Book of Rules: Episode 1
June 19, 2014
Book of Rules chronicles the relationship between three college roommates. The series, filmed entirely at what looks like a house in the York University ‘Village,’ focuses on a specific but incredibly relatable trial in most people’s lives: living with strangers. The series has a bit of a niche to it, and focuses on single white males living in a townhouse. Not the most diverse experience for us to watch. As a not single, white female living with both sexes in a tiny downtown apartment I hope my interpretation will prove insightful.
But I digress, this is a comedy and the initial trailer reminds me of my days in university residence. The experience of shower stalls and playing drinking games to The Big Lebowski (1998) are far behind me. There’s nothing like the nostalgia of reliving those days of freshman shenanigans.
But I digress, this is a comedy and the initial trailer reminds me of my days in university residence. The experience of shower stalls and playing drinking games to The Big Lebowski (1998) are far behind me. There’s nothing like the nostalgia of reliving those days of freshman shenanigans.
That is exactly who Mike is, the new roommate in the dude townhouse. Graham and Eric have previously set up the house dynamic. The two attempt to initiate Mike into the dudehouse including some tests as to whether he’ll fit in, but run into some issues with Mike drinking his beer. Oh the beer fridge. Those were the days!
With that in mind the pilot is short and sweet with good editing, quality, and comedic timing. The three play off of each other really well.
The only thing that bothers me a little bit are the title cards, for me they seem to interrupt the flow of the story and bring me back to reality. It’s not a hard thing to fogive in terms of viewing experience as the great soundtrack helps smooth it together. I understand that it’s a way to prevent confusion from the time jumps in the story, but I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary. Actually title cards serve as a reminder to some of my favourite silent films, and the use of them have mostly disappeared from film since. I might grow to like it if it becomes essential to the format.
Let’s get to the Book of Rules, to the title the actual book. Now I want to know where this thing came from. The cover is worn, and it’s originally a copy of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Hopefully none of these guys are English majors. That title is crossed out, and it’s a wonder where this thing came from since two college dudes think of it as a bible of sorts.
Poor naïve Mike has a deadline to prove he’s the right roommate. It’s a great choice in writing because it raises the steaks gives the viewers something to look forward to. Ten weeks from now Mike will either abide by The Book, or start packing.
With that in mind the pilot is short and sweet with good editing, quality, and comedic timing. The three play off of each other really well.
The only thing that bothers me a little bit are the title cards, for me they seem to interrupt the flow of the story and bring me back to reality. It’s not a hard thing to fogive in terms of viewing experience as the great soundtrack helps smooth it together. I understand that it’s a way to prevent confusion from the time jumps in the story, but I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary. Actually title cards serve as a reminder to some of my favourite silent films, and the use of them have mostly disappeared from film since. I might grow to like it if it becomes essential to the format.
Let’s get to the Book of Rules, to the title the actual book. Now I want to know where this thing came from. The cover is worn, and it’s originally a copy of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Hopefully none of these guys are English majors. That title is crossed out, and it’s a wonder where this thing came from since two college dudes think of it as a bible of sorts.
Poor naïve Mike has a deadline to prove he’s the right roommate. It’s a great choice in writing because it raises the steaks gives the viewers something to look forward to. Ten weeks from now Mike will either abide by The Book, or start packing.
