Movie spotlight
Sunnyside
Ninety-year-old sound artist and comedian Henry “Sandy” Jacobs lives a quirky existence at the end of Sunnyside Drive, a steep and winding dirt road washed by fog from the Pacific Ocean. Sixty feet down the hill lives his eccentric 84-year-old friend and neighbor, architect and former Frank Lloyd Wright collaborator Daniel Liebermann. These extraordinary old men, influential artists in the 1950s and ’60s, continue, each in their own way, to search the world for perfection. Sunnyside takes us to an extraordinary place, a microcosm with its own distinctive rhythm and remarkable inhabitants. It is a film about creativity, the capacity to dream and, ultimately, the transience of life.
Insights
Plot Summary
The series follows a group of people who have recently died and are working in the "Sunnyside" community, a sort of purgatory. Their job is to help the newly deceased adjust to the afterlife. As they navigate their new existence, they also grapple with unfinished business from their past lives.
Critical Reception
Sunnyside received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its unique premise and the performances of its cast, particularly Kal Penn. However, some critics found the show's tone to be uneven and its pacing to be a bit slow at times, leading to a shorter than expected run.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its inventive and optimistic take on the afterlife.
Kal Penn's central performance was highlighted as a strong anchor for the series.
Some viewers found the show's premise promising but felt it struggled to fully realize its potential within its limited run.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the show's heartwarming message and its lighthearted approach to complex themes. Many enjoyed the ensemble cast and found the characters relatable, though a portion of viewers wished for more development and a longer storyline.
Fun Fact
The series was canceled by NBC after only four episodes, with the remaining unaired episodes later being released on the NBC website.
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