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Modern Family: Mother! (2018)
Beautifully crafted, superb humour that simple shines!
"Mother" is a perfect showcase of the expertise of the show. The various stories each offer their own unique comedic beats. However, when they all come together in the third act, it elevates the episode into perfection.
When Dede (legendary Shelley Long) returns, she sets off a turn of events that reveal her powerful effect on the family's dynamic.
Mitch and Cam discover the diabolical impact Dede has had on their entire relationship, most recently their decor in the kitchen.
Phil, Luke, Haley and Alex all have bad news to reveal to Claire, including ditching her for Mother's Day; ruining her portrait; and giving a stranger their bank details. They all try to capatalise on her good mood following her monthly spa day, and things go as well as one would expect!
Lastly, Manny and Jay are premiering their movie to their family, and discover that the monster's voice sounds almost identical to a certain woman in their lives.
These subplots all congregate together, illustrating the superb writing. Whenever the family is in one room together, the comedic possibilities are endless. Mitch's skin-coloured suit, Phil's edited speech, and Dede's presence are some of the highlights in this beautifully crafted episode.
"Mother" is a detailed, masterclass on expert writing, especially for a show 9 years in.
Modern Family: CHiPs and Salsa (2018)
Simple, light episode
"CHiPs and Salsa" is a light-hearted episode that focuses on relatable issues.
My favourite was Luke's college quest, and Phil and Claire's race, a throwback to season 1's "Run For Your Wife".
"Three bedroom house with a picket fence?! Already got one of those!"
Modern Family: Daddy Issues (2018)
Laughably-honest slice of life
"Daddy Issues" depicts the show's signature humour of everyday situations.
Phil struggles to find Claire an anniversary gift, always landing in the idea of a novelty key chain. The climax of this scene is outstanding, allowing Ty and Julie to showcase their superb physical comedy skills.
Conversely, in the Tucker-Pritchett household, Lily desires a bra amid teasing at school. Understandably perplexed by the female changing body, Cam and Mitch struggle, but ultimately do what they can for their girl.
Gabriel Inglies guest stars in a truly hilarious cameo. The visual humour is beautiful.
In conclusion, Daddy Issues depicts real situations with sprinkles of humour.
Modern Family: Royal Visit (2018)
An explanation of insecurity results in poignancy
"Royal Visit" builds around the idea of insecurity.the stories themselves are relatable. We've all been there, when someone new comes into our life, and we can't help but compare ourselves to them.
For Jay, Gloria, Phil and Claire, doubt sets in, and though they are in separate story lines, the emotional weight is the same. Jay and Gloria struggle with Joe's friend's parents, and how lame they seem in comparison. Phil and Claire similarly express difficulty in Haley's astrophysicist boyfriend.
These stories are satisfying and rewarding in their own, and offer Modern Family's impeccable character work. Each plot balances its comedic needs with the emotional drama. "Royal Visit" is so effective because of how everything comes together as a whole.
FOr Cam and Mitch, they each explore insecurity in their own ways. Despite the bumps along the way, they come to realise how much they need each other. They're two very different people, but they work together.
The most piercing moment is when Haley confronts Alex about making Bill feel inadequate, because it's what Alex has always done to her. For its ninth season, the character development is simply superb.
Overall, "Royal Visit" is packed with energy, excitement and emotion.i
Modern Family: Spanks for the Memories (2018)
Classic episode!
"Spanks for the memories" could have been a generitic, boring, unfunny episode, but MF demonstrates its award winning and critical acclaimed humour in this classic episode.
The best plot of the episode is Mitch and Cam's storyline, which focuses on their effort to conceal a 'piano' that Cam impulsively purchased. The physical comedy and character beats play off perfectly, and the end result is truly a work of art.
Ultimately, this is another fantastic episode, in what is shaping up to be an incredible season!
When We First Met (2018)
Heartfelt, hilarious thought-provoking rom-com!
When We First Met is a sweet, charming movie about who people are really meant for.
Noah, played immaculately by Adam Devine, gets the chance to travel back in time to persuade Avery, the girl of his dreams, to fall in love with him.
As the time travels increase, the comedy escalates and escalates, creating a subversion of the cliché conventions. The movie encompasses so much twists and turns, creating a modern love story.
In his most gorgeous role yet, Adam portrays Noah as an awkward and friendly guy, transforming his role from what could have been a creepy stalker, into a sweet protagonist, hopeful for love. Adam injects the perfect amount of humour and heart into his performance, demonstrating a true vulnerability to Noah.
This movie ends in such a beautiful note about life and love, with the whole cast having amazing chemistry together!
When We First Met (2018)
Heartfelt, hilarious thought-provoking rom-com!
When We First Met is a sweet, charming movie about who people are really meant for.
Noah, played immaculately by Adam Devine, gets the chance to travel back in time to persuade Avery, the girl of his dreams, to fall in love with him.
As the time travels increase, the comedy escalates and escalates, creating a subversion of the cliché conventions. The movie encompasses so much twists and turns, creating a modern love story.
In his most gorgeous role yet, Adam portrays Noah as an awkward and friendly guy, transforming his role from what could have been a creepy stalker, into a sweet protagonist, hopeful for love. Adam injects the perfect amount of humour and heart into his performance, demonstrating a true vulnerability to Noah.
This movie ends in such a beautiful note about life and love, with the whole cast having amazing chemistry together!
Modern Family: In Your Head (2018)
Expanding on last week's theme of death, In Your Head focuses on living each day to the fullest.
Modern Family has consistently proved how amazing it can be at showing powerful messages through funny storylines. In Your Head greatly exemplifies that.
The first storyline focuses on Mitch and Cam, and their realisation that they don't live in the moment. It's a simple plot that serves to show the audience how amazing they are together.
Manny, Phil and Gloria search around Gloria's former neighbourhood in an effort to locate Luke. Gloria's realisation of the gentrification of her neighbourhood is hilarious, and a call-back to s5's "A Hard Jay's Night."
Meanwhile, Jay received Earl's urn and tries to figure out where he has to bury the ashes. Claire tries to bond with Earl's daughter, Shirl, but it backfires.
Lastly, Haley interrupts Alex's class and catches the attention of Alex's professor, Arvin. Her interview with the creator of Nerp is so well written and is acted amazingly.
All of the hilarity of these stories come together in a heart-warming moment that reflects Earl's note. In Your Head seeks to use every-day moments to spark hilarity and reflect life, and achieves this spectacularly. You even might feel uplifted by Jay's monologue, as we journey with these characters through their lives.
Modern Family: Phil's Sexy, Sexy House (2015)
Insanity shines in this hysterically perfect Modern Family ep.
Modern Family's 4th Thanksgiving-themed episode delivers a hysterical, touching episode that fully encapsulates the very best of the show.
After all over-hearing Phil discussing his client's sexy house, various family members get the idea to sneak over. This escalates and escalates and causes some of the tightest comedy scenes in the show's history. Every plot point is so well thought out, and comes together so beautifully, you'd be mistaken to think that there are 20 writers for the show in order to orchestrate this high level of genius.
Haley and Andy's storyline further expands on their multiple seasons will-they-or-won't-they to great effect. Offering physical comedy and small, dramatic moments, the show takes full advantage of the impeccable chemistry between Sarah and Adam to demonstrate the love that their characters have for each other.
Concluding with such a beautiful note, that is highly considered to be the best moment from the show, Phil's Sexy, Sexy House exemplifies the very best of the show, and is as perfect an episode you can get.
Modern Family: Dear Beloved Family (2018)
Brilliant, poignant story; Modern Family in a nutshell.
Dear Beloved Family is the show's 200th episode and perfectly encapsulates the series. This hilarious, heart-warming, episode examines the family's relationships with each other.
Revolving around Phil's gallbladder surgery, this episode tackles the themes around death and what it means for those loved ones left behind. It derives comedy and serious moments from death.
The climax of the episode is an incredibly heart-warming note that reminds us to appreciate every minute we are alive.
Emphasising on the importance of family, Dear Beloved Family is another classic episode that truly cements Modern Family as one of the most beloved shows in history.
Modern Family: He Said, She Shed (2018)
Building on the audiences' relationships with these characters, He Said, She Shed expands on the traits of its characters with hilarious results!
He Said, She Shed allows for its characters to expand on their much-loved traits in a hilarious episode.
Claire's determined nature, Cam's sensitivity, Phil's lying and Mitch's insecurities all feature prominently, offering up something for everyone.
Featuring clever wordplay, physical comedy and witty punchlines, this episode continues season 9's trend of outstanding episodes!
Modern Family: Tough Love (2017)
Poignant, expertly scripted episode.
Tough Love is an extremely well-balanced episode, offering both big laughs and small nuances of family life.
Cam's plot is a straight hilarious storyline, with his idea of being less soft backfiring immensely. His first scene with Mitch, cutting over to Haley, is one of the show's most inspired and genius interview scenes ever!
Additionally, Mitch's scene with his supposed baby nephew create a fast-paced and witty storyline to intercut the rest of the episode.
Phil's quest to camp for 6 days is immediately met with troubles, and Ty Burrell plays him with absolute perfection, as his optimism begins to fade. This situation is mirrored with Claire's voyage and concludes beautifully, showing how much love Claire has for Phil.
In the most emotional storyline, Gloria struggles with coming to terms of how grown-up Manny is. Creating funny and poignant scenes, this storyline is the best of the episode, and shows us the love that Gloria has for his son. Ultimately, this episode ends with an emotional scene between Jay, Gloria and her two sons.
Modern Family: Winner Winner Turkey Dinner (2017)
A true comedy masterpiece!
From the start to the end, every scene, moment and line is filled with optimal humour. Featuring the family all together, this is another classic episode that continues to escalate further and further as the lies build.
Winner, Winner, Turkey Dinner is so successful because it builds on the existing character development, yet offers a fresh perspective on their lives.
Allowing every character a chance to shine, this episode serves as an example of how to write comedy that doesn't feel exaggerated.
Concluding on a sweet note, this episode truly encapsulates the very best of Modern Family.
Modern Family: Ten Years Later (2017)
Beautiful episode uplifted by superb character development
Ten Years Later focuses on the ten-year anniversary party of Jay and Gloria and causes the Pritchett/Tucker/Dunphy fam to reflect on time.
Expertly balancing between being hilarious and heart-warming, this episode focuses on the love between Jay & Gloria, Mitch & Cam and Phil & Claire, and how time only strengthens each relationship.
Featuring callbacks from season 1, fans are rewarded from spending 9 years with this family.
Season 9 goes from strength to strength, as demonstrated with this endearing and reflective episode.
Modern Family: Sex, Lies & Kickball (2017)
Heartfelt, simple tales.
Sex, Lies, and Kickball focuses on the disparity between what you want for a loved one, verses what they actually want.
Alex and Ben meet with Phil and Claire, with Claire determined to undermine Ben, in a move that mirrors Jay and Phil's relationship.
Jay's friend Shorty returns from Costa Rica, exaggerating how successful he is there. Jay referring to Shorty as his "best friend" is heart-warming and ends the episode on a sweet note.
As usual, Mitch and Cam steal the show. Pepper and Ronaldo's recently-adopted son Lionel stays with the Tucker-Pritchett's, with Mitch and Cam being taken aback by how proper and adult Lionel is. They decide to play kickball with Pepper and Ronaldo, with some excellent comedy as usual when Nathan Lane guest-stars.
This is a simple episode that examines the complexities of the relationships on the show.
Modern Family: Catch of the Day (2017)
Side-splitting tale sprinkled with superb physical comedy!
Catch Of The Day refers to Phil's superstition that if he fails to catch his underwear in the morning, his day will be extremely unlucky. Guess what happens in this episode, then? Throughout the day, Phil is susceptible to falls, cuts, bruises and even the odd taunting. Ty's impeccable physical comedy skills are second-to-one and cements him as one of the most talented and versatile actors to ever grace the screen. The final scene with him at the golf course, featuring a stunning character cameo, is an insanely hilarious, classic scene that will have everyone in stitches!
Additionally, after breaking her phone, Haley is treated to a few days without the comfort of her device. Sarah steals the episode with her scenes, as she gets transported to a phone-free world, filled with brighter colours, engaging books and even real-life LOL moments. The tag scene is a work of art, as she transitions back to her internet-absorbed ways.
Mitch and Cam's plot focuses on redoing their kitchen, with Cam constantly stopping the builders from working in order to eavesdrop on his sister. The tensions continue to escalate, culminating in Mitch eavesdropping on Cam in another gorgeous moment of physicality!
Jay, meanwhile, is convinced that Gloria was in an accident. Jeremy, as Joe, steals the scene as an adorable, little tattletale to his father.
Overall, this is an insanely hilarious episode, facilitated by the beautiful physical comedy.
Modern Family: The Long Goodbye (2017)
An Emotional and Heartwarming Episode!
Following the tradition of the kids leaving to college on the 2nd episode of the season, The Long Goodbye centres around Manny departing his family and leaving to college. At his request, he asks his parents not to make a big deal about his leaving, so his classmates won't see him cry, much to Gloria's aversion.
His absence from home only reinforces how much he cared for his family, leaving Jay and Gloria emotional about not having him around. Their final scene culminates in them all hugging and crying, creating an emotional send-off for the latest college-bound Pritchett/Tucker/Dunphy clan.
Elaborating on their heart-warming vein, another storyline focuses on Phil and Claire visiting Alex at college, fearing that she isn't as coping as well as she says. When they arrive, they find Alex thriving, seemingly without a problem. However, when they find her dress thrown out, they begin to suspect that something is wrong. Confronting her in class, Alex berates her parents for trying to solve a problem that simply isn't present. She then reveals the true reason for throwing the dress away, and her parents help her realise that she needs to be brave enough to show her vulnerabilities to others. This helps Phil and Claire realise that their little girl will always need them, in one way or another.
Mitch, Cam, Lily and Pam return home to find their kitchen burned down. This storyline is definitely more humour-based, and features the great chemistry that Jesse and Eric have with each other!
Lastly, Haley and Luke are both working at Jay's country club. Featuring guest-star Vanessa Williams, Haley begins to bond with her and envisions working with her as her personal assistant. In what is one of the most genius visual work, the angel and devil on Haley's shoulders are presented. Luke's ultimate response to Haley confirms the bond these siblings have, despite their fighting and disagreements.
Ultimately, this episode represents the very best of Modern Family; taking real situations and creating hilarious and heartfelt stories from them.