Review: Extras
Rate This Article
So whenever he gets the chance between takes, Andy hits up big-name stars for lines in their movies, help getting his sitcom script distributed, or whatever other favor he can think of. That these celebrities play themselves -- usually with a self-mocking twist -- is one of the series' key gimmicks. Particularly memorable guest-star turns include Kate Winslet candidly advising Maggie on phone sex, Patrick Stewart enthusiastically describing his nudity-heavy script to Andy, and Orlando Bloom sending up his own pretty-boy reputation.
But the meat and potatoes of Extras are the socially awkward moments that Andy and Maggie are constantly stumbling into, usually by accident (as when they unknowingly mock a woman with cerebral palsy), but always with a maximum of embarrassment. No subject is taboo, from racism to disability, and the characters often do rude, selfish things (Andy berating and belittling a lonely man who wants to have dinner with him, for instance) in the name of comedy.
This brand of painful humor certainly isn't for everyone, and Extras' colorful language and adult situations rule it out for kids. But if you're a fan of the U.S. Office or Curb Your Enthusiasm, Extras should be right up your alley.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
