MovieChat Forums > Hank (2009) Discussion > How does Kelsey Grammer still get work?

How does Kelsey Grammer still get work?

posted 15 years ago by dizzydidit
15 replies | jump to latest

Sorry to jump on the 'this show sucks' bandwagon but I've been wondering this for like a decade now. Is this guy serious? Who the $%&# talks like that? And why does he talk like that and play the same character in every single thing he's ever done? Does he think he's british or something? Obviously he and others think he's funny, another misnomer.

Frasier wasn't my bag of chips but I can respect it's success. And it was successful because of great writing and a great supporting cast. And while the supporting cast of 'Hank' is still funnier and more likeable than Sir Kelsey and his comedic abortions, it's not enough. And so far the writing is tired and predictable (who DIDN'T see the son saying 'you're breathing on me' coming a mile away?). I mean even Kelsey's last failure, Back to You, was better than this.

It's yet another cliche family-based sitcom. But worse, it's headlined by a pompous hack still living off the one role in his life that wasn't a complete flop. I'll give it a month before he can add this to the list of debacles on his resume.

[–] offthewall898 15 years ago

I'm pretty sure I'm right in saying the American public has responded very well to the family based sitcom..Shall I name them all? Even animation, like the simpsons and family guy are SUPER HITS and they are based around day to day family interactions. And I hate when people who have never met him say he's pompous. He is like one of the most mild mannered people in hollywood. he keeps to himself more than most. anyone he's worked with or met say how "normal and laid back and kind he is". And frasier did him very well, he likes to act, he actually enjoys making people laugh. I didn't think that was a problem. Even if you may not like him, he has been a great success and I don't know why people have to wish bad luck on others all the time.

[–] dizzydidit 15 years ago

I'm sorry, Kelsey. I didn't mean to offend you. When did you start visiting IMDB? LOL anyway....you're right about the success of the family based sitcom. But that's a thing of the past. Of all the popular (live action) comedies on TV right now the only one that even remotely resembles a family-based sitcom is Two and a Half Men. The family sitcom is obsolete. Any show that's still using that formula is not having success.

The cliche patriarch and nagging wife, the cute snarky daughter, the oddball son who the dad has trouble relating to, all mixed with unoriginal writing and the also obsolete laugh track. The whole thing is one big cliche.

Now as for Kelsey himself...I didn't mean HE was 'pompous'. I meant the same old character he plays in everything is pompous. I have no idea who he is as a person. But with all the tragedy that has occured in his life, I'd imagine he IS just as you described behind the scenes. And I certainly don't 'wish bad luck' on him. If he can still find success in the industry then more power to him. I'm glad. But 'Hank' sure as heck ain't gonna do it for him.

[–] offthewall898 15 years ago

well thank you. I don't usually blog but it's nice to "talk" to someone who can agree with me a little

[–] straw_hat_boy_luffy 15 years ago

So what if it's cliche. Cliche is cliche cause it obviously was successful. I'd rather have a copy of something that worked than a new idea that just has no life in it. Hank may have been done before, but maybe that's why it's better than most of the stuff that's out.
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Writing is my favorite hobby. Writing something that many can enjoy is my favorite dream.

[–] barrybuttery 15 years ago

who honestly gives a *beep* about your opinion OP.

[–] dizzydidit 15 years ago

Charming. Your mother must be proud that you're so well-spoken and tolerant of others' opinions.

[–] dizzydidit 15 years ago

Interesting take. I completely disagree but I get your point. Personally, I'd rather see somebody take a chance with some new ideas then copy a formula that's been done 1000 times in hopes you can put their own flavor on it. It just seems lazy and insulting to the viewing public.

[–] angelroom 15 years ago

first op you have the right to post anything (withing decorum) you want! :)

please go look at Kelsey Grammer's work history... one doesn't do that much work unless they are talented and well respected. also he is a well rounded career person not just limited to acting.

[–] dizzydidit 15 years ago

I'm fully aware that there are many people that think he's quite talented. There are also many people that are tired of him rehashing Frasier Crane in failed showed after failed show. Obviously I'm one of the latter.

I'll still probably give Hank a couple more episodes. Maybe Kelsey will grow on me. He did on Cheers. But obviously this is no Cheers.

[–] angelroom 15 years ago

I just wanted to thank you for a respectful rebutal and I do respect your opinion.... :):):

[–] baboonman642000 15 years ago

This show isn't horrible because Kelsey is channeling Frasier... it's horrible because the writing is abysmal, the jokes aren't remotely funny and the acting isn't engaging in the slightest. (The laugh track from hell doesn't hurt.)

Kelsey Grammer is a highly talented and refined actor and I'm not sure how he got involved in this mess. Perhaps the heart attack he suffered made him want to seize the day on the first project he was presented with and the result was this. Either way, there are far worse issues on this show than that of Grammer's acting.

[–] proharhi 15 years ago

I attended a taping last night, and although it was a true thrill to see Mr. Grammer in person, it was the LONGEST four and a half hours of my life.

They showed the pilot on the studio monitors to "warm us up", and since I struggled through it when it aired on tv, I was NOT amused the second time.

It was the only episode I'd seen, and I attended the taping in the hopes that the producers had hear the reviews, used their brains, and replaced the orginal writer(s).

If they HAD, they didn't do a very good job. I guessed practically every punchline, usually with a better one.

My question is not regarding *how* Kelsey Grammer gets work, but WHY??? Doesn't he have any pride? How can he possibly NOT tell the difference between comedy and ...whatever Hank is.

Why do these top-notch actors sell out? (Or can the answer be found in that question?)

[–] Hoptoad4 15 years ago

What taping did you go to last night? It only lasted 3 hours and was a very funny episode. The whole audience cracked up when they showed the pilot. If you hated it on TV, why would you spend the time and energy going to a taping?

[–] thelveres 15 years ago

In my opinion kelsey is just a fine actor. The supporting stuff is not that good, but mostly its the writing of the show that's dragging it down.

[–] shawnlaib-1 15 years ago

I agree that the writing is really bad and the main issue.