In April I reviewed 4 shows on Quibi, the new streaming platform that features episodes of 10 minutes or less to be consumed on a cell phone (my review). Probably caving to popular pressure, they’ve now made their content available for big screens thru screen mirroring. They advertise new shows every week, so the library continues to grow.

 

I watched 4 more of their high profile shows and here’s my take:

 

HOME MOVIE: THE PRINCESS BRIDE

This may be the breakout series for Quibi. Numerous big names (Hugh Jackman, Rob Reiner, Common, Josh Gad, Chris Pine, Tiffany Haddish, Adam Sandler) take on the roles from the popular movie. They’re all working from their back yards with low-budget homemade props and costumes, taking the roles seriously while having lots of fun. Any big scenes are recreated with toys and other silly props, while graphics identify the original actors who played the scenes. Despite the purposefully funky resources, it’s generally clever and lots of fun. NOTE: All actors contributed to benefit World Central Kitchen. Show link

(4 / 5)

 

DUMMY

Anna Kendrick plays a Hollywood writer who discovers her boyfriend’s sex doll (voiced by Meredith Hagner). When she comes alive (to Kendrick’s character only), they form a friendship that takes them on some wacky adventures. This was originally developed for TV by Cody Heller, who based it on her real-life experience with her partner Dan Harmon. This unique and tastefully raunchy show has its moments, but the concept is more original than the results. Show link

(3.5 / 5)

 

 

ROYALTIES

Darren Criss created this series about a songwriting team. His partner is played by the quirkily charming Kether Donohue (best known as the best friend on You’re The Worst). They interact with various musicians and singers in an attempt to spread the love for their compositions. It’s directed by Amy Heckerling, so there’s a zippy energy that keeps it moving. Jennifer Coolidge, John Stamos and Rufus Wainwright make enjoyable guest appearances. Overall, this format lends itself well to short episodes with no superflous dialogue to slow things down. Cute but not especially funny. Show link

(3 / 5)

 

 

THE STRANGER

On her first day in LA, a rideshare driver (Maika Monroe) picks up a man (Dane DeHaan) who terrorizes her for the rest of the show. Ironically, each of the 10 short episodes takes place in a new hour, when the game of pursuit and escape escalates. Even though they try to explain the flaws in the plot with a privacy invasion rationale, there are many lapses in logic that make this pursuit hard to swallow. In this case, the short episodes conspire against this show’s ability to create any tension. There are some nice twists, but it lacks the grit and power to thrill. Show link

(2.5 / 5)

 

 

WHEN THE STREET LIGHTS GO ON

This mystery that starts when a student and the teacher she’s screwing are shot. However, this is not a police procedural (despite Queen Latifah with weird asymetrical hair being on the case). It’s much more about the relationships that develop in the wake of the tragedy. On the positive side, the actors playing the students actually look their age. This is more a teen romance than a mystery thriller. Show link

(2 / 5)