Lots of (smart) people are getting really sick of the “being a real man” premise. The first problem with this premise is that it defines a man based on gender stereotypes. The second problem with it is that it paints girls, in comparison, as weak, shrill, shallow, materialistic, nagging, overemotional, and impractical.
This fall, we have Last Man Standing, How to Be a Gentleman, Work It, and, of course, Two and a Half Men still exists. And now we have Man Up. But let’s not be too hard on Man Up because of the others. It’s probably the best of the bunch (the second best being Last Man Standing).
Due to good chemistry between the three guys, an inoffensive message, and a refusal to hammer us over the head with the show’s male-oriented theme, this show wins where the others tend to suffer. It’s actually pretty funny.
Due to good chemistry between the three guys, an inoffensive message, and a refusal to hammer us over the head with the show’s male-oriented theme, this show wins where the others tend to suffer. It’s actually pretty funny.
We also seem to be missing the obligatory “playboy” character, which is such a relief. Being a real man to these guys include trying to win back an ex, competing with a guy dating your ex, and trying to appear brave in front of your son, as well as buying your son a good birthday gift.
You have to admit that all of these things are better than drinking another guy under the table, actually punching someone, lacking emotion/not caring, making fun of women, or bedding as many hot women as possible. Man Up still wallows in the "manchildren" theme, but that can be funny. We would not recommend Man Up or Last Man Standing to anyone, at this point. It’s not on our list of things to try to make people watch. But if you are interested, we won’t try to dissuade you from checking either show out. If it were cancelled, we wouldn't be sad, but while it's on, we will watch it. Especially while baseball is taking New Girl and Glee away from us.
Episode grade: B
You have to admit that all of these things are better than drinking another guy under the table, actually punching someone, lacking emotion/not caring, making fun of women, or bedding as many hot women as possible. Man Up still wallows in the "manchildren" theme, but that can be funny. We would not recommend Man Up or Last Man Standing to anyone, at this point. It’s not on our list of things to try to make people watch. But if you are interested, we won’t try to dissuade you from checking either show out. If it were cancelled, we wouldn't be sad, but while it's on, we will watch it. Especially while baseball is taking New Girl and Glee away from us.
Episode grade: B
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