Review:
As it turns out, you can go home again.
Netflix's "Fuller House," which premiered Feb. 26, may be a cheesy walk down memory lane, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The pilot episode, which features the return of the mothership series' stalwart players (sans the Olsen twins), is sure to give viewers the feels as the writers made a conscious effort to include many throwbacks to the original series. In the first 10 minutes alone, the characters fire off catch phrases like "How rude!," "Have mercy!" and "Cut. It. Out." In a later scene, Jesse and the Rippers reunite for a performance of the hit single (in Japan), "Forever." The pilot even ends just as the original show did, with Danny, Jesse, Joey, DJ and Stephanie gathered around a playpen singing "The Flintstones" theme song in an effort to soothe a fussy baby.
Diabetic viewers probably should stay away from this show, because it is just oh-so saccharine.
Everyone seems to fall back into their roles with relative ease. John Stamos is still wonderful as the too-cool-for-school Jesse Katsopolis. Dave Coulier is still annoying as Joey Gladstone. Lori Loughlin's Aunt Becky fires off one-liners like that 21-year hiatus was nothing. Andrea Barber's Kimmy Gibbler is still a hoot. Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin never miss a beat as DJ and Stephanie.
If anyone has trouble remembering how to play their character, it's definitely Bob Saget. "Fuller House" character Danny Tanner is certainly less jovial than the one we remember. This time around, it's almost as if Bob Saget is not playing Danny Tanner, but a less vulgar Bob Saget.
One issue I had with this new series was the casting of DJ and Kimmy's kids. The actors of "Full House" never churned out Emmy-worthy performances back in the show's heyday, but audiences were spoiled by the performances Cameron Bure, Sweetin, Barber and the Olsen twins gave. They knew how to enchant audiences with a cute smile and the utterance of a silly catchphrase. In contrast, these kids seem to have a little more trouble fitting into their roles. Hopefully, as this season continues, their acting range will grow and they will become more comfortable with the roles they have been given.
Other facts to note: Eva La Rue of "CSI: Miami" plays Danny Tanner's much-younger wife, Teri. She is given very little to do in the pilot. Here's hoping they bring her back for more, as La Rue is a solid actress.
Actor Juan Pabo Di Pace only has one scene as Kimmy's lothario ex-husband, Fernando, but he does wonders with the material. For fans of "Dallas" who remember him as Nicolas Trevino, it is quite a shock to see him successfully take on such a comedic role.
Somehow, the Tanner house looks exactly the same as it did in the original series. Haven't these people heard of redecorating? They've had the same couch since 1987! That's kinda gross, if you ask me.
This show is a little more risque than the original. In one scene, Uncle Jesse makes a rather edgy joke about semen. In another, Stephanie talks about lactation while wearing a very revealing dress. As jarring as these scenes were, it is nice to see "Full House" move into the 21st century.
In Summary:
If you are the type of person who thought the old "Full House" was quality television, you'll love this new program. If you're the type of person who found every reason imaginable to rip the old show to threads, this sequel will certainly help your cause.
