Ok. You want constructive criticism. You've got it.
I actually registered to express my views of this show. This show has potential -- to experience things that one can only dream of. We have the opportunity to live vicariously through the host. I mean, that's what we do with Bourdain. Not too many people have the opportunity to take part in feces filled rectum in the Bush. And not many people have the opportunity to go to Cuba or live a millionaire's life in Dubai.
My issue with the show is not the premise, but the host. I don't think the host is the most appropriate person. It's not because he's culturally insensitive or boring. I actually get what he's trying to do. But to be able to pull that type of humor off requires timing and skill that Andrew Anthony does not possess. I get that Anthony is trying to play the %$#@#. But it takes a certain person who is able to pull the %$#@# thing off. I can't quite put my finger on it, but this host doesn't possess that je ne sais quois. It's obvious that most people find him arrogant (and not in a good/funny way). He's basically trying to be Bourdain without being Bourdain. He's trying to find his own thing which is cool as it would be so lame to have a lot of Bourdainesque shows. But it seems that he's pissing a lot of people off in the process. Just face it, Travel Channel ... this guy isn't testing very well.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: mod_ben, 05-21-08 12:54 AM
Just out of curiosity, what has been edited (my guess is language) in the previous post?
My serious suggestion; should this part of the forum be intended for constructive criticism *only*, that it be stated in some sort of sticky or in the title.
Maybe have a "gripe about the show," section if we cannot do it here.
Yes, apparently my language was too foul for this board, even though I used asterisks. Well, it didn't affect what I was trying to say. I'm sure you guys all get the gist of it.
I am bringing this post up to the top because I am still seeing a lot of posts that are just name calling. Please try to keep your feedback respectful and constructive. mod_ben
I really liked this show ALOT. Please please please keep up the good work. And also include travels to places in the USA, not just around the world. With the dollar being weak against other currencies, most vacationers will be staying within US borders this year, so please more US LOCATIONS!!
I agree that name calling isn't the best way to voice a negative feeling about a person or a show, however, your remote control is there to change the channel if you don't like the program you are watching. When I first saw the ads on Travel Channel for this upcoming show, "Life's a trip", I thought I would never watch it. With nothing else to watch at 11pm, I gave it a chance and over time it has become one of my favorite shows. Yes, the host is a well-off Canadian and carries that type of somewhat corny humor. But he doesn't take himself seriously and maybe doesn't take life seriously, but I have to laugh at his style; he is funny, a bit immature and bored with life. The viewer demands to change hosts or remove the show from TC's lineup is ridiculous. How many Samantha Brown, Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain programs must we be subject to? I mean, they are all good hosts but enough is enough already. And I absolutely cannot watch any show featuring Ian Wright; not because I am anti-Brit, but because he simply is not entertaining and his command and cockney pronunciation of the English language is horrendous. I feel that TC should continue with additional "Life's a Trip" shows with Andrew Anthony as the host; and if you don't like it, don't watch it. I constantly change the channel when yet another repeat of Brown, Bourdain and Zimmern appear. Hey, that's life, get used to it.
What happened to "Life's a Trip"?? I was looking forward to seeing it after "No Reservations" this past Monday and instead, there were re-runs of Zimmern's show! Love "Bizarre Foods", but I missed Andrew Anthony--the show's grown on me. He's a different character than the others--I like his aloof, sophisticated, handsome goofiness. He brings another unique aspect to your travel genre. Don't let him go!!! Bring him back!! Let the grumpy guy vent--he can watch something else while the rest of us watch Life's a Trip.
I'm not sure how constructive I can be... we watched maybe 10 minutes of one of his shows and couldn't stand it - so as others have said, if it's not for you, watch something else. We did.
I guess if I had to put a finger on it, I'd say we mainly couldn't stand the arrogance, but nothing about the show appealed to us - other than the title and description.
We may be hard to please... we don't like Samantha Brown (though she's not as big a turnoff), nor Bourdain (mainly 'cause that show's about food and food is not a biggie with us), nor Zimmern (that food thingy again). Ian was really good as a Globetrekker host, but lost it on his American cities. We watched one of those and weren't interested in the rest.
I guess we like shows that focus on places - not hosts - or food. So we're weird... such is life.
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