Rating  - This proves that they will put out just about anything on DVD...
This is a wretched sitcom. It wasn't very good when it was made, and the production troubles it had are well documented. As we know, this was Margaret Cho's first (and, to date, only) sitcom, and ABC tinkered with it to the point that it sent Margaret into a tailspin personally. They forced her to lose weight (which resulted in kidney failure), and they also hired an "Asian consultant", as the audience didn't believe Margaret's character was Asian enough. After the show was cancelled, Margaret spiralled down into drugs, booze, and anonymous sex (by her own admission). Her concert film, I'm the One that I Want, details what happened to her in sometimes painful detail. The actual show is garbage, but, perhaps, there is a silver lining to this show being released on DVD. If they put this manure out, they'll put anything out, and if there's a really obscure film you love, it may someday come out on DVD.
Rating  - Not All-Margaret, But Still Fun to Watch
This short-lived sitcom was many people's introduction to comedienne Margaret Cho. Though it was supposed to be based on her stand-up act, in reality, it was about as far from her real personality as possible! Added to that, the writing of the show was often banal and inconsistent. In the DVD commentary, Margaret states that the network (ABC) was trying so hard to please different parties (i.e. Asians who thought the show wasn't "Asian enough," and non-Asians who thought it was "too Asian") that the show ultimately lost its direction. That explains some of the writing shortcomings.
But with all its flaws, "All-American Girl" is still fun to watch for several reasons. One, Amy Hill's portrayal of "Grandma Kim" is endearing and very funny. In fact, it will remind many of Margaret Cho's impersonations of her real-life mother in her more recent stand-up shows. Second, there is a quirky vibe to the show that results from its odd array of characters. They range from the talented Judy Gold playing an oddball co-worker of Margaret's at the mall department store, to an 11-year-old Ashley Johnson playing an offbeat nextdoor neighbor to the Kim's (the name of Margaret's family on the sitcom), to Jodi Long portraying Margaret's strict and traditional mother, and B.D. Wong acting as her successful, superior older brother. This variety makes for "a little something for everyone" that ultimately gives the show the ability to appeal to different ages, races, and people from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Lastly, "All-American Girl" is intriguing to watch simply because it is sooo different than the Margaret Cho many of us have come to love. Given that a good chunk of her autobiography and first stand-up flick (both titled "I'm the One That I Want") focused on the trials and tribulations that doing the sitcom brought her, AAG has taken on a second life in recent years. Now, fans can see what all the fuss was all about, see how much she's changed, and enjoy a bit of nostalgia (yes, the show did, in fact, have a notable teenage following when it originally aired!).
Rating  - a great buy for M. Cho fans!!
This show was my first introduction to margaret cho. The show is far from her very raw and controversial standup comedy, but it stills carries Margaret's endless wit and sense of humor. It is unfortunate that this show only had one season because it was so unique having a sitcom portray the Asian American Family.
I enjoyed this dvd set and watched the entire thing in one day.
Rating - Gaining a new fan
I've been a fan of Margaret's ever since purchasing her CD "Assassin" from iTunes. Since then, I've caught up with most of her career. And since yesterday, I've caught up with... let's say 99% of it by purchasing this DVD box set.
This show is crazy good! Man, I'm not Korean, but I could relate to a lot of the stuff from the family. I love it!
To be honest, the lack of bonus features is disappointing. But I'm not complaining. The show more than makes up for it. And besides, it's cheaper than most TV shows on DVD. At least it was for me.
So go and check this show out! You won't be disappointed. I promise.
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