It's Saturday night, my oldest son is having a sleepover and I have my best friend over for dinner and we decide it's time for take-out. Wanting to have something moderately healthy, we choose Scores delivery.
I call the delivery hotline at 310.33.77 and I order the VALUE MEAL "The perfect meal for a small family. This meal deal consists of a quarter leg, a quarter breast, 2 chicken nugget meals as well as all the sides.". I request this meal and then ask them to please substitute a second quarter breast for the quarter leg because we only eat white meat. The call centre agent tells me that they are not able to do this because the value meal is priced at $23.99. I explain that I understand that there will be some nominal fee for a 2nd breast but that is ok and I would definitely like them to make this substitution and charge me the difference. She explains again that she is not able to do this because she cannot change the value meal at all. I feel immediately like this is odd because I am certainly not the first person to request a substitution of this nature and I ask to speak to a supervisor. I get put on hold for 5 minutes and hang up.
I call back and get a different call centre attendant who goes on to tell me the same thing. I express my disbelief and restate that I am certainly not the first person that has ever requested this, especially since it it the healthier choice ...and she continues to tell me that she cannot make the substitution. When I ask to speak to a supervisor, she puts me on hold for approximately 3 minutes and comes back to tell me that her supervisor is busy.....wow...so I tell her nevermind and I about to hang up when she says that she can ring it in separately. I inform her that I am certain that this won't add up to the same price as the value meal plus an extra charge for a 2nd breast substitution but she insists on checking. So once she has it punched in, she tells me my total would be $35.99 ...instead of the original value meal price of $23.99 ...so a 12 dollar penalty for white meat? really???? I tell her to nevermind again and i hang up ...again.
In complete disbelief I decide to call Scores Kanata location to see if I can get some assistance. I inform the person that answers the phone of the issue I am having with the call centre and ask if it is possible for me to place an order there. He explains that although the food comes from there and I can get take out there, I can not get delivery from there. I again find myself asking to speak to a manager and again I am put on hold for a solid 5 minutes. The person who answered the phone comes back and explains that their manager is busy as well and can't come to the phone. He asks if he can take my name and number and call me back. Since I have just been told that I cannot get delivery from this number I assume a call back is quite pointless so I decline.
In a desperate last attempt I call the 310 delivery number again....I bite the bullet and just order it all separately and 50 dollars and 25 minutes later my order is in front of me.
So here are my questions.
1. Am I really the only person who has ever asked to have a leg quarter switched for a breast quarter?
2. If I am, shouldn't there be some way to accommodate a customer when the request is not extraordinary? I didn't want the chicken breast glazed with gold and delivered by dancing Arabian horses!
3. Why on all of these occasions was a manager not available to solve this issue?
4. Will I ever choose Scores again.....doubtful...
Sunday 30 September 2012
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Partners - Premiere Episode review
Partners
Premise Partners is a comedy based on the lives of creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, about two life-long best friends and business partners whose "bromance" is tested when one of them is engaged to be married. Joe is an accomplished architect who leads with his head and not his heart, especially in his love life. That's in stark contrast to his gay co-worker, Louis, who is spontaneous, emotional and prone to exaggeration. Both have found joy in their love lives: Joe is newly engaged to Ali, a beautiful and sophisticated jewelry designer, and Louis' companion is Wyatt, a vegan nurse who Louis insists is just a promotion away from becoming a doctor. As news of Joe's engagement settles, time will tell if their business and personal bond can adapt to the addition of two other important relationships.
First impression: Partners has a good cast and decent writing. The first episode left me thinking that the cast could gel well at some point down the line but for right now was overacted.
Cast: The main character of Partners (If I had to choose one) would be David Krumholtz who is best known for his role a few years back on the series Numbers. Playing his fiancĂ© is Sophia Bush who is best known for her very long stint on One Tree Hill (not to mention her starring role in the remake of Texas Chain Saw Massacre). Both of these actors bring their characters to life in a way that makes them quite likeable, it’s the other two (Michael Urie and Brandon Routh) that need to polish up their acting skills and dial back the overacting.
Overall Feel: Partners is cute and with a little work could become funny.
Prediction: I believe that Partners will last the season if the actors get more comfortable with each other and their characters.
Rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 5 out of 10
Premise Partners is a comedy based on the lives of creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, about two life-long best friends and business partners whose "bromance" is tested when one of them is engaged to be married. Joe is an accomplished architect who leads with his head and not his heart, especially in his love life. That's in stark contrast to his gay co-worker, Louis, who is spontaneous, emotional and prone to exaggeration. Both have found joy in their love lives: Joe is newly engaged to Ali, a beautiful and sophisticated jewelry designer, and Louis' companion is Wyatt, a vegan nurse who Louis insists is just a promotion away from becoming a doctor. As news of Joe's engagement settles, time will tell if their business and personal bond can adapt to the addition of two other important relationships.
First impression: Partners has a good cast and decent writing. The first episode left me thinking that the cast could gel well at some point down the line but for right now was overacted.
Cast: The main character of Partners (If I had to choose one) would be David Krumholtz who is best known for his role a few years back on the series Numbers. Playing his fiancĂ© is Sophia Bush who is best known for her very long stint on One Tree Hill (not to mention her starring role in the remake of Texas Chain Saw Massacre). Both of these actors bring their characters to life in a way that makes them quite likeable, it’s the other two (Michael Urie and Brandon Routh) that need to polish up their acting skills and dial back the overacting.
Overall Feel: Partners is cute and with a little work could become funny.
Prediction: I believe that Partners will last the season if the actors get more comfortable with each other and their characters.
Rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 5 out of 10
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Mob Doctor - Series Premiere Review
Mob Doctor
Premise: (IMDB) A young thoracic surgeon (Jordana Spiro) becomes indebted to the South Chicago mafia and is forced to moonlight as a mob doctor, while also working full time at Chicago's most prominent hospital.
First impression: Mob Doctor has quick dialogue,
witty without being unrealistically smart.
It leaves you with a lot of questions about what has happened to this
family in the past, but rather than making you feel lost, it actually makes you
want to see the next episode.
C ast: Mob Doctor
has a lot of faces that you will recognise - but I would pay you 10$ if you
could name any of them. My
favourite is the male doctor who plays the main character’s love interests, he
is from Friday Night Lights. I loved him in that, however didn’t love him at
all in “Off the Map” which was a really short lived show about doctors in the
wild. I could buy him as a high school kid but I am really not sure I buy him
as a doctor. He seems about 10 years younger than Spiro (in real life is 5
years younger) and he is very dull in comparison to her rule-bending, sarcastic,
“I roll with the mob” personality.
Overall Feel: Mob Doctor is very fast paced and well written. I was worried that the “Mob” aspect would make it too violent for me but I found that it was just the right mix of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “the Godfather”
Prediction: I will definitely watch this again. It left
me with the need to find out more about these characters and this
storyline. I’m uncertain about where
this show is going and that is concerning to me. I find myself wondering how
many favours a doctor can do for a mob kingpin before her “debt” is paid off…
Rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 6 out of 10….the opening scene has her pulling a screwdriver out of a frontal lobe, that in itself is worth seeing!
Premise: (IMDB) A young thoracic surgeon (Jordana Spiro) becomes indebted to the South Chicago mafia and is forced to moonlight as a mob doctor, while also working full time at Chicago's most prominent hospital.
Overall Feel: Mob Doctor is very fast paced and well written. I was worried that the “Mob” aspect would make it too violent for me but I found that it was just the right mix of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “the Godfather”
Rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 6 out of 10….the opening scene has her pulling a screwdriver out of a frontal lobe, that in itself is worth seeing!
Revolution - Series Premiere - Review
Revolution
Premise: (Wikipedia) Revolution takes place in a post-apocalyptic future. Fifteen years earlier, an unknown phenomenon disabled all advanced technology on the planet, ranging from computers and electronics to car engines, jet engines, and batteries. People were forced to adapt to a world without technology, and due to the collapse of public order, many areas are ruled by warlords and militias. The series focuses on the Matheson family, who possess an item that is the key to not only finding out what happened fifteen years ago, but also a possible way to reverse its effects. However, they must elude various enemy groups who want to possess that power for themselves.
First impression: Fast moving, well cast and intriguing.
Cast: Billy Burke (AKA Dad from Twilight Saga) stars as the main character Miles and as always he is quite good. I found him to be underutilized and underrated in Twilight and I am excited to see him in a lead role. Elizabeth Mitchell is the only other face I recognized in this first episode. You’ve seen her in V (the 2011 version) and Lost (also JJ Abrams).
Overall Feel: I was expecting more “Land of the Lost” and found it was more “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Although I was impressed with the sword play and the well-directed action scenes I found that the difference between what the trailer had focused on and what the show was actually about really threw me off. I was expecting something similar to TerraNova where there was some focus on how they were surviving without power and found that the focus of the storyline …was an actual storyline. That being said, the plot was interesting, fast moving and intriguing – in JJ Abrams style…I hope it doesn’t drag on for 6 years only to end with a plane crash all kinds of unanswered questions.
Prediction: I am in the fence about this one, and as sad as it is to say I think it is just because of the JJ Abrams connection…I worry that this will go the way of “Lost”…that concerns me. This plot could be simple and exciting…but it could be convoluted with a rotating island controlled by a smoke monster that turns back time….
Rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 5 out of 10….worth a watch but don’t be surprised if it takes a turn for the worse…
Sunday 16 September 2012
Parenthood - Season 4 Premiere
Parenthood - starring Craig T Nelson, Lauren Graham, Peter Krause, Monica Potter and Erika Christensen. Not to mention Dax Shepard and Mae Whitman.
Premise:
Parenthood is a one-hour drama inspired by the box office hit of the same name. This re-imagined and updated Universal Media Studios/Imagine Television production follows the trials and tribulations of the very large, very colourful and imperfect Braverman family.
Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham, "Gilmore Girls") is a financially strapped single mother trying to raise two teenaged kids, the bright but rebellious Amber (Mae Whitman, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"), and sullen and sensitive Drew (Miles Heizer, "ER").
On the home front, Sarah and her kids live with Sarah's larger-than-life, headstrong father, Zeek (Craig T. Nelson, "Family Stone," "Coach"), and pillar-of-strength mother Camille (Bonnie Bedelia, "Heart Like a Wheel"), who are dealing with their own marital issues.
Meanwhile, Sarah's sister and complete antithesis, Julia (Erika Christensen, "Traffic") is a successful corporate attorney trying to juggle work and motherhood, alongside her loving but increasingly restless stay-at-home husband, Joel (Sam Jaeger, "Eli Stone").
Commitment-phobe Crosby (Dax Shepard, "Baby Mama"), Sarah's younger brother, is helping raise a five-year-old son he had out of wedlock with former flame Jasmine (Joy Bryant "Antwone Fisher").
However, it's Adam (Peter Krause, "Six Feet Under"), the oldest Braverman sibling, who has had to relinquish his expectations about what constitutes a "normal" family, as he, his quietly forceful wife Kristina (Monica Potter, "Trust Me") and independent-minded teenage daughter Haddie (Sarah Ramos, "American Dreams"), struggle to cope with their eccentric son and Haddie's little brother Max (Max Burkholder, "Brother and Sisters"), who has Asperger's Syndrome.
Serving as executive producers are Oscar winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind," "Frost/Nixon"); Jason Katims ("Friday Night Lights"), who wrote the pilot episode; and David Nevins ("Friday Night Lights," "Arrested Development").
First impression: This is a realistic family drama. Parenthood allows you to soar with them on their victories and cry with them when they suffer losses. This is a show that doesn't rely on special effects, super heroes or vampires but on pure talent of the actors and beautifully scripted episodes.
In season four we pick up where we left off after an adoption, a proposal and a wedding.
Cast: Episode 1 finds Ray Romano joining the cast and I found him fitting in nicely! With such a large line-up of experienced actors this show never runs out of storylines due to the infinite amount of possibilities as each character is equally compelling. From the grandfather's (Nelson) health problems to Amber's (Whitman) one night stands and heartbreaks ...we empathise.
Overall Feel: This show is warm, real and amazing. It appeals to you no matter what stage of life you are in. Everyone can relate to this show. Refreshingly there is nothing offensive, violent or naked in and I love that they are going into their 4th season being successful with a clean and responsible show.
Prediction: I can see this running for at least 10 seasons...
Rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 8 out of 10.
Premise:
Parenthood is a one-hour drama inspired by the box office hit of the same name. This re-imagined and updated Universal Media Studios/Imagine Television production follows the trials and tribulations of the very large, very colourful and imperfect Braverman family.
Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham, "Gilmore Girls") is a financially strapped single mother trying to raise two teenaged kids, the bright but rebellious Amber (Mae Whitman, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"), and sullen and sensitive Drew (Miles Heizer, "ER").
On the home front, Sarah and her kids live with Sarah's larger-than-life, headstrong father, Zeek (Craig T. Nelson, "Family Stone," "Coach"), and pillar-of-strength mother Camille (Bonnie Bedelia, "Heart Like a Wheel"), who are dealing with their own marital issues.
Meanwhile, Sarah's sister and complete antithesis, Julia (Erika Christensen, "Traffic") is a successful corporate attorney trying to juggle work and motherhood, alongside her loving but increasingly restless stay-at-home husband, Joel (Sam Jaeger, "Eli Stone").
Commitment-phobe Crosby (Dax Shepard, "Baby Mama"), Sarah's younger brother, is helping raise a five-year-old son he had out of wedlock with former flame Jasmine (Joy Bryant "Antwone Fisher").
However, it's Adam (Peter Krause, "Six Feet Under"), the oldest Braverman sibling, who has had to relinquish his expectations about what constitutes a "normal" family, as he, his quietly forceful wife Kristina (Monica Potter, "Trust Me") and independent-minded teenage daughter Haddie (Sarah Ramos, "American Dreams"), struggle to cope with their eccentric son and Haddie's little brother Max (Max Burkholder, "Brother and Sisters"), who has Asperger's Syndrome.
Serving as executive producers are Oscar winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind," "Frost/Nixon"); Jason Katims ("Friday Night Lights"), who wrote the pilot episode; and David Nevins ("Friday Night Lights," "Arrested Development").
First impression: This is a realistic family drama. Parenthood allows you to soar with them on their victories and cry with them when they suffer losses. This is a show that doesn't rely on special effects, super heroes or vampires but on pure talent of the actors and beautifully scripted episodes.
In season four we pick up where we left off after an adoption, a proposal and a wedding.
Cast: Episode 1 finds Ray Romano joining the cast and I found him fitting in nicely! With such a large line-up of experienced actors this show never runs out of storylines due to the infinite amount of possibilities as each character is equally compelling. From the grandfather's (Nelson) health problems to Amber's (Whitman) one night stands and heartbreaks ...we empathise.
Overall Feel: This show is warm, real and amazing. It appeals to you no matter what stage of life you are in. Everyone can relate to this show. Refreshingly there is nothing offensive, violent or naked in and I love that they are going into their 4th season being successful with a clean and responsible show.
Prediction: I can see this running for at least 10 seasons...
Rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 8 out of 10.
Saturday 15 September 2012
The New Normal - Premiere Review
The New Normal starring Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha, Jayson Blair (AKA no one).
Justin Bartha is recognisable from the Hangover movies as well as National Treasure with Nicholas Cage. Cast as the Grandmother is Ellen Barkin, however she is not listed in the TV listing...as I get a few minutes into this show I can understand why she would not want to be credited for it...
Premise: These days, families come in all forms - single dads, double moms, sperm donors, egg donors, one-night-stand donors... It's 2012 and anything goes. Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and David (Justin Bartha, "The Hangover") are a Los Angeles couple, and they have it all. Well, almost. With successful careers and a committed, loving partnership, there is one thing that this couple is missing: a baby. And just when they think the stars will never align, enter Goldie (Georgia King, "One Day"), an extraordinary young woman with a checkered past. A Midwestern waitress and single mother looking to escape her dead-end life and small-minded grandmother (Ellen Barkin), Goldie decides to change everything and move to L.A. with her precocious eight-year-old daughter. Desperate and broke - but also fertile - Goldie quickly becomes the guys' surrogate and quite possibly the girl of their dreams.
First impression: Not funny and not interesting...I would have settled for one or the other.
Cast: The acting is over the top from all cast members other than Justin Bartha who is actually quite boring and forgettable. Shania - the daughter - is written as an odd, almost schizophrenic character who no one seems to notice is in desperate need of a Psych consult...This is definitely a case of writing gone awry...
overall feel: I feel like if they had drawn this as a cartoon rather than cast it as live action it may have been a great launch on YTV...but as an adult comedy? I am insulted that someone thinks that this is going to pass for TV in a time when there are far too many well written options.
prediction: You won't see more than 6 episodes...
rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 2 out of ten.
Justin Bartha is recognisable from the Hangover movies as well as National Treasure with Nicholas Cage. Cast as the Grandmother is Ellen Barkin, however she is not listed in the TV listing...as I get a few minutes into this show I can understand why she would not want to be credited for it...
Premise: These days, families come in all forms - single dads, double moms, sperm donors, egg donors, one-night-stand donors... It's 2012 and anything goes. Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and David (Justin Bartha, "The Hangover") are a Los Angeles couple, and they have it all. Well, almost. With successful careers and a committed, loving partnership, there is one thing that this couple is missing: a baby. And just when they think the stars will never align, enter Goldie (Georgia King, "One Day"), an extraordinary young woman with a checkered past. A Midwestern waitress and single mother looking to escape her dead-end life and small-minded grandmother (Ellen Barkin), Goldie decides to change everything and move to L.A. with her precocious eight-year-old daughter. Desperate and broke - but also fertile - Goldie quickly becomes the guys' surrogate and quite possibly the girl of their dreams.
First impression: Not funny and not interesting...I would have settled for one or the other.
Cast: The acting is over the top from all cast members other than Justin Bartha who is actually quite boring and forgettable. Shania - the daughter - is written as an odd, almost schizophrenic character who no one seems to notice is in desperate need of a Psych consult...This is definitely a case of writing gone awry...
overall feel: I feel like if they had drawn this as a cartoon rather than cast it as live action it may have been a great launch on YTV...but as an adult comedy? I am insulted that someone thinks that this is going to pass for TV in a time when there are far too many well written options.
prediction: You won't see more than 6 episodes...
rating (1=low, 10=high): I give this a 2 out of ten.
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