4 Swirlies

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAGjbvcqbrc

“If I was, my mom would die.”

This show does a lot of things smart - one of them is a long opening sequence on episode one, and this episode only has a quick title card.

This episode explores the fall out from the events of episode one, both for Rose and her Dad.

What gets me while watching it is how honest it is, and that made me sad. Not the episode, but the stuff they talk about - how homophobic a place the internet can be, how Rose has to lie about how she feels in order to keep her friendship. It all rings true, but is horribly, horribly sad - without being preachy or overwrought about it.

The writing’s nice, and the performances by the lead cast are strong. The production is a little on the rough side, especially the sound recording in the school cafeteria scene, but it doesn’t get in the way of enjoying the story.

Any good story is about the adversity that the characters overcome, and Out With Dad has chosen a realm within which to tell its story that has nothing but adversity, and the fact these are just normal, average people who are coming from a place of love makes it instantly identifiable and makes you want to reach into the screen and make it better.

I’m told that this series connects deeply with gay and lesbian teens and parents of gay and lesbian teens, but I think that not only can every one relate, but this is the type of story that shows the power of fiction. As a quick aside to explain that, it has been something of a cliche over the last ten years or so to place fiction below non-fiction, as if the fact that a story was “real” (no matter how manipulative or one sided the story telling) it makes it more important, more relevant to people’s lives. I actually believe the opposite. I think fiction is more crucial to our development as a larger community because (at its best) it makes us see and understand the world through other people’s eyes. This isn’t only a story that should be seen by the lesbian teens that it portrays, but by us all so that maybe the sorts of hardships that Rose and her Dad are up against won’t be around in 20 years.

I’m not saying this is an “important” web series that we should all watch in the same way we should take our vitamins or watch CNN so we know what we should talk about at dinner parties, I’m saying it is just as relevant in the lives of straight people as it is in the lives of gay and lesbians.

They are currently in production on season two. Best of luck, Out With Dadders! Hopefully we’ll be up to date by the time you post your new season!

From YouTube Description:

Nathan (Will Conlon) wants to learn how to help Rose. First thing he learns is that friends are more reliable than the Internet. Meanwhile, Kenny (Corey Lof) encorages Rose (Kate Conway) to make amends with Vanessa (Lindsey Middleton).

Info about the webpages found in this episode:
http://www.outwithdad.com/making-out/gay-queries

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More from the web series Out With Dad

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Out With Dad Ep.2 “Out To Lunch” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

4 Swirlies

www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4OdATe76q4

“Maybe we should. Just to… you know… see.”

A wonderfully awkward portrayal of a young girl trying to figure herself out.

I should come right out and say I know the people behind this series, and actually quite a bit about the history of it. But this is my first time watching it.

What I like about it is that it has a nice shape to it, while still being about the internal lives of the characters, specifically Rose. It tells a story that has a beginning, middle and end, but still leaves you wondering what’s gonna happen next? It is a nice length, too, despite having longish (but very effective) opening and long closing credits.

For some reason, it seems that lesbians have really taken to web series. Maybe because men are too busy watching porn - gay or straight. There’s a large community of lesbian web series watchers, but I haven’t noticed a similar web series communities for gay men.

The story told in this show still couldn’t be told on mainstream TV. I guess that’s why its audience seeks it out. And the aftermath of the “lets see” moment really rings true - when it comes to teens and love and sex, nothing ever ends up the way you imagine, does it?

From YouTube Description:

The premiere episode of Out With Dad. 15 year old Rose (Kate Conway) and her best friend Vanessa (Lindsey Middleton), find out that sometimes first kisses don’t turn out exactly how we expect.

Please tell us what you think! Your comments will be appreciated!

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Out With Dad Ep1. “Rose with Vanessa” | A Web Series Review on The Watch List

Features the song: “Over Seas”

4 swirlies

“This one’s filled with rubies and… supermarket discount coupons!”

Full disclosure: I love puppets.  Also, I’m twitter buddies with creator Robert Mills, although I have never met him in person!

But rest assured, that does not affect the fact that I really liked this show.  It’s exactly what I would’ve loved to watch as a kid.  It’s fun, honest, wholesome, good old fashion storytelling.  I would most definitely recommend it to my young cousins!

But it’s also one of those rare shows that parents probably wouldn’t mind watching with their young kids.  The creators have made a real effort to sneak in a few jokes for the adults, and we appreciate it.  Heck, I just about laughed out loud when I saw the puppets partying with Ruffus Sinbad!

Also, I swear Lamb Chop was in that mambo line.

In short, the puppets come alive.  The voice actors are awesome.  The comedy is imaginative with jokes and physical slapstick—well, as much slapstick as puppets can handle!  The story has a solid beginning, middle, and end with enough obstacles to keep the kiddies entertained for thirteen minutes.  And it all looks great.

Plus, Ruffus sings!

“Glee” had better watch its back.

But hey, the real judges for this show will be your kids.  So let us know what they think!

Ruffus The Dog: The Second Voyage of Sinbad

THE SPAM SCAM: Ruby Skye P.I. is a detective series for tweens. In her first mystery, The Spam Scam, 15 year old amateur girl sleuth discovers that a neighbor has fallen victim an email scam and vows to get her money back, but the clues lead in all the wrong directions. Pretty soon, Ruby has no friends left. Can Ruby solve the mysteries and win her friends back?

4 Swirlies

Click here to view the embedded video.

“I was there too. I was the one with the Mentos.”

The final episode of Ruby Skye P.I. I’m sad that it’s over but I’m glad that we’ve finally arrived at the bottom of all of the mysteries Ruby wanted to solve. Madison Cheeatow (Ruby) was consistently strong throughout the series as a genuine Ruby Skye. I liked the scene with Ms. Springer waving Ruby into the room with a giant pair of scissors. Or maybe they were shears? Anyway, the blades were a foot long. I also really enjoy the playful score featuring what I believe are clarinets.

My main criticism is that this episode seemed kind of anticlimactic, since it comes after the resolution of the main mystery and doesn’t tie up that many loose ends. Such as: why did Diana frame Ruby for shoplifting? But it’s nice that the show finishes with Griffin and Ruby as BFFs again. I also wish the connection between the clown, the petition and Griffin’s dad had been a little clearer. I had to watch the episode twice to follow Ruby’s logic. Or maybe I’m slow.

So, if you haven’t watched the whole series yet, CHECK IT OUT! Especially if you are between the ages of 8 and 12, use words like “whatev” and “smarticles,” and all of your interactions with your friends are documented on your iPhone, Facebook, or email.

Congratulations, Ruby Skye team, on your beautiful show.

Ruby Skye P.I. Chapter 12: Duh Duh Duhn – A Comedy Web Series

In Chapter 10: Seven Minutes in Heaven, Ruby faces danger, claustrophobia, a ticking clock and one very angry sister. Only science — and YouTube — can save Ruby and her friends now.

5 Swirlies!

“That janitor just threw me in the closet, and I’m not talking to you.”

Whoops! We here at the Watch List accidentally skipped Ruby Skye episode 10, and already posted 11. Sorry, guys! Here’s Episode 10 for your viewing pleasure.

Now that we know who is behind the Spam Scam, things are getting tense for our heroes, Ruby, Griffin and Hayley. How do they get outta that closet? Well, it’s nothing short of meme-tastic!

Ruby Skye Ep. 10 “Seven Minutes in Heaven”

4 Swirlies

“Wow, you just missed another opportunity to shut up.”

Part 6 of a 12 part series and a new suspect emerges.

As always, this show is really well produced, with great sound and a really polished feel.

What I really like about the last couple of episodes is how they present clue that seem to prove a suspects guilt – but since the show isn’t over, there’s more twists bound to come. It’s good mystery writing.

I’ve also noticed that the petition that features prominently in the episode is something that you can actually sign – an interesting way not only to promote the show through a little eco buzz, but to create a real world connection between Ruby and her fans. You can sign it here…

http://www.rubyskyepi.com/ban-the-bottle/

So, who do you think is the real culprit behind the Spam Scam?

Ruby Skye PI:The Spam Scam Ep. 6 “Sister Act”

3 Swirlies

Hmm. This is my first experience embedding a video with the KoldCast player. Not bad. Plays smooth. Buffers fast.

This is the first episode of what I think is a new series. Found myself glancing at the timeline during the rather long opening credits sequence. On a bit of a “Grinds my Gears” note, I know that most of us doing web series do a whole whack of jobs to get the thing made. I actually commend that, as difficult as it is. But then, you don’t really need to load the credits with separate credits for everything you have done.

But… let’s actually talk about the episode, huh?

One thing I really liked is that there’s an angel wing motif, that’s nicely used. There’s a long scene with two red necks playing pool – it is essentially the whole episode – and in the wide shots one of them stands in front of some graffiti, which gives him angel wings. It’s nice.

This is another one of them opening episodes where it is almost more of a prologue than the start of the story. We barely see (what I assume is) the main character of the series. It seems like this series is going for a strong serialized arc. That’s trouble for web series, where audiences likely discover whatever random video and start watching from there.

I’m not being pulled in. As always, I’ll give you more of a watch/don’t watch opinion once I post episode 2. To be honest, I’m not even exactly sure what genre to put it in, as of yet.

Passenger Ep. 1 – Passenger

4 Swirlies

A new episode from tween detective series, Ruby Skye PI.

The clues are piling up. The noose tightens as Ruby finds some shocking information… and then gets framed! A badge of honour for any PI!

As always, this is a very nicely produced series that rivals many TV series. We take a bit of a break from the investigation in order for Ruby to pay of r hopping debt to her sister, Hailey. But trouble follows Ruby where ever she goes.

My one complaint about this episode is that it is to short – and that’s probably the only time you’ll ever here me say that. It feels like the episode only gets up to speed, and then we’re done. It certainly follows the old advice, leave ‘em wanting more!

But if you haven’t caught on to this series, hat are you waiting for?

Ruby Skye PI – Ep. 4 “A Real Green Dress”

5 Swirlies

The mystery thickens! Who is behind the spam scam? Is it… Ruby’s best friend?

Of the reviewers that come and go through The Watch List’s hallowed gates, I’m the one least likely to give out a perfect score, but this episode earned it.

The writing, directing and performing is sharp and very funny. The visual look, the use of sound and music is spot on.

Everything works to make this an enjoyable few minutes, but where this series really shines is the on screen presence of its stars, Madison Cheeatow, Marlee Maslove and Kevin Gutierrez. How they found three, young fresh faces that seem to have so much confidence in their performances, I’ll never know.

Yes, this is great episode, probably the best so far, but I recommend you start at the beginning if you haven’t already.

Ruby Skye PI – Ep. 3 “Break In.”

5 Swirlies

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Don’t be silly! I know not to send any information over the Internet — I’m not stupid. I sent him cash!”

This tween transmedia mystery is WICKED!!!! Where is the like button so I can demonstrate my approval to my friends? So here is the first of twelve >8-minute episodes. Without giving away the plot, I’ll tell you that the story is quirky and ~*mYstERIOuS*~, it’s beautifully shot and edited — polished and crisp, shot with a Canon 5D –,  the score is appropriately light-hearted,  and the actors are stellar. Madison Cheeatow (Ruby) and Kirklynne Garrett (Mrs. Gooje) are fun to watch, particularly during their conversation scene. Their facial expressions are pretty hilarious. Kevin Gutierrez (Griffin) is really good at behaving sketchily, and Marlee Maslove (Hailey) is really good as Ruby’s annoying, overachieving little sister. I am very curious to see what kind of trouble Ruby will run into later on in the series with her enthusiastic, gung-ho approach to solving things.

Oh! Also, look out for a cameo by our very own Captain Euchre.

Since I wanted to get the most out of the depth and scope of this transmedia experience, I watched some of the production video blogs. Essentially they divided a single script into twelve acts, so that each act comprises a single episode. I will comment on this point in later reviews as the subsequent episodes are released (on Mondays and Thursdays). O, cliffhangers…

Given that this is a transmedia experience, you can’t really watch the episodes without having a look at the comprehensive Ruby Skye P.I. website and all that it has to offer — including Ruby’s blog, her spy files, recipes for delicious-looking brownies, links to places like her sister Hailey’s youtube channel with tips for the not-so-tech-savvy, and a bunch of other goodies that I shan’t give away in this dinky blog post. GO HAVE A LOOK YOURSELF!

If I were a tween I would totally tell all of my friends about this. Yup! I’m going to do it right now.

Ruby Skye P.I. – Chapter 1: “Animal Farm”