For reasons I can’t get into – I’m taking some time off again. I hope you’ve enjoyed the reviews – at some point I’ll come out of retirement – but probably not for a little while. If you have any questions about anything – feel free to email me – otherwise – will see you on the other side. I tried to get a lot of shows in since this’ll be the one for the road.
Peace and thanks for all the fish.
DIGITAL COUCH out.
10.10.08
THE DEBATES (ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC/CNBC/CSPAN)
I have no interest in sharing my politics here, as I’m sure you have no interest in reading about them. But the actor who plays Obama is fantastic – doing this sort of – straight-man slow-burn while the actor playing McCain is wonderful. He makes McCain sad and pathetic – but very aggressive about his opinions and a bit like a dog wanting his belly scratched. Okay – I was trying something out here that didn’t really work – but basically – it doesn’t matter whose side you’re on – the debates are fucking hilarious. Biden seemed like a patient grade school teacher with a rambunctious young student. Palin seems like a lot of fun. Imagine getting her drunk? And McCain seems like this defeated sad/funny clown while Obama seems bright but about as humorless as they come. And his anger is so subtle. As far as who gets my vote – what do you care? But as for sole entertainment value:
Grade: A +
THE SARAH SILVERMAN SHOW (COMEDY CENTRAL)
Sarah returns with a bong! The first episode charted Sarah’s entry into the world of pot with hilarious results. The thing about leaving herself messages when she’s high – so brilliant – so true – not that I would know. I am SO GLAD this show is back - one my very favorites and Sarah and her talented cast will be a welcome addition this season. And based on the premeire - it's gonna be a great one.
Grade: A +
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)
Anne Hathaway and The Killers. Is it just me or is this ever-so-slowly getting slightly funnier. I actually laughed a few times and I thought Hathaway was a pretty good guest host. I love that Tina Fey is coming every week thus far to do Palin, and her bit about asking Biden if she can call him Joe, “because I practiced some zingers where I call you Joe” was hilarious. And some of the sketches were legitimately funny – The Killers were GREAT. I’ll tell you who is NOT funny– the new heavy set guy with the curly hair – this week we discovered that he can dance. While I’m not immune to the hilarity of a fat man dancing, I don’t know – they seem to really be pushing him and that woman who started last season whose name I still do not know but seems to fit in okay (I guess also on the heavyset side compared to the other woman.) She’s okay if not memorable – so far, he’s the killer of comedy. Literally.
Grade: B -
LIFE AND TIMES OF TIM (HBO)
Laugh out loud funny, this is one of the best things I’ve ever seen. No review – just watch it. It’s on the dirty side, so live a little.
Grade: A +
UPDATE:
I just watched the 2nd episode. Hilarious. Truly must-see. It’s insane, profane, and perfect.
Grade: A +
AMERICAN DAD (FOX)
Continues to be a fairly uninspired effort. This had a couple of funny seasons in it, and I have no doubt that there will be future funny eps – but last season and this new one are anything but.
Grade: C -
GONE COUNTRY (CMT)
After a few mellow episodes, this built to the big show, where everyone had to sing their newly written song in front of a live audience and John Rich picks the winner. It was shocking how close Lorenzo Lamas came to pulling it off, Sean Young at the very least appeared normal and to have a good time, even if she sounded like shit. The guy who used to be in N’synch I thought personally had one of the best songs – but the two guys that had it down to the wire were none other than Jermaine Jackson – who is the sweatiest mother fucker I’ve ever seen, and who – frankly – I didn’t really get his song. But Sebastian Bach had a brilliant song about drinking called BATTLE WITH THE BOTTLE that was actually really good and he ended up winning the competition. This was a good series with a great ending. Looking forward to the next season of this.
Grade: B +
PRISON BREAK (FOX)
Has re-invented itself yet again – now it’s just the best action show – maybe ever. This last episode, with Michael going back to break out Mahone – was one of the best moments of the season. This is a unique show in that it really seemed to have stopped giving a shit about getting new fans and truly plays to the core audience. If you’re not one of them – go out and rent every season – this is THAT good.
Grade: A +
UPDATE: PRISON BREAK – the next episode
I just caught last night. The one in Vegas. Very outrageous, very slick, and there is nothing better than watching Theodore Bagwell (T-Bag) get fucked over. The thing with Sucre and the old man and his wife was priceless.
Grade: A +
THE SHIELD (FX)
What can I say? I’m the biggest fan of this show, but these final episodes are just sort of lacking in almost every way. The writing seems off, the acting is ok, the direction is weird – the storyline – while somewhat rewarding I guess to long time fans of the show, is fairly ridiculous and convoluted. I never really loved the money train season and now this just seems like a big re-do. I don’t believe this phony war Vic started – I REALLY don’t believe the bad acting and improbable situations of Vic’s daughter, Cassidy (played by Vic’s real-life daughter – poor thing. It’s as if someone said “just seem angry and sullen every second and you’ll win an Emmy!” Not only that – but the Billings stuff is worthless, the thing with the young serial killer in training is pretty ridiculous – worst of all, this Fed, played by a shitty actress named Lauren Holden (I’ve actually seen her in a movie from 10 years ago – she was bad then, worse now) is reciting some of the all time worst “tough banter” dialog – this thing is a mess. I think there are 5 eps left. This thing better really have some tricks up its sleeve to regain its good name and go out in style. But I’m not encouraged. It’s still The Shield – but it’s just not working like it used to – in their final season. Here’s hoping things pick up in the last batch of eps, which, if I’m looking at the show historically – they will. I just hope it won’t be too late.
Grade: B –
UPDATE: THE SHIELD (the latest ep)
FINALLY - things are back on track! They FINALLY put an end to the ridiculous Mexican-Armenian war thing – and they brought back some urgency to the storyline with our newest favorite subject of the last few seasons – the Vic/Shane/Lem situation. Last night’s episode was tense and gripping and surprising – I’m now looking forward to the last 5 or 6 original episodes left. They still need to get completely back on track – but they are more than half way there with this terrific episode.
Grade: A -
THE RACHEL ZOE PROJECT (BRAVO)
I have no idea why I like this show so much – I don’t know much about Zoe, except that she’s a polarizing big time designer in NYC and that she’s married and has this very successful design biz. In the few eps I watched, she did outfits for Kate Hudson, Debra Messing and a few others – but the show is more about her day to life, her intereactions with her staff – she has a staff of two. The droll, put-upon Taylor - always seemingly out of patience. And the very gay, very excitable Brad, who has impeccable taste and an impeccable way of getting himself into trouble with Rachel. But, honestly – I don’t find Rachel – who the media really loves to eviscerate – all that bad. She’s completely humorless, but she seems nice enough – she loves what she does and evidently she’s really good at it. And the show is particularly well-produced and frankly, I think gives a lot more info on the fashion world than a lot of other fashion shows. And Rachel is just so….single minded it’s exhilarating to watch her – it’s fun to watch Taylor hating on the insanely likable and loveable Brad – and this is not a horrible way to spend an hour.
Grade: B
TRUE BLOOD (HBO)
The pilot was pretty great. I’m into episode 4 now and it’s still pretty cool. It has the best opening sequence I’ve seen in a long time which sets the tone for a pretty quirky hour. Anna Paquin, so fucking masterful as Holly Hunter’s little girl in THE PIANO has grown up and now sports a country bumpkin accent and resembles a young Amy Poehler. Which is to say she’s not only cute, but there is depth to her performance and I like the portrayal. I even like the idiot brother who keeps getting involved with woman who wind up dead. His “trip” on V-blood was awesome. In fact, I mostly like all the characters. And there are fascinating new Vampire rules and this awesome idea of a Japanese company marketing fake blood to vampires that has all the nutrients of the real thing. Somehow this show got a weird rap – but it’s a fine show and I’m kind of hooked. This is really interesting new work from Alan Ball and I think it’s a really fun and creepy hour. And I suspect it’s going to get even better.
Grade: B +
JIM NORTON: MONSTER RAIN (HBO)
Jim Norton is the real thing. He’s really funny. Really dirty. And shockingly open about his own sexuality and past adventures - or he has a wild imagination. His recounting of a 3-way with Ron Jeremy was insanely funny and humbling – and at the end of the set, he says “I don’t want to get political now at the end of my set, but….” (joke too dirty to be printed here.) Highly recommended.
Grade: B +
JIM NORTON’S DOWN & DIRTY COMIC SHOW (HBO)
This is a series that has Norton hosting a quartet of comedians over the space of an hour. This first hour I watched featured Artie Lange, Jimmy Florentine, Whitney Cummings and Anthony Jeselnik, who was really funny but way too taken with himself. He did have a great opening line though “My family was a lot like the Brady Bunch. My dad died of AIDS.” Great opening, too bad he spent another 10 minutes marveling at his own opening. Whitney Cummings, aside from one good dirty joke regarding her name, was pretty useless. Jimmy Florentine was worth the price of admission as he masterfully tore through a hilariously profane set, and Artie Lange closed with a less dirty, but very funny set. Norton himself is awesome – and the show actually has the timing and vibe of being in one of those clubs with these dirty minded comics. Pretty awesome.
Grade: A
DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
Opened its season with a first rate episode that sets up the entire arc of the season. I thought DEXTER had a really good first year, and in some ways, even a better 2nd year. I still think the sister is a bad actress, but she’s slightly less annoying this year. Jimmy Smits, who I thought ruined NYPD BLUE, was terrific in the pilot and the whole idea of Dexter killing somebody by accident is a great way to start the season. Looks like another thrilling ride.
Grade: A
UPDATE: Episode 2
Not so much. Seemed to go through the paces in a rather clumsy way, and set up a real credibility problem with the plot. Also – Smits’ acting got a lot worse and his “accent” – I don’t know what the fuck he’s up to. And the sister is so bad in ep 2, it almost had to be seen to be believed. Lastly, who’s responsible for the horrendous haircut Dexter’s sporting?
Grade: B -
HOLE IN THE WALL (FOX)
This is kind of cool, for a minute. The coolest part of the show is when the hole comes out of the wall and the person tries – almost always unsuccessfully – to shape themselves like the hole – and it just happens so fast. It’s really funny and wild – for about 30 minutes.
Grade: C-
90210 (THE CW)
Well, now that Brenda left in typical fashion – they went out of their way to have her remain the bitch we always thought she was – it’s just Kelly and the cast of newbies. Sorry, no can do. The sensibility seems…off. But then again, to be fair, I liked watching the old characters. I wish they would just gather the old actors back and have it just be about them. But I hated that they made Brenda a total bitch again – as if she hasn’t grown in years – maybe the actress hasn’t – I have no idea – but certainly you wish for more from these characters. Oh, the rest of the show – unwatchable.
Grade: D
RED BELT (DVD)
The newest David Mamet film deals with mixed martial-arts. Like many a Mamet film, there is a House Of Games structure to this, and getting there is most of the fun. I’ve never seen the lead before but he was great. All the Mamet regulars are here like Joe Mantegna, etc – but the real surprise is how good Tim Allen is as a humorless action star. The last half hour of this gets a little strained and Mamet never seems to figure out how to shoot action – a real shame because it mars the ending of this film. But up until then, this is a pretty neat ride.
Grade: B -
JUST FOR FUN: Grades on Mamet movies: (these are just films written & directed by Mamet – so no GLENGARRY)
HOUSE OF GAMES: A +
THINGS CHANGE: B +
HOMICIDE: C
OLEANA: B
THE WINSLOW BOY: C
STATE & MAIN: B +
THE DEWEY COX STORY (SPECIAL UNRATED 2 DISC DVD)
If you loved this movie like I did, this is a great way to enjoy it. Not only does it contain both the theatrical and unrated versions (called “the unbearably long director’s cut”) but has great commentary from all the principals, great shorts, Apatow disc regulars like line-o-rama and a crazy amount of deleted or extended scenes. Best of all, there’s a whole Dewey Cox concert on disc 2 not really seen in the movie. This is a great, funny film that I think will find its audience. Highly underrated and highly recommended.
Grade: A
INVINCIBLE (HBO)
Inspired by the true story of Vince Papale, Marky Mark Wahlburg plays a man with nothing to lose who ignores staggering odds and makes his dreams of football glory come true. When the coach (Greg Kinnear – very good) of hometown football team hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time -- no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found this way. Certainly no one like Papale -- a down-on-his-luck, 30 year-old, substitute teacher and part-time bartender who never even played college football. He also had a failing marriage and no visible means of income. In one humiliated scene, his phone is turned off but he suits up and goes to school to do his sub-teacher bit, and they tell him they tried to call but that they won’t be needing him this summer. Then his wife, convinced he’ll never become anything – leaves him. But against these odds, Papale made the team and soon found himself living every fan's fantasy -- moving from his cheap seats in the upper deck to standing on the field as a professional football player. This is a good but not great movie with a great soundtrack and some serious allusions of being an adult RUDY – but this is no RUDY – it’s just kind of okay. It just never really takes flight.
Grade: B –
CALIFORNICATION (SHOWTIME)
Got off to a rousing start with an episode that picks up shortly after least season’s finale. Hank is now back with his ex-wife when he “accidently” goes down on another girl. Evan Handler is solid as Hank’s agent, and the show seemed to gel right off the bat this season. Still not crazy about the actress that plays Evan Handler’s wife, but otherwise, this is a first class offering about one of the most depraved characters on television. God bless Showtime for letting the creators run free with this stuff.
Grade: A
I just watched the CHRISTIAN THE LION youtube video and God – that has to be the best minute of media out there. I swear to God.
AT THE MOVIES (ABC – NEW VERSION)
I was at football Sunday and there was a discussion about whether or not this new version – without the endorsement of series creator Roger Ebert and series long-stay Richard Roeper (who reportedly has his own review series in the works – don’t hold your breath) but I have to admit – I think the new version is just fine. I like the reviewers even if they are a bit young and inexperienced. I like the round up they do on one movie a week where they talk to a whole bunch of critics over one film – and so far, so good. It’s essentially the same show with a bit more sexiness thrown in – frankly, I preferred Siskel & Ebert – their bickering over films was one of the high points of the show. But that ship has sailed. I wished the new version would’ve starred Roeper and my favorite stand-in critic, A.O. Scott (I went to sleepaway camp with him) – but the new guys are okay and this is still a great way to find out about the new weeks releases.
Grade: B
Reality TV hit a brand new low with the absolutely wretched, God-Awful PARIS HILTONS’S NEW BFF.
I AM LEGEND (DVD – AND ALTERNATE ENDING)
I recently re-watched this film (most of it) on HBO. My friend R.C. asked me to check out the “alternate ending.” Look, I really liked this movie – but I’ve now seen 3 “alternate endings” and they’re all kind of the same. The film – still rocks. I did a little research on the book, and found out that I AM LEGEND, the original novel, was the basis for most Hollywood zombie films and even preceded George A. Romero’s NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.
Grade: A -
Just for fun, let’s review the Romero films:
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: A +
DAWN OF THE DEAD (1979) A +
DAY OF THE DEAD (1985) B +
DAWN OF THE DEAD (remake) B +
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Savini 90s remake) B (script by Romero!)
KNIGHTRIDERS (Romero): A +
THE CRAZIES: C
MARTIN: B
THE DARK HALF: D
MONKEY SHINES: B -
NEW YORK GOES HOLLYWOOD (VH1)
Taylor Made shows up. Then he angrily storms off. New York goes to an audition and gets it (sort of.) The producers offer her “I LOVE NEW YORK 3” – and overall, this thing didn’t quite live up to its potential. It felt like it needed to get deeper into NY – but there may not be all much there. I think her best bet is to do another I LOVE NY and involve her insane mother again. Tiffany is still some kind of star and this series did have plenty of great moments – but I’m ready for I LOVE NY 3!
Grade: B -
THE 25th AVN PORN AWARDS (SHOWTIME)
The real news here is that I think this was the 2nd or 3rd time that AVN has actually broadcast the event, which makes it almost sort of mainstream. In a way. Anyway – the awards, the stars – it’s all pretentious and laughable and hilarious for all the wrong reasons. To see an actress come up and deliver a truly inspirational speech about being awarded “Best Anal” is something to see. They also had a major Howard Stern show contingency on hand. First, the MC of the show is the great Greg Fitszimmons, a regular on the Stern show, a GREAT comic and he also has his own show under Howard’s umbrella channel. Greg was REALLY funny, but then it was just as funny to see him have to trade barbs with porn stars like…Anal Cassidy – seriously – and his perfect comic timing mixed with these porn stars horrific comic timing and mispronciation of the jokes – that was pretty funny in itself. Then they bring out Artie Lange – who not only looked really embarrassed to be there, but somehow got roped into doing this absolutely ridiculously unfunny and awful bit where he introduces Nick Manning – I can’t say what was said because it was way pornographic, but it wasn’t funny and it seemed like Artie was there as a favor to someone. And probably for the free trip to Vegas. Then they even brought out Richard Christy and Benji Bronc – two more Stern regulars, for a truly unfunny bit that I can’t even remember. By the time Chi Chi Larue took the stage with this unfunny drag queen shtick – I had had enough.
Grade: C
I love the new Bruce Springsteen song “The Wrestler” which Ally L. sent me the mp3 of. It’s probably one of my favorite recent Bruce songs, and if the Mickey Rourke film about a worn down wrestler is half as good as the song, I can understand why it was a festival sensation. It was directed by the brilliant Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) and I can’t wait to see it. But I love that fucking song.
How bad is that video that seems to be everywhere for Kelly Pickler’s “Beautiful?” She’s talking to all these kids about how beautiful their body image should be – and she sings it while flaunting the flotation device tits she had surgically installed last year!!!! Now don’t get me wrong – I have NO PROBLEM with Kelly’s enhanced boobage – frankly, I like it – but let’s not be hypocritical, either. The song is okay – I just don’t know why she felt – okay, this is a ridiculous item. Forget I said anything.
FAMILY GUY (FOX)
Something about Peter not being able to stop singing “the bird is the word” – I don’t remember much else about it.
Grade: B –
THE SIMPSONS (FOX)
A sub-par tale about Bart getting ahold of Dennis Leary’s cell phone.
Grade: C –
SOUTH PARK (COMEDY CENTRAL – isn’t that a weird fucking name for a network?)
A sub-par tale about Cartman being racist against the Chinese – I couldn’t finish it. This show is sometimes brilliant – not this time.
Grade: C –
CHRIS ROCK: Kill the Messenger (HBO)
Very good show. The rap on Rock is that every other special is great. His first BRING THE PAIN was legendary. Frankly his next two – not so great. But then his 4th special “Never Scared” was da bomb. In this, his 5th special – HBO went through the trouble of taping the same routine in London, New York and South Africa – which means that in the middle of routines, they cut to a different locale of Chris with a different audience and a different outfit – but doing the same bit. This innovative idea was cool for about five minutes, then got in the way and really distracted from what was a very very funny set. Not as good as BRING THE PAIN, not quite on the same level as NEVER SCARED, but in that top three. He’s a funny mother fucker, I just wasn’t crazy about all the weird jump cutting. But his routines on the election were really good. His ideas about sex and orgasms were hilarious – and hopefully next time they’ll just present a complete show. Still, this is not to be missed. This is one of our very best comedians working today in great form.
Grade: B +
There is a lot of stuff I never got to review here, but I still have every GENERATION KILL on my dvr, I still have last week’s HOUSE, I’m looking forward to CRASH on STARZ, looking forward to LIFE ON MARS – and I just got the DVDs of WE OWN THE NIGHT and FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL which I heard was really good, and I’m sorry, but again – this is the end of the line for this blog for the moment. I’m always here via email here at TheDigitalCouch@aol.com
Thanks again for reading all these years and I’m sure we’ll meet again.
Sincerely yours,
Digital Couch.
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