After years of supporting work, comedian Michelle Buteau takes center stage in Survival of the Thickest from Netflix. Taking inspiration from Buteau s same titled essay series, the eight-episode sitcom centers on Mavis Beaumont (Buteau), a newly single Black plus-size stylist who put her dreams on hold to cater to her leach of a boyfriend. After catching her beau stepping, Mavis moves out, finds a new roommate, and begins to rebuild her life.
Helping her out on her journey are besties Khalil (Tone Bell) and Marely (Tasha Smith). The Big Apple isn’t for the weak, but Mavis is determined to survive and thrive with her chosen family’s support, a body-positive attitude, and a cute V-neck with some lip gloss. Following a successful stand-up special, a supporting role in Always Be My Maybe, and hosting one of their cooking reality, Michelle Buteau has built a successful business with streaming giant Netflix.
Instead of throwing her in a half-hearted comedic film, Netflix wisely gives Buteau a sitcom that plays on her strengths. One of the things I commend the show for is the refusal to fall into clichéd and tired tropes. No one in Mavis’s circle is a health nut constantly nagging her, nor are they any jokes that show rely on Mavis having a love for food.
Survival of the Thickest relies on Buteau’s natural glow and comedic timing to make the show work. There are moments when Mavis finds herself in a pickle, but her quick wit allows her to respond promptly. I also liked the supporting work of Bell and Smith, as both of their characters have solid supporting arcs.
Quickly paced and filled with heart, Survival of The Thickest is harmless fun.
Final Grade: B+
Survival of The Thickest is available to stream now on Netflix.
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Martial arts auteur Siyu Cheng delivers his latest action-packed fest in “The Tai Chi Master” from Well Go USA. The Tai Chi Master” examines the journey of Zhang Junbao, a dedicated disciple of Wuji, who emerges as a crucial figure during significant upheaval.
On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
Megan Fox teams up with director S.K. Dale to bring her feminine wiles to the world of A.I. in “Subservience” from XYZ Films. Will Honley and April Maguire wrote the film’s screenplay. Alice (Fox) is a lifelike, artificially intelligent android who can care for any family and home. Looking for help with the housework, struggling father Nick (Michele Morrone) purchases Alice after his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) becomes sick. Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner — and she’ll kill to get it.