We hear it all the time. Some kid had it rough as a child. Single parent home, gangs, poor schools and even poorer neighborhoods. What this usually describes is some three time loser who has just robbed or killed somebody and ends up in a high speed chase with police. Some folks take adversity and turn it into gold. George Lopez is the latter. He’ll be the first one to tell you that the sad stories his character tells of his youth are rooted in cold hard reality. Not only does he bare these painful memories for mil…ions to see, but he encourages us to laugh at them. Lopez doesn’t have the same kind of raw talent that most comedic actors draw from. For Lopez the talent is in the genuineness of the portrayal. He’s capable of some of the most complicated expressions that make us want to take him home. Of course, feeding him is another story. There’s nothing really complicated about the George Lopez Show, however. While it has recently been cancelled, it remains one of the true standout sitcoms of the decade. The George Lopez show doesn’t rely on sexual innuendo or exotic situations for its laughs. This is the kind of show you don’t have to be embarrassed watching with the kids.
George Lopez is George Lopez. He has a son, Max (Garcia) and a daughter Carmen (Lusha). His wife Angie (Marie) is a fiery Cuban who is a constant clash to George’s more laid back demeanor. Their family backgrounds are quite different even though both are Latino. Here the show does a great job of dispelling Latino stereotypes by accenting the cultural differences between George and Angie. Don’t get me wrong. There’s plenty of Latino generalization throughout the show, played mostly for laughs. The show is almost stolen by George’s mother, Benny (Moreno) who’s not often very apologetic about her dysfunctional mothering when George was a child. The banter provides some of the best moments in the show. There are few comedies these days that actually get me to laugh. The most many get are a random chuckle from time to time. The George Lopez Show is one of those few that elicit genuine laughter. I’m talking Sanford and Son laughs here.
Video
The George Lopez Show is appropriately presented in its original full frame 1.33:1 format. Colors are pretty solid. This is broadcast stuff and not intended to be stunning. Still, it does what it needs to. This transfer absolutely preserves the show in a complimentary fashion. No flaws or artifacts can be found. Perfect for what it is.
Audio
Let’s be fair here. Yes, this is a minimalist Dolby Digital 2.0 track. All you really need is clear dialogue, and this release provides just that. Anything more would be unfaithful to the original program.
Special Features
“Inside The Mind Of George Lopez” This 15 minute feature lets the cast and crew talk about what it’s like working with George Lopez. They have a great admiration for his ability to turn his hard childhood into such a creative opportunity for them all. Sandra Bullock, who produces the show, has a lot of nice things to say about George and the rest of the cast.
“Gag Reel” This is a generous 10 minute blooper presentation. This stuff is funny without the flubs. You can probably imagine how amusing this stuff is.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t see this show when it was on. I really don’t have the time to catch many sitcoms, most of which really are never that funny. It’s too late to catch The George Lopez show on ABC, but it’s fortunately not too late to make up for it on these DVD’s. If you are like me and reluctant to invest time on lame sitcoms, you should give this show at least a test run. George Lopez has finally put the situational back into sitcom. The laughs come from the personalities and the situations in which they find themselves. While that may be a lost art for modern television, “That’s just the Lopez way”.
Special Features List
- Inside The Mind Of George Lopez Feature
- Gag Reel
