Lola Kirke and Saffron Burrows in "Mozart" (Photo: IMDB)
Lola Kirke and Saffron Burrows in “Mozart” (Photo: IMDB)

As people settle in for a long weekend of holiday entertainment, Amazon is hoping its new half-hour dramatic comedy will make the list. The company just released all 10 episodes of “Mozart in the Jungle,” a show based on the book of the same name, to its Prime Instant Video streaming service. After watching the show’s first 7 episodes, I can safely say that people who want some fresh blood in their holiday entertainment should give this a look.

“Mozart” is the epitome of a show that’s well-executed, decently funny, and eminently watchable. It’s not going to become a critical darling, or make a last-minute addition to “best of 2014” lists. It’s one of those shows that’s just very good.

The show’s story focuses on Hailey (Lola Kirke), a young oboist living in New York and hoping to make it big in the classical music world. She makes her way to the New York Philharmonic, which has just hired a new conductor, Rodrigo De Souza (Gael Garcia Bernal). De Souza, a young phenom in the conducting world, is trying to craft a blockbuster program for the New York Philharmonic under the watchful eye of Gloria (Bernadette Peters), the orchestra’s Executive Director. And then…hijinks ensue.

Malcolm McDowell, Bernadette Peters and Gael Garcia Bernal (Photo: IMDB)
Malcolm McDowell, Bernadette Peters and Gael Garcia Bernal (Photo: IMDB)

It’s all based on a memoir of the same name by oboist Blair Tindall that took an unvarnished look at her time in the classical music scene, complete with plenty of debauchery. The show keeps up that same tone, with plenty of ridiculous situations, demanding musicians and comedy about union rules. (Trust me, it works.)

All told, the ensemble cast plays off one another very well. Garcia Bernal’s magnetism and chemistry with other members of the cast really shines, and Kirke is a solid fit for Hailey. Peters is a delight as always, and Saffron Burrows puts in a great performance as experienced cellist Cynthia (though I wish her character arc had a bit more *oomph*).

What’s more, the appearance of some truly excellent guest stars like John Hodgman and Wallace Shawn adds some needed spice to “Mozart.”

But for all of its goodness, “Mozart” doesn’t quite reach true excellence. There are times when it just feels a little too hum-drum, a little too predictable, its characterizations a little too weak. “Mozart” won’t reap awards for Amazon like “Transparent,” its other new dramatic comedy offering, might. But at the end of the day, it’s a good show that’s worth a watch, and will certainly grow on you as the episodes go on.

One word of warning – this isn’t a family show. Much like Tindall’s book, it includes *very* frank discussions of sex and drug use, plus examples of both. It’s definitely not something to throw on while the kids are awake, but I’d strongly recommend it as a way to kick back with a nice glass of wine after all the festivities are over.

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