scopesclare

I haven't watched a lot of this show, I watched the original one, queer eye for the straight guy which was fun, this is too, in some parts , but unfortunately, too much time is spent focused on the 'stars' of the show, of whom there are far too many, in my opinion. I think three 'experts' is enough.

Too little time is spent getting to know the supposed subject of the show, the person they are trying to 'help'. Take episode 3 in season 9, about the magician, Piff the Magic Dragon. An interesting character, and with balls enough to push back at the stylist, which is rare in this show. Go to the end part where Piff is on stage collecting his award, and observe just how many cutaways we get of the fab five performing their awe and admiration... So obviously lacking in authenticity it's almost laughable... If it weren't so sad. It's okay to perform, clown and joke around - but staging emotions is quite frankly hideous - and the chummy chummy (supposedly candid) poses the guys do with each other, as if they are all the best of friends!

Not saying there aren't touching, authentic moments - but unfortunately the REAL subjects of this show are given scant screen- time, and so what we are left with is too much performative guff.

Wow, that was a great ride, excuse the pun. The best kind of documentary, non-intrusive, filmed over a long period of time, wonderfully shot and bringing to light a way of life that the average citizen wouldn't even think about.

There is no agenda here, no voice-over narrative, no intrusive music, just a hands-off look inside the lives of a close-knit travelling carnival family and their extended family of workers as they travel around Australia, setting up, putting on the show, then packing up, trucking down the road and starting again in another town.

An excellent movie, fascinating and full of humanity.