THE CAPTAIN AND THE KID

LOST (2nd SEASON DVD SET)

Just finished the 2nd season - and I loved it. I have one major problem - I've said this before - but the flashback with the Shrink that Hurley had been getting close to (who has her own problems in the season ender) WAS shown in Hurley's mental ward to be a babbling idiot, giving a lot of creedance to the theory that the whole thing is based in Hurley's mind. I they need to address that flashback in season 3 - otherwise - I look forward to getting LOST on a weekly basis now that I'm all caught up.
Grade: A


ELTON JOHN: THE CAPTAIN & THE KID (CD)
There's no bigger EJ fan then I - and I've LOVED the last 2 cds, SONGS FROM THE WEST
COAST, and PEACHTREE ROAD. So when I heard that a 20 year later sequel to CAPTAIN FANTASTIC was in the works - I expected some great old school Elton - which sad to report - this is and it isn't. If the Elton of HONKY CAT is your cup of tea, then you might love this cd. If you're looking for things like the title track or SOMEONE SAVE MY LIFE TONITE - you won't find anything remotely close. There are a couple of ballads here that work - but overall, a major disappointment from a man who rarely disappoints. And whatever happened to the planned RED PIANO DVD?
Grade: C


DUST TO DUST: THE EFFECTS OF 9/11 (SUNDANCE)
Narrated by Steve Buscemi. A heartbreaking account of the police and firefighters who were at ground zero - then later turn up with cancer due to all the toxins in the air. It seems that the government didn't want to alarm people, so they hid the fact that breathing in the air would make you eventually sick - but it's unclear how much they really knew. A horrible story all around.
Grade: A

PRISON BREAK (FOX)
Keeps on going. This last episode was great, with T-Bag thinking he was about to get some - and then the lusty blonde calling for "the big one who doesn't speak."
Grade: B

SOUTH PARK (COMEDY CENTRAL)
"Ginger Kids" Like a lot of South Park's - starts with a really strong premise - then goes to a dumber place. This was one of those.
Grade: B -

THE OFFICE (NBC)
As the 3rd season opens, the show still isn't THE OFFICE BBC - but this is one of the best comedies on the schedule. The episode where Michael and Dwight go the convention and see Jim was great. Steve Carrell might take over the world.
Grade: B +
CHATEAU MARMONT (SUNSET STRIP)
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the famous hotel for a few days as The Girl booked us into the Marmont for her birthday weekend. If you have the time and money - the Marmont is great in precisely the opposite way that the STANDARD is great - staying at the Chateau is like staying in a old school NY apartment. With modern touches and a great vibe, if expensive bill.
Grade: A

STERN TV: 9/11 (In Demand)
Great rebroadcast of Stern's 9/11 broadcast. One minute he's talking about Pam Anderson's breasts and then they get news of the WTC report and the remarkable thing is how angry and scared the cast is - but also - how funny Howard remains in the face of this. One of the best broadcasts in the history of Radio - brought alive by the cameras and new testimonials from all the participants.
Grade: A +

JUSTICE (ABC)
About as exciting as you can make a one hour show about a single case. It's kind of like the CSI of law shows - and the endings - in which you are shown the actual crime - are riveting. The cast is pretty excellent as well - particularly Victor Gabor - though I'm not too fond of that kid from DAWSON'S CREEK.
UPDATE: Okay, I just watched the episode about the mother who died on the roller coaster - that was an exceptional episode and even that annoying kid was really good. This show is getting better.
Grade: B - to a B +

STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP (NBC)
A truly solid, entertaining show. Although, Sorkin seems to take this show as seriously as THE WEST WING - when it's really just a comedy show - and as much as I liked the preceding hour, they ended with "THE COLD OPEN." A musical number meant to lambast tv and show what a subversive show they run - yet that sketch would not even make it on the worst sketch show, ever. I'm thinking maybe they should leave scenes of the actual show within a show out of the actual show. Also - that clock in the office that counts down the time between shows - a little too doomsday for me though it's a terrific device. But this is a variety show they're producing, not 24. Still - this is one of the better new shows around and I hope it stays.
Grade: B

THE CONTENDER (ESPN)
This show moved from NBC to ESPN, and I think it works better on that channel. I just watched the first 5 eps of the second season. It still works really well - although the lack of Stallone's presence is felt. Yet - he might've been too busy shooting ROCKY BALBOA for December. In any case - it's an inspirational show that usually has a surprise ending. I love the way the fights are filmed and Sugar Ray Leonard makes for a great, knowledgeable host. Addictive.
Grade: B +
UPDATE: So - I watched the rest of the episodes, and it was a great run, with a great, suprising and deserving winner. I have only one complaint - the final bouts are fun live and veer away from the editing that makes the series so fun. Resulting in very boring final matches. Still - this is really good sports show and one that people should like whether or not they're into boxing.
FULL SEASON GRADE: B


UNITED 93 (DVD)
A great film I won't reveal too much about. The director ratchets up the tension for a good hour before we cut to the action on the plane - and you can't shake the feeling that you're watching a documentary rather then a film - but many of the air-traffic controllers play themselves, and the way 9/11 unfolded is great, sad drama. A must - see. Great sound and picture and plenty of extras.
Grade: A
SPRINKLES CUPCAKES (food!)
If you have not tried these - do so at once. These are the best sugary confections in town. They're located in LA and the best reason to break your diet. At your next birthday, forget buying a cake - get 2 dozen of these - look out for the best flavor: RED VELVET.
Grade: A+

FLAVA OF LOVE (VH1)
The penultimate episode featured New York and her mother, who reminded me a lot of Carrie White's mom in CARRIE. This is reportedly the last season of FLAVA and I will miss it greatly - but all good things must come to an end. Who will win the heart of Flav? Will it be NEW YORK or DELICIOUS? I have no idea - but New York seems headed for a major meltdown.
Grade: A


SMITH (FOX)
As cool as a cucumber - this show is sleek, proficient and in Ray Liotta, sports a great lead. Also of note - Frankie G. and Chris Bauer of the late, great JONNY ZERO are here - making it a reunion of sorts. Wells & Co. have done it again. Extra points for the amazing soundtrack.
Grade: A +

SNL w/DANE COOK (season premiere)
Lame. Completely. With the sole exception of the digital short - CUBICLE. And Seth Myers addition to the WEEKEND UPDATE - well, about as funny as Seth Myers - meaning not funny at all. The KILLERS were good, though.
Grade: D -