Review by Library Journal Review
Shopping isn't called "retail therapy" for nothing: the rush one gets from finding unexpected gems and proverbial "great deals" is undeniable. As online purchasing options become more convenient and pervasive, the real-world equivalent and the effort it requires maintain their irreproducible value. Antiquing-aka picking-has the additional appeal of acquiring pieces of history and revitalizing them in the present. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz of the popular History Channel series American Pickers understand all that, and they've made it their vocation, scouring junkyards and bric-a-brac collections all over America for fun and profit. The viewer witnesses the irrepressible pair on the job as they follow their leads and instincts, meet all sorts of colorful characters along the way, and marshal their powers of persuasion to part their newfound treasures from often reluctant owners. Anyone who has ever held or visited a yard sale will be entertained by these pickers' ups and downs. With occasional censored profanity and some off-color artwork, the film is nonetheless suitable for most audiences. Bonus items include featurettes. For general collections where patron demand warrants. Despite its solemn tone, Hoarders trivializes a serious and widespread condition, rendering itself a veritable COPS: OCD Division. In each numbingly similar episode viewers are introduced to two households whose occupants suffer from chronic hoarding, the requisite professionals arrive, and a brief blitz of cleaning, sorting, and dubious treatment ensues. Patterns emerge: hoarding is often learned from parents, it is a futile attempt to satisfy emotional needs, and it dovetails with other psychological afflictions, including depression and schizophrenia. No serious attempts are made either to explore the roots of this destructive behavior or to put it in any kind of context, no useful organizing skills are described, and the time offered to each household to address its problems is cruelly insufficient. Frankly, the case studies merely try the viewer's patience. The infrequent profanity is censored, but images of putrefaction may disturb; extra scenes are included. A worthwhile series could be made on this topic-this exploitative parade of sick, sad stupidity is not it, though the show has a large following. Not recommended.-J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
