As I noted in my last post, I'm listing all the shows I watched-- and tried to watch-- from June 2008-2009.
They're all alphabetical. Shows I put in italics are ones I didn't see the whole season's worth of episodes for. The ones with numbers of episodes behind it are shows I just quit watching. Shows in italics with no numbers of episodes are ones I'm planning on getting to this summer; just got behind. I got at least half-way through the season of those shows I got behind of; enough to know what to expect quality-wise.
I'm also listing the shows I watched via DVD or tapes recorded in years past. Why include them? To show what I was watching when I wasn't watching brand new episodes of other stuff. And like NBC used to say, "If you haven't seen them before, they're new to you." These shows are new to me-- and usually very good.
Alter Eco; Planet Green- 5 episodes
American Dad; FOX
Batman: The Brave and the Bold; Cartoon Network
Battlestar Galactica; Sci Fi
Big Brother 10; CBS
Big Love; HBO
Chelsea Lately; E!
Chocolate News; Comedy Central
Chuck; NBC
Costas Now; HBO
Crash; Starz- 1 ep
Cupid; ABC
Desperate Housewives; ABC
Dirty Sexy Money, ABC
Do Not Disturb; FOX
Drinky Crow Show; [adult swim]-2 eps
Eastbound & Down; HBO
Eli Stone; ABC
Entourage; HBO
Everybody Hates Chris; CW
Family Guy; FOX
Gary Unmarried; CBS
Hard Knocks: Dallas Cowboys; HBO
How I Met Your Mother; CBS
I Survived a Japanese Game Show; ABC
In Plain Sight; USA— 5-6 eps
Inside the NFL; Showtime
Iron Man; Nickelodeon
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX
Kath & Kim; NBC-. 2 eps
King of the Hill; FOX
Krod Mandoon; Comedy Central
Last Comic Standing; NBC—6 eps
Lawrence of America; Travel
Leverage; TNT
Life After People; History-- 3 eps
Little Britain; HBO—3 eps
Mad TV; FOX
Metalocalypse; [adult swim]
Middleman; ABC Family
Moral Orel; [adult swim]
My Boys; TBS
My Name is Earl; NBC
My Own Worst Enemy; NBC- 1 ep
Mythbusters; Discovery
One Way Out; Discovery
Parks & Recreation; NBC
Phineas and Ferb; Disney
Prison Break; FOX
Pushing Daisies; ABC
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel; HBO
Real Time with Bill Maher; HBO
Reality Bites Back; Comedy Central
Reno 911; Comedy Central-- six eps
Robot Chicken; adult swim
Rules of Engagement; CBS
Samantha Who?; ABC-- 6-7 episodes
Secret Diary of a Call Girl; Showtime
Sons of Anarchy; FX--. 1 ep
South Park; Comedy Central
Star Wars: the Clone Wars; Cartoon Network
Summer Heights High; HBO
10 Items or Less; TBS
Testees; FX
The Big Bang Theory; CBS
The Middleman; ABC Family
The Mole; ABC
The New Adventures of Old Christine; CBS
The Office; NBC
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central
The Simpsons; FOX
The Soup; E!
The Soup Presents; E!
30 Days; FX
30 Rock; NBC
This American Life; Showtime
‘Til Death; FOX
Ugly Betty; ABC
United States of Tara; Showtime
Venture Brothers; [adult swim]
Weeds; Showtime
Wipeout; ABC
Worst Week; CBS
Not new during June 2008-May 2009:
Alias Season 4
Battlestar Galactica Season 1, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0
Doctor Who Season 1
Duck Dodgers (various episodes)
Mythbusters; Seasons 1-6 (various episodes)
This American Life Season 1
The Wire Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Z Rock Season 1
Friday, June 19, 2009
2008-2009 TV Season Recap
It's a couple weeks late, but this is tough to write up. It doesn't help that I get all sorts of issues getting what I start as a Word doc into the blogger format, so bear with any formatting issues.
Also, by waiting, I'm able to post these during my ten day vacation. That's what I like to do for my single-digit readership: have at least one new post a day.
First, I'll list what shows I watched in the grey-area of the 2008-2009 TV season (running from June 2008-May 2009, with a slight overlap). Sure, I'm early, but the Fall is the worst time of the year for me to do big blog posts, so I'm fudging and going from summer to summer instead of fall to fall.
Why list all the shows? Two reasons:
1. To give people an idea of what I watch. Also to explain while not actually explaining how I can omit certain shows. I always hate reading a critic's list (not that I consider myself a critic) and not knowing if they watched a certain show/movie as maybe being the reason why it didn't make the list. I never mentioned The Wire before this year. The reason why is I hadn't watched it until this year.
2. To brag. I try to give advice and feedback for certain things. I consider television my strongest subject. Listing everything I watched gives a little credence to what I write because it should tell you, "he watches an unhealthy amount of TV, so if he recommends The Big Bang Theory, then it's got to be a show worth watching."
After my Master List, I'll give some silly shout-outs to certain shows & people.
Then I'll make little essays/fan gushing posts for my Top Ten shows of the year. So sit back and read about the brilliant shows I watched this past year.
Next post: the Master List...
Also, by waiting, I'm able to post these during my ten day vacation. That's what I like to do for my single-digit readership: have at least one new post a day.
First, I'll list what shows I watched in the grey-area of the 2008-2009 TV season (running from June 2008-May 2009, with a slight overlap). Sure, I'm early, but the Fall is the worst time of the year for me to do big blog posts, so I'm fudging and going from summer to summer instead of fall to fall.
Why list all the shows? Two reasons:
1. To give people an idea of what I watch. Also to explain while not actually explaining how I can omit certain shows. I always hate reading a critic's list (not that I consider myself a critic) and not knowing if they watched a certain show/movie as maybe being the reason why it didn't make the list. I never mentioned The Wire before this year. The reason why is I hadn't watched it until this year.
2. To brag. I try to give advice and feedback for certain things. I consider television my strongest subject. Listing everything I watched gives a little credence to what I write because it should tell you, "he watches an unhealthy amount of TV, so if he recommends The Big Bang Theory, then it's got to be a show worth watching."
After my Master List, I'll give some silly shout-outs to certain shows & people.
Then I'll make little essays/fan gushing posts for my Top Ten shows of the year. So sit back and read about the brilliant shows I watched this past year.
Next post: the Master List...
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
K.P. Anderson Schools McHale
Anderson, the head writer of The Soup discusses why Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is insulting.
Sure, the clip is old, but it's funny...
Sure, the clip is old, but it's funny...
Monday, June 15, 2009
New York = Class
Now see, I thought the maxi pad comment last week was classy.
...But she tops it here:
...But she tops it here:
It's Great to See Paris Has Raised Her Standards
Sure, she made a sex tape, was on an insipid reality show, is currently in a moronic reality show, acts like a Gen-X stoner, and has been known to not wear panties even though she can't keep her legs crossed near the paparazzi...
But, dammit, her new BFF won't do the same things.
But, dammit, her new BFF won't do the same things.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Zack Morris Returns
Hilarious interview on Jimmy Fallon's show.
I was a fan of Saved By the Bell back in the day, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar's still got it. Pretty cool.
I was a fan of Saved By the Bell back in the day, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar's still got it. Pretty cool.
Premieres and Notables; June 15-21, 2009
Monday, 6/15
Greek (ABC Family; 7 pm CST). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 6/16
Wedding Day; TNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
An upscripted look at real-life weddings.
Presumably on TNT because Lifetime's schedule is full.
The Lazy Environmentalist; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Josh Dorfman proves that going a little greener doesn't have to be difficult.
Sounds cool. Check it out.
HawthoRNe; TNT. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Jada Pinkett Smith stars as an RN (thus the oddly-capitalized title-- clever) who has problems of her own.
Please... Wanna see a nurse with problems, go check out Showtime's Nurse Jackie.
The Real Housewives of something or other (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
That's how much I care...
Saving Grace; TNT. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 6/17
Survive This; Cartoon Network. 7:30. Series Premiere.
A new series where teenagers have to figure out how to survive different situations.
Note: this series is not animated. Boo to Cartoon Network for giving us this when there are hundreds of more appropriate networks. Maybe the network will pull a bullshit SciFi Channel deal and call itself KarTune, so people don't get the wrong idea about it.
[For those of you who don't remember my rant, "Sci Fi" is changing to the stupid-as-shit "SyFy" sometime this summer.]
Gordon Ramsay's F Word; BBC America. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
I'm almost tempted to watch to finally learn what his F Word is.
Maybe they didn't get the note that "F-Word" is now "fag", and "F-Bomb" is the Bad Boy of four letter words.
The Unusuals (ABC; 9:01). Series Finale.
Hmmm. Guess I can delete them all from my DVR...
Thursday, 6/18
Soundstage; PBS. 9 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Jackson Browne opens the season.
Friday, 6/19
Jeffery and Cole Casserole; Logo. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Another in a long line of sketch shows. This one revolves around viral videos.
Saturday, 6/20
ABC continues to be the best network for cancelled shows ever as it will now air the remaining four episodes of Eli Stone (9 pm) instead of making us buy/borrow the DVD sets later.
Tip of the hat to ABC-- again.
Sunday, 6/21
Merlin; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A modern take on the classic story.
The subject is something I'm interested in, but the execution sounds terrible. Kind of a cross between a CW soap and a Sci Fi Channel original movie. Stay away.
Greek (ABC Family; 7 pm CST). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 6/16
Wedding Day; TNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
An upscripted look at real-life weddings.
Presumably on TNT because Lifetime's schedule is full.
The Lazy Environmentalist; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Josh Dorfman proves that going a little greener doesn't have to be difficult.
Sounds cool. Check it out.
HawthoRNe; TNT. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Jada Pinkett Smith stars as an RN (thus the oddly-capitalized title-- clever) who has problems of her own.
Please... Wanna see a nurse with problems, go check out Showtime's Nurse Jackie.
The Real Housewives of something or other (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
That's how much I care...
Saving Grace; TNT. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 6/17
Survive This; Cartoon Network. 7:30. Series Premiere.
A new series where teenagers have to figure out how to survive different situations.
Note: this series is not animated. Boo to Cartoon Network for giving us this when there are hundreds of more appropriate networks. Maybe the network will pull a bullshit SciFi Channel deal and call itself KarTune, so people don't get the wrong idea about it.
[For those of you who don't remember my rant, "Sci Fi" is changing to the stupid-as-shit "SyFy" sometime this summer.]
Gordon Ramsay's F Word; BBC America. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
I'm almost tempted to watch to finally learn what his F Word is.
Maybe they didn't get the note that "F-Word" is now "fag", and "F-Bomb" is the Bad Boy of four letter words.
The Unusuals (ABC; 9:01). Series Finale.
Hmmm. Guess I can delete them all from my DVR...
Thursday, 6/18
Soundstage; PBS. 9 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Jackson Browne opens the season.
Friday, 6/19
Jeffery and Cole Casserole; Logo. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Another in a long line of sketch shows. This one revolves around viral videos.
Saturday, 6/20
ABC continues to be the best network for cancelled shows ever as it will now air the remaining four episodes of Eli Stone (9 pm) instead of making us buy/borrow the DVD sets later.
Tip of the hat to ABC-- again.
Sunday, 6/21
Merlin; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A modern take on the classic story.
The subject is something I'm interested in, but the execution sounds terrible. Kind of a cross between a CW soap and a Sci Fi Channel original movie. Stay away.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
THE WIRE: Bunk Gets His Confession
Who needs waterboarding when you've got a copy machine and a moron?
From The Wire:
From The Wire:
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
ESB Alternate Ending
You may not know that they shot alternate endings to The Empire Strikes Back in the event that the Big Reveal got leaked.
Here is one of them:
Here is one of them:
Sunday, June 07, 2009
As if being on a Federation ship wasn't cool enough...
Check out the crew on this starship.
Forget about saving the universe; Kirk wouldn't have gotten out of Spacedock with these distractions.
Forget about saving the universe; Kirk wouldn't have gotten out of Spacedock with these distractions.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
12 Days of the Foot Continues
I'm way behind. Believe it or not, I watch EVERY clip I post-- so I get behind sometimes.
But, like I said earlier, I love hearing how songs come together.
And since I didn't end up doing it daily, here's the website with each of the 12 Days: http://www.chickenfoot.us/12days
But, like I said earlier, I love hearing how songs come together.
And since I didn't end up doing it daily, here's the website with each of the 12 Days: http://www.chickenfoot.us/12days
T-Bag Lands Okay
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Prison Break actor Robert Knepper will play the main bad guy in the next season of Heroes.
The former T-Bag will play the role of Samuel, "a charismatic yet wicked ringmaster of a literal circus".
Ought to be good because Knepper played one of the most charismatic and wicked characters of recent years at his old job.
Well, I guess Heroes now jumps to the top of my summer watching list. I've got three seasons to catch up on before the Fall premiere.
The former T-Bag will play the role of Samuel, "a charismatic yet wicked ringmaster of a literal circus".
Ought to be good because Knepper played one of the most charismatic and wicked characters of recent years at his old job.
Well, I guess Heroes now jumps to the top of my summer watching list. I've got three seasons to catch up on before the Fall premiere.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Premieres and Notables; June 8-14, 2009
Monday, 6/8
The Closer (TNT; 8 pm CST). Season Finale.
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List; Bravo. 9 pm CST. 5th Season Premiere.
Raising the Bar; TNT. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Weeds; Showtime. 9 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
I didn't like the direction the show went in last season, and let's just say the cliffhanger from last year doesn't instill confidence that we're done with the storyline...
Nurse Jackie; Showtime. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Dark comedy starring Edie Falco as a nurse.
Wednesday, 6/10
Top Chef Masters; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Thursday, 6/11
She's Got the Look; TV Land. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Raising Sextuplets; WE TV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Geez-- I wonder why that OctoMom thought she could get a TV show...
Saturday, 6/13
Pushing Daisies (ABC; 9 pm. ). Series Finale.
I hear they wrapped up a little, but the plan is to continue the story in comic book form. Not sure if I'll follow it there, but I'm happy that rabid fans may get more Daisies goodness.
And I'll give another shout-out to ABC for airing these last episodes (assuming they actually do-- no telling when they could pull the plug).
Sunday, 6/14
True Blood; HBO. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I haven't watched the first season yet, but I heard good things.
Hammertime; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
MC Hammer gets a family reality show. I'm sure it'll be awesome.
The Closer (TNT; 8 pm CST). Season Finale.
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List; Bravo. 9 pm CST. 5th Season Premiere.
Raising the Bar; TNT. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Weeds; Showtime. 9 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
I didn't like the direction the show went in last season, and let's just say the cliffhanger from last year doesn't instill confidence that we're done with the storyline...
Nurse Jackie; Showtime. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Dark comedy starring Edie Falco as a nurse.
Wednesday, 6/10
Top Chef Masters; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Thursday, 6/11
She's Got the Look; TV Land. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Raising Sextuplets; WE TV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Geez-- I wonder why that OctoMom thought she could get a TV show...
Saturday, 6/13
Pushing Daisies (ABC; 9 pm. ). Series Finale.
I hear they wrapped up a little, but the plan is to continue the story in comic book form. Not sure if I'll follow it there, but I'm happy that rabid fans may get more Daisies goodness.
And I'll give another shout-out to ABC for airing these last episodes (assuming they actually do-- no telling when they could pull the plug).
Sunday, 6/14
True Blood; HBO. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I haven't watched the first season yet, but I heard good things.
Hammertime; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
MC Hammer gets a family reality show. I'm sure it'll be awesome.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Douchebag explodes
I love the line that his fame is getting devalued.
Nearly fell off my chair with that nonsense.
Nearly fell off my chair with that nonsense.
Good Grief
I know I rail on this crap too much.
I also feel a tinge of guilt because I don't watch this garbage-- and yet I can call it crap and garbage.
Sometimes I wonder if maybe I go too far.
And then I see shit like this...
Nope-- I'm completely justified.
I also feel a tinge of guilt because I don't watch this garbage-- and yet I can call it crap and garbage.
Sometimes I wonder if maybe I go too far.
And then I see shit like this...
Nope-- I'm completely justified.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Premieres and Notables; June 1-7, 2009
Monday, 6/1
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! NBC. 7 pm CST. Season Premiere (sort of).
Ah-- I love the smell of shit in the summer. Means I can catch up on shows I've recorded the past ten years, watch some DVDs, read some more books.
I'm not even going to mention who the "celebrities" [snicker] are. It's not worth it. This is crap; pure and simple. This is what NBC thinks we deserve. Two big middle fingers to you, NBC. You suck ass. I'll enjoy not watching (most of) your crap this summer and into the Fall.
Medium (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
And NBC finale-- it moves to CBS next season.
Conan O'Brien begins his stint as host of The Tonight Show (NBC; 10:35 pm). I don't watch late-night shows as a rule, so I doubt I will here. But you do have to tip your hat to the guy who almost got kicked off Late Night years ago. He sure seems to have grown. Sounds like buddy Andy Richter is the new announcer for the show. And Conan gets Will Ferrell and Pearl Jam (although I've also seen Green Day) are his first guests.
And I'll be mentioning Conan a little later...
Tuesday, 6/2
According to Jim (ABC; 7:30). Series Finale.
Yeah, right. We've heard that before...
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 6/3
The Cougar (TV Land; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Law & Order (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Make Me Supermodel (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 6/4
Hollywood's Best Film Directors; Reelz. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
The subject tonight is Francis Ford Coppola.
Burn Notice; USA. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tosh.0; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Daniel Tosh talks Internet stuff.
Royal Pains; USA. 9 pm. Series Premiere. A disgraced doctor tries to rebuild his rep in the Hamptons.
[I've heard this was a pretty decent show. May be worth a look.]
The Listener; NBC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
This Canadian import follows the life of a paramedic who can read people's thoughts.
Friday, 6/5
Whale Wars; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Ghost Adventures; Travel. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
I said I'd be mentioning Conan O'Brien again: Chickenfoot is the musical guest on The Tonight Show (NBC; 10:35 pm). Their album drops today, but if you still haven't gotten the idea that this is a must-own album from all the posts I've put in this blog, maybe their appearance tonight will push you in the right direction.
Saturday, 6/6
Housecat Housecall; Animal Planet. 9:30 am. Series Premiere.
Vet Katrina Warren helps cats get over some of their psychological issues.
Sunday, 6/7
You know what? I don't even care about these.
Here are some mini-listings for season premieres not worth the time it takes to write up full listings:
Bridezillas; 8 pm
Gene Simmons Family Jewels; 8 pm
The Next Food Network Star; 8 pm
Army Wives; 9 pm
Oh wait! What have we here? The second season of my current favorite show:
Z Rock; IFC. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
I watched most of the first season this month, and I really like it. It's got an early Entourage vibe. Check it out if you get IFC (I still don't. Boo, Charter Cable! You suck!)-- or check it out on IFC OnDemand like I did (mostly-- the episodes are not available very long.)
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! NBC. 7 pm CST. Season Premiere (sort of).
Ah-- I love the smell of shit in the summer. Means I can catch up on shows I've recorded the past ten years, watch some DVDs, read some more books.
I'm not even going to mention who the "celebrities" [snicker] are. It's not worth it. This is crap; pure and simple. This is what NBC thinks we deserve. Two big middle fingers to you, NBC. You suck ass. I'll enjoy not watching (most of) your crap this summer and into the Fall.
Medium (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
And NBC finale-- it moves to CBS next season.
Conan O'Brien begins his stint as host of The Tonight Show (NBC; 10:35 pm). I don't watch late-night shows as a rule, so I doubt I will here. But you do have to tip your hat to the guy who almost got kicked off Late Night years ago. He sure seems to have grown. Sounds like buddy Andy Richter is the new announcer for the show. And Conan gets Will Ferrell and Pearl Jam (although I've also seen Green Day) are his first guests.
And I'll be mentioning Conan a little later...
Tuesday, 6/2
According to Jim (ABC; 7:30). Series Finale.
Yeah, right. We've heard that before...
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 6/3
The Cougar (TV Land; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Law & Order (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Make Me Supermodel (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 6/4
Hollywood's Best Film Directors; Reelz. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
The subject tonight is Francis Ford Coppola.
Burn Notice; USA. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tosh.0; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Daniel Tosh talks Internet stuff.
Royal Pains; USA. 9 pm. Series Premiere. A disgraced doctor tries to rebuild his rep in the Hamptons.
[I've heard this was a pretty decent show. May be worth a look.]
The Listener; NBC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
This Canadian import follows the life of a paramedic who can read people's thoughts.
Friday, 6/5
Whale Wars; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Ghost Adventures; Travel. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
I said I'd be mentioning Conan O'Brien again: Chickenfoot is the musical guest on The Tonight Show (NBC; 10:35 pm). Their album drops today, but if you still haven't gotten the idea that this is a must-own album from all the posts I've put in this blog, maybe their appearance tonight will push you in the right direction.
Saturday, 6/6
Housecat Housecall; Animal Planet. 9:30 am. Series Premiere.
Vet Katrina Warren helps cats get over some of their psychological issues.
Sunday, 6/7
You know what? I don't even care about these.
Here are some mini-listings for season premieres not worth the time it takes to write up full listings:
Bridezillas; 8 pm
Gene Simmons Family Jewels; 8 pm
The Next Food Network Star; 8 pm
Army Wives; 9 pm
Oh wait! What have we here? The second season of my current favorite show:
Z Rock; IFC. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
I watched most of the first season this month, and I really like it. It's got an early Entourage vibe. Check it out if you get IFC (I still don't. Boo, Charter Cable! You suck!)-- or check it out on IFC OnDemand like I did (mostly-- the episodes are not available very long.)
Another Amazing Achievement
Not much time, here, but I wanted to recommend Pixar's new film Up.
I caught it last night, and it was amazing. I have no idea how that studio can crank out remarkable movies year after year-- each one better than the last-- but it does.
Quite like Cars and Wall-E, Up manages to be very entertaining for the young ones and extremely gratifying for adults. It begins as a story about a boy who meets an adventurous girl. They grow up, get married, life keeps them away from their dreams, and then the wife dies, and the old man is left all alone. The whole love story takes place over a matter of minutes, and it's one of the best film sequences I've ever seen (yeah, I'll say it: ever seen). I had tears welling up in my eyes by the end of that.
Then the story of the film begins: Old man has almost given up on life, but then he remembers the dream his wife had to go on an adventure. He decides to do it himself. He enacts his plan [I'm not giving anything away here, people, you had to have seen the trailers/commercials by now], picks up a few strays, and goes on this wild adventure.
And, as the best Pixar films have been doing lately: there is a big message barely hidden in the adventure. It's wonderful.
I really can't say enough good about this film. It's, by far, the best movie I've seen this year. Wonderful writing, beautiful animation, fascinating characters, belly-busting humor, great sadness... This film has it all. It gets my highest recommendation.
That's all I'll say because if you think you know everything from the commercials, you will be so pleasantly surprised when you see it. What you know is the very tip of the iceberg.
One final thought: Dug. Best character of the year.
I caught it last night, and it was amazing. I have no idea how that studio can crank out remarkable movies year after year-- each one better than the last-- but it does.
Quite like Cars and Wall-E, Up manages to be very entertaining for the young ones and extremely gratifying for adults. It begins as a story about a boy who meets an adventurous girl. They grow up, get married, life keeps them away from their dreams, and then the wife dies, and the old man is left all alone. The whole love story takes place over a matter of minutes, and it's one of the best film sequences I've ever seen (yeah, I'll say it: ever seen). I had tears welling up in my eyes by the end of that.
Then the story of the film begins: Old man has almost given up on life, but then he remembers the dream his wife had to go on an adventure. He decides to do it himself. He enacts his plan [I'm not giving anything away here, people, you had to have seen the trailers/commercials by now], picks up a few strays, and goes on this wild adventure.
And, as the best Pixar films have been doing lately: there is a big message barely hidden in the adventure. It's wonderful.
I really can't say enough good about this film. It's, by far, the best movie I've seen this year. Wonderful writing, beautiful animation, fascinating characters, belly-busting humor, great sadness... This film has it all. It gets my highest recommendation.
That's all I'll say because if you think you know everything from the commercials, you will be so pleasantly surprised when you see it. What you know is the very tip of the iceberg.
One final thought: Dug. Best character of the year.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
sexephil: Megan Fox is a BC'er
If you don't know what a BC'er is: wait for it...
And I LOVE the rant about fake girl gamers...
And I LOVE the rant about fake girl gamers...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
sexephil: Porn vs. Prostitution
Ran across this guy on YouTube. Checked out a few of his (daily-- Jesus Christ!) posts and found them entertaining enough.
I'll probably be posting them here from time to time if I really like 'em.
I'll probably be posting them here from time to time if I really like 'em.
12 Days of the Foot: Day 1: Avenida Revolution
I've made a few Chickenfoot-related posts before. I'm a big Sammy Hagar fan, so why not? Plus, these four (Sammy, Michael Anthony, Chad Smith, and Joe Satriani) just look like they're having lots of fun.
And the music sounds great.
On Monday, they started posting clips called "12 Days of the Foot", where they go over each song. I love that background shit, so I'm going to share it here. One post each day until the album is released (via Best Buy or iTunes) on Friday, 6/5. You can also subscribe to the podcast via iTunes.
The first two clips (the only ones released so far) have the same first minute or two, but they differ once they go into each song.
Here's the link to the first vid: Day 01-Avenida Revolution
And the music sounds great.
On Monday, they started posting clips called "12 Days of the Foot", where they go over each song. I love that background shit, so I'm going to share it here. One post each day until the album is released (via Best Buy or iTunes) on Friday, 6/5. You can also subscribe to the podcast via iTunes.
The first two clips (the only ones released so far) have the same first minute or two, but they differ once they go into each song.
Here's the link to the first vid: Day 01-Avenida Revolution
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Premieres, Finales, and Notables; May 25-31, 2009
If you read this before 7 pm on Sunday, you may want to read it again as I added a few things...
Monday, 5/25
Jon & Kate Plus 8; TLC. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere.
I'm already tired of them, and I don't even watch the show...
Cake Boss; TLC. 9 pm. Series Debut.
Yet another food reality show...
Obsessed; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A reality series about extreme anxiety disorders.
In Treatment (HBO; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Here Come the Newlyweds; ABC. 9:02 pm. Series Premiere.
Nine couples live in a house, do challenges, and vote each other off.
Tuesday, 5/26
Reaper (CW; 7 pm). Series Finale.
Way to go, CW! Dump an original show and replace it with another '90s remake.
Hitched of Ditched; CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Non-engaged couples have a week to execute their wedding, but no one can decide to go through with it-- or pull out of it-- until the ceremony.
Man Caves; DIY. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Rainn Wilson gets his own cave.
Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood; Oxygen. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Ugh...
My Boys (TBS; 9:30). Season Finale.
Beautiful People; Logo. 9:30. Series Premiere.
A show based on Barney's creative director Simon Noonan's memoirs.
Wednesday, 5/27
The Goode Family; ABC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Mike Judge's new animated series following an eco-friendly man named Gerald Goode.
Your Worst Animal Nightmares; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
No idea...
Meet the Browns; TBS. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Creator Tyler Perry plans on shooting 70 episodes of this series this year. Seventy.
Tattoo Highway; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Inked's Thomas Pendleton turns a 1970s tour bus into a movable tatoo parlor.
Nah-- that doesn't sound dangerous...
Friday, 5/29
Nature's Most Amazing Events; Discovery. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
I guess the premiere looks at Arctic animals and how they plan for the summer.
What Not to Wear; TLC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Saturday, 5/30
Grill It! With Bobby Flay; Food Network. 10:30 am. Season Premiere.
Pushing Daisies; ABC. 9 pm. Return.
In one of the coolest moves by a network in the past few years, ABC is going to run all the unaired episodes of Daisies; followed by Eli Stone, and finally Dirty Sexy Money this summer. Yes, it's on Saturday and, yes, they could pull the plug at any time-- so take advantage of ABC's generosity of not making you buy the DVDs to see the remaining episodes.
Sunday, 5/31
Breaking Bad (AMC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Oz; DirectTV. 9 pm. Rerun.
DirectTV continues to pick up series that no longer run-- and this time they're showing the series that really set HBO apart from the pack.
HGTV's $250,000 Challenge; HGTV (duh!). 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Five families compete in home-design challenges to make the big money.
Expedition Africa: Stanley and Livingstone; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Four explorers recreate the African voyage by journalist Henry Morton Stanley.
Jesse James is a Dead Man; Spike. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Each episode, James drives some vehicle that is extreme.
Monday, 5/25
Jon & Kate Plus 8; TLC. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere.
I'm already tired of them, and I don't even watch the show...
Cake Boss; TLC. 9 pm. Series Debut.
Yet another food reality show...
Obsessed; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A reality series about extreme anxiety disorders.
In Treatment (HBO; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Here Come the Newlyweds; ABC. 9:02 pm. Series Premiere.
Nine couples live in a house, do challenges, and vote each other off.
Tuesday, 5/26
Reaper (CW; 7 pm). Series Finale.
Way to go, CW! Dump an original show and replace it with another '90s remake.
Hitched of Ditched; CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Non-engaged couples have a week to execute their wedding, but no one can decide to go through with it-- or pull out of it-- until the ceremony.
Man Caves; DIY. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Rainn Wilson gets his own cave.
Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood; Oxygen. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Ugh...
My Boys (TBS; 9:30). Season Finale.
Beautiful People; Logo. 9:30. Series Premiere.
A show based on Barney's creative director Simon Noonan's memoirs.
Wednesday, 5/27
The Goode Family; ABC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Mike Judge's new animated series following an eco-friendly man named Gerald Goode.
Your Worst Animal Nightmares; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
No idea...
Meet the Browns; TBS. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Creator Tyler Perry plans on shooting 70 episodes of this series this year. Seventy.
Tattoo Highway; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Inked's Thomas Pendleton turns a 1970s tour bus into a movable tatoo parlor.
Nah-- that doesn't sound dangerous...
Friday, 5/29
Nature's Most Amazing Events; Discovery. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
I guess the premiere looks at Arctic animals and how they plan for the summer.
What Not to Wear; TLC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Saturday, 5/30
Grill It! With Bobby Flay; Food Network. 10:30 am. Season Premiere.
Pushing Daisies; ABC. 9 pm. Return.
In one of the coolest moves by a network in the past few years, ABC is going to run all the unaired episodes of Daisies; followed by Eli Stone, and finally Dirty Sexy Money this summer. Yes, it's on Saturday and, yes, they could pull the plug at any time-- so take advantage of ABC's generosity of not making you buy the DVDs to see the remaining episodes.
Sunday, 5/31
Breaking Bad (AMC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Oz; DirectTV. 9 pm. Rerun.
DirectTV continues to pick up series that no longer run-- and this time they're showing the series that really set HBO apart from the pack.
HGTV's $250,000 Challenge; HGTV (duh!). 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Five families compete in home-design challenges to make the big money.
Expedition Africa: Stanley and Livingstone; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Four explorers recreate the African voyage by journalist Henry Morton Stanley.
Jesse James is a Dead Man; Spike. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Each episode, James drives some vehicle that is extreme.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
e*trade Baby- Shankopotamus
I hate commercials and FF through them as fast as I can. But I always watch the e*trade baby ones. Here's my favorite. It's got the perfect blend of funny lines and smart-assery attitude.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
CW's 2009/2010 Sked
It's possible I may not watch any CW show in the fall (although I'll still record Smallville & Supernatural to watch at a later date).
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-CW-1006249.aspx
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-CW-1006249.aspx
TNT Unveils New Shows
Here's a link to tvguide.com's news story for TNT. Sounds like some decent shows coming down the pike.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/TNT-Spielberg-Romano-1006206.aspx
http://www.tvguide.com/News/TNT-Spielberg-Romano-1006206.aspx
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Restraint, Personified
The fact that this dude just sat there and didn't make any comments is classic.
CBS 2009/2010 Sked
Ho hum. Don't care. Don't see a single interesting new show.
At least my Monday and Wednesday nights will remain unchanged. (Watch 7:00-8:00, skip 8:00, and watch again at 8:30 on Mondays.)
Isn't it time to dump that lame-ass Two and a Half Men yet? How can it be the #1 comedy?
I guess that's called "lowest common denominator" programming.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-CBS-1006204.aspx
At least my Monday and Wednesday nights will remain unchanged. (Watch 7:00-8:00, skip 8:00, and watch again at 8:30 on Mondays.)
Isn't it time to dump that lame-ass Two and a Half Men yet? How can it be the #1 comedy?
I guess that's called "lowest common denominator" programming.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-CBS-1006204.aspx
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
ABC's 2009/2010 Sked
And here is what ABC has to offer.
Looks like ABC is still trying to throw crap on the wall to see what sticks in the comedy department. At least the getting-better Better Off Ted and Scrubs (?-- after that great "series" finale?) are being brought back.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-ABC-1006175.aspx
Looks like ABC is still trying to throw crap on the wall to see what sticks in the comedy department. At least the getting-better Better Off Ted and Scrubs (?-- after that great "series" finale?) are being brought back.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-ABC-1006175.aspx
NBC Unveils 2009-2010 Sked
Like yesterday, I'm going to just give you the link.
Unlike yesterday, I have a few comments: Wow! Talk about stripped down. Disappointing. I know the net has taken some hits, but, geez...
And I love the hyperbole for Thursday, "The Funniest Night on TV". Uhhhh-- not if you're leading off with Saturday Night Live Thursday and Parks and Recreation. Sorry-- try again.
Thankfully the net has a 7-10 days for the Winter Olympics.
Here's the link:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-NBC-1006185.aspx
Unlike yesterday, I have a few comments: Wow! Talk about stripped down. Disappointing. I know the net has taken some hits, but, geez...
And I love the hyperbole for Thursday, "The Funniest Night on TV". Uhhhh-- not if you're leading off with Saturday Night Live Thursday and Parks and Recreation. Sorry-- try again.
Thankfully the net has a 7-10 days for the Winter Olympics.
Here's the link:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-NBC-1006185.aspx
Hope You Didn't Miss It...
For those of you who have heeded my advice and have started (or continued) watching How I Met Your Mother: wasn't that a fantastic season ender last night?
For those of you who haven't yet jumped on the HIMYM train: so sorry. You are missing out.
For those of you who haven't yet jumped on the HIMYM train: so sorry. You are missing out.
Monday, May 18, 2009
I Think Someone's Gonna Get Fired...
Check out the big red [word] that appears between the two men near the end of this clip.
Someone probably should have checked the camera angle in that scene.
I'm just sayin'...
Someone probably should have checked the camera angle in that scene.
I'm just sayin'...
FOX Announces Fall 2009 Lineup
Sorry-- Not much time to type.
Thankfully, tvguide.com's Matt Mitovich took the time himself:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-Fox-1006141.aspx
Thankfully, tvguide.com's Matt Mitovich took the time himself:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-Fox-1006141.aspx
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
THE WIRE: Bunk & Freamon Interrogation
I'm doing a disservice to this show by always showing the funny clips-- but they're sooooo funny.
For the record: this show isn't a comedy, by any means. It's a very serious show that brilliantly knows it needs to relieve the pain and drama with a few laughs from time to time. Like life, you gotta find the humor in the dark situations.
Enjoy. It's fucking brilliant...
For the record: this show isn't a comedy, by any means. It's a very serious show that brilliantly knows it needs to relieve the pain and drama with a few laughs from time to time. Like life, you gotta find the humor in the dark situations.
Enjoy. It's fucking brilliant...
Finales, Finales, and More Finales; May 18-24, 2009
Monday, 5/18
The Wonder Pets; Nickelodeon. 9:30 am CST. Season Premiere.
Gossip Girl (The CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
24 (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 pm). Season Finale.
Closing the book on another fantastic season. This ep follows the events of Ted's 31st birthday party-- and the goat story is finally told. (For those of you who don't know-- or have forgotten-- there was an episode in Season One where "Future Ted" mentions the appearance of a goat in his apartment; and then says, "But that's a story that will have to wait until later." And the story gets teased once or twice a season.)
Two and a Half Men (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
The Bachelorette; ABC. 8:02. Season Premiere.
CSI: Miami (CBS; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 5/19
90210 (The CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Dancing With the Stars (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
One show I hate having in my face all the time is finally leaving us for a while...
The Mentalist (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Glee; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere (sneak peek).
In an unusual move, FOX is airing the pilot of one of their new Fall 2009 series to whet our appetites for September.
A one-hour comedy that pokes fun at the High School Musical formula of disparate teenagers coming together and making a musical.
Sounds lame in theory-- BUT-- every critic I've come across who's seen it has loved it. Don't be that one who let this show get away from him/herself.
Highly Recommended.
Now let's hope this clip doesn't screw up my format (I have no hopes it won't):
Without a Trace (CBS; 9:01). Season Finale.
Law & Order: SVU (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 5/20
American Idol (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
And the other show I hate hearing about is leaving this week as well. Yippee!!!
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Richard and New Christine get married, and Old Christine hooks up with a surprising wedding guest (played by one of my favorite TV actors-- but I won't spoil it).
Gary Unmarried (CBS; 7:30) Season Finale.
And I am going to have to find some way to occupy my time without my nearly weekly Paula Marshal fix.
Criminal Minds (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country; Style. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Jesus-- I got hand cramps typing that stupid damn name.
Niecy Nash visits peoples' houses in the hopes to find the messiest house in America.
Man, Niecy, I know Reno 911 has sucked ass the past couple of years, but don't stoop lower for this crap...
Thursday, 5/21
So You Think You Can Dance; FOX. 7 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Oh joy...
Ugly Betty (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
A Mode editor dies, Betty and Marc compete for a job, and the return of Henry. Two out of three ain't bad; I like Christopher Gorham ("Henry"). Otherwise: yawn...
Southland (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 5/22
Head Case (Starz; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Party Down (Starz; 9:30). Season Finale.
Guest starring, Veronica Mars herself: Kristen Bell.
The Wonder Pets; Nickelodeon. 9:30 am CST. Season Premiere.
Gossip Girl (The CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
24 (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 pm). Season Finale.
Closing the book on another fantastic season. This ep follows the events of Ted's 31st birthday party-- and the goat story is finally told. (For those of you who don't know-- or have forgotten-- there was an episode in Season One where "Future Ted" mentions the appearance of a goat in his apartment; and then says, "But that's a story that will have to wait until later." And the story gets teased once or twice a season.)
Two and a Half Men (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
The Bachelorette; ABC. 8:02. Season Premiere.
CSI: Miami (CBS; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 5/19
90210 (The CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Dancing With the Stars (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
One show I hate having in my face all the time is finally leaving us for a while...
The Mentalist (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Glee; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere (sneak peek).
In an unusual move, FOX is airing the pilot of one of their new Fall 2009 series to whet our appetites for September.
A one-hour comedy that pokes fun at the High School Musical formula of disparate teenagers coming together and making a musical.
Sounds lame in theory-- BUT-- every critic I've come across who's seen it has loved it. Don't be that one who let this show get away from him/herself.
Highly Recommended.
Now let's hope this clip doesn't screw up my format (I have no hopes it won't):
Without a Trace (CBS; 9:01). Season Finale.
Law & Order: SVU (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 5/20
American Idol (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
And the other show I hate hearing about is leaving this week as well. Yippee!!!
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Richard and New Christine get married, and Old Christine hooks up with a surprising wedding guest (played by one of my favorite TV actors-- but I won't spoil it).
Gary Unmarried (CBS; 7:30) Season Finale.
And I am going to have to find some way to occupy my time without my nearly weekly Paula Marshal fix.
Criminal Minds (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country; Style. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Jesus-- I got hand cramps typing that stupid damn name.
Niecy Nash visits peoples' houses in the hopes to find the messiest house in America.
Man, Niecy, I know Reno 911 has sucked ass the past couple of years, but don't stoop lower for this crap...
Thursday, 5/21
So You Think You Can Dance; FOX. 7 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Oh joy...
Ugly Betty (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
A Mode editor dies, Betty and Marc compete for a job, and the return of Henry. Two out of three ain't bad; I like Christopher Gorham ("Henry"). Otherwise: yawn...
Southland (NBC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 5/22
Head Case (Starz; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Party Down (Starz; 9:30). Season Finale.
Guest starring, Veronica Mars herself: Kristen Bell.
Friday, May 15, 2009
TODAY "Goes There" Again...
I can't wait for the inevitable moment when they just get it over with and engage in an orgy...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
McHale on GOOD DAY L.A.
As much as he rips on this crew, they sure seem to like him.
Except for Steve; but I don't think he likes anybody.
Except for Steve; but I don't think he likes anybody.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
STAR TREK: 90210
[Okay-- bad title. --I thought it was funny at the time.]
[And there are no spoilers here...]
Much has been made of the reinventing of the Star Trek franchise with this newest movie, simply titled Star Trek.
Entertainment Weekly has been especially hard on the recent Trek past saying the last movie (Nemesis) and series (Enterprise) were, essentially, losers. I think that's a bit unfair. Nemesis was forgettable, but not horrible. And Enterprise was much better than it's been given credit for. I think the media tend to forget that it aired on a network that struggled its entire existence and went completely under shortly after Enterprise went off the air.
But honesty doesn't always sell the most magazines or commercial time, so the media outlets have to proclaim that the Trek Universe is severely broken and needed a revamp. Yeah, it needed to be able to draw new fans, and the best way to do that is to give them a jumping-on point, but I don't think it was broken. It's a different type of animal that had built up enough continuity that most every film or series had been familiar to fans. I do give Paramount and the various creators credit for being true to the fans who've been around a while. Many franchises would have said to hell with them and jettisoned everything to attract new (young) viewers. But it was sometimes too much for the fans with the Next Generation films because they were not much more than larger budget (but not THAT large) TV episodes.
But maybe I have it all "wrong" since while I've seen all the films and nearly all the episodes of all the series (minus a couple of DS9 eps and Voyager seasons), I don't consider myself particularly fannish about the franchise. I enjoy it and I mostly like it, but I don't live it like many (but not enough to keep the franchise going themselves) fans do.
Aaaanyway: I saw the new movie. And while it was a new take on the franchise, it still held up very well with the old ways. I imagined it'd be much less respectful of the past (especially with the ad campaign I apparently missed that claimed "This isn't your father's Star Trek"), and was pleasantly surprised that Trek non-fan JJ Abrams threw in enough lines and situations that made even a minor (but well-schooled) fan such as myself smile in recognition.
Right off the bat, we were hit with a big, emotional situation, and that's when I realized what is usually missing from Trek movies and TV series: emotion. Early Trek films had some great emotion. Star Trek II had the death of Spock in a very heroic moment and a stellar death scene-- and a vengeful villain in Khan. Trek III had an emotional element as Kirk searched for his best friend (although the lack of a truly great villain didn't help it live to its potential). And the fate of Earth-- an Earth we could easily recognize-- was at stake for Trek IV. But then the franchise went off the rails with weak villains since then (except for First Contact, which had great villains-- and is one of the best films in the franchise). And real emotion had been tough to find as well. Even the too-quickly-paced death of Kirk in Generations felt weak. That should have been one of the most devastating deaths ever, but it felt tacked-on.
So from the beginning, we are given this character we feel protective of; someone who has to break away from the tragedy of his past. Then we're introduced to another character to feel empathy toward; an outcast. Americans (humans in general?) like to root for the underdog, and we have them right here in our two main characters.
It's a great start. Previous Trek films had a built-in "shorthand" that helped propel the story; we knew that Kirk and Spock were best friends and would do anything for the other, so the films didn't have to venture into that friendship often. But not doing so robbed us of that concrete experience, of being reminded that they are best friends-- and that they are the cream of the crop at their respective positions. This movie allowed us to experience those things again.
And while it did that, we were reintroduced to characters we've seen before in different incarnations. And we had some great action scenes, a much-revered old face, plenty of humor, a horrible tragedy, an unstoppable villain (a real person; not a concept), and an open-to-close story. You don't need to know prior history to see this movie. Everything is laid out as if it's a brand new concept. That's not to say a fan would be bored; there was plenty of little touches that even casual fans like myself can see-- and they don't step on a rookie fan's toes for not knowing. And even the events we'd heard about before are shown for the first time in this film.
It's not a perfect movie, but it's very good. Both as a movie in general and as a Star Trek movie in particular. B+
[And there are no spoilers here...]
Much has been made of the reinventing of the Star Trek franchise with this newest movie, simply titled Star Trek.
Entertainment Weekly has been especially hard on the recent Trek past saying the last movie (Nemesis) and series (Enterprise) were, essentially, losers. I think that's a bit unfair. Nemesis was forgettable, but not horrible. And Enterprise was much better than it's been given credit for. I think the media tend to forget that it aired on a network that struggled its entire existence and went completely under shortly after Enterprise went off the air.
But honesty doesn't always sell the most magazines or commercial time, so the media outlets have to proclaim that the Trek Universe is severely broken and needed a revamp. Yeah, it needed to be able to draw new fans, and the best way to do that is to give them a jumping-on point, but I don't think it was broken. It's a different type of animal that had built up enough continuity that most every film or series had been familiar to fans. I do give Paramount and the various creators credit for being true to the fans who've been around a while. Many franchises would have said to hell with them and jettisoned everything to attract new (young) viewers. But it was sometimes too much for the fans with the Next Generation films because they were not much more than larger budget (but not THAT large) TV episodes.
But maybe I have it all "wrong" since while I've seen all the films and nearly all the episodes of all the series (minus a couple of DS9 eps and Voyager seasons), I don't consider myself particularly fannish about the franchise. I enjoy it and I mostly like it, but I don't live it like many (but not enough to keep the franchise going themselves) fans do.
Aaaanyway: I saw the new movie. And while it was a new take on the franchise, it still held up very well with the old ways. I imagined it'd be much less respectful of the past (especially with the ad campaign I apparently missed that claimed "This isn't your father's Star Trek"), and was pleasantly surprised that Trek non-fan JJ Abrams threw in enough lines and situations that made even a minor (but well-schooled) fan such as myself smile in recognition.
Right off the bat, we were hit with a big, emotional situation, and that's when I realized what is usually missing from Trek movies and TV series: emotion. Early Trek films had some great emotion. Star Trek II had the death of Spock in a very heroic moment and a stellar death scene-- and a vengeful villain in Khan. Trek III had an emotional element as Kirk searched for his best friend (although the lack of a truly great villain didn't help it live to its potential). And the fate of Earth-- an Earth we could easily recognize-- was at stake for Trek IV. But then the franchise went off the rails with weak villains since then (except for First Contact, which had great villains-- and is one of the best films in the franchise). And real emotion had been tough to find as well. Even the too-quickly-paced death of Kirk in Generations felt weak. That should have been one of the most devastating deaths ever, but it felt tacked-on.
So from the beginning, we are given this character we feel protective of; someone who has to break away from the tragedy of his past. Then we're introduced to another character to feel empathy toward; an outcast. Americans (humans in general?) like to root for the underdog, and we have them right here in our two main characters.
It's a great start. Previous Trek films had a built-in "shorthand" that helped propel the story; we knew that Kirk and Spock were best friends and would do anything for the other, so the films didn't have to venture into that friendship often. But not doing so robbed us of that concrete experience, of being reminded that they are best friends-- and that they are the cream of the crop at their respective positions. This movie allowed us to experience those things again.
And while it did that, we were reintroduced to characters we've seen before in different incarnations. And we had some great action scenes, a much-revered old face, plenty of humor, a horrible tragedy, an unstoppable villain (a real person; not a concept), and an open-to-close story. You don't need to know prior history to see this movie. Everything is laid out as if it's a brand new concept. That's not to say a fan would be bored; there was plenty of little touches that even casual fans like myself can see-- and they don't step on a rookie fan's toes for not knowing. And even the events we'd heard about before are shown for the first time in this film.
It's not a perfect movie, but it's very good. Both as a movie in general and as a Star Trek movie in particular. B+
ONN: Close Range
Someone's going to actually make this game someday...
Hot New Video Game Consists Solely Of Shooting People Point-Blank In The Face
Hot New Video Game Consists Solely Of Shooting People Point-Blank In The Face
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Pretty Much All Finales; May 11-17, 2009
Monday, 5/11
The Big Bang Theory (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Leonard rethinks his relationship with Penny-- just before he leaves for three months.
House (FOX; 7 pm CST). Season Finale.
House's Vicodin addiction comes to a head.
After last week's surprise appearance of a former flame (brilliant ep, BTW), Ted gets a step closer to meeting the mother on How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 pm).
Note: Exec producer Carter Bays says the mother won't be identified until the series finale, so, hopefully, it'll be a long time before we meet her.
Weaponizers; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Ordinary vehicles are converted into moving weapons with pyro and military weaponry.
Castle (ABC; 9:02). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 5/12
The Biggest Loser: Couples (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Fringe (FOX; 8:01). Season Finale.
Guest starring Leonard Nimoy. Cool...
Wednesday, 5/13
Lie to Me (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Secrets of the Dead; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
America's Next Top Model (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Lost (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 5/14
Bones (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Apparently this is a big deal: Booth & Brennan hit the sheets. And there's an appearance by Motley Crue as well.
My Name Is Earl (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Smallville (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Doomsday is back-- as are Black Canary, Impulse, and a Legionnaire.
And because it's a Smallville season finale, someone dies.
The Office (NBC; 8 pm). Season Finale (I think it's this week).
Holly Flax shows up to bring a little closure to her and Michael's relationship.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Grey's Anatomy (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
I guess there's some sort of wedding. And maybe they'll kill off the two actors whining about getting out of their contracts, South Park Chef style.
Hell's Kitchen (FOX; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Supernatural (CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
30 Rock (NBC; 8:31). Season Finale.
With appearances by Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello.
CSI: NY (CBS; 9:01). Season Finale.
A team member dies, from what I hear.
Friday, 5/15
America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Don't Tell the Bride; BBC America. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Grooms are given $20,000 to plan their weddings-- without any consultation from their brides.
Ghost Whisperer (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Prison Break (FOX; 7 pm). Series Finale.
That's right, series finale. The show that probably influenced the creation of this blog the most finally ends after four crazy (and sometimes ludicrous seasons). Michael takes his last shot at destroying The Company-- and gets help from old friends to do it.
And there's a death so shocking that the FOX brass had to approve it. (I'm guessing Lincoln. And I'll bet even-money T-Bag takes a dirt nap as well.)
I've read that the end moves ahead in time four years, so that's a nice little "what happened" that most shows don't do.
Of course, as I mentioned a few weeks back, there's a 2-hr movie that will hit DVD (and still may be aired on FOX) that fills in some of the gaps that the series couldn't.
Hotel Babylon; BBC America. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Numb3rs (CBS; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Battlestar Galactica's James Callis guest stars. Cool again...
Saturday, 5/18
Beverly Hills Groomer; Animal Planet. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The Groomer Has It winner gets a show. Hmmm. A reality competition that grants the winner a real prize? Interesting.
Mad TV (FOX; 10 pm). Series Finale.
A show that was very good (especially compared to SNL the last decade or so), but ran dry. Hopefully the really great cast members pop up in other places.
The finale features some best-of sketches and some return apperances from old cast members.
And I gotta say it: this latest cast had some hot women on it, so I'll be doubly depressed come Fall when this show isn't airing.
Saturday Night Live (NBC; 10:29). Season Finale.
This show is still airing? Interesting...
Will Ferrell hosts.
Sunday, 5/19
Sit Down, Shut Up (FOX; 6 pm). Season Finale.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
The Simpsons (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Survivor: Tocantins (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
King of the Hill (FOX; 7:30). Series Finale.
After 13 seasons, one of the best family-style comedies out there closes shop.
Take some time and catch it in syndication if you haven't been watching. There is good stuff there.
Desperate Housewives (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Dave (finally) puts his murderous plan into motion, Bree's marriage implodes, and Tom & Lynette get some big news.
And the very end features a small time jump forward that will have people talking.
Family Guy (FOX; 8 pm). Season Finale.
I thought I had this last week, but Entertainment Weekly notes it this week: The How I Met Your Mother cast lend their voices to this episode.
American Dad (FOX; 8:30). Season Finale.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Leonard rethinks his relationship with Penny-- just before he leaves for three months.
House (FOX; 7 pm CST). Season Finale.
House's Vicodin addiction comes to a head.
After last week's surprise appearance of a former flame (brilliant ep, BTW), Ted gets a step closer to meeting the mother on How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 pm).
Note: Exec producer Carter Bays says the mother won't be identified until the series finale, so, hopefully, it'll be a long time before we meet her.
Weaponizers; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Ordinary vehicles are converted into moving weapons with pyro and military weaponry.
Castle (ABC; 9:02). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 5/12
The Biggest Loser: Couples (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Fringe (FOX; 8:01). Season Finale.
Guest starring Leonard Nimoy. Cool...
Wednesday, 5/13
Lie to Me (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Secrets of the Dead; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
America's Next Top Model (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Lost (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 5/14
Bones (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Apparently this is a big deal: Booth & Brennan hit the sheets. And there's an appearance by Motley Crue as well.
My Name Is Earl (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Smallville (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Doomsday is back-- as are Black Canary, Impulse, and a Legionnaire.
And because it's a Smallville season finale, someone dies.
The Office (NBC; 8 pm). Season Finale (I think it's this week).
Holly Flax shows up to bring a little closure to her and Michael's relationship.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Grey's Anatomy (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
I guess there's some sort of wedding. And maybe they'll kill off the two actors whining about getting out of their contracts, South Park Chef style.
Hell's Kitchen (FOX; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Supernatural (CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
30 Rock (NBC; 8:31). Season Finale.
With appearances by Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello.
CSI: NY (CBS; 9:01). Season Finale.
A team member dies, from what I hear.
Friday, 5/15
America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Don't Tell the Bride; BBC America. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Grooms are given $20,000 to plan their weddings-- without any consultation from their brides.
Ghost Whisperer (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Prison Break (FOX; 7 pm). Series Finale.
That's right, series finale. The show that probably influenced the creation of this blog the most finally ends after four crazy (and sometimes ludicrous seasons). Michael takes his last shot at destroying The Company-- and gets help from old friends to do it.
And there's a death so shocking that the FOX brass had to approve it. (I'm guessing Lincoln. And I'll bet even-money T-Bag takes a dirt nap as well.)
I've read that the end moves ahead in time four years, so that's a nice little "what happened" that most shows don't do.
Of course, as I mentioned a few weeks back, there's a 2-hr movie that will hit DVD (and still may be aired on FOX) that fills in some of the gaps that the series couldn't.
Hotel Babylon; BBC America. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Numb3rs (CBS; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Battlestar Galactica's James Callis guest stars. Cool again...
Saturday, 5/18
Beverly Hills Groomer; Animal Planet. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The Groomer Has It winner gets a show. Hmmm. A reality competition that grants the winner a real prize? Interesting.
Mad TV (FOX; 10 pm). Series Finale.
A show that was very good (especially compared to SNL the last decade or so), but ran dry. Hopefully the really great cast members pop up in other places.
The finale features some best-of sketches and some return apperances from old cast members.
And I gotta say it: this latest cast had some hot women on it, so I'll be doubly depressed come Fall when this show isn't airing.
Saturday Night Live (NBC; 10:29). Season Finale.
This show is still airing? Interesting...
Will Ferrell hosts.
Sunday, 5/19
Sit Down, Shut Up (FOX; 6 pm). Season Finale.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
The Simpsons (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Survivor: Tocantins (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale.
King of the Hill (FOX; 7:30). Series Finale.
After 13 seasons, one of the best family-style comedies out there closes shop.
Take some time and catch it in syndication if you haven't been watching. There is good stuff there.
Desperate Housewives (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Dave (finally) puts his murderous plan into motion, Bree's marriage implodes, and Tom & Lynette get some big news.
And the very end features a small time jump forward that will have people talking.
Family Guy (FOX; 8 pm). Season Finale.
I thought I had this last week, but Entertainment Weekly notes it this week: The How I Met Your Mother cast lend their voices to this episode.
American Dad (FOX; 8:30). Season Finale.
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