but when the show is really popping you're along for the ride and not thinking about it, and then when it hits you it's ridiculously satisfying.  I think this series struggled a few seasons back but it's in fine form right now.  I'll keep watching so long as Larry David keeps making them.

1502 - Curb Your Enthusiasm: season seven

 

I am ridiculously behind on this show in terms of this season.  I can't even think of why I wasn't watching it while it was airing, that being said (inside joke for the fans)...

A lot of people thought this was the last season, but as it's been reported the show is coming back for another round.  This season could easily have been the last.  The Seinfeld reunion is a nice bookend to the entire idea of the series, and the final scene of the season finale was a perfect note for the series to go out on.  So hopefully whenever Larry David does decide to finish the show he'll come up with something even better.

I think if I had a complaint about this season it's just that I wanted more of the Seinfeld cast integrated throughout - but that's just me being selfish.  I love the relationship between Larry and Jerry, and conversely the passive-aggression between Larry and Jason Alexander - really funny and smart.  The Michael Richards call-back to his infamous racial slurs was a nice touch.  This season was full of typical Larry stories and plots, and I loved the way that a lot of the classic Curb storylines were sprinkled throughout the Seinfeld Reunion script, giving us a glimpse into the idea that all of the stuff we saw the gang go through on the original series just may have somewhat happened to the real Larry. 

I always liked Seinfeld, but I think I like Curb more.  It's a great show, it's probably not for everyone, but anyone who has a thrust towards the dark side of comedy would probably enjoy it.  Looking forward to seeing what Larry comes up with for the next season!
Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Seventh Season

1283 - Whatever Works

This is the first Woody film in a long time that I completely missed in theatres. And what a shame. It's not surprising to know that he wrote this back in the 70's originally for Zero, but shelved it when he died. It actually makes you curious whatever gems he's got locked away in a drawer somewhere. Woody is one of the most impressive filmmakers to me, if for no other reason than his sheer output. This being his 40th film, and you know damn well he's not going to stop until he drops (please please please don't drop Woody!).
Larry David does pretty well in a role that has no obvious redeeming qualities. It's not a big character arch type role. Evan Rachel Wood continues to impress and she's fantastic here. Truly. It's a film packed with brilliant one-liners and I can't wait to explore it again. If you're even remotely a Woody Allen fan, especially vintage Woody Allen, do yourself a favor. Get it. Now.