Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Casino-set musical drama is an iffy gamble.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Viva Laughlin
What's the Story?
A remake of Britain's hit series Viva Blackpool, VIVA LAUGHLIN is a musical drama about a man trying to achieve the American dream one chip -- and one tune -- at a time. Ripley Holden (Lloyd Owen) grew up in a trailer park and now owns a chain of successful convenience stores. His next big venture? Opening the Viva, a posh hotel/casino in Laughlin, Nevada, 129 miles south of Las Vegas. But opening a casino isn't easy, especially when the money runs short. Fearful of losing his dream and being unable to support his wife, Natalie (Madchen Amick), and his two teenage kids, Holden tries to drum up cash by wheeling and dealing with some slick Las Vegas players, including sleazy casino owner Nicky Fontana (Hugh Jackman) and his ominous, shade-wearing sidekick Marcus (DB Woodside). Holden's life gets further complicated when deviously oversexed Bunny Baxter (Melanie Griffith) accuses him of killing her husband, and Natalie is followed by womanizing police detective Peter Carlisle (Eric Winter).
Is It Any Good?
While the show isn't exactly boring, it isn't especially entertaining, either. It's a convoluted mix of thin plot lines that are jarringly interspersed with lackluster characters who suddenly burst out dancing and singing to popular songs. These awkward (and somewhat corny) performances don't really enhance the story or provide the glamour and glitz of traditional Vegas numbers (which at least would put them in context). In fact, they seem so out of place that they actually make you wonder if the series is meant to be a comedy.
In the end, Viva Laughlin is an unfortunate example of how mixing TV dramas with musical theater isn't always a good gamble.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the show depicts gambling. Is it innocent fun, or something more serious? Do you think TV shows and movies glamorize gambling and the businesses that depend on it? Do you think it's more or less glamorous (or corrupt) in real life? Families can also discuss shows -- like this one -- that depart from typical genres/styles. Do TV dramas and musicals mix well? What kinds of things seem to work and not work on TV? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 18, 2007
- Cast : Hugh Jackman , Lloyd Owen , Madchen Amick
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 14, 2020
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