THE ICE MAN & ICED COFFEE
THE ICE MAN (HBO)
Is a one hour interview conducted with a 30 year hitman for hire who managed some of the most impressive numbers in hitman history. It is a fascinating account of one man's journey thought killing people as a means to make some money. I only watched the first hour and since there are two more specials on this dvd, I'll withold my review for when I've seen the whole thing - but wow. This guy has personally killed over 100 people and his accounts of the scenes are truly chill inducing. At the time, not only was he this spectacular killing machine, but he also has a wife and beautiful family. It's crazy and I can't wait to watch the next 2 interviews.
What exactly is it they are putting in McDonald's sugar-free vanilla coffee? It is the most delicious, caffeinnated drink I've ever had and seems to posess addictive qualities on par with crack cocaine. I feel good when I drink it. Too good. I can't stop.
I believe McDonald's is doing something with their iced coffe because it tastes unusually caffeinne heavy and unusually good. This will be part of next week's undercover special. I usually get it at the drive-thru, but this week, I'm going in and going under.
They might actually be putting some crack in that mother fucker.
2010/01/31
2010/01/29
American Idol and Bored To Death
Jay Leno was pathetic on Oprah yesterday, but that is going to be the subject of an essay on late night I'll put out sometime next week. Now that things are winding down I feel like I can do a proper review of the messy, fascinating fiasco.
BORED TO DEATH (HBO)
I watched the first few episodes of this and gave it an A. I watched a few more. I fucking love it. It feels like a smart, funny and sometimes moving independant film. Only it's a half hour and pitch perfect. They veered into some weird territory with the Ted Danson bi-sexuality thing...I thought that was a rare mistep. (Ted's character implied he would have some gay sex, hired a male prostitute, then of course never had sex - just talked pop culture all night with the guy.) But I love this show and think its one of the best half hours HBO has ever produced.
Grade: A +
AMERICAN IDOL has been okay....I really wish they would not set you up for who's going to go through and who's not - maybe the worst case of over editing ever seen. That said, this season has been good and there have been some really memorable characters, most notably the "Pants on the ground" guy. Although Jimmy Fallon, usually unwatchable on his boring chat fest, turned that song into something Neil Young might've done in the 70s and rocked the house with the re-work of the song and his uncanny impression. I don't think Fallon belongs at the center of any late night show, but he earned a few points with this frightengly good Neil Young impression.
Go here to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2WfUzNYPwo
But back to IDOL. Some of the guest judges (most) have been snoozes, but there were three that deserve comment. Kate Perry, just because there is something so real and lovely about her, I wish it were here and not Ellen becoming a permanent judge. April Levigne - I know, I probably mangled her name but fuck her. I don't like her, don't really like her shitty music and REALLY didn't like her sour puss attitude on the show. Turning down people left and right that were good. What does she think? I don't know - she came off really bad and gross and angry. Then there's NPH. Neil Patrick Harris. Oh, boy. It was almost as if NPH said to himself "I'm goign to be on Idol. I need to really be on, mix it up with Simon, be hilarious..." And wow - was he on. And boy did it turn me off. He tried to go in there and just be one of the gang and I appreciate the showmanship I guess, but I really love it when someone who is guesting on their to both assertive and themselves. I got the feeling NPH was doing what he thought we wanted to see him do. Ever since he hosted the Emmys and got touted as genius - even though it was one of the safest hosting jobs I've ever seen (not that I think NPH has the ability to be dangerously comic), but if ever there was an overrated guy around, it's gotta be Neil Patrick Harris. The strange thing is I really like him most of the time - I just wish he didn't believe his own press so much.
For the record, I really like the "Barney" chick with the whip.
BORED TO DEATH (HBO)
I watched the first few episodes of this and gave it an A. I watched a few more. I fucking love it. It feels like a smart, funny and sometimes moving independant film. Only it's a half hour and pitch perfect. They veered into some weird territory with the Ted Danson bi-sexuality thing...I thought that was a rare mistep. (Ted's character implied he would have some gay sex, hired a male prostitute, then of course never had sex - just talked pop culture all night with the guy.) But I love this show and think its one of the best half hours HBO has ever produced.
Grade: A +
AMERICAN IDOL has been okay....I really wish they would not set you up for who's going to go through and who's not - maybe the worst case of over editing ever seen. That said, this season has been good and there have been some really memorable characters, most notably the "Pants on the ground" guy. Although Jimmy Fallon, usually unwatchable on his boring chat fest, turned that song into something Neil Young might've done in the 70s and rocked the house with the re-work of the song and his uncanny impression. I don't think Fallon belongs at the center of any late night show, but he earned a few points with this frightengly good Neil Young impression.
Go here to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2WfUzNYPwo
But back to IDOL. Some of the guest judges (most) have been snoozes, but there were three that deserve comment. Kate Perry, just because there is something so real and lovely about her, I wish it were here and not Ellen becoming a permanent judge. April Levigne - I know, I probably mangled her name but fuck her. I don't like her, don't really like her shitty music and REALLY didn't like her sour puss attitude on the show. Turning down people left and right that were good. What does she think? I don't know - she came off really bad and gross and angry. Then there's NPH. Neil Patrick Harris. Oh, boy. It was almost as if NPH said to himself "I'm goign to be on Idol. I need to really be on, mix it up with Simon, be hilarious..." And wow - was he on. And boy did it turn me off. He tried to go in there and just be one of the gang and I appreciate the showmanship I guess, but I really love it when someone who is guesting on their to both assertive and themselves. I got the feeling NPH was doing what he thought we wanted to see him do. Ever since he hosted the Emmys and got touted as genius - even though it was one of the safest hosting jobs I've ever seen (not that I think NPH has the ability to be dangerously comic), but if ever there was an overrated guy around, it's gotta be Neil Patrick Harris. The strange thing is I really like him most of the time - I just wish he didn't believe his own press so much.
For the record, I really like the "Barney" chick with the whip.
2010/01/27
Fantasia For Real and Frank The Entertainer
FRANK THE ENTERTAINER (VH1)
I don't know. This seemed like the usual reality VH1 fare. Frank is a reasonably charming guy. His parents are real Italian loving New Yorkers; yet as I was watching, I felt life slipping away. I can only take so much of these shows. This one seemed good and if I had all the time in the world I'd probably give it more of a chance, but I just couldn't do it.
FANTASIA:FOR REAL (VH1)
Kind of the same reaction. I love Fantasia. I love her singing voice, I love her helium infused speaking voice. Her drama is kind of fun and she's a real talent. The show is put together nicely enough but again - life might be a bit too short for this one.
I don't know. This seemed like the usual reality VH1 fare. Frank is a reasonably charming guy. His parents are real Italian loving New Yorkers; yet as I was watching, I felt life slipping away. I can only take so much of these shows. This one seemed good and if I had all the time in the world I'd probably give it more of a chance, but I just couldn't do it.
FANTASIA:FOR REAL (VH1)
Kind of the same reaction. I love Fantasia. I love her singing voice, I love her helium infused speaking voice. Her drama is kind of fun and she's a real talent. The show is put together nicely enough but again - life might be a bit too short for this one.
2010/01/26
NIP/TUCK and other musings...
NIP/TUCK (F/X) (final season)
Who knew that Nip/Tuck's final season would be so fucking good? Mind you, this is not the brilliant show it was during its first 2 seasons and even through much of season 3...but this show had gone so far off the rails in seasons up till now (I think we're at 8 or something) that the idea that the show would present a final batch of terrific episodes seemed impossible.
That said, while not quite the show it once was, Nip/Tuck, so far at least, is ending its run in grand style. With superb storylines, amazing actors from the guest stars (particularly the guy who tried suicide by bridge last week) and finally getting to the natural conclusion of the Christian/Sean storyline. While all the stuff with Kember will always be a bit cartoonish because of the insane way they've kept her on the show, for a show that had gone so far off course, I like how they're wrapping things up and for a show like this, it feels comfortably grounded.
I don't know what the final batch will bring, but so far:
Grade: B +
FAMILY GUY: BLUE HARVEST (DVD)
I recently rewatched the BLUE HARVEST edition of FAMILY GUY (The Star Wars episode) and not only is at as funny as I remember it, but the disc comes with a great commentary track, an interview with George Lucas and even an animotronic version of the entire episode (the episode with bare audio and sketches that would later become the show.) It's also an expanded edition that features a few great gags not in the TV version.
Grade: A
I like SECRETS OF ASPEN (VH1) but not enought to stick with it.
I fucking loved the JERSEY SHORE wrap up and reunion episode. Ronny and Sammi even had a last, great fight during the reunion that was cruel and unusual. (By the way, is it me or did Ronnie really fatten up.) I love this group and hope MTV does a lot more with them - as I'm sure they will.
I'm prepping an essay on the late-night shennanigans that isn't quite ready yet.
Haven't seen the new 24, Damages, or even the last batch of BORED TO DEATH yet. All on my DVR.
Besos.
Who knew that Nip/Tuck's final season would be so fucking good? Mind you, this is not the brilliant show it was during its first 2 seasons and even through much of season 3...but this show had gone so far off the rails in seasons up till now (I think we're at 8 or something) that the idea that the show would present a final batch of terrific episodes seemed impossible.
That said, while not quite the show it once was, Nip/Tuck, so far at least, is ending its run in grand style. With superb storylines, amazing actors from the guest stars (particularly the guy who tried suicide by bridge last week) and finally getting to the natural conclusion of the Christian/Sean storyline. While all the stuff with Kember will always be a bit cartoonish because of the insane way they've kept her on the show, for a show that had gone so far off course, I like how they're wrapping things up and for a show like this, it feels comfortably grounded.
I don't know what the final batch will bring, but so far:
Grade: B +
FAMILY GUY: BLUE HARVEST (DVD)
I recently rewatched the BLUE HARVEST edition of FAMILY GUY (The Star Wars episode) and not only is at as funny as I remember it, but the disc comes with a great commentary track, an interview with George Lucas and even an animotronic version of the entire episode (the episode with bare audio and sketches that would later become the show.) It's also an expanded edition that features a few great gags not in the TV version.
Grade: A
I like SECRETS OF ASPEN (VH1) but not enought to stick with it.
I fucking loved the JERSEY SHORE wrap up and reunion episode. Ronny and Sammi even had a last, great fight during the reunion that was cruel and unusual. (By the way, is it me or did Ronnie really fatten up.) I love this group and hope MTV does a lot more with them - as I'm sure they will.
I'm prepping an essay on the late-night shennanigans that isn't quite ready yet.
Haven't seen the new 24, Damages, or even the last batch of BORED TO DEATH yet. All on my DVR.
Besos.
2010/01/24
Elvis Costello "Spectacle"
Elvis Costello Spectacle (Sundance)
There was a show on TRIO called MUSICIANS about 4/5 years ago. It was probably the best show ever for music fans of the singer/songwriter variety. They had a guy like James Lipton (seriously) who interviewed a group every week about their songs, lives, etc. Throughout the hour, the group would get on stage and run through an acoustic set of their big hits and favorite deep cuts. I think it ran a year or so and - well, we all know what happened to Trio. In case you don't, the entire channel got canceled. It was probably my favorite non-network channel of all time.
For more info on TRIO, go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trio_(TV_network)
(for some reason, the page makes no mention of MUSICIANS. In fact, I have not been able to find any info on that show since it aired. Too bad someone hasn't put together a DVD of the performances or the episodes.)
This brings me to the newly svelte Elvis Costello's SPECTACLE. I guess because this show reminds me a lot of that other show I used to love.
This is in that same category. Not only does Elvis have guests who talk about their music and run through some hits and covers, but Elvis Costello himself is one of my top 5 artists of all time. So not only do you get these artists doing great versions of their own songs in an acoustic setting (the POLICE episode had amazing stuff in it) but you also get the bands doing covers of Elvis songs, Elvis doing their songs, and at least every episode has an Elvis tune sung by the man himself.
Last season was great - an hour with Elton John, The Police, James Taylor, Elvis doing "Carpetbaggers" with She and Him....great stuff indeed. But last year the guests sometimes were a bit too eclectic, and the song choices a bit too obscure. Don't get me wrong. I loved it last season, but this season Elvis has hit the show out of the park.
He's had U2, an incredible episode where the man himself was interviewed by Mary Louise Parker and ran though insanely good versions of his own songs like "Town Cryer," "Brilliant Mistake," "I Threw It All Away," and "So Like Candy." Those are some of the best deep cuts Elvis has. Then when I thought he couldn't top that - well, he didn't. He brought on Lyle Lovett and put the world to sleep.
But the following week he had on Bruce Springsteen who not only proved a great interview (Bruce is a very tough interview but this really worked because of Elvis' brand of asking the questions that music fans want to hear) but ran through an acoustic set that included a beautiful version of "Wild Billy Circus Story," "The River," and "New York City Serenade." Elvis did an amazing version of "She's The One."
Part 2 airs next week.
It's a shame Elvis claims this is the last season. I would've like this to go on forever. I would've liked to see The Eels, a retrospective on Elliot Smith, Prince, Billy Joel...I can't believe he's ending it.
The Springsteen wrap up is tonight I believe and that's it. But a job well done and as far as musicians and their music, it doesn't get much better than this.
SPECTACLE: A +
FOLLOW THE DIGITAL COUCH ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TheDigitalCouch
There was a show on TRIO called MUSICIANS about 4/5 years ago. It was probably the best show ever for music fans of the singer/songwriter variety. They had a guy like James Lipton (seriously) who interviewed a group every week about their songs, lives, etc. Throughout the hour, the group would get on stage and run through an acoustic set of their big hits and favorite deep cuts. I think it ran a year or so and - well, we all know what happened to Trio. In case you don't, the entire channel got canceled. It was probably my favorite non-network channel of all time.
For more info on TRIO, go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trio_(TV_network)
(for some reason, the page makes no mention of MUSICIANS. In fact, I have not been able to find any info on that show since it aired. Too bad someone hasn't put together a DVD of the performances or the episodes.)
This brings me to the newly svelte Elvis Costello's SPECTACLE. I guess because this show reminds me a lot of that other show I used to love.
This is in that same category. Not only does Elvis have guests who talk about their music and run through some hits and covers, but Elvis Costello himself is one of my top 5 artists of all time. So not only do you get these artists doing great versions of their own songs in an acoustic setting (the POLICE episode had amazing stuff in it) but you also get the bands doing covers of Elvis songs, Elvis doing their songs, and at least every episode has an Elvis tune sung by the man himself.
Last season was great - an hour with Elton John, The Police, James Taylor, Elvis doing "Carpetbaggers" with She and Him....great stuff indeed. But last year the guests sometimes were a bit too eclectic, and the song choices a bit too obscure. Don't get me wrong. I loved it last season, but this season Elvis has hit the show out of the park.
He's had U2, an incredible episode where the man himself was interviewed by Mary Louise Parker and ran though insanely good versions of his own songs like "Town Cryer," "Brilliant Mistake," "I Threw It All Away," and "So Like Candy." Those are some of the best deep cuts Elvis has. Then when I thought he couldn't top that - well, he didn't. He brought on Lyle Lovett and put the world to sleep.
But the following week he had on Bruce Springsteen who not only proved a great interview (Bruce is a very tough interview but this really worked because of Elvis' brand of asking the questions that music fans want to hear) but ran through an acoustic set that included a beautiful version of "Wild Billy Circus Story," "The River," and "New York City Serenade." Elvis did an amazing version of "She's The One."
Part 2 airs next week.
It's a shame Elvis claims this is the last season. I would've like this to go on forever. I would've liked to see The Eels, a retrospective on Elliot Smith, Prince, Billy Joel...I can't believe he's ending it.
The Springsteen wrap up is tonight I believe and that's it. But a job well done and as far as musicians and their music, it doesn't get much better than this.
SPECTACLE: A +
FOLLOW THE DIGITAL COUCH ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TheDigitalCouch
2010/01/23
The Final Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
THE TONIGHT SHOW with Conan O'Brien
In his entire run on late night, Conan has made me laugh maybe half a dozen times. I've always admired and laughed from some of the bits. But I never really found the guy funny. In fact, I always found him way too overbearing, working WAY too hard to sell his jokes, his unending and completely unwarranted self deprecation (how many hair jokes at his own expense can we endure.) In fact, self-deprecation might have been Coco's downfall. He always, always, always went for that joke. If a guest said "I chopped down a tree in the forest" Conan would go on to say "That's me, just a tree in a forest - nobody cares" followed by a series of wacky faces he calls comedy. In fact, I suspect Conan's comic "mania" is what kept him in place so long, and also never allowed him to mature as a talk show host.
I know a lot of people loved Conan and personally, I hear he's the real deal. A great guy in a sea of show biz is a rare find indeed and although I've never met the man, I have no trouble believing Conan is an especially kind human being. Not funny, but kind.
In any case, the last week of shows had its moments. The bit with costing NBC all kinds of money was pretty good, and some of his anti NBC and Leno barbs were great. But let's face it - after 15 years or so on the air, Conan could never do a good interview. Never.
Anyway, I watched the final episode...and what can I say? Nothing special. He didn't do any great bits. His guests were largely uninspired. Tom Hanks was funny for about one minute. While a big name, what the fuck was he doing there as a final guest? Plugging some movie? Then you had Steve Carrel - the hidden big surprise that was supposed to wow us in a bit that went over like a lead balloon. (I love Steve Carrel - but the bit really didn't work.) Lastly, you had Will Ferrell - one of the funniest guys in showbiz. And he sang. There was a nugget of comedic inspiration there - but it never took flight. It just went on and on.
The two best things about the finale: Conan's speech about not being cynical. That was actually pretty great and insightful. The other great thing was the joke Conan pitched out as a premise for a show - The Andy Richter show with Conan as his second banana. I know they were kidding, but boy, I'd watch that show. Andy Richter is funny.
Grade: C -
FOLLOW THE DIGITAL COUCH ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TheDigitalCouch
In his entire run on late night, Conan has made me laugh maybe half a dozen times. I've always admired and laughed from some of the bits. But I never really found the guy funny. In fact, I always found him way too overbearing, working WAY too hard to sell his jokes, his unending and completely unwarranted self deprecation (how many hair jokes at his own expense can we endure.) In fact, self-deprecation might have been Coco's downfall. He always, always, always went for that joke. If a guest said "I chopped down a tree in the forest" Conan would go on to say "That's me, just a tree in a forest - nobody cares" followed by a series of wacky faces he calls comedy. In fact, I suspect Conan's comic "mania" is what kept him in place so long, and also never allowed him to mature as a talk show host.
I know a lot of people loved Conan and personally, I hear he's the real deal. A great guy in a sea of show biz is a rare find indeed and although I've never met the man, I have no trouble believing Conan is an especially kind human being. Not funny, but kind.
In any case, the last week of shows had its moments. The bit with costing NBC all kinds of money was pretty good, and some of his anti NBC and Leno barbs were great. But let's face it - after 15 years or so on the air, Conan could never do a good interview. Never.
Anyway, I watched the final episode...and what can I say? Nothing special. He didn't do any great bits. His guests were largely uninspired. Tom Hanks was funny for about one minute. While a big name, what the fuck was he doing there as a final guest? Plugging some movie? Then you had Steve Carrel - the hidden big surprise that was supposed to wow us in a bit that went over like a lead balloon. (I love Steve Carrel - but the bit really didn't work.) Lastly, you had Will Ferrell - one of the funniest guys in showbiz. And he sang. There was a nugget of comedic inspiration there - but it never took flight. It just went on and on.
The two best things about the finale: Conan's speech about not being cynical. That was actually pretty great and insightful. The other great thing was the joke Conan pitched out as a premise for a show - The Andy Richter show with Conan as his second banana. I know they were kidding, but boy, I'd watch that show. Andy Richter is funny.
Grade: C -
FOLLOW THE DIGITAL COUCH ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TheDigitalCouch
2010/01/22
Just a reminder:
Tonight - Conan O'Brien's last episode.
Also try and catch the Costello SPECTACLE with Bruce Springsteen over the weekend on Sundance if you can - it's amazing.
Ironically, the late night wars have brought out the best in everybody - from Letterman to Kimmel to Leno to Conan - unfortunately, Feguson still sucks.
Also try and catch the Costello SPECTACLE with Bruce Springsteen over the weekend on Sundance if you can - it's amazing.
Ironically, the late night wars have brought out the best in everybody - from Letterman to Kimmel to Leno to Conan - unfortunately, Feguson still sucks.
2010/01/21
THE DARK END OF THE STREET - A film about black tar heroin
It's 3:AM. I can't sleep because I finished watching this old HBO docu a few hours ago called:
THE DARK END OF THE STREET (HBO)
It's maybe the grittiest of all the HBO docs that they did in the 90s and somehow haven't done for a while. I'll eventually review all of them as I like to go back and look at these - but this one was so dark I found it surprising HBO even aired it in the first place. I don't think its been on their air in over 8 years. Luckily I had a DVD that I'd recently converted to AVI so I can watch stuff off a small 320 Gig drive that I plug into my computer.
Anyway, the docu is about 2 years in the lives of Black Tar heroin users in the mid 90s. Harrowing does not begin to describe the plight of these young people searching for a vein to stick a needle in. Lots of shots of the junkies using the veins in their necks, they prostitute themselves for drug money, even after one of them learns they have AIDS. One girl in her 20s goes to jail for 7 months for dealing. She has huge plans for parenthood and becoming an adult when she gets out. Eight hours after getting out she's high again...and that's one of the more savory stories.
These things are kind of hard to take, but compelling and fascinating. Docs don't get any realer than this, and the soundtrack and editing and pure filmmaking on display here is seriously about as clear as you can get on this subject of young junkies.
This is the only place I know of on the web right now to find it, along with many other superb HBO docs. But this one is really the bomb in every way.
Grade: A +
Get it here:
http://www.bst.com/241R2X
THE DARK END OF THE STREET (HBO)
It's maybe the grittiest of all the HBO docs that they did in the 90s and somehow haven't done for a while. I'll eventually review all of them as I like to go back and look at these - but this one was so dark I found it surprising HBO even aired it in the first place. I don't think its been on their air in over 8 years. Luckily I had a DVD that I'd recently converted to AVI so I can watch stuff off a small 320 Gig drive that I plug into my computer.
Anyway, the docu is about 2 years in the lives of Black Tar heroin users in the mid 90s. Harrowing does not begin to describe the plight of these young people searching for a vein to stick a needle in. Lots of shots of the junkies using the veins in their necks, they prostitute themselves for drug money, even after one of them learns they have AIDS. One girl in her 20s goes to jail for 7 months for dealing. She has huge plans for parenthood and becoming an adult when she gets out. Eight hours after getting out she's high again...and that's one of the more savory stories.
These things are kind of hard to take, but compelling and fascinating. Docs don't get any realer than this, and the soundtrack and editing and pure filmmaking on display here is seriously about as clear as you can get on this subject of young junkies.
This is the only place I know of on the web right now to find it, along with many other superb HBO docs. But this one is really the bomb in every way.
Grade: A +
Get it here:
http://www.bst.com/241R2X
2010/01/20
AMERICAN IDOL with no Paula...
AMERICAN IDOL (Fox)
IDOL opened up last week. I finally sat down and FF my way through the first few eps. I think I need to review IDOL in 3 parts - the auditions, the Hollywood stuff, and the competition. As far as the auditions, Ellen is not there yet (I find Ellen pretty annoying on her own show - I'm sure I'll hate her on Idol but I'm keeping an open mind.)
Kara has come into her own and still sounds like an idiot. Her exchange with that weird dude "you need a spanking" sounded like Kara wanted to sleep with the guy. Their treatment of that guy singing "Pants on the ground" was kind of shameful - but the guy was about 55 years old and sand a terible version of his own song.
For a stellar version of PANTS ON THE GROUND, check out this clip from the usually cringe-worthy JIMMMY FALLON show. One thing Fallon does right is his impression of Neil Young. Check it out here - sorry - still don't know how to add links. I wish someone would write in and tell me so this is still a cut and paste job.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2WfUzNYPwo
Fallon is not a good talk show host but he does a mean Neil Young impression. Thanks to the Stern Show for tipping me off about this.
Back to Idol, I thought they did what they do every year since season 3. They forecast the auditions. If they run a bunch of goofy footage of someone you know they're going to suck. If they run a whole taped piece with shots of the persons family and video of the person singing when they were 5, believe me - they're going to make it to Hollywood. They have overedited all the joy out of these auditions.
The beauty of seasons 1 & 2 were that people were just walking in and singing and you kind of got a fly-on-the-wall vibe where anything could happen. Now you know just by the over-enunciating in Ryan Seacrest's voice if the person will make it or not "this gentlemen sure knew how to creep Kara out."
As far as Paula not being there; it's sad to see some of that miserable tension gone, but in all honesty, I think where you'll really miss her is during the live shows when she can't hide her insanity and Simon can't hide his delight in her retardation.
This is supposedly Simon's last year as he leaves next season to launch the American version of THE X FACTOR (allegedly with Paula at his side.)
But I love IDOL and yet, still find these auditions both nessessary and grueling. And yeah, I know that by the time they audition for the judges, they've already been seen twice by associate producers who think the judges will have fun with them. I don't care. I still love the show and kind of like that we have to wait for January every year to watch it.
THE AUDITIONS: B
IDOL opened up last week. I finally sat down and FF my way through the first few eps. I think I need to review IDOL in 3 parts - the auditions, the Hollywood stuff, and the competition. As far as the auditions, Ellen is not there yet (I find Ellen pretty annoying on her own show - I'm sure I'll hate her on Idol but I'm keeping an open mind.)
Kara has come into her own and still sounds like an idiot. Her exchange with that weird dude "you need a spanking" sounded like Kara wanted to sleep with the guy. Their treatment of that guy singing "Pants on the ground" was kind of shameful - but the guy was about 55 years old and sand a terible version of his own song.
For a stellar version of PANTS ON THE GROUND, check out this clip from the usually cringe-worthy JIMMMY FALLON show. One thing Fallon does right is his impression of Neil Young. Check it out here - sorry - still don't know how to add links. I wish someone would write in and tell me so this is still a cut and paste job.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2WfUzNYPwo
Fallon is not a good talk show host but he does a mean Neil Young impression. Thanks to the Stern Show for tipping me off about this.
Back to Idol, I thought they did what they do every year since season 3. They forecast the auditions. If they run a bunch of goofy footage of someone you know they're going to suck. If they run a whole taped piece with shots of the persons family and video of the person singing when they were 5, believe me - they're going to make it to Hollywood. They have overedited all the joy out of these auditions.
The beauty of seasons 1 & 2 were that people were just walking in and singing and you kind of got a fly-on-the-wall vibe where anything could happen. Now you know just by the over-enunciating in Ryan Seacrest's voice if the person will make it or not "this gentlemen sure knew how to creep Kara out."
As far as Paula not being there; it's sad to see some of that miserable tension gone, but in all honesty, I think where you'll really miss her is during the live shows when she can't hide her insanity and Simon can't hide his delight in her retardation.
This is supposedly Simon's last year as he leaves next season to launch the American version of THE X FACTOR (allegedly with Paula at his side.)
But I love IDOL and yet, still find these auditions both nessessary and grueling. And yeah, I know that by the time they audition for the judges, they've already been seen twice by associate producers who think the judges will have fun with them. I don't care. I still love the show and kind of like that we have to wait for January every year to watch it.
THE AUDITIONS: B
2010/01/19
Recent Ramblings...
NIP/TUCK is shaping up to be a really good final season. Both eps I've seen have been fairly grounded, deep, emotional...maybe they can pull this final season out. The characters have somehow become vital again as we get our last few episodes of them.
SECRETS OF ASPEN (VH1) traffics in all the stereotypes it can handle - cheap women with big bank accounts, friendships turned frenemy, overtly over the top gay male best friends, gossip, innuendo, sex...all in a neat little half hour. I really wanted to hate this show - but 3 eps in and...if not exactly hooked, I like it. God help me.
THE GOLDEN GLOBES (NBC) was a let down. Ricky Gervais, increasingly unfunny in his public appearances, was the host but somehow a no-show as he appeared onstage very little and when he did - made only the tiniest of contributions. Monique looked like she really was that mother in Precious when she took the stage. James Cameron had a long speech for his AVATAR win. I mean, I really kind of love AVATAR, but best Drama? That Scorsese thing was interminable and DeNiro was just plain weird. I don't remember much else about the broadcast.
I watched the first half of BIG FAN and I'm a big fan.
Still a fan of TOUGH LOVE, but it's already getting a bit old. I don't know if I can hack a 3rd season.
Speaking of which, I've recently given the heave-ho to BIGGEST LOSER (NBC.) I love the show, but after 7 seasons, I get it. Fat people need to lose weight or they die. It's an hour too long and it just seems like the same show every week at this point. So, with respect, it's out.
Jimmy Kimmel did a fantastic Leno impression last week on his show and then later skewered Leno on Leno's own 10@10 segment, but I'll address all that - and the late night stuff in Saturday's full blog.
Until then...
SECRETS OF ASPEN (VH1) traffics in all the stereotypes it can handle - cheap women with big bank accounts, friendships turned frenemy, overtly over the top gay male best friends, gossip, innuendo, sex...all in a neat little half hour. I really wanted to hate this show - but 3 eps in and...if not exactly hooked, I like it. God help me.
THE GOLDEN GLOBES (NBC) was a let down. Ricky Gervais, increasingly unfunny in his public appearances, was the host but somehow a no-show as he appeared onstage very little and when he did - made only the tiniest of contributions. Monique looked like she really was that mother in Precious when she took the stage. James Cameron had a long speech for his AVATAR win. I mean, I really kind of love AVATAR, but best Drama? That Scorsese thing was interminable and DeNiro was just plain weird. I don't remember much else about the broadcast.
I watched the first half of BIG FAN and I'm a big fan.
Still a fan of TOUGH LOVE, but it's already getting a bit old. I don't know if I can hack a 3rd season.
Speaking of which, I've recently given the heave-ho to BIGGEST LOSER (NBC.) I love the show, but after 7 seasons, I get it. Fat people need to lose weight or they die. It's an hour too long and it just seems like the same show every week at this point. So, with respect, it's out.
Jimmy Kimmel did a fantastic Leno impression last week on his show and then later skewered Leno on Leno's own 10@10 segment, but I'll address all that - and the late night stuff in Saturday's full blog.
Until then...
2010/01/06
Adventureland, Bored to Death and the morality of Fan Edits.
I have been posting reviews throughout the week for daily visitors. To make sure you don't miss one exciting word, I will include the daily reviews towards the bottom of the weekly blog.
As you've probably noticed, I've changed the look of the blog. In order to have some more features, (like a search) I needed to change the template. If you hate this one, let me know. It'll continue to evolve.
Also, don't forget THE DIGITAL COUCH is now on TWITTER. Join for updates, mini-reviews and a notice each time I post. THE DIGITAL COUCH on TWITTER can be found at:
http://twitter.com/TheDigitalCouch
AVATAR
James Cameron has saved the movie biz. I know this because as much as I love going to the movies, its usually too much of a pain in the ass to do it. I usually see DVDs or screeners. I have to admit - as much as I loved BASTERDS, it was the first QT film I did not go see on the big screen (and I was very sorry after I saw that brilliant film.)
AVATAR presents a problem for The Digital Couch Potato. You simply can't watch it on TV or even in HD or even in HD 3D because NOTHING will give you the theater experience. So me and my girlfriend went and saw this thing Wednesday night at the Hollywood Cineramadome. The son of a bitch figured a way to get me to go shell out money for movies, popcorn, m&ms (try putting M&Ms in your popcorn - you won't be sorry.)
The thing is, the movie delivered. I'm not going to do some kind of in depth review of something that's already been reviewed and analyzed a million times. But, it's really fucking good. In some ways spectacular.
The 3D is really insane. It's not a cheap gimmick. It's just the visual language of the movie, and as that, you get used to it pretty quick. But the novelty wearing off works in the film's favor, because just when you're used to it, something visually amazing happens that you can't believe. The forest alone was worth the money and the effort.
The story is quite serviceable. Far from great, it works on a very basic level, has enough going for it to sustain the film. The acting is fine. I never heard of the lead actor but I liked him. Sigourney Weaver is a nice, stabilizing presence, and what the fuck is up with Stephen Lang? Not to really nitpick - but if I were, why was Lang's General so unlikable? Cameron as of late has a thing for paper villains. Billy Zane in TITANIC and now this hateful General for hire. The thing about a paper villain is - you just light them on fire. Had he given some humanity to the bad guys, this might have worked on a much more human level instead of a mostly visceral one. Let's not forget, as great as TITANIC looked, the reason people cried their eyes out was for the tragedy, not the special effects.
That said, there is tons of originality in the movie, and like I said - it really does work fine. There are some plot holes you can drive a truck through and Cameron's occasional ear goes tin with lines like "We're not in Kansas anymore." (Would people still use that expression 200 years from now?)
SPOILER ALERT: DON'T READ AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE.
The big problem here is that he sets up a storyline which leads to an incredible battle between the Aliens and the greedy humans who want the precious metals in the ground the aliens live on. So - then why were the Avatars created in the first place if they were always going to do exactly what they wanted anyway?
That question aside - and there are some other really big potholes - Cameron really delivers in the final battle sequence and I promise it's like nothing I've ever seen on film. I left that theater in a state of wonder and awe. And four pounds heavier from the popcorn and M&Ms.
Despite anything negative I've said, you just really go see this. It won't change your life, but this is an event not to be missed and will probably change the way movies are thought of and made. Once again, James Cameron has rewritten the rule book and this four year labor of love and money demands to be seen.
Grade: A -
ADVENTURELAND (DVD)
Very good film set in the 80s. Jesse Eisenberg finds out that he won't be going on that European vacation after all since his father loses his job. So as his summer vacation before Grad school becomes a job at the local crappy amusement park Pittsburgh. Eisenberg is really good here (he's good in ZOMBIELAND as well.) Ryan Reynolds comes off as a less retarded Dane Cook and Martin Star (Freaks & Geeks) shines as Eisenberg's new buddy. Kristen Stewart is also kind of perfect as the girl who Eisenberg likes - although Eisenberg goes a long way on confidence. How he's hooking up with all these hot girls is a bit inexplicable but never less than somehow believable because the character is so interesting and sweet.
Everybody is good here, the direction and writing by Greg Motolla excellent, and this was something I put on to fall asleep to - then stayed up till 3:AM watching it. Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig, whom I normally love in almost everything they do - seem a bit out of place here as their SNL sketch sensibilities seem to go against the naturalism of the entire rest of the piece. That said, by the end of the movie you sort of buy their characters, but they definitely seem to be directing themselves. It seems like this project needed some comedy names but I think those roles might have been better served by real character actors. Nonetheless, pretty great flick that manages to capture those early 20s moments of unease and romantic yearning. The other thing I like about this is that its not completely depressing. There is actually a nice optimism that runs through this film that is quite a change from the current crop of bummers out there.
Grade: B +
Brick City (A&E)
A 5 part A & E on the criminal element in Newark, NJ. Sprawling and audacious, it often feels like THE WIRE's documentary cousin. You also get to see hard working cops and politicians really trying to make a difference. Highly recommended.
Grade: A
BORED TO DEATH (HBO)
A great new show from HBO, this sat on my DVR for months before I took a look. This offbeat series stars Jason Schwartzman as Jonathan Ames, who makes his fantasy life of reading mystery novels into something real by taking on private detective work (unlicensed) through a Craigslist ad in Brooklyn, N.Y. What a great funny actor Schwartzman continues to become, and Ted Danson is pitch perfect as his agent/enabler. I've only seen the first two, but based on the super specific humor and the outrageous set up, I'll go out on a limb here.
Grade: A
Johnny Depp's Rolling stone article "MY FAVORITE THINGS" gets my vote for the most pretentious moment of the year. Hands down.
I just saw the trailer for the new Romero "SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD." Not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, the action looks about on par with some of his better DEAD stuff, but all these bad Irish accents all over the thing...I don't' know. These new DEAD films, for horror fans, are the equivalent of the new STAR WARS trilogy for Lucas fans. Both horrible.
I've learned recently about something called FAN EDITS. Where super bored but technically ambitious and sometimes very creative fans re-edit the original cut of a film on their computer and distribute the new version out to the fans.
I'm going to try and throw a few links on here. If they don't work just cut and paste. BLOGSPOT refuses to make adding links easy.
Okay - just tried to put a link on. I don't know why it's not hot so just cut and paste till I figure this out.
For the new Romero trailer 2009 Zombie film, go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAPABAYczkE
For a trailer of the fan-edit version of LAND OF THE DEAD (that film sucked, but this fan edit actually looks interesting. I will review it if I can get my hands on it.)
Here is the trailer, which gives off a completely different tone and vibe to the original trailer for LAND OF THE DEAD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgkbhjNw0-Q
It's no secret that T4 was not beloved by the sci-fi community. However, the fan-edit version is a hit. Here is a trailer for that (notice the human angle played up and the use of the original terminator music, which was absent in the actual film.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_S2Kx44usk&feature=related
The studios don't seem to have a real problem with these edits, as long as the people getting them show proof of the original DVD purchase - but this is all a little dodgy. And for the most part, 99 percent of these fan edits are for sci-fi movies.
Here is a fan-edit trailer for THE DARK KNIGHT which includes a whole prologue from BATMAN BEGINS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U2H5I4SEIM
What's the morality of this? I'm not sure. I know that even in my favorite movies, there are things I'd love to edit. Take for instance TITANIC. Surely no movie before has come before or since where so much brilliance and so much utter crap co-existed in the same film. So what about cutting down on the early scenes of Leo as an Irish swashbuckler, adding some more dramatic music, making the villain not so boorish....I can see the pull towards reworking your favorite movies. But they MUST have a FAN EDIT indicator on it. From what little I've seen, they play by the rules, not trying to fool anybody but to improve upon the original work. This is the new age. And by God, they say there is a 3 hour fan edit of all the new STAR WARS that makes the original Lucas trilogy look like shit. The funny thing is - Lucas has no problem with it - the company's philosophy seems to be that these fan edits only further entangle the fan with the product.
I am not particularly interested in seeing fan edits because it seems like they are too hard to come by, however - I do have a fan edit of TRUE ROMANCE which supposedly goes back to Tarantino's original structure and that QT himself reportedly likes better than the Tony Scott cut. I will review that at a later date.
And if I manage to get the fan edit of LAND OF THE DEAD I will happily drag out my old review and put it side by side - but otherwise, you start getting into fan edits - I don't know...seems like a dodgy way to devalue the original work. But I haven't seen any yet, so - who knows. The jury is still out with me. I loved ROCKY BALBOA, but boy, if there was ONE CUT I could make....and I like the RENT movie....but it would sure be nice to edit back in the wrongfully cut "Goodbye Love" segment...see where this could all lead?
I would be very curious to hear people's thoughts on this.
In the meantime, here are the reviews I've posted since the last weekly blog:
2010/01/04
CHOKE with Sam Rockwell
CHOKE (HBO)
Chuck Palahniuk wrote a pretty great book. Sam Rockwell gives a pretty admirable performance. Unfortunately, nothing much else goes right in this boring, listless movie. Considering this is about a sex addict and con artist, you'd expect some cheap thrills at the very least. None found here.
Grade: D
2010/01/03
THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (135 minute cut)
THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (IFC)
Directed and written by John Casavetes, the brilliant 70s filmmaker whose movies always seemed improvised, (but were not) this was the 135 minute cut of the film later cut down to a director's polish a year later for re release that ran 108 minutes and is supposedly a real re-interpretation of the footage.
Having never seen this and only one Casavetes film before (HUSBANDS, which is great) I let this sit on my DVR a long time since 135 is a big commitment. Once I started watching, I was completely hooked by the realism in the filmmaking. A lot of people thought Casavetes let his actors improvise. Not true. The confusion lies in the fact that Casavetes allowed his actors to interpret their roles how they wanted to which gave the films an authentic feeling, but he wrote and directed his scripts completely.
THE KILLING reminded me a lot of early Scorsese work like MEAN STREETS and you can see his influence in directors from Abel Ferrara to Quentin Tarantino. This is a slow moving film but never less than compelling. Ben Gazarra plays Cosmo, a strip club owner who gets into a bad gambling debt to the local mob. In order to squash his debt they ask him to kill a Chinese gang lord. The way all this unfolds feels real and never rushed. It also has quiet moments of grim beauty and I find myself looking forward to seeing the director's cut on this. At 135 minutes, there are moments here that you're asking yourself what the fuck you're watching. But that's also the kick of the film. Things don't happen for so long that when they do its like a slap in the face. And the whole thing has a real cinema verite' style that fits the grungy storyline like a glove. Ben Gazarra is, as usual, brilliant.
Grade: A -
Just watched the first few minutes of the new NIP/TUCK season. This is the last season of this wildly uneven show. The first two seasons were kind of brilliant. The third season was pretty cool despite some very wonky reveals, but the thing is that no matter how weird or outright bad the show gets, its never less than interesting. What it lacks in cohesion it makes up for in balls. It's a good thing its ending; as just a glance at the first few scenes makes you forget how very good this show once was.
THE JERSEY SHORE somehow keeps getting better and better. I love it.
Re-watched DAWN OF THE DEAD (1979 version) the other night. Great movie - the US Theatrical version is the way to go. But the opening could still use a 15 minute chop. Fan-edit anyone?
Check out a new band called The XX - XX - great mellow album.
TOUGH LOVE continues to be one of the best reality shows on TV.
Is it just me or did Aquaman seems a little annoyed to be fielding questions about Mexican fish on Kimmel the other night?
Speaking of which, Jimmy had a great interview with Neil Patrick Harris last night. I had no idea that NPH had become the GAY MAN OF THE DECADE.
If you happen to go to The Staples Center, as I did Tuesday night with my friend Darren L., eat at Nate & Al's for a great 25 dollar sandwich. Houston played a good game, but never once had the lead. The Lakers are having an insane season.
Just for shits and grins, this is maybe the most racist ad ever made by the animal cruelty factory known as KFC:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FftZt-Dw_hQ&feature=player_embedded
If you know how badly KFC treats its animals, you'd never eat there again. If you don't know, you should look into it.
Re-watched INGLORIUS BASTERDS over the New Year's weekend - even better than I'd remembered it. A real classic.
DECADES CONTINUED:
The best and worst of 2005:
SON OF THE MASK: unwatchable.
BE COOL (sequel to GET SHORTY) C -
THE UPSIDE OF ANGER: C +
SIN CITY: B
HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: B -
CRASH: A
STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH: B
BATMAN BEGINS: A
THE HONEYMOONERS REMAKE: F
LAND OF THE DEAD: (we were just talking about you!) D
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS: B
WAR OF THE WORLDS: B -
FANTASTIC FOUR: C
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY: D
WEDDING CRASHERS: B
DEVIL'S REJECTS: A +
HUSTLE & FLOW: B +
40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN: A+
HISTORY OF VIOLENCE: B
TWO FOR THE MONEY: B
SAW II: D
JARHEAD: C +
WALK THE LINE: B
RENT: B +
TRANSAMERICA: B -
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: A
KING KONG: C
THE RINGER: B +
THE MATEDOR: B +
Lastly, anybody who reads this blog knows what a huge Howard Stern fan I am, and I was completely shocked to learn of the disturbing events that transpired with Artie over the weekend. If you're a fan of the show I'm sure you've heard and if you're not, it's pretty much all over the net at this point.
Rather than dwell on what happened, I'm wishing Artie the best and hoping that he's able to figure this all out and become healthy again. He's one of the funniest people alive, by all accounts the sweetest guy in the world. I hope he has a speedy and quick recovery.
As you've probably noticed, I've changed the look of the blog. In order to have some more features, (like a search) I needed to change the template. If you hate this one, let me know. It'll continue to evolve.
Also, don't forget THE DIGITAL COUCH is now on TWITTER. Join for updates, mini-reviews and a notice each time I post. THE DIGITAL COUCH on TWITTER can be found at:
http://twitter.com/TheDigitalCouch
AVATAR
James Cameron has saved the movie biz. I know this because as much as I love going to the movies, its usually too much of a pain in the ass to do it. I usually see DVDs or screeners. I have to admit - as much as I loved BASTERDS, it was the first QT film I did not go see on the big screen (and I was very sorry after I saw that brilliant film.)
AVATAR presents a problem for The Digital Couch Potato. You simply can't watch it on TV or even in HD or even in HD 3D because NOTHING will give you the theater experience. So me and my girlfriend went and saw this thing Wednesday night at the Hollywood Cineramadome. The son of a bitch figured a way to get me to go shell out money for movies, popcorn, m&ms (try putting M&Ms in your popcorn - you won't be sorry.)
The thing is, the movie delivered. I'm not going to do some kind of in depth review of something that's already been reviewed and analyzed a million times. But, it's really fucking good. In some ways spectacular.
The 3D is really insane. It's not a cheap gimmick. It's just the visual language of the movie, and as that, you get used to it pretty quick. But the novelty wearing off works in the film's favor, because just when you're used to it, something visually amazing happens that you can't believe. The forest alone was worth the money and the effort.
The story is quite serviceable. Far from great, it works on a very basic level, has enough going for it to sustain the film. The acting is fine. I never heard of the lead actor but I liked him. Sigourney Weaver is a nice, stabilizing presence, and what the fuck is up with Stephen Lang? Not to really nitpick - but if I were, why was Lang's General so unlikable? Cameron as of late has a thing for paper villains. Billy Zane in TITANIC and now this hateful General for hire. The thing about a paper villain is - you just light them on fire. Had he given some humanity to the bad guys, this might have worked on a much more human level instead of a mostly visceral one. Let's not forget, as great as TITANIC looked, the reason people cried their eyes out was for the tragedy, not the special effects.
That said, there is tons of originality in the movie, and like I said - it really does work fine. There are some plot holes you can drive a truck through and Cameron's occasional ear goes tin with lines like "We're not in Kansas anymore." (Would people still use that expression 200 years from now?)
SPOILER ALERT: DON'T READ AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE.
The big problem here is that he sets up a storyline which leads to an incredible battle between the Aliens and the greedy humans who want the precious metals in the ground the aliens live on. So - then why were the Avatars created in the first place if they were always going to do exactly what they wanted anyway?
That question aside - and there are some other really big potholes - Cameron really delivers in the final battle sequence and I promise it's like nothing I've ever seen on film. I left that theater in a state of wonder and awe. And four pounds heavier from the popcorn and M&Ms.
Despite anything negative I've said, you just really go see this. It won't change your life, but this is an event not to be missed and will probably change the way movies are thought of and made. Once again, James Cameron has rewritten the rule book and this four year labor of love and money demands to be seen.
Grade: A -
ADVENTURELAND (DVD)
Very good film set in the 80s. Jesse Eisenberg finds out that he won't be going on that European vacation after all since his father loses his job. So as his summer vacation before Grad school becomes a job at the local crappy amusement park Pittsburgh. Eisenberg is really good here (he's good in ZOMBIELAND as well.) Ryan Reynolds comes off as a less retarded Dane Cook and Martin Star (Freaks & Geeks) shines as Eisenberg's new buddy. Kristen Stewart is also kind of perfect as the girl who Eisenberg likes - although Eisenberg goes a long way on confidence. How he's hooking up with all these hot girls is a bit inexplicable but never less than somehow believable because the character is so interesting and sweet.
Everybody is good here, the direction and writing by Greg Motolla excellent, and this was something I put on to fall asleep to - then stayed up till 3:AM watching it. Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig, whom I normally love in almost everything they do - seem a bit out of place here as their SNL sketch sensibilities seem to go against the naturalism of the entire rest of the piece. That said, by the end of the movie you sort of buy their characters, but they definitely seem to be directing themselves. It seems like this project needed some comedy names but I think those roles might have been better served by real character actors. Nonetheless, pretty great flick that manages to capture those early 20s moments of unease and romantic yearning. The other thing I like about this is that its not completely depressing. There is actually a nice optimism that runs through this film that is quite a change from the current crop of bummers out there.
Grade: B +
Brick City (A&E)
A 5 part A & E on the criminal element in Newark, NJ. Sprawling and audacious, it often feels like THE WIRE's documentary cousin. You also get to see hard working cops and politicians really trying to make a difference. Highly recommended.
Grade: A
BORED TO DEATH (HBO)
A great new show from HBO, this sat on my DVR for months before I took a look. This offbeat series stars Jason Schwartzman as Jonathan Ames, who makes his fantasy life of reading mystery novels into something real by taking on private detective work (unlicensed) through a Craigslist ad in Brooklyn, N.Y. What a great funny actor Schwartzman continues to become, and Ted Danson is pitch perfect as his agent/enabler. I've only seen the first two, but based on the super specific humor and the outrageous set up, I'll go out on a limb here.
Grade: A
Johnny Depp's Rolling stone article "MY FAVORITE THINGS" gets my vote for the most pretentious moment of the year. Hands down.
I just saw the trailer for the new Romero "SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD." Not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, the action looks about on par with some of his better DEAD stuff, but all these bad Irish accents all over the thing...I don't' know. These new DEAD films, for horror fans, are the equivalent of the new STAR WARS trilogy for Lucas fans. Both horrible.
I've learned recently about something called FAN EDITS. Where super bored but technically ambitious and sometimes very creative fans re-edit the original cut of a film on their computer and distribute the new version out to the fans.
I'm going to try and throw a few links on here. If they don't work just cut and paste. BLOGSPOT refuses to make adding links easy.
Okay - just tried to put a link on. I don't know why it's not hot so just cut and paste till I figure this out.
For the new Romero trailer 2009 Zombie film, go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAPABAYczkE
For a trailer of the fan-edit version of LAND OF THE DEAD (that film sucked, but this fan edit actually looks interesting. I will review it if I can get my hands on it.)
Here is the trailer, which gives off a completely different tone and vibe to the original trailer for LAND OF THE DEAD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgkbhjNw0-Q
It's no secret that T4 was not beloved by the sci-fi community. However, the fan-edit version is a hit. Here is a trailer for that (notice the human angle played up and the use of the original terminator music, which was absent in the actual film.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_S2Kx44usk&feature=related
The studios don't seem to have a real problem with these edits, as long as the people getting them show proof of the original DVD purchase - but this is all a little dodgy. And for the most part, 99 percent of these fan edits are for sci-fi movies.
Here is a fan-edit trailer for THE DARK KNIGHT which includes a whole prologue from BATMAN BEGINS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U2H5I4SEIM
What's the morality of this? I'm not sure. I know that even in my favorite movies, there are things I'd love to edit. Take for instance TITANIC. Surely no movie before has come before or since where so much brilliance and so much utter crap co-existed in the same film. So what about cutting down on the early scenes of Leo as an Irish swashbuckler, adding some more dramatic music, making the villain not so boorish....I can see the pull towards reworking your favorite movies. But they MUST have a FAN EDIT indicator on it. From what little I've seen, they play by the rules, not trying to fool anybody but to improve upon the original work. This is the new age. And by God, they say there is a 3 hour fan edit of all the new STAR WARS that makes the original Lucas trilogy look like shit. The funny thing is - Lucas has no problem with it - the company's philosophy seems to be that these fan edits only further entangle the fan with the product.
I am not particularly interested in seeing fan edits because it seems like they are too hard to come by, however - I do have a fan edit of TRUE ROMANCE which supposedly goes back to Tarantino's original structure and that QT himself reportedly likes better than the Tony Scott cut. I will review that at a later date.
And if I manage to get the fan edit of LAND OF THE DEAD I will happily drag out my old review and put it side by side - but otherwise, you start getting into fan edits - I don't know...seems like a dodgy way to devalue the original work. But I haven't seen any yet, so - who knows. The jury is still out with me. I loved ROCKY BALBOA, but boy, if there was ONE CUT I could make....and I like the RENT movie....but it would sure be nice to edit back in the wrongfully cut "Goodbye Love" segment...see where this could all lead?
I would be very curious to hear people's thoughts on this.
In the meantime, here are the reviews I've posted since the last weekly blog:
2010/01/04
CHOKE with Sam Rockwell
CHOKE (HBO)
Chuck Palahniuk wrote a pretty great book. Sam Rockwell gives a pretty admirable performance. Unfortunately, nothing much else goes right in this boring, listless movie. Considering this is about a sex addict and con artist, you'd expect some cheap thrills at the very least. None found here.
Grade: D
2010/01/03
THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (135 minute cut)
THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (IFC)
Directed and written by John Casavetes, the brilliant 70s filmmaker whose movies always seemed improvised, (but were not) this was the 135 minute cut of the film later cut down to a director's polish a year later for re release that ran 108 minutes and is supposedly a real re-interpretation of the footage.
Having never seen this and only one Casavetes film before (HUSBANDS, which is great) I let this sit on my DVR a long time since 135 is a big commitment. Once I started watching, I was completely hooked by the realism in the filmmaking. A lot of people thought Casavetes let his actors improvise. Not true. The confusion lies in the fact that Casavetes allowed his actors to interpret their roles how they wanted to which gave the films an authentic feeling, but he wrote and directed his scripts completely.
THE KILLING reminded me a lot of early Scorsese work like MEAN STREETS and you can see his influence in directors from Abel Ferrara to Quentin Tarantino. This is a slow moving film but never less than compelling. Ben Gazarra plays Cosmo, a strip club owner who gets into a bad gambling debt to the local mob. In order to squash his debt they ask him to kill a Chinese gang lord. The way all this unfolds feels real and never rushed. It also has quiet moments of grim beauty and I find myself looking forward to seeing the director's cut on this. At 135 minutes, there are moments here that you're asking yourself what the fuck you're watching. But that's also the kick of the film. Things don't happen for so long that when they do its like a slap in the face. And the whole thing has a real cinema verite' style that fits the grungy storyline like a glove. Ben Gazarra is, as usual, brilliant.
Grade: A -
Just watched the first few minutes of the new NIP/TUCK season. This is the last season of this wildly uneven show. The first two seasons were kind of brilliant. The third season was pretty cool despite some very wonky reveals, but the thing is that no matter how weird or outright bad the show gets, its never less than interesting. What it lacks in cohesion it makes up for in balls. It's a good thing its ending; as just a glance at the first few scenes makes you forget how very good this show once was.
THE JERSEY SHORE somehow keeps getting better and better. I love it.
Re-watched DAWN OF THE DEAD (1979 version) the other night. Great movie - the US Theatrical version is the way to go. But the opening could still use a 15 minute chop. Fan-edit anyone?
Check out a new band called The XX - XX - great mellow album.
TOUGH LOVE continues to be one of the best reality shows on TV.
Is it just me or did Aquaman seems a little annoyed to be fielding questions about Mexican fish on Kimmel the other night?
Speaking of which, Jimmy had a great interview with Neil Patrick Harris last night. I had no idea that NPH had become the GAY MAN OF THE DECADE.
If you happen to go to The Staples Center, as I did Tuesday night with my friend Darren L., eat at Nate & Al's for a great 25 dollar sandwich. Houston played a good game, but never once had the lead. The Lakers are having an insane season.
Just for shits and grins, this is maybe the most racist ad ever made by the animal cruelty factory known as KFC:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FftZt-Dw_hQ&feature=player_embedded
If you know how badly KFC treats its animals, you'd never eat there again. If you don't know, you should look into it.
Re-watched INGLORIUS BASTERDS over the New Year's weekend - even better than I'd remembered it. A real classic.
DECADES CONTINUED:
The best and worst of 2005:
SON OF THE MASK: unwatchable.
BE COOL (sequel to GET SHORTY) C -
THE UPSIDE OF ANGER: C +
SIN CITY: B
HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: B -
CRASH: A
STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH: B
BATMAN BEGINS: A
THE HONEYMOONERS REMAKE: F
LAND OF THE DEAD: (we were just talking about you!) D
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS: B
WAR OF THE WORLDS: B -
FANTASTIC FOUR: C
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY: D
WEDDING CRASHERS: B
DEVIL'S REJECTS: A +
HUSTLE & FLOW: B +
40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN: A+
HISTORY OF VIOLENCE: B
TWO FOR THE MONEY: B
SAW II: D
JARHEAD: C +
WALK THE LINE: B
RENT: B +
TRANSAMERICA: B -
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: A
KING KONG: C
THE RINGER: B +
THE MATEDOR: B +
Lastly, anybody who reads this blog knows what a huge Howard Stern fan I am, and I was completely shocked to learn of the disturbing events that transpired with Artie over the weekend. If you're a fan of the show I'm sure you've heard and if you're not, it's pretty much all over the net at this point.
Rather than dwell on what happened, I'm wishing Artie the best and hoping that he's able to figure this all out and become healthy again. He's one of the funniest people alive, by all accounts the sweetest guy in the world. I hope he has a speedy and quick recovery.
2010/01/04
CHOKE with Sam Rockwell
CHOKE (HBO)
Chuck Palahniuk wrote a pretty great book. Sam Rockwell gives a pretty admirable performance. Unfortunately, nothing much else goes right in this boring, listless movie. Considering this is about a sex addict and con artist, you'd expect some cheap thrills at the very least. None found here.
Grade: D
Chuck Palahniuk wrote a pretty great book. Sam Rockwell gives a pretty admirable performance. Unfortunately, nothing much else goes right in this boring, listless movie. Considering this is about a sex addict and con artist, you'd expect some cheap thrills at the very least. None found here.
Grade: D
2010/01/03
THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (135 minute cut)
THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (IFC)
Directed and written by John Casavetes, the brilliant 70s filmmaker whose movies always seemed improvised, (but were not) this was the 135 minute cut of the film later cut down to a director's polish a year later for re release that ran 108 minutes and is supposedly a real re-interpretation of the footage.
Having never seen this and only one Casavetes film before (HUSBANDS, which is great) I let this sit on my DVR a long time since 135 is a big commitment. Once I started watching, I was completely hooked by the realism in the filmmaking. A lot of people thought Casavetes let his actors improvise. Not true. The confusion lies in the fact that Casavetes allowed his actors to interpret their roles how they wanted to which gave the films an authentic feeling, but he wrote and directed his scripts completely.
THE KILLING reminded me a lot of early Scorsese work like MEAN STREETS and you can see his influence in directors from Abel Ferrara to Quentin Tarantino. This is a slow moving film but never less than compelling. Ben Gazarra plays Cosmo, a strip club owner who gets into a bad gambling debt to the local mob. In order to squash his debt they ask him to kill a Chinese gang lord. The way all this unfolds feels real and never rushed. It also has quiet moments of grim beauty and I find myself looking forward to seeing the director's cut on this. At 135 minutes, there are moments here that you're asking yourself what the fuck you're watching. But that's also the kick of the film. Things don't happen for so long that when they do its like a slap in the face. And the whole thing has a real cinema verite' style that fits the grungy storyline like a glove. Ben Gazarra is, as usual, brilliant.
Grade: A -
THE JERSEY SHORE somehow keeps getting better and better.
Re-watched DAWN OF THE DEAD (1979 version) the other night. Great movie - the US Theatrical version is the way to go. But the opening could still use a 15 minute chop.
Check out a new band called The XX - XX - great mellow album.
TOUGH LOVE continues to be one of the best reality shows on TV.
Re-watched INGLORIUS BASTERDS over the weekend - even better than I'd remembered it. A true classic in every sense of the word.
Directed and written by John Casavetes, the brilliant 70s filmmaker whose movies always seemed improvised, (but were not) this was the 135 minute cut of the film later cut down to a director's polish a year later for re release that ran 108 minutes and is supposedly a real re-interpretation of the footage.
Having never seen this and only one Casavetes film before (HUSBANDS, which is great) I let this sit on my DVR a long time since 135 is a big commitment. Once I started watching, I was completely hooked by the realism in the filmmaking. A lot of people thought Casavetes let his actors improvise. Not true. The confusion lies in the fact that Casavetes allowed his actors to interpret their roles how they wanted to which gave the films an authentic feeling, but he wrote and directed his scripts completely.
THE KILLING reminded me a lot of early Scorsese work like MEAN STREETS and you can see his influence in directors from Abel Ferrara to Quentin Tarantino. This is a slow moving film but never less than compelling. Ben Gazarra plays Cosmo, a strip club owner who gets into a bad gambling debt to the local mob. In order to squash his debt they ask him to kill a Chinese gang lord. The way all this unfolds feels real and never rushed. It also has quiet moments of grim beauty and I find myself looking forward to seeing the director's cut on this. At 135 minutes, there are moments here that you're asking yourself what the fuck you're watching. But that's also the kick of the film. Things don't happen for so long that when they do its like a slap in the face. And the whole thing has a real cinema verite' style that fits the grungy storyline like a glove. Ben Gazarra is, as usual, brilliant.
Grade: A -
THE JERSEY SHORE somehow keeps getting better and better.
Re-watched DAWN OF THE DEAD (1979 version) the other night. Great movie - the US Theatrical version is the way to go. But the opening could still use a 15 minute chop.
Check out a new band called The XX - XX - great mellow album.
TOUGH LOVE continues to be one of the best reality shows on TV.
Re-watched INGLORIUS BASTERDS over the weekend - even better than I'd remembered it. A true classic in every sense of the word.
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