Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Ever since my first 1996 southern California visit, I have been forever amazed at the paradox that, in spite of the paradise weather and sunshine smiles, the SoCal general public vibes come off as depressed angst. 1--That stark contrast is totally captured by the inimitable Billy Bob Thornton's alcoholic attorney Billy McBride living out of a Santa Monica motel driving a s***box convertible befriending a stray pit bull no less, meeting his daughter (Diana Hopper) at his neighborhood bar Chez Jay (actual place today). 2--Most every character has some degree of this paradox as well: lawyers Callie Senate (Molly Parker), Michelle McBride (Maria Bello), and Donald Cooperman (William Hurt) all exude aloof, high-powered confidence but have very dysfunctional inner/personal lives. 3--Billy's crowd were even more duplicitous, and the car scenes showing this motley crew cruising down the beach front avenue are soooo SoCal. 4--Prostitute Brittany (Tania Raymonde) nailed the vulnerable, shallow, sexy, valley-girl, tinsel-town appearance while abusing killer drugs. 5--Patty (Nina Arianda) is a hoot with her blunt "yappiness" but heartfelt support of Billy. 6--And Lucy's (Olivia Thirlby) gradual sexual harassment leading to pathetic Stockholm-syndrome adoration of Cooperman is remarkably realistic. 7--But my highest praise goes to Thornton's pitch-perfect portrayal of alcoholic demons even in the final scene when we aren't sure if he has fallen off the wagon for good or not. . .some cliffhanger! 8--Finally, the screenwriters provide authentic dialogues and several plot surprises to make you binge-watch all 8 episodes as one long film so plan a weekend watch. Amazon is hiring some fabulous acting for our affordable home viewing. . .thank you kindly!