A Really Nice Review Of The Pentaverate / by Johnny Michael

All I really want to say is that The Pentaverate, the new comedy series on Netflix by Mike Meyers, is a really great show. I recommend you give it a watch. I sure did enjoy it.

I will go on… there is lots to laugh at. That is, If you like laughing and if you’re a fan of Mike Meyers. If those are two things you like, you’ll really enjoy what’s in store for ya. It’s got all sorts of Mike Meyers shizzies and gizzies sprinkled throughout the series. Whatever fun Mr. Meyers and the crew had making this film, you can feel it from the other end of the screen.

A bunch of speedy internet critics has taken hot swings at it saying unfavorable things. Almost like it’s trendy to be a big critic of his work… but I say nay to that nonsense. A big Nay-Nay! And what’s the point of being a critic anyway? Why spend your time penning negative news about something? Why not just ignore it? I don’t think I could imagine the world missing the movie and tv critics… I don’t think you’d hear someone say, “God I wish someone would have written a negative article about this television series! Then I could have read that article beforehand and never watched this show! Critics! They save me so much time! I love them!” Screw them. Get a new job. But don’t get one of those jobs where you’re on the street asking people to donate to a cause. That’s a really annoying job too.

If anybody needs to continue making entertainment, it’s Mike Meyers. So in the words of that nice Canadian news show… Don’t listen to them. Keep doing ‘yer best, Mike! I for one really loved it.

I loved the Inn jokes. The way it plays with medium and the Jeremy Irons VO. I loved the surprise appearances and little nods to other Mike Meyers films. It’s full of easter eggs. It’s less about a great story, but more about how clever and fun and full of comedy it is, it’s like little layers of cake built upon each other. So many times, I smiled and thought to myself, “Ah, that was clever!” I was hit with that tingley inspiring feeling you get when something you’ve never thought of before hits you. Two seemingly obvious connections meld together in your brain. It becomes an unforgettable little joke and association. I loved the bits about Canadian culture, the accents, and the fact that Canada is fuzzy… These specifics won’t make sense if you haven’t watched and I don’t want to spoil the surprises… What I’m trying to say is that I loved it and you should watch it.

Mike is a joy to watch perform. and you get to play the game of, “Which one is Mike Meyers?” You laugh and wonder in amazement, how does he nail all of those accents so well? And the makeup and costume are legendary. (and also done by a legendary make-up artist.)

Mike Meyers is that rare blend of intellectual and (I mean this in the best way) everyday idiot. I respect that about him. He’s a wise and knowledgeable fella, writing commentary about the madness of conspiracy theorists and sociopolitical trust issues, but at the same time can dumb himself down to the depths of raw sexuality and sasquatch poop. You really get a range, a full spectrum of funny. The dumb stuff and the delightfully smart high minded ideas. It’s inclusive I guess you could say.

I’d give it a five out of five and give him a high penta. 

You can watch the series here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81000867

Can I go on? Just a bit longer. A few more thoughts.

While I love all of his characters… My favorite character by Mike Meyers is when he’s himself. Watching him you can tell he’s a humble and kind human that’s just appreciative of all the cards in life he’s been dealt. He’s a rare genuine character who always trying to exude the good within him. His own character of gratefulness and the ways he shares the success with his team around him are exemplary and I love him for it.

From Wayne’s World to Austin Powers, to Shrek and even the Love Guru and that GM commercial with Dr. Evil. Every time he pops up on film or in the world of interviews I just get so excited. I’m grateful that he gets out there to entertain and share his gift. I love picking up insights into his process, and the meticulous nature in which he plans and prepares. “If you’re not preparing, prepare to fail.” He said that somewhere, I swear….

There’s so much to learn from this man. I think it’s also important to go down a rabbit hole of Mike Meyers's interviews and films too. Since the film is based on an idea that came out of a character’s mouth who talks like Shrek from So I Married An Axe Murderer, there are so many little stones to unturn.

Lastly, I’m gonna get a little personal. Something about his work makes me long for the idea that I may have missed in my life. I felt like I had to choose to go to work. I took the path of working for a living in advertising. But I still want to get my fun molecules out. I still want to tell stories and play characters. I still try in some ways…

Am I too old? Am I too old to create characters? Is it even a worthwhile endeavor to entertain? Does any of this even matter to anyone? Or is it all just pointless? Am I worth anything other than a writer who learns about sport utility automobiles and regurgitates information into a digital document that gets processed onto a web page? But there are the spoonfuls of economic incentives that keep pouring in. I’m a contributor to the economy. The retirement account keeps growing. The health insurance is there. All the basic needs are met, I have a job that brings what I need. But still, I burn to express my soul.

It inspires me. Who can I reach out to collaborate and elevate my productions? What characters can I develop? How can I push towards being a bigger performer? 

If I could tell myself a few things. I’d say, keep doing your best. Keep dreaming. Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Keep going and maybe we’ll get somewhere, eh?

I put these words and keep them here. Maybe that’ll inspire you, or a future version of me someday.