‘John From Cincinnati,’ June 10, HBO
Surfing has brought the Yost family patriarch fame and bitterness, as well as greater fame and addiction to his enraged son. Now, his 13-year-old grandson stands on the brink of competition as the expletive-laden 10-part drama series "John From Cincinnati" premieres Sunday, June 10, 10-11 p.m. EDT on the HBO pay-cable channel. The series continues Sundays in its regular time slot, 9-10 p.m. EDT.
In a southern Californian town near the Mexican border live three generations of the loudly dysfunctional Yost family. After master surfer Mitch (Bruce Greenwood) wrecked his knee he opened a boardwalk surfing shop to stay near the sport with long-suffering wife Cissy (Rebecca De Mornay) and their surfing-fanatic son, Butchie (Brian Van Holt).
Their son's skills were legendary until the lure of drugs eventually reduced Butchie to an infuriated monster, squatting in a fleabag motel, unable to care for his quiet, surf-happy son, Shaun (Greyson Fletcher). Strange things are happening: Shaun sees a dead caged bird suddenly revive and Mitch finds himself inexplicably levitating.
Aside from the welcome innocence of Shaun, who's convinced his grandmother Cissy to OK entry into his first competition, the Yosts seem unable to communicate without ear-piercing, four-letter-word screaming matches. And they are surrounded by similarly bizarre characters, such as a loony lottery winner, a crazed, immigrant-smuggling Vietnam vet, a bird-obsessed ex-cop, Butchie's toxic drug dealer, a duplicitous sports agent, and, most of all, the mysterious John from Cincinnati (Austin Nichols).
Seemingly dense but carrying a fortune in cash, John turns it over to greedy Butchie apparently in exchange for personal surfing lessons. However, John's presence is sure to unbalance the already off-kilter assortment of eccentrics and manipulators who populate the unsympathetic narrative.
Some fabulous surfing footage near the end of the premiere hour is a reward for enduring all the hostile and hateful exchanges that offer little inducement to continue following John and the Yosts' progress. At least the second hour makes a stab at some character development. For those who can tolerate the continued assault on the ears in hopes that the humanity of the characters may start to emerge, the quality of the performances makes this a distinct possibility.
- - -
Pare, a retired director of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is film critic for Liguorian magazine.
- - -
Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Keywords:
NEWSLETTERS »
Rate This Article
Leave a Comment
More TV News
- Mother of TV psychologists Dr. Joyce Brothers dies at 85
- The British are coming! New Head of NBC Division said to be Deborah Turness
- All four 'American Idol' judges get the ax: What now?
- Danish TV show where men critique women as they disrobe draws criticism
- Actor Allan Arbus dies at 95; played psychiatrist on 'MASH' TV show
- Does the viewer have the right to free TV?
- Jimmy Fallon, less than 40, to become 'Tonight Show' host
- Kurt Warner talks to Catholic Online about hit new reality show, 'The Moment'
- Verizon seeks to change cable TV game rules big time
Featured News
- Fr. Paul Schenck: Finding Living Faith on Catechetical Sunday
- The Movie Yellow: Incest as 'Normal' and Cassavates's Slides Into the World of Woes
- The Chicago School Teachers Strike Reveals the Need For School Choice
- The Sexual Barbarians and the Dissolution of Culture
- The Happy Priest Challenges Us to Ask: Who is Jesus to Me?
- Michael Coren on Canadian Public Schools: Teachers, leave those kids alone
- We Cannot Ignore Our Consciences: Cardinal Dolan On Religious Liberty
- In the Face of Danger, Successor of Peter Travels to Lebanon as a Messenger of Peace
- Reflections on the Dignity and Vocation of Women: Who or What?
Most Popular
Pope Francis says atheists can do good and go to heaven too! Read More
California teenager invents device that can charge cell phone in 20 seconds - flat Read More
Receiving the Eucharist: I Have Decided to Kneel For Jesus Read More
Culture of Corruption: Why Obama's misuse of Marines is wrong Read More
British soldier hacked to death in brazen attack by Islamic terrorists, stopped by prayerful, courageous women Read More
Daily Readings
Reading 1, Sirach 17:1-15
The Lord fashioned human beings from the earth, to consign them ... Read More
Psalm, Psalms 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18
As tenderly as a father treats his children, so Yahweh treats ... Read More
Gospel, Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch ... Read More
Saint of the Day
St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi
May 25: It would be easy to concentrate on the mystical experiences God ... Read More
Latest Videos
Commento al Vangelo del 26 Maggio 2013 a cura di don Domenico Luciani View Video
May 25 - Homily: Ask Mary To Send Her Spouse View Video
May 25 - Homily: Our Lady of Consolation View Video
Reign of Love - 2 Pillars #36 View Video
Rottweiler Puppies in a Easter Basket View Video
Marketplace
Before the Altar
A book for the soul seeking to love God more, and seeking an image of ... Read More



















0 Comments