Netflix's 'Four Seasons': Star-Studded, But Shallow

Netflix's "The Four Seasons": A Whole Lotta Hype, Not So Much Heart

So, Netflix dropped "The Four Seasons," this star-studded remake of the '81 film, promising laughs and heartwarming drama. Tina Fey's at the helm, with Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte – the cast alone had me hooked. But did it deliver? Honestly, it was a bit of a mixed bag. Think a deflated beach ball, with a few sparkly sequins clinging on.

All-Star Cast, Underwhelming Story

The premise is gold: three couples, longtime friends, reunite for seasonal getaways. One couple splits, and suddenly all the unspoken tension and simmering resentments bubble to the surface. It’s practically begging for a juicy exploration of relationships – like "The White Lotus" meets a slightly calmer "Friends from College." But "The Four Seasons" somehow misses the mark. Big time. The characters, even with such amazing actors, felt frustratingly shallow. They danced around the same old issues – failing marriages, midlife crises, new romances – without any real growth. It was like watching emotional mannequins, beautifully dressed, but utterly empty inside. And the chemistry? Oof. It was noticeably lacking. Colman Domingo's performance was a bright spot, a truly nuanced portrayal that only served to highlight how disconnected everyone else felt. The show hinted at some serious stuff – betrayal, resentment, even illness – but it never really dug deep. It felt like a missed opportunity; a chance for poignant comedy that got lost in a sea of lukewarm character archetypes. Unlike "The White Lotus," which embraces the glorious messiness of its characters, "The Four Seasons" seems unsure of itself, flip-flopping between earnest dramedy and a breezy vacation sitcom. It's a frustratingly unfocused mess.

Okay, Some Good Bits Exist

Before you think I completely trashed it, let me say there *were* some glimmers of hope. The scenery was stunning, capturing the beauty of each season perfectly. And the themes? Totally relatable. Aging, changing relationships, the complexities of long-term commitment – we’ve all been there, right? Plus, the individual performances, especially Colman Domingo's, often shone through the murk. Alan Alda's cameo was a delightful surprise, adding a nice nostalgic touch. And honestly, those moments of connection were genuinely heartwarming.

The Verdict: A Coulda-Been-Great Story

"The Four Seasons," despite the amazing cast and promising premise, falls short. The lack of emotional depth, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent tone prevent it from reaching its full potential. There are moments of charm and wit, sure, but they aren't enough to save a series that ultimately feels forgettable. Unless you’re a huge fan of the original movie or desperately crave a pretty-to-look-at but emotionally vacant vacation show, you might want to skip this one. Rating: 5/10