Saturday, May 02, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I Think It's Love
Now imagine Foxx as his Wanda character on In Living Color...
He'll "rock your world"...
2009 Movie Reviews; 1st Qtr: P-Y (the end)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop—; film. Another case of a movie ending up better than it should have been. Kevin James has done essentially the same shtick in most everything I’ve seen him in, but it worked here. He really made this movie his own, and even though there was very little new here (the usual schlub meets a girl and he tries to win her over plot), James made it shine. And aside from a very few things (I can’t even remember what they were now), this very-much-inspired-by-Die Hard-movie was very kid-friendly—while still making it entertaining for adults. B
[And a side note: watching this movie reminded me I need to start publishing my ideas. Yet another brilliant thing I thought up years ago and never told anyone has been released to the world (the whole Die Hard in a mall thing).]
Run Fatboy Run—I barely remember this one. I know it should have better, considering the talent involved. But instead of trying to win the race, they elected to just finish it. (You like how I did that little analogy?) C-
Star Wars: The Clone Wars; DVD and Film. – Originally conceived as three episodes of the animated series on Cartoon Network, and it felt just like the series as I watched it the first time on DVD. It’s not a bad thing, but it was definitely a let-down knowing it was released as a film in theatres. Unlike, say, The Simpsons Movie, there was nothing that made this special enough to warrant the Big Picture treatment. But a month later, I watched it in the theatre (on not only the big screen, but a screen about 35% larger than average), and was pretty caught up in the beginning battle sequences. Lots of characters and explosions (in Dolby Surround Sound or whatever they have in theatres) definitely made this a better movie to watch in the theatres at first. But after the big battles, it got slower and “smaller” and didn’t work any better than on TV by the end. But it was fun enough to be worth the $2.50 I spent (with free popcorn). C (DVD); B- (in the theatre).
Tropic Thunder—Depending on your point of view, this was either a great film or a piece of crap film. I think those who may know about the filmmaking process (that goes deeper than the "exclusive behind-the-scenes" dreck that “entertainment shows” like Entertainment Tonight give the masses) or can enjoy a great acting performance can really get into this film. Those who just want a “fun ride” probably won’t (a friend of mine walked out halfway through the movie). Writer/director/actor Ben Stiller tried walking a tightrope between the two worlds, but I think the best stuff may have been too “inside” for the average person (and that’s not a knock; not everyone soaks up the moviemaking). But unlike most of the Oscar-Bait films out there, this one was pretty hilarious at times (although there were plenty foul-mouthed lines in it for those who came for that). And Robert Downey Jr had the role of the year with his performance as a white Australian method actor who underwent skin darkening treatments to play a black man (and if that doesn’t sound funny to you, then you probably aren’t one of those people this film was made for). The only gripe I have for this film is that some parts were just too far over the top and brought me out of the experience a few times. I’ll give it a B+; but for someone who may not be looking for the “inside” bits, it’ll probably rate a C.
Wanted—Painful to watch. This started out as an adaptation of a comic book series, but rumor has it they didn’t retain much of the original plot (I haven’t read the comics yet). The special effects were sometimes cool, but the level of violence was just moronic. I think I now understand what “torture porn” means. I’ll give the movie credit for trying to have some sort of plot (which just ended up lame), but that didn’t come until well after the half-way mark. Who needs plot when you can just show more and more violent ways to break bones or die? D-
Yes Man— film; Jim Carrey back to doing what we originally loved him for: going completely gonzo. His character was, at his core, a normal man, but the story allowed him to get crazier and crazier. It wasn’t a deep movie, but it did try to make a great point: it’s okay to say yes to new things. We sometimes forget that yes is an option in our lives. B-
[And a side note: watching this movie reminded me I need to start publishing my ideas. Yet another brilliant thing I thought up years ago and never told anyone has been released to the world (the whole Die Hard in a mall thing).]
Run Fatboy Run—I barely remember this one. I know it should have better, considering the talent involved. But instead of trying to win the race, they elected to just finish it. (You like how I did that little analogy?) C-
Star Wars: The Clone Wars; DVD and Film. – Originally conceived as three episodes of the animated series on Cartoon Network, and it felt just like the series as I watched it the first time on DVD. It’s not a bad thing, but it was definitely a let-down knowing it was released as a film in theatres. Unlike, say, The Simpsons Movie, there was nothing that made this special enough to warrant the Big Picture treatment. But a month later, I watched it in the theatre (on not only the big screen, but a screen about 35% larger than average), and was pretty caught up in the beginning battle sequences. Lots of characters and explosions (in Dolby Surround Sound or whatever they have in theatres) definitely made this a better movie to watch in the theatres at first. But after the big battles, it got slower and “smaller” and didn’t work any better than on TV by the end. But it was fun enough to be worth the $2.50 I spent (with free popcorn). C (DVD); B- (in the theatre).
Tropic Thunder—Depending on your point of view, this was either a great film or a piece of crap film. I think those who may know about the filmmaking process (that goes deeper than the "exclusive behind-the-scenes" dreck that “entertainment shows” like Entertainment Tonight give the masses) or can enjoy a great acting performance can really get into this film. Those who just want a “fun ride” probably won’t (a friend of mine walked out halfway through the movie). Writer/director/actor Ben Stiller tried walking a tightrope between the two worlds, but I think the best stuff may have been too “inside” for the average person (and that’s not a knock; not everyone soaks up the moviemaking). But unlike most of the Oscar-Bait films out there, this one was pretty hilarious at times (although there were plenty foul-mouthed lines in it for those who came for that). And Robert Downey Jr had the role of the year with his performance as a white Australian method actor who underwent skin darkening treatments to play a black man (and if that doesn’t sound funny to you, then you probably aren’t one of those people this film was made for). The only gripe I have for this film is that some parts were just too far over the top and brought me out of the experience a few times. I’ll give it a B+; but for someone who may not be looking for the “inside” bits, it’ll probably rate a C.
Wanted—Painful to watch. This started out as an adaptation of a comic book series, but rumor has it they didn’t retain much of the original plot (I haven’t read the comics yet). The special effects were sometimes cool, but the level of violence was just moronic. I think I now understand what “torture porn” means. I’ll give the movie credit for trying to have some sort of plot (which just ended up lame), but that didn’t come until well after the half-way mark. Who needs plot when you can just show more and more violent ways to break bones or die? D-
Yes Man— film; Jim Carrey back to doing what we originally loved him for: going completely gonzo. His character was, at his core, a normal man, but the story allowed him to get crazier and crazier. It wasn’t a deep movie, but it did try to make a great point: it’s okay to say yes to new things. We sometimes forget that yes is an option in our lives. B-
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
2009 Movie Reviews; 1st Qtr: G-N
Get Smart—I have so little recollection of this film (even though it’s only been, at most, three months since I watched it) that I can’t even give it a proper review. But then, I guess, with the acting talent involved, not remembering anything about it pretty much sums up the movie. C
The House Bunny— I’ve railed on a few movies already for being bland or predictable, and this one could have easily fallen into that same trap. The story is old (Revenge of the Nerds and hundreds of others follow the same pattern), but the “losers” were pretty funny, and Anna Faris really was the glue that held the film together. She could have easily gone through the motions, and no one would have thought less of her as we’ve seen that all so many times before. But Faris was engaging, and even though her character was as dumb as a box of hammers, she conveyed a sweetness that made her fun to watch. B
Justice League: New Frontier—A direct-to-DVD adaptation of one of the seminal super-hero comic book mini-series of this decade. Taking a retro (1950-60s) approach to DC Comics heroes we all know and love and putting all the various pieces together to make a complete story was a tough task, to be sure. But it worked well. Nothing really groundbreaking about this (other than it was above-average quality when compared to recent comic book animation DVDs). And the extras in the 2-disc set were a nice bonus. B
Leatherheads—I love how George Clooney is perfectly happy to go against the grain and do movies in the style of older classics. This is a “screwball classic” as was made in the ‘40s and ‘50s. The only issue I have is sometimes there is no reason to make a film like a classic other than what seems to be as just as an experiment. There’s nothing much that makes this film stand out other than to see the actors try something different, which isn’t bad in and of itself, but it did feel a little forced to be a style.
But I really did like the attention to detail. The football scenes really were different than what we’re used to seeing—even how the players ran differently then than they do now. And, of course, you could just see how much fun Clooney was having by his presence on the screen. That dude is truly a star, and there are very few of them right now, no matter what People magazine or Entertainment Tonight would have you believe. B
Meet Dave—Strictly looked at as a kids movie, it worked well. My guys (5 & 6 years old) enjoyed it. But as an adult, it didn’t do much for me. I’d give it a C+, with a bump to a B- because it had Elizabeth Banks.
Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan-- I found this film to be beautiful to watch, and it told a nice story, but I was hoping to get more of a history lesson about the man. This felt more like a pre-origin story (he was not once referred to as Genghis Khan because it was so early in his life). Maybe the story is true, but the filmmakers could have easily just told the story and there didn’t have to be anything at all to indicate this was Kahn. B-
Monsters vs. Aliens –film; I saw this in 3-D, and it made for a more exciting experience, although, at its most basic, it wasn’t much better than any other animated material out there. Meaning: 3-D may be exciting at first, but the film itself will be what lasts through time. I think it tried to serve too many masters, and unlike the superior Pixar products or even shows like Phineas and Ferb, it just couldn’t find a common ground that entertains both children and adults simultaneously. I’ve said this too often this quarter, but it makes it no less true this time: this was pretty standard fare. (Bonus points to Seth Rogan, who was perfect for B.O.B). B-
My Blueberry Nights—had all the makings of a good movie, but I think it diverted too far off any one tone to make to coherent. It’s not to say it was complicated to follow, it just felt like different movies at times. Norah Jones was impressive in her only acting role (according to imdb.com) to date—and played the lead. David Straithairn and Rachel Weisz also brought a great emotional quality to their characters. Jude Law and (most sadly) Natalie Portman’s characters probably could have been played by most anyone. I had higher hopes for this one as it looked like a better movie (and got decent reviews from the places I read about it). B-
Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow—Another in the increasing number of animated Direct-to-DVD movies featuring Marvel superheroes. This one is definitely aimed at a younger crowd (some of the earlier movies were not) as the tone is much lighter. But I can’t understand why the need to create the next generation of superheroes (the offspring of the current Avengers) when Marvel already has so many heroes to offer for this sort of thing. The only thing I can think is Marvel doesn’t have many child heroes, and they wanted to tell this story. I guess it wasn’t a bad movie, and long-time Avengers fans would get some of the “Easter Eggs”/mentions, but this movie is for the youngsters Marvel needs to get excited about comics. If this movie is someone’s first exposure to superheroes, then it might be successful; otherwise, it’s pretty standard. C
The House Bunny— I’ve railed on a few movies already for being bland or predictable, and this one could have easily fallen into that same trap. The story is old (Revenge of the Nerds and hundreds of others follow the same pattern), but the “losers” were pretty funny, and Anna Faris really was the glue that held the film together. She could have easily gone through the motions, and no one would have thought less of her as we’ve seen that all so many times before. But Faris was engaging, and even though her character was as dumb as a box of hammers, she conveyed a sweetness that made her fun to watch. B
Justice League: New Frontier—A direct-to-DVD adaptation of one of the seminal super-hero comic book mini-series of this decade. Taking a retro (1950-60s) approach to DC Comics heroes we all know and love and putting all the various pieces together to make a complete story was a tough task, to be sure. But it worked well. Nothing really groundbreaking about this (other than it was above-average quality when compared to recent comic book animation DVDs). And the extras in the 2-disc set were a nice bonus. B
Leatherheads—I love how George Clooney is perfectly happy to go against the grain and do movies in the style of older classics. This is a “screwball classic” as was made in the ‘40s and ‘50s. The only issue I have is sometimes there is no reason to make a film like a classic other than what seems to be as just as an experiment. There’s nothing much that makes this film stand out other than to see the actors try something different, which isn’t bad in and of itself, but it did feel a little forced to be a style.
But I really did like the attention to detail. The football scenes really were different than what we’re used to seeing—even how the players ran differently then than they do now. And, of course, you could just see how much fun Clooney was having by his presence on the screen. That dude is truly a star, and there are very few of them right now, no matter what People magazine or Entertainment Tonight would have you believe. B
Meet Dave—Strictly looked at as a kids movie, it worked well. My guys (5 & 6 years old) enjoyed it. But as an adult, it didn’t do much for me. I’d give it a C+, with a bump to a B- because it had Elizabeth Banks.
Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan-- I found this film to be beautiful to watch, and it told a nice story, but I was hoping to get more of a history lesson about the man. This felt more like a pre-origin story (he was not once referred to as Genghis Khan because it was so early in his life). Maybe the story is true, but the filmmakers could have easily just told the story and there didn’t have to be anything at all to indicate this was Kahn. B-
Monsters vs. Aliens –film; I saw this in 3-D, and it made for a more exciting experience, although, at its most basic, it wasn’t much better than any other animated material out there. Meaning: 3-D may be exciting at first, but the film itself will be what lasts through time. I think it tried to serve too many masters, and unlike the superior Pixar products or even shows like Phineas and Ferb, it just couldn’t find a common ground that entertains both children and adults simultaneously. I’ve said this too often this quarter, but it makes it no less true this time: this was pretty standard fare. (Bonus points to Seth Rogan, who was perfect for B.O.B). B-
My Blueberry Nights—had all the makings of a good movie, but I think it diverted too far off any one tone to make to coherent. It’s not to say it was complicated to follow, it just felt like different movies at times. Norah Jones was impressive in her only acting role (according to imdb.com) to date—and played the lead. David Straithairn and Rachel Weisz also brought a great emotional quality to their characters. Jude Law and (most sadly) Natalie Portman’s characters probably could have been played by most anyone. I had higher hopes for this one as it looked like a better movie (and got decent reviews from the places I read about it). B-
Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow—Another in the increasing number of animated Direct-to-DVD movies featuring Marvel superheroes. This one is definitely aimed at a younger crowd (some of the earlier movies were not) as the tone is much lighter. But I can’t understand why the need to create the next generation of superheroes (the offspring of the current Avengers) when Marvel already has so many heroes to offer for this sort of thing. The only thing I can think is Marvel doesn’t have many child heroes, and they wanted to tell this story. I guess it wasn’t a bad movie, and long-time Avengers fans would get some of the “Easter Eggs”/mentions, but this movie is for the youngsters Marvel needs to get excited about comics. If this movie is someone’s first exposure to superheroes, then it might be successful; otherwise, it’s pretty standard. C
Ray J Tries to Use His Heat Vision to Melt Danger...
I just read the title I wrote above. Wouldn't it be cool had I actually used real names instead of the dumbass nicknames these two use?
Monday, April 27, 2009
2009 Movie Reviews; 1st Qtr: A-F
Hey, it's that time again to give my quick reviews of the movies I watched from January to March this year.
I was a bit disappointed as a whole. I didn't watch my normal amount (too busy watching really great television shows on DVD like Battlestar Galactica and The Wire), but usually I hit two or three really great movies every quarter. Not this one. Saw a number of good ones, but no great ones.
Not to give anyone any reason not to read the next few days of review posts; just want to prepare you.
As always, an "A" (which you won't find this time) is a great film in almost all areas.
A "B" is very good.
A "C" has flaws, but is ultimately enjoyable (I'll usually give the strong/weak points in my review).
A "D" may have one good performance or enough decent lines to make it worth watching if there's absolutely nothing else to watch.
An "F" is pure shit with no redeeming value.
And, as always, these are movies I watched on DVD unless I note otherwise. Why's that important? Movies I see in the theatre tend to get about a half-grade higher just because of the entire experience. A mediocre movie can seem pretty good on the big screen (at least the movies I tend to spend my good money on).
And, finally, these are just my gut feelings. Sometimes it's 2-3 months since I've watched a movie before I write the review, and I try to be as honest as I can (there were 2 or 3 movies I outright admitted I could barely remember-- but keep in mind: if it was worthwhile, I'd remember something about it). I also try to group them by grade, so if I remember liking movie "A" more than movie "B", I grade it higher. Over the course of the quarter, I think I rank them pretty well compared to each other.
Okay, here goes:
Batman: Gotham Knight—An anime-inspired look at the Dark Knight in an anthology form. I’m not an anime-hater (as little as I’ve been exposed), but the art did nothing for me. As with most anthologies, there were one or two good stories mixed in with the mediocre ones, but none of them really stood out. And even though they got people from another culture to work on the character, they all felt familiar to stories I’ve seen/read before. Could have been worse—but could have been better. C+
Burn After Reading—Like many Coen Brothers movies, this one had great acting, great dialogue, and a plot that seems to be held together by nothing more than chewing gum. It was tricky to follow at times, but I think that helped show how all these various parties ended up being affected by each other when they don’t travel in the same circles. I also thought the ending was great—but could only work in a movie like this. The Coens walk a tightrope, and while this movie wasn’t brilliant, their work—as well as the great actors who turned it up a notch for them—made this one worth seeing; even if it’s not always easy to follow. B
Driving Lessons— Nice enough story, but I feel I’ve seen it before. Nothing memorable about it. C-
Expelled— I wasn’t sure what to expect at first as I believe in evolution, and this documentary tried to explain that “Intelligent Design” needs to be a part of the conversation. I’m not against that, actually; I believe that the world would be a better place if religious people and non-religious people could just find some sort of common ground. Ben Stein, the star/co-writer of this doc seems to agree. The main thesis of the doc was that Intelligent Design could easily explain some of the issues with Darwin’s findings (many of which have been refuted or “corrected” by scientific finds since then), so it should also be considered when discussing the origins of life. I have no problem with that other than I don’t want investigation of the beginning of life to end just because the point is reached that it can’t be yet explained, and the scientific community just chalks it up to ID. Science expands our knowledge of life every year, so what we don’t know now may be discovered later.
Anyway, this movie claims that people who mention Intelligent Design in their papers and work get fired or taken off projects just for speaking their minds. As more and more instances were related, the movie tried to explain that this is more and more like how the Nazis behaved. The point hit a crescendo when Hitler’s beliefs in a superior race were explained and found to be copacetic with the basics of Darwinian evolution (which is pretty absurd; Hitler was a nutcase, and most people who believe in evolution are not). If humans helped along the “survival of the fittest” by exterminating disabled or “inferior” races, then the result would be a “perfect” race. That may be what Hitler believed, but I doubt many scientists would agree to do that.
Just at the point where I was compelled to turn off the movie (what’s worse than Hitler?), the tone of the movie made an abrupt shift and basically asked why can’t ID be a part of evolution? Finally, a rational argument. But it came too late. I admit to learning that ID is not strictly a religious matter, and that most ID proponents don’t like how some of the Fundamentalists have co-opted the belief , but the movie basically did what I grew tired of in the early 2000’s— used fear to get their point across. No one should be shut out of the conversation, but I’m sure there are very good reasons why ID can’t always be considered, if only for the thing I mentioned above: it’s an “easy out”. C+
The Fall— Beautifully shot. This film was amazing to look at. But the plot was hard to follow at times. I had no idea what was real or not some of the times, or how it all tied together. Also of note was the acting by Catinca Untaru, who was only nine years old when the film was released (probably eight, at most, when it was being filmed). She really had to hit some emotional things actors much older than her would have trouble with. B
Forgetting Sarah Marshall—One of those Judd Apatow-like movies about men who still act like boys; but one that didn’t cross as many lines (and thusly allowed me to just enjoy the movie). There were awkward moments that could have derailed the momentum of the film, but writer/star Jason Segal kept everything together as few actors could. This film followed the usual guy gets dumped and meets new girl and then loses new girl, etc plot, but there was enough unique moments in between that it didn’t feel stale. Plus, the film showed me what Russell Brand is capable of in a comedy (I wasn’t terribly impressed watching his stand-up routine on Comedy Central). Good stuff. B+
Fred Claus—A kid movie that could have easily been watered down, but somehow, it was pretty watchable as an adult. You probably wouldn’t think of Vince Vaughn to star in your PG-rated movie, but he had his usual film persona (if toned down for the PG rating), and it gave a bit of an edge to the film. And Paul Giamatti (who was his usual excellent self) got a bit of a break by being St. Nick, so he didn’t have to play the Type-A dick he mostly plays. And while Elizabeth Banks has been in quite a few films lately, she’s always great to watch work (even if she didn’t have a big role). B+
I was a bit disappointed as a whole. I didn't watch my normal amount (too busy watching really great television shows on DVD like Battlestar Galactica and The Wire), but usually I hit two or three really great movies every quarter. Not this one. Saw a number of good ones, but no great ones.
Not to give anyone any reason not to read the next few days of review posts; just want to prepare you.
As always, an "A" (which you won't find this time) is a great film in almost all areas.
A "B" is very good.
A "C" has flaws, but is ultimately enjoyable (I'll usually give the strong/weak points in my review).
A "D" may have one good performance or enough decent lines to make it worth watching if there's absolutely nothing else to watch.
An "F" is pure shit with no redeeming value.
And, as always, these are movies I watched on DVD unless I note otherwise. Why's that important? Movies I see in the theatre tend to get about a half-grade higher just because of the entire experience. A mediocre movie can seem pretty good on the big screen (at least the movies I tend to spend my good money on).
And, finally, these are just my gut feelings. Sometimes it's 2-3 months since I've watched a movie before I write the review, and I try to be as honest as I can (there were 2 or 3 movies I outright admitted I could barely remember-- but keep in mind: if it was worthwhile, I'd remember something about it). I also try to group them by grade, so if I remember liking movie "A" more than movie "B", I grade it higher. Over the course of the quarter, I think I rank them pretty well compared to each other.
Okay, here goes:
Batman: Gotham Knight—An anime-inspired look at the Dark Knight in an anthology form. I’m not an anime-hater (as little as I’ve been exposed), but the art did nothing for me. As with most anthologies, there were one or two good stories mixed in with the mediocre ones, but none of them really stood out. And even though they got people from another culture to work on the character, they all felt familiar to stories I’ve seen/read before. Could have been worse—but could have been better. C+
Burn After Reading—Like many Coen Brothers movies, this one had great acting, great dialogue, and a plot that seems to be held together by nothing more than chewing gum. It was tricky to follow at times, but I think that helped show how all these various parties ended up being affected by each other when they don’t travel in the same circles. I also thought the ending was great—but could only work in a movie like this. The Coens walk a tightrope, and while this movie wasn’t brilliant, their work—as well as the great actors who turned it up a notch for them—made this one worth seeing; even if it’s not always easy to follow. B
Driving Lessons— Nice enough story, but I feel I’ve seen it before. Nothing memorable about it. C-
Expelled— I wasn’t sure what to expect at first as I believe in evolution, and this documentary tried to explain that “Intelligent Design” needs to be a part of the conversation. I’m not against that, actually; I believe that the world would be a better place if religious people and non-religious people could just find some sort of common ground. Ben Stein, the star/co-writer of this doc seems to agree. The main thesis of the doc was that Intelligent Design could easily explain some of the issues with Darwin’s findings (many of which have been refuted or “corrected” by scientific finds since then), so it should also be considered when discussing the origins of life. I have no problem with that other than I don’t want investigation of the beginning of life to end just because the point is reached that it can’t be yet explained, and the scientific community just chalks it up to ID. Science expands our knowledge of life every year, so what we don’t know now may be discovered later.
Anyway, this movie claims that people who mention Intelligent Design in their papers and work get fired or taken off projects just for speaking their minds. As more and more instances were related, the movie tried to explain that this is more and more like how the Nazis behaved. The point hit a crescendo when Hitler’s beliefs in a superior race were explained and found to be copacetic with the basics of Darwinian evolution (which is pretty absurd; Hitler was a nutcase, and most people who believe in evolution are not). If humans helped along the “survival of the fittest” by exterminating disabled or “inferior” races, then the result would be a “perfect” race. That may be what Hitler believed, but I doubt many scientists would agree to do that.
Just at the point where I was compelled to turn off the movie (what’s worse than Hitler?), the tone of the movie made an abrupt shift and basically asked why can’t ID be a part of evolution? Finally, a rational argument. But it came too late. I admit to learning that ID is not strictly a religious matter, and that most ID proponents don’t like how some of the Fundamentalists have co-opted the belief , but the movie basically did what I grew tired of in the early 2000’s— used fear to get their point across. No one should be shut out of the conversation, but I’m sure there are very good reasons why ID can’t always be considered, if only for the thing I mentioned above: it’s an “easy out”. C+
The Fall— Beautifully shot. This film was amazing to look at. But the plot was hard to follow at times. I had no idea what was real or not some of the times, or how it all tied together. Also of note was the acting by Catinca Untaru, who was only nine years old when the film was released (probably eight, at most, when it was being filmed). She really had to hit some emotional things actors much older than her would have trouble with. B
Forgetting Sarah Marshall—One of those Judd Apatow-like movies about men who still act like boys; but one that didn’t cross as many lines (and thusly allowed me to just enjoy the movie). There were awkward moments that could have derailed the momentum of the film, but writer/star Jason Segal kept everything together as few actors could. This film followed the usual guy gets dumped and meets new girl and then loses new girl, etc plot, but there was enough unique moments in between that it didn’t feel stale. Plus, the film showed me what Russell Brand is capable of in a comedy (I wasn’t terribly impressed watching his stand-up routine on Comedy Central). Good stuff. B+
Fred Claus—A kid movie that could have easily been watered down, but somehow, it was pretty watchable as an adult. You probably wouldn’t think of Vince Vaughn to star in your PG-rated movie, but he had his usual film persona (if toned down for the PG rating), and it gave a bit of an edge to the film. And Paul Giamatti (who was his usual excellent self) got a bit of a break by being St. Nick, so he didn’t have to play the Type-A dick he mostly plays. And while Elizabeth Banks has been in quite a few films lately, she’s always great to watch work (even if she didn’t have a big role). B+
Sunday, April 26, 2009
See EARTH
Hey-- Just a quick one, here.
I watched Earth yesterday, and it's, by far, the best movie I've seen yet this year (I hope to have my 1st Qtr reviews up in a few days). Normally I'm slow on saying "Watch this movie" (mainly because I rarely seen them in theatres or just after the DVD release), but this is worth seeing-- and it helps to watch in a theatre, where one can see the planet on a big screen.
Sure, there are lots of documentaries you can watch on Discovery or History or many other channels, but this is in the theatres, and DisneyNature (with the BBC) pulled out the stops on this one.
There were brilliantly distant shots showing the massive amounts of animals migrating together, and there were also many moments where a single family of animals were all alone for miles around. We got to see how large-- and how small-- the world truly is.
I'm glad Disney decided to start doing their nature documentaries again. I remember watching Wonderful World of Disney when I was a kid (in the '70s) and seeing similar pieces. This film is very much in that vein.
And while the film was edited for younger eyes (no lions tearing apart elephants), it made it clear that those things do (and must) happen in the wild.
Good stuff. Absolutely beautiful camera work. It was a bit simplistic (designed for kids and all), but it is the only "A" movie I've seen yet this year.
I watched Earth yesterday, and it's, by far, the best movie I've seen yet this year (I hope to have my 1st Qtr reviews up in a few days). Normally I'm slow on saying "Watch this movie" (mainly because I rarely seen them in theatres or just after the DVD release), but this is worth seeing-- and it helps to watch in a theatre, where one can see the planet on a big screen.
Sure, there are lots of documentaries you can watch on Discovery or History or many other channels, but this is in the theatres, and DisneyNature (with the BBC) pulled out the stops on this one.
There were brilliantly distant shots showing the massive amounts of animals migrating together, and there were also many moments where a single family of animals were all alone for miles around. We got to see how large-- and how small-- the world truly is.
I'm glad Disney decided to start doing their nature documentaries again. I remember watching Wonderful World of Disney when I was a kid (in the '70s) and seeing similar pieces. This film is very much in that vein.
And while the film was edited for younger eyes (no lions tearing apart elephants), it made it clear that those things do (and must) happen in the wild.
Good stuff. Absolutely beautiful camera work. It was a bit simplistic (designed for kids and all), but it is the only "A" movie I've seen yet this year.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Premiere, Finales, and Notables, April 27- May 3, 2009
Monday, 4/27
Heroes (NBC; 8 pm CST). Season Finale.
Geez, one of the hottest shows three years ago doesn't even get to finish in the all-important month of May? Ouch.
You know what? That's not bad. If what I'm listing below is any indication, ABC is pretty much packing in the season three weeks early. What the Hell is it going to air during May?
Tuesday, 4/28
Last Restaurant Standing (BBC America; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 4/29
Better Off Ted (ABC; 7:30). Season Premiere.
Lost (ABC; 8 pm) airs its 100th episode.
The Exterminators (A&E; 9:30 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 4/30
In the Motherhood (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Samantha Who? (ABC; 7:30). Season Finale.
Private Practice (ABC; 9:02 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 5/1
Cartoon Network re-airs the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (8 pm) tonight with added commentaries and behind the scenes info.
Saturday, 5/2
I know I listed Ashes to Ashes' (BBC America; 8 pm) season finale last week, but my friends at TV Guide listed it again this week. Funny thing about that: these listings were in a single issue of their ever-increasing-in-frequency double/two week issues.
Is there an editor that looks at this f-ing magazine before it goes to press? There are two damn pages between the 4/25 and 5/2 listings, so it's not as if they were half the magazine apart.
Food Trip With Todd English; PBS. 9:30 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 5/3
Gale Howard makes his first appearance on Desperate Housewives (ABC; 8 pm) since the real-life motorcycle accident that put him "on the shelf" for nearly a year.
Heroes (NBC; 8 pm CST). Season Finale.
Geez, one of the hottest shows three years ago doesn't even get to finish in the all-important month of May? Ouch.
You know what? That's not bad. If what I'm listing below is any indication, ABC is pretty much packing in the season three weeks early. What the Hell is it going to air during May?
Tuesday, 4/28
Last Restaurant Standing (BBC America; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 4/29
Better Off Ted (ABC; 7:30). Season Premiere.
Lost (ABC; 8 pm) airs its 100th episode.
The Exterminators (A&E; 9:30 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 4/30
In the Motherhood (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Samantha Who? (ABC; 7:30). Season Finale.
Private Practice (ABC; 9:02 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 5/1
Cartoon Network re-airs the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (8 pm) tonight with added commentaries and behind the scenes info.
Saturday, 5/2
I know I listed Ashes to Ashes' (BBC America; 8 pm) season finale last week, but my friends at TV Guide listed it again this week. Funny thing about that: these listings were in a single issue of their ever-increasing-in-frequency double/two week issues.
Is there an editor that looks at this f-ing magazine before it goes to press? There are two damn pages between the 4/25 and 5/2 listings, so it's not as if they were half the magazine apart.
Food Trip With Todd English; PBS. 9:30 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 5/3
Gale Howard makes his first appearance on Desperate Housewives (ABC; 8 pm) since the real-life motorcycle accident that put him "on the shelf" for nearly a year.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Save The Drama For Your Mama
Who knew, indeed?
And I'm wondering: does anyone on these shows go by a real name anymore? "Chicken Joe"? Are you kidding me?
And I'm wondering: does anyone on these shows go by a real name anymore? "Chicken Joe"? Are you kidding me?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
What's Worse?
Stephanie as an employee?
Or...
That people actually sit in front of their TV and watch this shit?
Or...
That people actually sit in front of their TV and watch this shit?
To Each His/Her Own.
That's what I always said--
--Until I watched this.
Now I am tortured with the fact that I cannot unwatch this...
--Until I watched this.
Now I am tortured with the fact that I cannot unwatch this...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Some More SID Earth Day Stuff
I was informed that a website was created for the Earth Day episode of Sid the Science Kid I mentioned in this week's Premieres and Notables post.
Designed for parents or teachers of young people, it gives a little help on getting kids interested in the small-"e" earth. It's about dirt, baby!
http://pbskids.org/sid/parentsteachers/earthday.html
Remember, it's never too early to get people thinking about the planet...
Designed for parents or teachers of young people, it gives a little help on getting kids interested in the small-"e" earth. It's about dirt, baby!
http://pbskids.org/sid/parentsteachers/earthday.html
Remember, it's never too early to get people thinking about the planet...
4/20 Kumar
I didn't get time for this until just now.
At least it's still 4/20 in MST and PST, even though I missed it in EST and CST.
At least it's still 4/20 in MST and PST, even though I missed it in EST and CST.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tyra Knows Her Nuts
I don't know what's worse.
That Tyra is obviously falling down a bottomless pit of "Are you shitting me?" with things she thinks is interesting or funny-- or that enough people watch this crap that they keep renewing her shows.
That Tyra is obviously falling down a bottomless pit of "Are you shitting me?" with things she thinks is interesting or funny-- or that enough people watch this crap that they keep renewing her shows.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Premieres, Finales, and Notables; April 20-26, 2009
Monday, 4/20
Nothing new of importance. It is 4/20, after all.
Grab some Cheetos and your favorite movies and kick back.
Okay, so there is one premiere:
Cash Cab; Discovery. 5:30 pm. Season Premiere.
This is episode 250 as well.
Tuesday, 4/21
Eco Trip: The Real Cost of Living; Sundance. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Host David de Rothschild investigates the life cycles of things like chocolate, gold, and salmon. Sounds heavy and guilt-filled, but it seems as if de Rothschild takes the green approach like I do: by preaching small steps. Doing just a couple of things differently is better than nothing.
Wednesday, 4/22
The most important thing is it's Earth Day. Like I said earlier, just do a couple of things differently, at least for today, and try to think about the impact those things had on our planet. Take a walk outside-- or at least look outside as you drive by. I'm the opposite of an outdoorsy guy (my TV/movie watching habits pretty much preclude outdoor activities), but I know that my TV rests on a cabinet on my floor in my house on my planet.
First off, I was fortunate enough to preview a screener of today's Sid the Science Kid (PBS; check local listings) episode. Titled "The Dirt On Dirt", Sid and his friends explore what dirt is, what it's made of, and what it's good for.
Seriously, what better topic for their Earth Day episode could they have chosen but, literally, earth?
If you've got children between the ages of three and five (younger kids would have a tough time with the concept, and older kids would get bored with the presentation), this episode is a good one to let them watch. It lays everything out in a very simple manner and very subtly lays the foundation for future Earth-centered thinking by reminding kids that the Earth is where we live and that it's important to take care of it.
So give it a try if you've got little people in your house. I like the episode, but it really is targeted for the 3-5 year-old out there...
Earth Report: State of the Planet 2009; National Geographic Channel. 7 pm. Special.
I think you can ascertain what this is about...
Thursday, 4/23
Trouble the Water; HBO. 7:30 pm. Movie.
This documentary about New Orleans before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina hit was nominated for an Oscar.
The Beast (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
That show is still airing? Seriously, I've heard nothing about it since the premiere.
And while I avoid VH1 like the plague (why? well, let's see; there's a new reality dating show featuring a Rock of Love cast-off premiering this week), I'll point out that the hilarious It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast will be appearing on Free Radio (10 pm) tonight.
Friday, 4/24
Iron Man: Armored Adventures; Nicktoons. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
The super-hero that got me hooked on comics almost 30 years ago gets a new animated series. But on this show, Tony is a teenager (let's just say this idea didn't work so well in the comics) who is dealing with his father's death while kicking butt in an armored suit.
Saturday, 4/25
Ashes to Ashes (BBC America; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 4/26
King of the Hill (FOX; 6:30 pm) celebrates its 250th episode as Hank has to decide if he wants to grant Cotton's request to flush his ashes down the toilet.
...I miss Cotton...
TV Land Awards; TV Land. 7 pm. Special.
I have no idea what this is about other than giving props to old shows. Could be worth watching for nostalgia. And the host of the special is Neil Patrick Harris, so there's always his awesomeness to soak up. (And for further awesomeness, it's rumored that Harris may pull some Oscar-inspired "Billy Crystal" moments and appear in some of the old footage of shows.)
Leader of the Pack; HGTV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
I have no idea what this means, but here's what Entertainment Weekly wrote:
"A family chooses one dog out of eight to keep as a pet."
Is this an 8-part series that "eliminates" a dog every week, or a show that features a new family and a new set of dogs every week? I have no idea.
Future Earth; MSNBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This show looks at life in the near-future. Like how part of New York City will be under water if we continue to live as we do now.
Nothing new of importance. It is 4/20, after all.
Grab some Cheetos and your favorite movies and kick back.
Okay, so there is one premiere:
Cash Cab; Discovery. 5:30 pm. Season Premiere.
This is episode 250 as well.
Tuesday, 4/21
Eco Trip: The Real Cost of Living; Sundance. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Host David de Rothschild investigates the life cycles of things like chocolate, gold, and salmon. Sounds heavy and guilt-filled, but it seems as if de Rothschild takes the green approach like I do: by preaching small steps. Doing just a couple of things differently is better than nothing.
Wednesday, 4/22
The most important thing is it's Earth Day. Like I said earlier, just do a couple of things differently, at least for today, and try to think about the impact those things had on our planet. Take a walk outside-- or at least look outside as you drive by. I'm the opposite of an outdoorsy guy (my TV/movie watching habits pretty much preclude outdoor activities), but I know that my TV rests on a cabinet on my floor in my house on my planet.
First off, I was fortunate enough to preview a screener of today's Sid the Science Kid (PBS; check local listings) episode. Titled "The Dirt On Dirt", Sid and his friends explore what dirt is, what it's made of, and what it's good for.
Seriously, what better topic for their Earth Day episode could they have chosen but, literally, earth?
If you've got children between the ages of three and five (younger kids would have a tough time with the concept, and older kids would get bored with the presentation), this episode is a good one to let them watch. It lays everything out in a very simple manner and very subtly lays the foundation for future Earth-centered thinking by reminding kids that the Earth is where we live and that it's important to take care of it.
So give it a try if you've got little people in your house. I like the episode, but it really is targeted for the 3-5 year-old out there...
Earth Report: State of the Planet 2009; National Geographic Channel. 7 pm. Special.
I think you can ascertain what this is about...
Thursday, 4/23
Trouble the Water; HBO. 7:30 pm. Movie.
This documentary about New Orleans before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina hit was nominated for an Oscar.
The Beast (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
That show is still airing? Seriously, I've heard nothing about it since the premiere.
And while I avoid VH1 like the plague (why? well, let's see; there's a new reality dating show featuring a Rock of Love cast-off premiering this week), I'll point out that the hilarious It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast will be appearing on Free Radio (10 pm) tonight.
Friday, 4/24
Iron Man: Armored Adventures; Nicktoons. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
The super-hero that got me hooked on comics almost 30 years ago gets a new animated series. But on this show, Tony is a teenager (let's just say this idea didn't work so well in the comics) who is dealing with his father's death while kicking butt in an armored suit.
Saturday, 4/25
Ashes to Ashes (BBC America; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 4/26
King of the Hill (FOX; 6:30 pm) celebrates its 250th episode as Hank has to decide if he wants to grant Cotton's request to flush his ashes down the toilet.
...I miss Cotton...
TV Land Awards; TV Land. 7 pm. Special.
I have no idea what this is about other than giving props to old shows. Could be worth watching for nostalgia. And the host of the special is Neil Patrick Harris, so there's always his awesomeness to soak up. (And for further awesomeness, it's rumored that Harris may pull some Oscar-inspired "Billy Crystal" moments and appear in some of the old footage of shows.)
Leader of the Pack; HGTV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
I have no idea what this means, but here's what Entertainment Weekly wrote:
"A family chooses one dog out of eight to keep as a pet."
Is this an 8-part series that "eliminates" a dog every week, or a show that features a new family and a new set of dogs every week? I have no idea.
Future Earth; MSNBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This show looks at life in the near-future. Like how part of New York City will be under water if we continue to live as we do now.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
SOUP's On; 4/10/09, Clip #2
These clips all have something to do with sex. Try to make the connection...
Maybe Han Wasn't Full of Shit...
It's entirely possible this has been addressed in one of the scads of novels or comic books (or even video games) based on Star Wars, but I had a brainstorm earlier today that could prove that Han's mistake of bragging about how fast his ship was in A New Hope was not, in fact, a mistake.
Much has been made of Han's faux pas by claiming his ship was so fast it made the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs. A parsec is a measurement of distance.
We all assume Han was incredibly ignorant (or thinking Ben and Luke were) by boasting about the speed of his ship by using a measurement of distance instead of time (what we'd expect), but what if distance was a more impressive measurement for that particular run?
Let's say it's a very dangerous trip, and pilots normally have to take a longer route to avoid asteroids or gravity wells or black holes or whatever, and Han's reckless (combining skill and his usual luck) piloting allowed him to turn it into a shorter one. Maybe he skirted one or multiple dangers more closely than his contemporaries did, and that's why it's an impressive feat.
How about that, hunh? Genius.
You know, back in The Day at Marvel Comics, when a fan explained a mistake away like that, he got a No Prize (which is exactly what it was, a "no prize"-- other than it was mentioned in the letter column). Maybe I should get an honorary No Prize for this...
Oh, goddammit!
My genius has again been bested. As I searched to verify it was twelve parsecs before I hit "publish post", I ran across this website: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Kessel_Run.
So much for cementing my own little place in Star Wars geekdom...
Much has been made of Han's faux pas by claiming his ship was so fast it made the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs. A parsec is a measurement of distance.
We all assume Han was incredibly ignorant (or thinking Ben and Luke were) by boasting about the speed of his ship by using a measurement of distance instead of time (what we'd expect), but what if distance was a more impressive measurement for that particular run?
Let's say it's a very dangerous trip, and pilots normally have to take a longer route to avoid asteroids or gravity wells or black holes or whatever, and Han's reckless (combining skill and his usual luck) piloting allowed him to turn it into a shorter one. Maybe he skirted one or multiple dangers more closely than his contemporaries did, and that's why it's an impressive feat.
How about that, hunh? Genius.
You know, back in The Day at Marvel Comics, when a fan explained a mistake away like that, he got a No Prize (which is exactly what it was, a "no prize"-- other than it was mentioned in the letter column). Maybe I should get an honorary No Prize for this...
Oh, goddammit!
My genius has again been bested. As I searched to verify it was twelve parsecs before I hit "publish post", I ran across this website: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Kessel_Run.
So much for cementing my own little place in Star Wars geekdom...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
SOUP's On; 4/10 clip
Even if you watched this episode, it's still worth it for the very last line of the clip...
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Premieres and Notables; April 13-19, 2009
Monday, 4/13
Closet Cases; FLN. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Oprah-approved stylist Lloyd Boston visits people and gives them inexpensive makeovers.
Saving Grace (TNT; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 4/14
Deadliest Catch; Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 4/15
The Cougar; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A forty-year-old woman tries to land a younger man in this reality-love competition.
Pitchmen; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan mentor inventors with wacky products to sell.
Thursday, 4/16
Sorry I didn't mention Southland (NBC; 9 pm) premiered last week. I blame TV Guide for not putting the news on anything I'd look at (they only have two spots in their weekly mag that has notable episodes).
Friday, 4/17
Johnny Depp voices surfing guru, Jack Kahuna Luna, on Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon; 7 pm).
Prison Break; FOX. 8 pm. Series Return.
The show is back for its final six episodes of the series.
A friend sent me the news that the show will end, and then the series will be wrapped up in a direct-to-DVD movie this summer. Ugh...
The news may not be completely bad, as another website I checked said it wasn't yet confirmed the movie would not air.
Here's the only video clip I could find for the final episodes:
Stranger Among Bears; Animal Planet. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I have no idea...
Saturday, 4/18
Grey Gardens; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore star in this made-for-TV movie, which has gotten some pretty reviews.
Sunday, 4/19
Sit Down, Shut Up; FOX. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A new animated series set in a Florida High School by Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development. Some of the featured voices are by Will Arnet, Jason Bateman, and Henry Winkler-- who all worked together on that series, in case you've forgotten.
HEY! Maria Bamford is on the show, too. We went to the same high school. I'm not claiming to have known her (I was 4-5 grades younger than her), but I'm mentioning it because I think it's cool-- and I always make sure to check out her work (sometimes she's on Comedy Central specials).
Closet Cases; FLN. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Oprah-approved stylist Lloyd Boston visits people and gives them inexpensive makeovers.
Saving Grace (TNT; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 4/14
Deadliest Catch; Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 4/15
The Cougar; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A forty-year-old woman tries to land a younger man in this reality-love competition.
Pitchmen; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan mentor inventors with wacky products to sell.
Thursday, 4/16
Sorry I didn't mention Southland (NBC; 9 pm) premiered last week. I blame TV Guide for not putting the news on anything I'd look at (they only have two spots in their weekly mag that has notable episodes).
Friday, 4/17
Johnny Depp voices surfing guru, Jack Kahuna Luna, on Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon; 7 pm).
Prison Break; FOX. 8 pm. Series Return.
The show is back for its final six episodes of the series.
A friend sent me the news that the show will end, and then the series will be wrapped up in a direct-to-DVD movie this summer. Ugh...
The news may not be completely bad, as another website I checked said it wasn't yet confirmed the movie would not air.
Here's the only video clip I could find for the final episodes:
Stranger Among Bears; Animal Planet. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I have no idea...
Saturday, 4/18
Grey Gardens; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore star in this made-for-TV movie, which has gotten some pretty reviews.
Sunday, 4/19
Sit Down, Shut Up; FOX. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A new animated series set in a Florida High School by Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development. Some of the featured voices are by Will Arnet, Jason Bateman, and Henry Winkler-- who all worked together on that series, in case you've forgotten.
HEY! Maria Bamford is on the show, too. We went to the same high school. I'm not claiming to have known her (I was 4-5 grades younger than her), but I'm mentioning it because I think it's cool-- and I always make sure to check out her work (sometimes she's on Comedy Central specials).
Highest Possible Recommendation
So I just finished the fifth and final season of The Wire and I feel compelled to write something.
It's late, I've had a long week, and I am fried, but this show has grabbed me the past two months, and this final season I spent the past few nights watching has actually messed up my sleep (I go to bed and lay there for hours because this show and its characters have hooked me unlike almost anything else I've ever encountered).
I've talked up the show a bit lately, but I'm going to do it again because it's worth it.
Season Three was brilliant. I would say (and have said) it's one of the best seasons of TV I've ever seen, and anyone who's read this blog or knows me knows I watch a shitload of TV, so I know what I'm talking about.
Season Four-- amazingly-- was even better. It not only told a typically wonderful story, but it also laid a very emotional tie to some of the characters.
Season Five took a gigantic chance that paid off. It may not have been as sexy as the previous two seasons, but it wound stories around lies that snowballed until they became avalanches. By the end of the penultimate episode, my jaw was on the floor, and I thought "There is no way this season can end in just a single episode."
But it did. Masterfully. But that wasn't good enough; the finale also ended the series perfectly.
I always have a qualm or three about a series finale. Either the finale has a plot or character that comes out of left field to tie things up with a bow, or the show decides to do its own thing and bites off more than it can chew, or it just decides it really could never deliver what the show or fans would be satisfied with, so it does whatever the Hell it wants.
Not The Wire. It ended its fifth season just as it did the previous four: with a real ending that fit the season. And then it pushed the characters into the next phases of their lives. Some ended up happier, some a little sadder, and one blew my mind as he took on a role I never could have expected and took on the mantle held by another who was killed.
Some finales satisfy me emotionally. Some satisfy me as a fan. Others satisfy me because they remain true to the show. The finale of The Wire satisfied me on all levels.
McNulty, Avon, Stringer, Ronnie, Bunk, Freamon, Prez, Mike, Dukie, Bodie, Marlo, Slim, Cheese, Cutty, Snoop, Chris, Randy, Naymond, WeeBey, D', Carcetti, Daniels, Narese, Bubbles, Herc, Carv, Beadie, Sydnor, Prop Joe, Deacon, Sharron, Johnny, Rawls, Burrell, Clay, Kima, Levy, Bunny, Poot, Bug, Templeton, Valchek, Gus, Omar...
Fuckin' Omar...
Forty-four names I pulled out of my head just now. I didn't need to check imdb.com for a cast list. They are right there; in my head-- in my heart. Some are good guys, some are bad guys, and most of them are a mix of both. Good people who make bad mistakes. Bad people who do the right thing once in a while. Forty-four characters I can just name without reference. And the thing is, there are at least a half-dozen whose faces I see in my head but whose names I can't remember (this show wasn't one for name-checking every character every episode). And because I watched the first two seasons last summer before I really "got" the show, there's probably two dozen more names I can't even remember from those episodes.
Listen, I've written it before, and I'm going to again-- and I probably will at some point even later than now as well-- this is television of the highest quality. This is the type of show that can change your entire perception of what television can be. The DVD sets are priced per standard HBO rates (too high), so borrow them from the library or a rich friend or watch them as they air on HBO OnDemand (you still might catch Season Two). Or put them in your NetFlix queue. Or save your pennies up like I'm going to and try to catch every sale you can until you own them all.
If you like television and look for the best possible shows, you owe it to yourself to watch this series.
Trust me. You will not be disappointed.
It's late, I've had a long week, and I am fried, but this show has grabbed me the past two months, and this final season I spent the past few nights watching has actually messed up my sleep (I go to bed and lay there for hours because this show and its characters have hooked me unlike almost anything else I've ever encountered).
I've talked up the show a bit lately, but I'm going to do it again because it's worth it.
Season Three was brilliant. I would say (and have said) it's one of the best seasons of TV I've ever seen, and anyone who's read this blog or knows me knows I watch a shitload of TV, so I know what I'm talking about.
Season Four-- amazingly-- was even better. It not only told a typically wonderful story, but it also laid a very emotional tie to some of the characters.
Season Five took a gigantic chance that paid off. It may not have been as sexy as the previous two seasons, but it wound stories around lies that snowballed until they became avalanches. By the end of the penultimate episode, my jaw was on the floor, and I thought "There is no way this season can end in just a single episode."
But it did. Masterfully. But that wasn't good enough; the finale also ended the series perfectly.
I always have a qualm or three about a series finale. Either the finale has a plot or character that comes out of left field to tie things up with a bow, or the show decides to do its own thing and bites off more than it can chew, or it just decides it really could never deliver what the show or fans would be satisfied with, so it does whatever the Hell it wants.
Not The Wire. It ended its fifth season just as it did the previous four: with a real ending that fit the season. And then it pushed the characters into the next phases of their lives. Some ended up happier, some a little sadder, and one blew my mind as he took on a role I never could have expected and took on the mantle held by another who was killed.
Some finales satisfy me emotionally. Some satisfy me as a fan. Others satisfy me because they remain true to the show. The finale of The Wire satisfied me on all levels.
McNulty, Avon, Stringer, Ronnie, Bunk, Freamon, Prez, Mike, Dukie, Bodie, Marlo, Slim, Cheese, Cutty, Snoop, Chris, Randy, Naymond, WeeBey, D', Carcetti, Daniels, Narese, Bubbles, Herc, Carv, Beadie, Sydnor, Prop Joe, Deacon, Sharron, Johnny, Rawls, Burrell, Clay, Kima, Levy, Bunny, Poot, Bug, Templeton, Valchek, Gus, Omar...
Fuckin' Omar...
Forty-four names I pulled out of my head just now. I didn't need to check imdb.com for a cast list. They are right there; in my head-- in my heart. Some are good guys, some are bad guys, and most of them are a mix of both. Good people who make bad mistakes. Bad people who do the right thing once in a while. Forty-four characters I can just name without reference. And the thing is, there are at least a half-dozen whose faces I see in my head but whose names I can't remember (this show wasn't one for name-checking every character every episode). And because I watched the first two seasons last summer before I really "got" the show, there's probably two dozen more names I can't even remember from those episodes.
Listen, I've written it before, and I'm going to again-- and I probably will at some point even later than now as well-- this is television of the highest quality. This is the type of show that can change your entire perception of what television can be. The DVD sets are priced per standard HBO rates (too high), so borrow them from the library or a rich friend or watch them as they air on HBO OnDemand (you still might catch Season Two). Or put them in your NetFlix queue. Or save your pennies up like I'm going to and try to catch every sale you can until you own them all.
If you like television and look for the best possible shows, you owe it to yourself to watch this series.
Trust me. You will not be disappointed.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Dear John: Steroids
I'll be posting these Dear John Witherspoon videos from the Boondocks Bootleg website the next few weeks.
Vulgar, but funny.
Vulgar, but funny.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Taco Hottie
Damn cops. Always trying to bring you down.
(I hope he made her to the alcohol test; just to make this moron even later to her important thing.)
(I hope he made her to the alcohol test; just to make this moron even later to her important thing.)
Monday, April 06, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Thank God Atheists Don't Rule the World
Yes, these actual Findamentalist quotes are taken out of context; I get that. But even in context, these still have to sound pretty bad/ignorant coming out of someone's mouth. Some of this is just patently ridiculous...
I'm not trying to start anything here; I just find it interesting. And funny; I admit: I find it kinda funny.
If you want equal-time for the other side of this argument, go find a post that makes evolutionists and atheists (who are not mutually exclusive, BTW) look like morons. I'm sure a Google search will come up with thousands of hits.
If you're a Fundamentalist and you don't want to think about what the other side believes, I recommend passing this post on and watching another.
I post lots of vids, it'll be okay if one gets missed...
I'm not trying to start anything here; I just find it interesting. And funny; I admit: I find it kinda funny.
If you want equal-time for the other side of this argument, go find a post that makes evolutionists and atheists (who are not mutually exclusive, BTW) look like morons. I'm sure a Google search will come up with thousands of hits.
If you're a Fundamentalist and you don't want to think about what the other side believes, I recommend passing this post on and watching another.
I post lots of vids, it'll be okay if one gets missed...
Saturday, April 04, 2009
UNUSUALS Correction
And in what must to be Reason #25 or so of why TV Guide sucks:
The listing that ABC's Unusuals premiered on Monday, 4/6, is incorrect. It actually begins on Wednesday, 4/8 at 9:02 pm.
Since it's a pain to cut and paste in Blogger-- and the post is now three or four deep from this one-- I figured I'd just make the note here. Plus, I had to be cute and embed a video, which will just make things messier to change now.
The listing that ABC's Unusuals premiered on Monday, 4/6, is incorrect. It actually begins on Wednesday, 4/8 at 9:02 pm.
Since it's a pain to cut and paste in Blogger-- and the post is now three or four deep from this one-- I figured I'd just make the note here. Plus, I had to be cute and embed a video, which will just make things messier to change now.
Premieres, Finales, and Notables; April 6-12, 2009
Gonna try something new here. Hope it works...
Monday, 4/6
Antiques Roadshow; BBC America. 11 am. Season Premiere.
One of my favorite TV actors, Scott Bakula, shows up on Chuck (NBC; 7:00 pm CST).
Surviving Suburbia; ABC. 8:32 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Bob Saget stars as the father of a family who lives in the suburbs.
Seriously, that's all I know (other than it's a comedy).
The Unusuals; ABC. 9:02 pm. Series Premiere.
Another one I don't know much about other than it stars Amber Tamblyn (who was excellent in Joan of Arcadia) and Adam Goldberg (who's been great in everything) as unusual cops who take on unusual cases.
Monday, 4/6
Antiques Roadshow; BBC America. 11 am. Season Premiere.
One of my favorite TV actors, Scott Bakula, shows up on Chuck (NBC; 7:00 pm CST).
Surviving Suburbia; ABC. 8:32 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Bob Saget stars as the father of a family who lives in the suburbs.
Seriously, that's all I know (other than it's a comedy).
The Unusuals; ABC. 9:02 pm. Series Premiere.
Another one I don't know much about other than it stars Amber Tamblyn (who was excellent in Joan of Arcadia) and Adam Goldberg (who's been great in everything) as unusual cops who take on unusual cases.
Tuesday, 4/7
Trust Me (TNT; 8 & 9 pm). Season Finale.
Rescue Me; FX. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 4/8
Mythbusters; Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Great show. Learn while watching things get blown up.
Dinner: Impossible; Food. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
High School Reunion (TV Land; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire; Comedy Central. 9:30. Series Premiere.
A spoof of the epic fantasy genre. Because it airs on Comedy Central, I'll "go out on a limb" and will guess it's probably too silly and the jokes will be like a club (not at all subtle).
Thursday, 4/9
Parks & Recreation; NBC. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Amy Poehler plays a politician in a small Indiana town.
Harper's Island; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A thirteen-episode murder mystery where one guest of a wedding is killed every week. I thought the concept was intriguing, but Matt Roush (a critic I trust) gave it a pretty bad review. I guess it's not only boring, but silly.
Friday, 4/10
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Last I heard, its odds for a third season are slim...
Friday Night Lights (NBC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
DirectTV and NBC just announced there will be a 4th and a 5th season (both 13 eps each)-- even though both are expected to lose money to produce and air it. I think that should tell us all something: watch this show if you haven't yet (I plan on catching up this summer).
Saturday, 4/11
Groomer Has It; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 4/12
Tracey Ullman's State of the Union; Showtime. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
The Discovery Channel kicks off "Alaska Week" with the Bear Attack (9 pm) special.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Geez-- You'd Think the Guy Had Killed Someone or Something
He took a little pot. BFD.
Funny how NBC had its lips on his ass all August, but is more than happy to rake this guy over the coals now.
Nice bit of blindsiding him about the interview in 2004, Matt. D-bag...
Funny how NBC had its lips on his ass all August, but is more than happy to rake this guy over the coals now.
Nice bit of blindsiding him about the interview in 2004, Matt. D-bag...
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Thursday, April 02, 2009
No One Does It Better
From The Wire:
Clay Davis... Senator... B'More Power Broker...
And Master of the Universe when it comes to saying "shit".
I love this.
F-ing awesome. Here's another:
And why I hate politicians:
Clay Davis... Senator... B'More Power Broker...
And Master of the Universe when it comes to saying "shit".
I love this.
F-ing awesome. Here's another:
And why I hate politicians:
Admiring a Man Who Loves His Job
What other job would cause the words he associates with being lucky actually being a good thing to find?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Maybe Her Name Should Have Been The First Clue...
There are just so many whacked-out things about this clip:
1. The tattoo on her face.
2. The fact that they'd ask that question on a dating competition.
3. The fact that they do the ridiculous lie detector in the first place.
4. The thumbs-up the lie detector conductor gives at the end (okay, that was pretty funny).
Oh yeah-- her name is Danger, if you didn't catch it during the clip.
1. The tattoo on her face.
2. The fact that they'd ask that question on a dating competition.
3. The fact that they do the ridiculous lie detector in the first place.
4. The thumbs-up the lie detector conductor gives at the end (okay, that was pretty funny).
Oh yeah-- her name is Danger, if you didn't catch it during the clip.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
DALLAS Meets STAR WARS
There's millions of these "jams" out there, but I thought this one was pretty good.
ANGEL Star Dies
I couldn't possibly keep up with great and influential people who have died in all the media I love, but once in a while I feel the need to acknowledge a death.
I just read that Angel star Andy Hallett died from heart failure at 33 years old.
Hallett played the demon Lorne, one of my favorite characters on one of my all-time favorite shows. At first Lorne who was a helpful friend for Angel and his gang to have, and as the show continued, he became almost a team member himself. He was a standout in the Whedon-verse full of unique characters as the club owning demon who could read a person's thoughts/intentions when they sang. And he always did it dressed as if he belonged on the Vegas strip.
I think credit for the popularity of the character rests on Hallett's portrayal of him. Lorne was probably intended to be a bit character at first, but he kept coming back, and I think it's because of Hallett.
And it's odd that one of the only times I have seen him out of the Lorne makeup was in the picture that accompanied the news of his death.
Here's a link to that news piece from tvguide.com:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Andy-Hallet-Dies-1004552.aspx
I just read that Angel star Andy Hallett died from heart failure at 33 years old.
Hallett played the demon Lorne, one of my favorite characters on one of my all-time favorite shows. At first Lorne who was a helpful friend for Angel and his gang to have, and as the show continued, he became almost a team member himself. He was a standout in the Whedon-verse full of unique characters as the club owning demon who could read a person's thoughts/intentions when they sang. And he always did it dressed as if he belonged on the Vegas strip.
I think credit for the popularity of the character rests on Hallett's portrayal of him. Lorne was probably intended to be a bit character at first, but he kept coming back, and I think it's because of Hallett.
And it's odd that one of the only times I have seen him out of the Lorne makeup was in the picture that accompanied the news of his death.
Here's a link to that news piece from tvguide.com:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Andy-Hallet-Dies-1004552.aspx
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Judge Not
You've seen the first part-- but you didn't see the ending-- and the second part is great.
"Rocket scientist"...
"Rocket scientist"...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Premieres, Finales, and Notables; March 30-April 5, 2009
Monday, 3/30
Greek; ABC Family. 7 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
I've heard this show is pretty good...
Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer guest stars on Chuck (NBC; 7 pm).
Tuesday, 3/31
Osbournes: Reloaded; FOX. 8:20 pm (Note the time). Series Premiere.
The Osbourne family does a variety show. Music, jokes, pranks, and skits where they attempt "real jobs" are on tap. Could be a disaster, but I am intrigued enough to watch at least the pilot.
Cupid; ABC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A "remake" of the 1998 dramedy (one I enjoyed quite a bit) with Bobby Cannavale playing a "grounded" Cupid who has to match 100 couples before Zeus will let him back in Mt. Olympus. Sarah Paulson plays the therapist who treats him (and will eventually fall for him, I'm sure).
I don't remember much about the original other than I remembered I liking it quite a bit.
I know this is a remake that should be on its own merits, but Cannavale has done nothing for me before, so I doubt I'll dig him as much as I dug Jeremy Piven in the original. Sarah Paulson has always impressed me, so I think I'll "buy" her easily enough. But, man, I fell in love with Paula Marshal in the original... Good times.
Maybe this will get the original series on DVD.
Pretty Wicked; Oxygen. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Ten women get personality makeovers and compete in an "inner beauty" competition.
My Boys; TBS. 9:30 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
This is a pretty good show with great co-stars (Jim Gaffigan and Kyle Howard). And it got rid of the cheesy sports-metaphor-for-life elements from the first season. Recommended.
Wednesday, 4/1
I Get That a Lot; CBS. 7 pm. Special.
Celebs like Mario Lopez, Ice-T, Heidi Klum, and Jessica Simpson disguise themselves as regular folk in the service industry and try to convince their customers they are not who they look like. I'm sure it's lame, but I've heard Klum and Simpson are pretty funny.
Pedro; MTV. 7 pm. Special.
Oscar-winner Dustin Lance Black (Milk) wrote the screenplay of this biopic about The Real World: San Francisco's Pedro Zamora.
I have to admit, I hated how MTV shoved Pedro down our throats back in the '90s, but I read roommate (and current DC Comics writer) Judd Winick's graphic novel Pedro & Me a few years ago, and I got a much better sense of the man from it. The GN is highly recommended. And I think the subject of this movie makes it worth at least trying.
Damages (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Life on Mars (ABC; 9:02). Series Finale.
That's right: series finale. At least the creators got a chance to write a proper ending, so it won't be the usual show that just disappears on a cliffhanger.
Reno 911; Comedy Central. 9:30. 6th Season Premiere.
I'll give this show one more season (I've been terribly disappointed the past two years) before I stop watching.
Thursday, 4/2
ER (NBC; 9 pm). Series Finale.
The show should be going out with a bang. I don't know what'll happen, but they've had natural disasters, helicopter crashes, tanks smashes (I think), disease outbreaks... I think the only way they could top themselves is if the moon itself falls out of orbit and lands directly on the hospital.
Nah-- I'm kidding. My understanding is this show gets a proper and dignified send-off that honors the past.
As ridiculous and goddamned depressing as it got (I gave up after seven seasons, so maybe the tone changed after that), this was breakthrough television that almost didn't make it to the air. And it would have been a shame had we not experienced those first few years.
I won't watch the finale, but I'll raise a glass to it on Thursday. It earned it. Hopefully the fans who stuck around the full 16 seasons get what they deserve.
Eleventh Hour (CBS; 9:01). Season Finale.
Friday, 4/3
Escape to Chimp Eden; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 4/5
Food Network Challenge: Lake Cake Standing; Food Network. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Six pastry chefs do their thing in this reality competition.
In Treatment; HBO. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
The Tudors; Showtime. 8 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
United States of Tara (Showtime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Greek; ABC Family. 7 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
I've heard this show is pretty good...
Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer guest stars on Chuck (NBC; 7 pm).
Tuesday, 3/31
Osbournes: Reloaded; FOX. 8:20 pm (Note the time). Series Premiere.
The Osbourne family does a variety show. Music, jokes, pranks, and skits where they attempt "real jobs" are on tap. Could be a disaster, but I am intrigued enough to watch at least the pilot.
Cupid; ABC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A "remake" of the 1998 dramedy (one I enjoyed quite a bit) with Bobby Cannavale playing a "grounded" Cupid who has to match 100 couples before Zeus will let him back in Mt. Olympus. Sarah Paulson plays the therapist who treats him (and will eventually fall for him, I'm sure).
I don't remember much about the original other than I remembered I liking it quite a bit.
I know this is a remake that should be on its own merits, but Cannavale has done nothing for me before, so I doubt I'll dig him as much as I dug Jeremy Piven in the original. Sarah Paulson has always impressed me, so I think I'll "buy" her easily enough. But, man, I fell in love with Paula Marshal in the original... Good times.
Maybe this will get the original series on DVD.
Pretty Wicked; Oxygen. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Ten women get personality makeovers and compete in an "inner beauty" competition.
My Boys; TBS. 9:30 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
This is a pretty good show with great co-stars (Jim Gaffigan and Kyle Howard). And it got rid of the cheesy sports-metaphor-for-life elements from the first season. Recommended.
Wednesday, 4/1
I Get That a Lot; CBS. 7 pm. Special.
Celebs like Mario Lopez, Ice-T, Heidi Klum, and Jessica Simpson disguise themselves as regular folk in the service industry and try to convince their customers they are not who they look like. I'm sure it's lame, but I've heard Klum and Simpson are pretty funny.
Pedro; MTV. 7 pm. Special.
Oscar-winner Dustin Lance Black (Milk) wrote the screenplay of this biopic about The Real World: San Francisco's Pedro Zamora.
I have to admit, I hated how MTV shoved Pedro down our throats back in the '90s, but I read roommate (and current DC Comics writer) Judd Winick's graphic novel Pedro & Me a few years ago, and I got a much better sense of the man from it. The GN is highly recommended. And I think the subject of this movie makes it worth at least trying.
Damages (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Life on Mars (ABC; 9:02). Series Finale.
That's right: series finale. At least the creators got a chance to write a proper ending, so it won't be the usual show that just disappears on a cliffhanger.
Reno 911; Comedy Central. 9:30. 6th Season Premiere.
I'll give this show one more season (I've been terribly disappointed the past two years) before I stop watching.
Thursday, 4/2
ER (NBC; 9 pm). Series Finale.
The show should be going out with a bang. I don't know what'll happen, but they've had natural disasters, helicopter crashes, tanks smashes (I think), disease outbreaks... I think the only way they could top themselves is if the moon itself falls out of orbit and lands directly on the hospital.
Nah-- I'm kidding. My understanding is this show gets a proper and dignified send-off that honors the past.
As ridiculous and goddamned depressing as it got (I gave up after seven seasons, so maybe the tone changed after that), this was breakthrough television that almost didn't make it to the air. And it would have been a shame had we not experienced those first few years.
I won't watch the finale, but I'll raise a glass to it on Thursday. It earned it. Hopefully the fans who stuck around the full 16 seasons get what they deserve.
Eleventh Hour (CBS; 9:01). Season Finale.
Friday, 4/3
Escape to Chimp Eden; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 4/5
Food Network Challenge: Lake Cake Standing; Food Network. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Six pastry chefs do their thing in this reality competition.
In Treatment; HBO. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
The Tudors; Showtime. 8 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
United States of Tara (Showtime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
WIFE SWAP-- Telling Every Family's Story
I think they could have left this one on the cutting-room floor...
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Only Thing I Can Think Is That The Name is Wrong
How about "pierce-stream"?
And you just have to love the remote...
And you just have to love the remote...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ITM: Episode 5
Not particularly funny this time. I'm just including it because I'm already this far into posting the series...
This Chick is Getting More and More Ridiculous
Is it me, or has Tyra become a parody of those terrible day-time talk shows from the '90s?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Chickenfoot at Play
Rock stars have too much fun.
And the Will Farrell-looking guy is Chad Smith. I think. Could be Farrell...
And the Will Farrell-looking guy is Chad Smith. I think. Could be Farrell...
Sunday, March 22, 2009
ITM: Episode 4
The mom explaining to another kid what sex is is pretty good (around the 5 minute mark).
Premieres and Notables; March 23-29, 2009
Just a note: the magazines I steal this info from were pretty vague on just what these new shows are about. Sorry I don't have much to go on.
Monday, 3/23
Aaron Stone; Disney XD. 6 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Kelly Blatz stars as a young action hero (sounds like a cross between a spy and a Batman-type).
The Secret Life of an American Teenager (ABC Family; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Ted loses his job on How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30). I'm sure it'll be funny anyway...
Roommates; ABC Family. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
All I know is it's a sitcom in the Friends vein-- and this cast is not nearly as white as that cast.
Sophie; ABC Family. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A pregnant talent agents gets dumped by her boyfriend, who also runs off with her clients.
[Geez, I wonder if Middleman could have been saved by the network had Dubby been pregnant. Seems as if ABC Family likes those types of characters.]
RuPaul's Drag Race (Logo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 3/24
Chuck Jones: Memories of Childhood; TCM. 7 pm. Special.
An hour-long look at the legendary Looney Tunes director.
College Hill: South Beach; BET. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 3/25
Important Things With Demetri Martin (Comedy Central; 9:30 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 3/26
American Idol Extra; FOX Reality. 6 pm. Season Premiere.
Thank God! I mean, there's just not enough American Idol coverage nowadays...
In The Motherhood; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The web series gets a network show-- with an entirely different cast.
Zatanna is introduced on Smallville (CW; 7 pm). Mmmmmm... Zatanna.
I hope the series tries to get her costume close to the one in the comics (traditional-- if sexy-- magician outfit and fishnet tights).
Nickelodeon's 22nd Annual Kid's Choice Awards; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Special.
Hosted by Dwayne Johnson (he doesn't go by "The Rock" anymore).
Penguins of Madagascar; Nickelodeon. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
The only consistently entertaining characters in the Madagascar films get their own show. Let's all pray they don't become annoying now that they are focal characters in their own show.
Sunday, 3/29
Any Dream Will Do; BBC America. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Singers compete for a lead role in the London revival of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency; HBO. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Singer Jill Scott stars as Botswana's first female private investigator in this adaptation of the Alexander McCall Smith novels.
A number of Star Trek: the Next Generation cast members make guest appearances (sounds? voices?) on Family Guy (FOX; 8 pm).
Jim Gaffigan: King Baby; Comedy Central. 8 pm. Special.
G4 Underground; G4. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A documentary series. The first ep looks at people who put on costumes and fight crime.
The Mighty Boosh; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. Midnight. Series Premiere.
A live-action series (ugh-- not on this network...) that probably has no relation to the phrase "Boosh" that the X-Tacles say on Frisky Dingo.
Monday, 3/23
Aaron Stone; Disney XD. 6 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Kelly Blatz stars as a young action hero (sounds like a cross between a spy and a Batman-type).
The Secret Life of an American Teenager (ABC Family; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Ted loses his job on How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30). I'm sure it'll be funny anyway...
Roommates; ABC Family. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
All I know is it's a sitcom in the Friends vein-- and this cast is not nearly as white as that cast.
Sophie; ABC Family. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A pregnant talent agents gets dumped by her boyfriend, who also runs off with her clients.
[Geez, I wonder if Middleman could have been saved by the network had Dubby been pregnant. Seems as if ABC Family likes those types of characters.]
RuPaul's Drag Race (Logo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 3/24
Chuck Jones: Memories of Childhood; TCM. 7 pm. Special.
An hour-long look at the legendary Looney Tunes director.
College Hill: South Beach; BET. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 3/25
Important Things With Demetri Martin (Comedy Central; 9:30 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 3/26
American Idol Extra; FOX Reality. 6 pm. Season Premiere.
Thank God! I mean, there's just not enough American Idol coverage nowadays...
In The Motherhood; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The web series gets a network show-- with an entirely different cast.
Zatanna is introduced on Smallville (CW; 7 pm). Mmmmmm... Zatanna.
I hope the series tries to get her costume close to the one in the comics (traditional-- if sexy-- magician outfit and fishnet tights).
Hot damn! Looks like they got it right.
Saturday, 3/28
Nickelodeon's 22nd Annual Kid's Choice Awards; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Special.
Hosted by Dwayne Johnson (he doesn't go by "The Rock" anymore).
Penguins of Madagascar; Nickelodeon. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
The only consistently entertaining characters in the Madagascar films get their own show. Let's all pray they don't become annoying now that they are focal characters in their own show.
Sunday, 3/29
Any Dream Will Do; BBC America. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Singers compete for a lead role in the London revival of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency; HBO. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Singer Jill Scott stars as Botswana's first female private investigator in this adaptation of the Alexander McCall Smith novels.
A number of Star Trek: the Next Generation cast members make guest appearances (sounds? voices?) on Family Guy (FOX; 8 pm).
Jim Gaffigan: King Baby; Comedy Central. 8 pm. Special.
G4 Underground; G4. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A documentary series. The first ep looks at people who put on costumes and fight crime.
The Mighty Boosh; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. Midnight. Series Premiere.
A live-action series (ugh-- not on this network...) that probably has no relation to the phrase "Boosh" that the X-Tacles say on Frisky Dingo.
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