SPECIAL ACADAMY AWARDS EDITION

MILK (DVD SCREENER)
I’m sure it’s all been said about this film, but I just got to see it the other day. Sean Penn is completely transformed into Harvey Milk, the San Francisco politician who inspired both love and hate and brought many gay issues to the light of day. While Harvey Milk is pretty much portrayed lovingly, Penn brings some real life pathos to the guy, and Josh Brolin is dynamite as the politician who feels out of place in the new political climate. Good film, epic in scale, but never really gets down to a human level. Milk is never shown to have any serious personal problems. When one boyfriend leaves, another one is around the corner. Because he’s portrayed as so very saintly with not one single negative aspect, I think the film never truly takes off and instead of any kind of character study, it’s just about this movement, which is important, but not as dramatic had a real live person inhabited the role. Penn makes the very most of what’s on the page, but there isn’t much. Gus Van Zandt, one of my favorite directors, shoots a very watchable and important film but one that's not terribly dramatic. It just never really takes off as the epic it so badly wants to be.
Grade: B


PAUL BLART: MALL COP (In Theaters)
Very funny movie with Kevin James taking center stage as a mall security cop who had aspirations of being a real cop – but his various sicknesses have kept him out of that game. Kevin James in his macho mustache and sweet demeanor is simply hilarious – he takes a thin premise and a “Die Hard” structure and turns it into something completely hilarious just by way of his comic take on situations and his great line readings. He’s in on the joke, and it shows. Highly recommended for some low-brow laughs.
Grade: B +

VALKERIE (IN THEATERS)
Tom Cruise takes on Hitler! This is not an epic, but a down and dirty conspiracy film with Cruise standing tall as the Nazi who wants Hitler dead so that future generations of the world can know that not every German believed in Hitler’s bullshit. This is an exciting film, well directed by Bryan Singer and very well acted by Mister Cruise.
Grade: B


THE READER (In Theaters)
Kate Winslett plays a sexually charged German woman who finds herself in a hot and heavy romance with a 16 year old boy. Later, as that boy moves on to college and starts taking law classes, he finds out quite a bit more about “Hanna.” No spoilers here, but suffice it to say that Kate Winslet is perfection in this amazing role about a woman who is capable of the worst kinds of atrocities, yet Winset’s performance makes us feel compassion for her. The movie itself is wonderfully shot and directed, and this is a major piece of filmmaking.
Grade: A


RESERVATION ROAD (HBO)
A really diverting drama/thriller about a car wreck that involves Joaquin Pheonix’s son and Mark Ruffalo. It’s not over the top, it’s just a solid, conveniatnely plotted movie with great performances from Ruffalo and Phoenix. Jennifer Connely, as Phoenix’s wife, is dead on arrival in her nothing role, but otherwise, this is a highly recommended film that ratchets up the intensity with every scene.
Grade: B


GONE COUNTRY (CMT)
Getting a little boring. Not only that – this week they had a new wonderful game for the contestants that involved abusing chickens. Not only was I unamused, but completely offended and now wondering if I’ll ever tune in again. This used to be one of the better reality shows, it’s now sunk to the bottom.
Grade: F


AMERICAN IDOL (HOLLYWOOD ROUNDS) Fox
Jimmy Kimmel had it right the other day, when during his monologue, he pointed out that every single person who got through always got sidetracked by one of the judges saying something like “we don’t have good news for you….we have FANTASTIC news – you’re going to Hollywood, DAWG!!!!!” It’s really getting a little old. They did this every single time, by the way. Anyway, I think the people who got through seem great, let the competition begin and let’s face it – nothing is better than seeing someone get up and not knowing how they’re going to sound. I can’t wait.

UPDATE: AMERICAN IDOL (FOX)
Let the games begin. So far, my money is pretty much on that Danny guy who sang HERO at the end of last week. Still, I can’t believe that weak voiced dude who sang the Gavin McGraw song is still around.

Speaking of Kimmel, Danny McBride killed on the show the other day.

And R.I.P. for the mighty Adam Carolla's morning radio show, since 97.1 has abandoned their all-talk format. Carolla's show was the only solid thing on the morning dial that you didn't have to pay for - and his show and voice will be sorely missed.


DOUBT (DVD)
A total knockout. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep are about as good as it gets in this Catholic Church drama set in the early 90s. Streep and Hoffman are just so good in this – it’s like a master class in acting. Just as good is John Patrick Shanley’s script an direction. A completely captivating stunner.
Grade: A +


NIP/TUCK (F/X)
This episode was penned by none other than series creator Ryan Murphy.
There is something still watchable about this show, but it’s really ready for the TV graveyward. A good barometer of the show is the question: Whatever happened to Kimber? During the first season or two she was realistic. Then in the 3rd season Christian was going to marry her – now she’s slept with Christian, Sean, married the son, Matt, starred and produced thousands of pornos, was captured by the Carver and tortured for months, and is now injecting botox into the lips of her baby so she can get a good modeling contract. At least they kept her realistic.
Ridiculous.
And un-gradable.


SNL (NBC)
Two weeks ago, hosted by a guy I can’t seem to recall in any movie I’ve ever seen. The next week hosted by Alec Baldwin. Pretty much, both episodes unwatchable. This last week started with a sketch where a bunch of the players and a confused Dan Ackeroyd sat around pretending to be Republicans and making fun of Obama (but REALLY – it was how GREAT Obama was.) That was about the most unsophisticated piece of comedy I’ve ever seen. They would’ve done a better job on HANNA MONTANA.


GIRLS OF WINDSOR HALL (MTV)
First of all, this shows owes a huge debt to VH1’s CHARM SCHOOL. And maybe not a creative debt – maybe an actual amount. But who am I to say? In the meantime, I’ll review the show that not only ripped off CHARM SCHOOL, but also goes a bit further with the premise. This one takes not girls from previous shows, but girls we haven’t met – girls who frankly, are really rough. One girl looks like she’s ready to kill everyone there, another runs a raunchy adult web site that stars her having sex with strangers, another strips when she wants to buy something – you get the idea. And the house mothers are really really strict – I mean, you kind of know the premise already – but this is a pretty fun show.
Grade: B -


THE VISITOR (DVD SCREENER)
I have to say – I was really looking forward to this – but the story itself is a bit of a bore. Richard Jenkins saves the day with his completely moving performance, but the film lacks and real energy.
Grade: C


THE ICE PAN (PAN ICE CREAM) (TARGET/BLOCKBUSTER ON LA BREA)
THE ICE PAN is probably the best ice cream I’ve ever had in recent memory. It’s in that little strip mall where Target and Best Buy are on La Brea and Melrose. The ice cream is uniquely healthy – in that you choose the type of milk – regular, non fat, low fat and soy. Soy milk means lactose intolerants can have Ice Cream. I prefer the low fat but it all tastes vaguely the same. You order what you want, and the toppings and they actually put the toppings in the ice cream. They make the ice cream in front of you on this sub-zero pan. They pour it on the pan and it’s liquid, then it starts to thicken and they add the toppings – I prefer chocolate with almonds and bananas. It’s amazing to watch them make your ice cream in minutes, but it tastes even more amazing. It’s kind of like the Benihana of Ice Cream. I can’t say enough good things about this place, but if you’re interested – go here:
http://www.icepanusa.com/ice_cream.html


IF I PICKED THE ACADAMY AWARDS
By the Digital Couch

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Heath Ledger probably will and should win – but if there is to be an upset, it should be with Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who was superb in DOUBT. However, if I was voting I, too would probably pull the lever for Heath, whose turn as THE JOKER will go down in the books as one of the most original takes on a known character ever.


BEST ACTOR
If it’s a dogfight between Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke – Mickey gets my vote. Penn was great, but he played a character that had no flaws and no real doubts about anything. He affected a voice that sounded like Harvey Milk and just played in these wonderful scenes where he was always the sweetest funniest and smartest guy in the room. My vote goes straight to Mickey Rourke.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Penelope Cruz is unusually good in VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA, but it’s Marissa Tomei who I thought gave the most lived in performance. My vote goes to Marissa.

BEST SONG
Should’ve been THE WRESTLER by Bruce Springsteen – somehow he got locked out of the category.

BEST ACTRESS
I didn’t see RACHEL GETTING MARRIED yet, nor CHANGELING or FROZEN RIVER – however – based on what I did see it’s between Meryl Streep for DOUBT and Kate Winslet of THE READER. My vote – Winslet for THE READER.

BEST DIRECTOR
Chris Nolan should’ve owned this, but as it is, I assume SLUMDOG’s Danny Boyle will walk away with the award. If I were picking, I would give it to Ron Howard’s measured rhythms of FROST/NIXON.

BEST SCREENPLAY (ADAPTED)
For me it would be THE READER or DOUBT – with the award probably going to DOUBT. Again, THE DARK KNIGHT got screwed here.

BEST SCREENPLAY (ORIGINAL)
The fantastic screenplay of THE WRESTLER got screwed on this, but if I’m too believe the hype, MILK will probably walk away with this.

BEST FILM
Because of the screwings THE DARK KNIGHT, THE WRESTLER and yes – even FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL (the best 3 films of the year) – I’m going to have to guess the award goes to MILK, or SLUMDOG, but if THE READER walked away with it, that would be a moral victory for storytelling, as the main story point to MILK seemed to be “Isn’t Harver Milk fucking wonderful?”

24, the grammys, I LOVE MONEY 2, and ROCK OF LOVE BUS.

24 (FOX)
I don’t know what it is – but this show has really gotten its mojo back. Jack Baeur is better than ever, I love his relationship with the new President and I like the woman he’s running around with. I’m even starting to like Janine Garafalo in the role (I love Janine – but didn’t think this would work – it’s starting to.) Great stuff. I have no idea what they’re all fighting about – but it almost doesn’t matter. They did a car wreck last night that was as good as any low budget action movie. Best moment of the night – when Cherry Jones, the new President says to Jack “How can I be sure where your loyalty lies?” and Jack answers “Ask around.”
Grade: A


I LOVE MONEY 2 (VH1)
What a collection of freaks and hos. I’ll be watching every episode.
Grade: B -


THE GRAMMYS (CBS)
Where do I begin? That opener, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson doing his stand-up bit – that is really one for the record books. I loved how he had a joke for every celebrity and every single joke landed like a lead balloon. That aside – there was a lot to love about the proceedings. Whitney Houston seemed like she was about to tip over. I got very excited when she came out – then as soon as she started to talk I realized she was high. I didn’t really get the Jonas Brothers (who remind me a lot of the Goth kids from SOUTH PARK) and Stevie Wonder together. The Bo Diddly thing was cool. J.T. and Al Green were fantastic together. I guess I have to check out this Alison Krauss and Robert Plant record. But I thought the best singer of the night was Adele, whose CHASING PAVEMENTS is the song of the year, even if she didn’t win. It was also great to see Jenifer Hudson singing and winning after her tragic year – yet a little jarring to see “Punk” from I LOVE NY sitting with her in the audience.


Have you seen the ads for DIDDY who’s going to be on CSI: MIAMI? His line readings as a lawyer reminds one of the very worst junior high school production that ever lived. Diddy can do a lot – but boy are his line readings for shit.


HIS NAME WAS JASON (FRIDAY THE 13th) DVD DOCUMENTARY
This was really good. It’s a 90 minute documentary hosted by gore expert Tom Savini (who did effects for FRIDAY 1 and 4.) If you are a FRIDAY fan, like myself, you’ll find this fascinating, although there is no real discussion of the series decline, just sort of a celebration of all things Jason with as many original actors as they could muster. This is just the beginning of the FRIDAY rennasaince. This Friday, the new movie re-boot comes out, along with an extended dvd cut of the original FRIDAY with more of Tom Savini’s gore, and FRIDAY the 13th 3D is coming out with remastered 3D and the glasses. In fact - every film is coming out with tons of extras. Let’s hope the reboot is actually scary.
Grade: B

SPRINGSTEEN AT THE SUPERBOWL
I think Bruce did a pretty great job, though I would’ve never had him open with 10th AVE FREEZE OUT – which is one of those fan songs but – not really the crowd pleaser I would’ve preffered. I thought he did a great BORN TO RUN, I liked WORKING ON A DREAM and I thought he could’ve picked a different song than GLORY DAYS to finish out the set – however – it was still pretty great to have a real rock star doing the half time show.
Grade: B +

ROCK OF LOVE BUS (VH1)
Brett Michaels is bald and 60. The girls are insanely hot and completely insane. And Brett doesn't appear to be looking for love at all. He seems to like having the girls around and being the center of attention. And I'm completely addicted. But of all the installments, this one has the least going for it.
Grade: C

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE IDOL (VH1)
I like the fact that this show is upbeat and seems to be about helping these guys rather than mocking them. Not that there isn't some of that - but this is a sweet natured show from Scott Baio and Jason Hervey - Jason is building quite a little cadre of reality shows - and I really liked this one and felt bad that Eric (REAL WORLD) Nies felt the need to leave because they all come off really well - even the odd looking Billy Huffsy.
Grade: B

GONE COUNTRY (CMT)
Richard Grieco is a lot angrier than I would've guessed. And I think he has a crush on Tara Conner.

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (DVD) and STEP BROTHERS (DVD)
Pineapple Express is really funny in the beginning, then turns into a so-so action movie…it’s a film that is kind of hard to review because it’s so ambitious but yet – while Rogan brings some heft to his role as…Seth Rogan, basically – Franco does a variation on his FREAKS & GEEKS character but without the depth and goes too often for cheap laughs. Danny McBride is a real standout here and I’ve heard the buzz for his new HBO series coming in a few weeks is off the charts. STEP BROTHERS had a really bad beginning, then it got really funny for about a half hour, then it sucked again. Being that STEPBROTHERS was an Apatow comedy, there were some nice moments in it – but definitely one you could skip.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS: B +
STEPBROTHERS: C -

SECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL (SHOWTIME)
Better than last year, still not a great show.

THE UNITED STATES OF TARA (SHOWTIME)
Way better than the ads suggested. The premise is completely goofy but if you can get over that, this becomes very enjoyable.

THE PUSHER TRILOGY (DVD)
I recently saw this on IFC and ordered the DVDs. This is an astonishing journey into the world of dealers, low lifes, prostitutes, all done with an unflinching camera and a great sense of humor. Made in Copenhagan, these films are both harrowing and exciting, funny and sad. The very first film is kind of brilliant, the second one great, the third one might top them all.
Grade: A +

It's back.

This is the new blog - a lot like the old one but shorter reviews and a streamlined approach.

Thanks to all the people who asked me to put this back up.

30 ROCK (NBC) is usually great. Even when it's not, it's always watchable. THE OFFICE (NBC) is weak. And some weeks - weaker than usual.

LIE TO ME is off to a very promising start. Tim Roth is perfect.

I miss MAD MEN, THE SHIELD and THE WIRE.

At least MAD MEN is coming back.

As for the THE WIRE, THE SHIELD, and the mighty SOPRANOS - R.I.P.

Neil Patrick Harris was on a very funny episode of SNL a few weeks ago - one of the very few funny eps of the season. But NPH - brilliant.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (IN THEATERS)
Sorry - didn't love this like most. Liked and admired - yes. Loved - it was a bit too gimmicky and precious for me to go all the way with this film. It looks and sounds sumptuous and the soundtrack is awesome. The young actors are terrific. I just didn't quite get into the story so much. My friend Brad calls me an "idiot" for not liking it as much as he - but Brad's assertion aside...
Grade: B -

THE DARK KNIGHT (DVD)
This is a great film that really makes its mark on DVD. It looks like no other film out there, Bale is great as Batman, Maggie Glynhal makes a far better girlfriend than Katie Holmes, Aaron Eckhart - jury is still out - however, this is a towering film with bold ambition - much more so than many of the Winter's "Important" films. Since I stated these reviews would be shorter - I'm not going to give this film the slavish ravings it deserves, but Heath Ledger is even better than you have heard - and the Jokers scenes with The Batman are one for the time capsule. This movie and THE WRESTLER were my favorite films of the year. Yet neither got a BEST PICTURE nomination. The Academy's loss. By the way - the DVD has tons of extras and boasts superior sound and image - I haven't yet gotten a blu-ray - so, I can't really comment on the HD image on any of these shows - just the content. This film is dazzling and twirls many different batons in the air with beautiful precision.
GRADE: A +

THE WRESTLER (IN THEATERS)
I'm sure it's all been said about this film. This is so low-key a film that I'd rather not give out details if you haven't already seen it - just see it. I promise you will see a few things - the best Mickey Rourke performance ever and, next to Heath Ledger's Joker, the other performance of the year. The script is insanely observant and sad and funny and the real life wrestlers are great and Darren Aranofsky's fly-on-the-wall visual style works here like magic. But there is no magic in the sleazy world of underground wrestling shows - it's all smoke and mirrors - and while a lot of bones get broken in this - the film itself might break your heart. The scenes of Mickey and his daughter are wrenching.
Grade: A +

Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla were hilarious the other day on the air discussing their BROMANCE on KIMMEL LIVE! Both denied there is any romantic notions to their relationship. Carolla added that our founding fathers would not be pleased with the term "Bromance."


I loved the recent DATELINE that had the story of the radio host who slowly poisoned his wife. Very creepy stuff. Even better is ABC's WHAT WOULD YOU DO - which has the news team setting up wonky situations - like a guy putting a date rape drug into a date's drink - and then seeing what the people around would do or not do. Although - they did hit bottom this last ep where they did the thing where someone cuts in line in front of you at the market then wins a huge prize for being the millionth customer - the only problem is I've seen that gag ever since CBS' Candid fucking Camera.

The SPRINGSTEEN CD "Working On A Dream" is not classic Bruce. That era is over. Instead it's a mature CD full of terrific songs sung by Bruce in a great, open throaty voice and taking some big chances with his songwriting and chord progressions. A total winner. "QUEEN OF THE SUPERMARKET" is a standout.
Grade: B +

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD (IN THEATERS)
What a downer. Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaptrio are a weird couple who hate each other in this weird movie with no reason of being. It's just a bad marriage that gets worse but none of the scenes are memorable, Kate is awesome but Leo is in full retard-mode with a bad accent and a performance that is reminiscent of something you would see at your 9 year old's school production. Laughably bad.
Grade: D

BURN AFTER READING (IN THEATERS)
This alleged comedy is not funny. Brad Pitt is not funny and George Clooney is really not funny. This sucked. The Cohen Bros. often get it right (see FARGO, BLOOD SIMPLE, BIG LEBOWSKI) but when they miss - (SEE EVERYTHING ELSE) - they really miss.
Grade: D -

AMERICAN IDOL (FOX)
I always watch Idol - I like the streamlined approach to the auditions this year - love the new judge - still think Paula is the weirdest most attention seeking celebrity ever - that horrifying "kiss" she tried with the new judge - but where she went out of her way to cover their lips - she is FUCKING RETARDED. And now she doesn't even say anything because the new judge is mostly better (except for when the new judge feels the need to sing to show the contestants how its done - she should really just not do that - it's embarrassing.) Otherwise - business as usual - my early favorite - the blind guy!
Grade: B +

NIP/TUCK (F/X)
Haven't seen ep 3 yet but kind of like the new direction of a bit more maturity and not quite as insane as previous seasons. However, most seasons start out reasonable and then traffic in the worst kind of third rate crime stories they could find.

DAMAGES (F/X)
I know - it's great. I just haven't watched any yet - they're all sitting on my DVR.

SECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL (SHOWTIME)
Had a pretty entertaining open - haven't seen the new one yet but it seems like this could be better than next season. At one point I was looking at her and thinking she had gotten, ahem, HEAVY. I then read that she was pregnant the entire shoot so - she's only going to get bigger. They better let out some of those dresses but - pregnant or not - she's gorgeous and quite wonderful in the role - it's just that the role suggests hooking is way more fun than it could possibly be.
Grade: C

I haven't watched the new LOST yet.

GONE COUNTRY (CMT)
Once again - they've grabbed a great bunch of nutters and I'm loving it. I can't believe how horrible Tara Conner is in both her talent and personality, and I can't believe how much I like Richard Grieco. I'm shocked at how a puffed out by botox Taylor Dayne doesn't stop ragging on EVERYBODY - and George Clinton just may be the newest great reality star this world has ever seen.
Grade: B

SPECTACLE w/ELVIS COSTELLO (SUNDANCE)
The best music show on TV. Period. It's already given us moments like Costello and Lou Reed singing PERFECT DAY, James Taylor doing a stellar, sad version of FIRE & RAIN and Elvis himself singing BORDER SONG for an adoring Elton John. Great show. Elvis is a great host and the guests are awesome.
Grade: A +

24 (FOX)
Has gotten it's mojo back in a big way. It's been too long and we've forgotten the last, very shitty season with this newly energized Jack working with Tony - back from the dead (it sort of was explained - but not really.) I love the new president played by Cherry Jones - a little bored with her husband's storyline, and love how the show has gotten so self reflexive. But the show seems very vital again.
Grade: B +

PRISON BREAK (FOX)
Is ending - this is bad news as I loved this show but look forward to the final batch of shows. There is a rumored movie reunion for next season - but I'll believe it when I see it.

THIS AMERICAN LIFE (SHOWTIME)
A great version of the great radio show - highly recommended are these stories of life and love and reality, hosted to perfection by Ira Glass and shot wonderfully. The stories are really offbeat and the narration is never snide nor mocking.
Grade: A

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL (DVD)
I think i reviewed this already - but if you haven't seen it - it's the comedy of the year that will leave a lump in your throat. Awesome.
Grade: A

THE BIGGEST LOSER: COUPLES (ABC)
Great show - they fucked the concept up a bit this year by getting rid of half the cast in the 1st episode and then getting into a VERY VERY VERY convoluted plan for them to come back - just stop with the fucking theatrics and show us fat people losing shocking amounts of weight. That's it. This ain't SURVIVOR.

The new McCartney CD, ELECTRIC ARGUMENTS released under the name "THE FIREMEN" is pretty cool if not the great new McCartney CD that will probably never arrive.

I've regained my love of PINKBERRYS since they've added a new topping - pomegranate seeds - I know - it shouldn't be good - but it is.

I ate at GEISHA HOUSE the other nite - the food and atmosphere are truly superb - A+ experience.

I caught the last few eps of REAL CHANCE AT LOVE. Real seems cool, Chance seems angrily insane - and the woman seem in need of psychological help. The reunion show, by the way, cleared nothing up.

Still have some shows compiling on the DVR - the new LOST, DAMAGES, NIP/TUCK - a few others. Will comment on them after I see them.

I can't bear to actually watch BROMANCE.

Can the ads for the new film with Renee Zelwigger "NEW IN TOWN" could not possibly look any worse, embarrassing or just plain shite. What happened to Renee - she was so good in JERRY MAGUIRE. Will she ever get a good role again?

Looking very forward to the return of THE FLIGHT OF THE CONCORDS on HBO. Haven't caught up yet with the first 2 new eps.

A friend lent me the pilot of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA so I have to watch that.

FROST/NIXON (IN THEATERS)
Slow moving but riveting study of the real life drama that occur ed when David Frost, a variety-type entertainer decided to raise some money and do a set of interviews with RICHARD NIXON right after Nixon resigned. Frost spends most of the film getting Nixon to open up about what happened re: Watergate - Nixon spends most of the film (a masterful Frank Langella) avoiding the question. As the tension builds, so does the case for calling this the most mature film of Ron Howard's career, and a riveting look at history in the making.
Grade: A

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJIMAN BUTTONS (IN THEATERS)(SPOILERS!!!!!!)
Very good film. Brad PItt has certainly never been better, and Kate Winslet keeps up with him in every way in the oddball story of a man born old who turns younger every year. While I loved the film, and hated the way they show-horned in the Katrina flooding (so out of place) - my friend Jim recently pointed out to me that Brad Pitt kind of - SPOLIER AHEAD - READ NO FURTHER IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILM - but Brad leaves the situation far earlier than was necessary - and Winslet ended up caring for him anyway. And I think having said that, there was something to the idea that perhaps Brad should've stuck around and did his best to raise his child - that might've been a much more interesting resolution than what they did - still - the film worked exceedingly well and between the visual effects of the old Brad Pitt and the evolving makeup job and the wonderful pace for a 3 hour film - this is also a triumph for David Fincher.

Lastly - a plea to FOX VIDEO to finally release all seasons of HILL STREET BLUES and another plea to the various companies who own the rights to WISEGUY - which deserves a full DVD release with all the original music intact, IT'S YOUR MOVE - a great comedy from the 80s starring Jason Bateman, and let's roll out COP ROCK - one of the most ambitious and insane shows ever produced.

The End Of The Digital Couch.

Well, it is that time again. The new year is coming and THE DIGITAL COUCH, constantly up and down this year, is now going dark for good. The last time I signed off readers thought something was wrong. Nothing is wrong – things are good and I’m looking very forward to 2009. I just don't have the time to write this blog anymore.

How great is it that Bruce is releasing a new CD in a month? Then he’s going on tour for 2 years, so Bruce will be around.

I thought the Barbara Walters interview with Obama and family was great, and I’ve noticed that Obama’s big comedy move now is whenever asked about something important and presidential, Obama quickly goes into comedian mode and says “Then my wife said, you’re driving the kids.”

Diane Sawyer and Ashly Dupree – what an interview. Ashly is a beautiful, retarded girl and Diane Sawyer might be even more so.


REAL CHANCE AT LOVE (VH1)
Has turned into a pretty cool show. The thing they did last week with fooling the girls into thinking they’re being interrogated – that was pretty awesome.


STORYTELLERS: KID ROCK (VH1)
They could’ve called this installment, BRAGGERS. Still – the Kid does Rock.


CELEB REHAB (VH1)
Seth, from some band called CRAZYTOWN is a maniac. The show is great and I wonder who in this new batch is going to stay sober. I don’t have high hopes for most I hate to say.

GUNS N’ ROSES “Chinese Democracy” (CD)
I gave this a few listens – couldn’t find one song I loved or even really liked. It sounds like a really 90s CD with a touch of PRO TOOLS to make it sound modern. This took 8 years?


SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (IN THEATERS)
Good movie. I didn’t quite love this the way a lot of my friends did, but solid.


24: REDEMPTION (FOX)
Way better than I had imagined, great setup for the new season – but why was Jack wearing that ridiculous outfit while fighting a war? All he needed was a fanny pack to complete the look.

THE ROSIE O’ DONNEL VARIETY HOUR (NBC)
I could print a long review, but someone parental once told me if you don’t have anything nice to say…

60 MINUTES (CBS)
I love that guy who came to town and pretended to be a Fed. He teamed up with the local cops and busted all these dealers – then they found out the Fed was a professional liar and he’s in jail and all the arrested are out.

I also liked the story about how these online casinos can cheat you. I would think cheating would be the ONLY reason to gamble online.


PRISON BREAK (FOX)
What a horrifying guy Self turned out to be. What a great show.


BRITTNY: FOR THE RECORD (MTV)
For the record – Brittny seems best when completely controlled by her parents. It’s clear from this documentary – but really just a snow job from the Spears factory – that she is now a prisoner for her parents and will be the money making machine she’s always been. She seems happy the way a puppy does but you know she wants to get in that car and smoke crack and pass out and…


30 ROCK (NBC)
Somehow used to be much funnier.


THE WRESTLER (in theatres)
I don’t want to give too much away as this is a very small story. I think it is suffering from the hype machine as the commercials are suggesting this is some type of ROCKY story. There is very little uplift here – this is a grim, realistic depiction of the life of a once-famous wrestler now doing these wretched shows in small arenas with banquet chairs. Mickey Rourke could simply not be better. As for Marisa Tomei – I think she’s fine but that character of the stripper with the heart of gold – it works, but not that well. I watched this twice (a screener) and I will probably see it again. It’s great – just very small, very grim and in its own way, kind of perfect.
Grade: A


That’s pretty much it – I saw some other stuff but – for now the DIGITAL COUCH is really closed and I don’t see it coming back anytime soon. Thanks for reading what in all likelihood will be the last entry.


Have a great holiday and be safe.
Thanks for all the fish.

Digital Couch Out.
12.15.08

THE SHIELD. Final episode.

THE SHIELD comes to an end.

THE SHIELD (FX)
SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!
If you have not yet seen the finale’ – READ NO FURTHER – critical details are discussed and the entire ending is revealed, so once again – if you’ve not seen the show yet – DON’T READ THE FOLLOWING:

THE SHIELD (Season Finale’ – F/X)
The last batch of original SHIELD eps were as tense, taut and riveting as anything you're likely to see all year. Chicklis has never been better as Vic, and the entire cast really stepped it up this final season. Especially Walton Goggons as the horrific Shane Mandrell. The highlight of this last season might’ve actually been last week, when Vic, in order to get immunity for all his strike team sins, gave I.C.E. a complete list of all his wrongdoings at the Barn. Including killing Terry Crowly in the pilot and stealing The Money Train. In doing so, he also gave them enough to throw Ronnie in jail till they day he dies. But the immunity was only available to Vic, not to Ronnie. The finale’ – initially 90 minutes, but a last minute editing decision to leave more in lead to an almost 2 hour show (which I'm sure cut off on some DVRs), had an awful lot going for it. A lot of people are saying it was a better ending than THE SOPRANOS – but I wouldn’t say that. Two different shows – two different endings that fit each show uniquely. As far as THE SHIELD goes, the last hours of this were at turns grim, tense and unusually somber for such an action-packed show. A few threads seem to have gotten lost. Such as Julien’s gay life which was only hinted at when he saw two happy gay men running down the street – I actually thought that was a great nod to a storyline that I guess they didn’t feel like cramming down our throats. The rookie (I forget her name) seemed to be in this season for almost no reason – as she didn’t really have much to do. The inclusion of Andre 300 from OUTKAST as a budding politician – COMPLETE TIME WASTER.

While it fed somewhat into the theme of corruption – it just wasn’t what we wanted to see in the finale’. We wanted real resolution - or as much as we could get. My heart actually skipped a beat when Julian saw that happy gay couple - I assumed it was leading into a moment for him - but no, it was just a nod to that storyline - and I liked it a lot. Its just that - I guess I wanted a little more story involving our favorite characters. Not the uninvolving interrogation of the young serial killer. Danny was a complete no-show in the finale. Claudette’s disease coming to fruition was interesting but somehow – not terribly character oriented in the sense that – okay, she’s sick and it had many wonderful notes of friendship between Claudette and Dutch – but it certainly didn’t help her character grow. If anything, it felt overly dramatic and predictable. Aceveda was also sort of a no-show in the finale’. You’d think they would’ve scripted a bigger finish with him and Vic. But that’s the way the finale’ went – against many expectations of what you’d expect them to do – which I appreciated a lot of. All the stuff with Shane and his wife on the run was pretty great, it was a shame we got no last Shane/Vic scene – it seems to me that phone call could’ve been a face to face. What Shane ultimately did was horrific if slightly out of character – but then again – he was so coked up – who knows what was going on in his head. But it worked and was insanely horrifying. But the most sinking feeling I had during the finale’ was the setting up of Ronnie – Vic having him risk his life only to eventually feed him to the wolves as a sacrificial lamb for all the strike team’s misdeeds. The fact that Ronnie, the most passive of the group got dicked over by Vic in the end – I think speaks more to Vic’s nature than anything. Not that Vic felt great about it – but he had his family to protect. If only he knew.

I would’ve liked to see a bit more of a Vic/Ronnie post revelation scene – but this ep moved fast and quickly got to the last, sterile image of the evening. Vic, in an ill-fitting suit, now working at a ghastly cubicle with a 30 year old computer making reports on gang activity based on pre-existing intel while the sirens went off outside, making Vic’s pulse pound with an adrenaline rush he’s not allowed to fix. When Vic takes his gun out of the lockbox - I thought for a minute he was going to eat it - but instead he grabbed his gun and walked out - giving us the feeling that Vic is not quite out of the woods yet. But that the life he’s about to lead, thinking of all those he’s fucked over, screwed with, killed…what in God’s name is Vic Mackey going to do?

By the way – the song that played over the final credits was CONCRETE BLONDE’s “Long Time Ago” from their 92 CD WALKING IN LONDON. I thought it was a great choice and liked the final montage, though - it was their last chance to throw some images at us and it felt like at least half of them were picked half-hazzardly. It still kind of worked really well. But once this thing hits DVD, you’ll get that montage right after the final image of Vic is shown –and I don’t know that it’ll play as well as when not separated by commercials – but maybe that’s just me. While not giving us everything we wanted, this was a pretty sturdy wrap up that did go pretty far in spelling out the future – and a very satisfying final installment on many levels. And they seemed to have gone out on their own terms, unlike Vic Mackey.

FINAL SEASON GRADE: A (points off for the first few eps with that convoluted Armenian/Mexican war plotline)
Season Finale’ Grade: A
OVERALL SERIES GRADE: A +

For a GREAT q & a with Sean Ryan, creator of THE SHIELD and showrunner for all 7 seasons – go here:
http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/11/shield-boss-ans.html

For some reason this hot link is not working - but if you cut and paste you should get to the fascinating Q&A. Same thing for the link that appears later.


UPDATE:
I've been thinking a lot about THE SHIELD since the final episode. It's a popular idea going around that it had a stronger ending than the SOPRANOS. EW actually said NOTE TO DAVID CHASE: THIS IS THE WAY TO END A SERIES. I have serious reservations about that idea. First of all - to compare the 2 shows is useful only in that they both had absolutely amoral protagonists. But there is a huge difference. In THE SHIELD, Vic Mackey killed a cop in the very first episode. And we loved him anyway because despite all his and the strike team's dirty dealings, they were the kind of cops you wanted on your side when you were in trouble - particularly Vic. But let's be honest about the show - since that first episode - Mackey never did anything that despicable to a civilian again. One could even argue that the cop killing was there to spark the pilot and that the Vic that remained was a generally decent guy to root for. In fact, he had serious moral problems with general corruption time and time again. In other words - was he the same guy that shot the cop in the pilot? Were we all hoodwinked into loving Vic these last 6 seasons and then having the finale finally call a spade a spade? Hardly. Vic was a hero as far as the structure of the show was concerned.

Even in the finale - he did not sell out Ronnie so that he could have an easy life - he did it to protect his wife and children. Maybe it's easier to think that in the end, he was a rat - and yes, he did sell out Ronnie - but it wasn't that simple. And that - is the beauty of THE SHIELD. Vic walked through that finale like a zombie because he knew he would sell out Ronnie in the end - his last remaining loyal soldier.

THE SOPRANOS on the other hand, really called Tony on his pathology in its final batch of episodes. The thing about Tony is that he was always a bastard - there were always civilians catching friendly fire in his world - he routinely humiliated his wife, fucked over his friends and let his selfishness cloud everything he did. And again - that's kind of why we loved him. Because on some level - we all want to be that guy - maybe not in real life, but we loved watching it play out and we certainly loved living that life vicariously. One of the great things about the SOPRANOS is that watching it made you FEEL like a mobster in that amoral window.

So we were not hoodwinked into loving Tony, who in the pilot was pretty much a lovable Jersey crook but over the course of 7 seasons, showed us he was a murderous, petty, jealous, theiving, racist, cheating, lying, betraying, con man who even lied to himself and ultimately killed his own de-facto son (Christopher) and then went to Vegas to fuck his dead son's whore and do drugs with her and live the life that Christopher was living because - despite all of Tony's remarks about Chris being a junkie who would flip at any second - he was insanely jealous of Christopher's life and the ep where he killed him and took all his spoils only proved that. We loved him anyway. Despite the fact that he ruined Bobby's life by making him kill, that he was ready to pull the trigger on Hesh over a gambling debt, that he wanted to kill Paulie over his big mouth - and that he killed some of the people closest to him - Adriana, Christopher, Big Pussy, Tony B., the list goes on and on.

But we weren't fooled into loving either Tony or Vic - we went along all too willingly. Why wouldn't we? These were great, rich characters. As far as Vic goes, we watched him shoot a cop (it helps that he shot someone we didn't really know) and we didn't care. But frankly - even though horrifying things often happened on THE SHIELD - it was usually Mackey taking care of business. In the end, he had to what he had to do. He had played all his cards, misjudged a mortal amount of situations -and he protected his family. That's why, even after he sold out Ronnie, even after he strung him along all the way through the finale and even after his own family left him, we still rooted for the bastard. We loved Vic and always will. And regarding the comparison of the finales - look - THE SHIELD was brilliant in its final hours with Vic. It really was. Probably even better than my review would admit. But then again - we had 20 minutes of OUTKAST in it. I realize with that storyline Sean Ryan was trying to shine a light on overall corruption through the Aceveda storyline - but let's be honest - the Aceveda stuff didn't quite feel full in the end. What it all felt like was life - imperfect.

THE SOPRANOS final hour had much imperfection as well. Lots of AJ. Lots and lots of AJ. Why? Certainly not because of the dynamic character - in fact, AJ is probably somewhere behind Tony's sister Janice is one of the more useless elements of the show. If I had to point a finger at why that was...I think somehow the actor just never truly connected to the role. He was okay. It was fine. But the finale - despite some lameness that is inherant to anything you attach expectations to - rocked in ways that brought the series to true resolution in ways deeper than some of the individual plotlines. And in that sense, I think THE SHIELD and THE SOPRANOS both had great, slightly flawed, imperfect endings. Like life.


I really liked IRON MAN but somehow didn’t quite love it.


SNL: W/TIM McCRAW
One funny sketch. I counted it. The thing with DATELINE w/Keith Morrison. That was really weird and funny. The rest was completely unwatchable. Seth Meyers doing that UPDATE alone is like….
Grade: D


I do like Rosie O’Donnel but her promos for her variety show…not so much.


SCREAM QUEENS (VH1)
Is getting better and more embarrassing than ever. Long live this crazy show and the whacky actresses that inhabit it. The most recent challenge – where the girls had to act possessed was brilliant. Even better – Shawnee Smith appears at the edge of falling asleep in every scene she’s in. Who will win the coveted walk-on in SAW 6? And can that really be the prize?????
Grade: B +


ENTOURAGE (HBO) (SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!)
Since I rambled on so much about THE SHIELD and THE SOPRANOS, let me make this one pretty quick. I watched the final four episodes the other night and generally kind of really liked it. I loved that Vince had so much trouble with the director, I loved what a prick Jason Patric was, I loved Gary Cole as the new agent - I even liked the Turtle/Jamie Lynn Siegler romance. What I did not particularly love is how the show went through amazingly great pains to take Vince down all those notches only to literally have his salvation fall from the sky with Martin Scorsesee in one of the most unlikely plot scenarios in the series history. Despite that, it's still a great show and well worth the time and I'm glad they're coming back for another season. I also thought Adrien Grenier really rose to the ocassion this season as his character was challenged on every level both personally and professionally that he could be. Even Turtle and Drama posted new acting highs this season. So - even though I'm going to have to overlook some gratuitis bullshit like the writer E. reps getting laid while trying to put a tv deal together (give me a fucking break) I this this was a great creative season and I look forward to more.
Grade: B +


TRUE BLOOD (Season Finale’- HBO)
What a great season. Unfortunately, they had built to so much, that this last hour felt very workmanlike in tying up most of the loose ends. We knew from the previous week who the killer was and this hour made no attempt to further twist the story. There was also a bit of cheese as the makeup job on Vampire Bill in the daylight was kind of…Troma-like. Still – this is a great show – they did some nice set ups for next year. I don’t think the “2 WEEKS LATER” thing worked all that well. I really am not up for a storyline that has Jason Stackhouse being “born again” because frankly – I’ve seen that particular story on TV about 132,234,254,234 times. What made this season so great is that most of the show was unexpected, and as long as they can keep tapping into that unexpected place, I look forward to the new eps. That said – the final hour was a bit of a let down – but I still love this show.
SEASON 1 GRADE: A
Season 1 Finale’ grade: B +


30 ROCK (NBC)
“Gavin Valour” – Steve Martin stars as a guy who comes to really fuck up 30 ROCK and have it go from a smart show about something real to a fake show about something fake. He almost got the job done. The producers might do well to watch WILL & GRACE witness firsthand how “special guest stars” destroyed a once promising show.


THE OFFICE (NBC)
“The return of Toby. Frame Toby!” Another episode that seems to have needed a laugh track. You know, so people would…laugh.


Me and my niece recently watched every PEANUTS holiday special – the GREAT PUMPKIN, CHRISTMAS and the THANKSGIVING special. Peanuts is so good – the dialog so good – that Xmas special is so good….those kids are so smart - and so cold. It's the best.
Peanuts: A +
(highest recommendation.)


The trailer for THE WRESTLER seems fucking amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-GFxjTyV0&feature=dir


YOUNG @HEART (DVD)
I’m only 10 minutes into this and I already love it.


Random thoughts as I watch the American Music Awards (ABC)
Christine Aguilera performed a great medley of her hits. She looked and sounded awesome.
Jimmy Kimmel was solidly hilarious while rocking a particularly well worn black suit.
Jamie Foxx – Not funny, not tuneful, not (fill in your own adjective here.)
New Kids On The Block – not bad.
Scott Weiland (presenter) – H for Heroin
Pink – pretty awesome – didn’t love the song. Though it was ironic to hear Weiland say “Here performing sober…”
Kanye West – what’s up with him?
Leona Lewis – I still don’t get it.
Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend (I mean, her father.) She’s cool. I don’t know how to grade something like this – it wasn’t exactly a song – more like a kid’s performance. Which I guess – I don’t know. This is lost on me.
Coldplay – A + Yeah!
Umm….Alicia Keys CD beat the Eagles? Hmmm….I mean – “No One” is a good single – but – she beat The Eagles “Long Road Out Of Eden?” Her marble mouthed acceptance speech only made the win more horrifying.
What a night for Mariah Carrey. So deserving. So….when did pleasant ballads sung in a helium tinged voice and a comically exaggerated smile and way-too-small outfits become THE GREATEST THING EVER???
Kanye West won something and gave it to Lil’ Wayne…I think? I don’t get that guy. I think he’s troubled. I think he spends nights arguing with himself. I think he’s up right now, not having slept, still arguing about something.
Wow, T-Mobile is really stepping it up to be an awesome part of the music scene. Rock and fucking roll, baby! T-Mobile shredded it!!!!!
I look like all three of the Jonas Brothers. How did that happen?
Their song sounded like a leftover cut from the ROCKY 4 soundtrack. I could see Stallone training to fight the Russian while that played.
If you play the Pussycat Dolls in fast forward – it looks like the Kardashian family.
Kimmel was hilarious when he presented Justin Timberlake as “the most attractive man in the world.”
He might be right.
I liked the thing for Annie Lennox – she’s the best.
Most underrated Lennox song ever: I SAVED THE WORLD TODAY.
And Lennox was the best performer of the night – hands down.
Daughtry looked a LOT like Popeye’s retarded cousin. God bless how far he’s gotten with his pitch-perfect Eddie Vedder impression.
So – there you have it – the acts were okay, Jimmy was hilarious and sharp in that black suit – Justin Timberlake is sexy/cool – Annie Lennox and Coldplay rule and Kanye West is great and/or Insane - and Billy Cyrus has a serious thing for his daughter.
All in all, a great night for music. A great night for cell phones.


DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
Who's the worst actress on TV? I'll give you a hint. She plays Dexter’s sister. Jennifer Carpenter. That’s her name. If ever there was an actress who makes every right choice – Ms. Carpenter is not that actress.


I woke up the other night thinking that, like Dexter, I had killed people and now I was trapped in hell for all eternity – then I realized – it was just Chelsea Lately interviewing Jenny McCarthy. Whew. But almost as bad.

Then again I thought I was in hell only to realize I had awoken to the sounds of Jay Leno interviewing Miley Cyrus. Jesus.

Speaking of Leno, why is he ONLY funny when being a guest of Jimmy Kimmel’s? Jimmy was very funny with Jay, and it’s probably the only 2 times in the last 5 years that Mr. Leno has made me laugh – both times he’s been sitting on Jimmy’s couch.


SONS OF ANARCHY (FX)
I’m finally unspooling these from my DVR – I’m on episode 8 and they keep getting better and better. I'm completely hooked. Completely.
Grade: A


LEONARD COHEN – I’M YOUR MAN (SUN)
Halfway though – Nick Cave singing “I’m your man” rocked the fucking house. This is a great documentary full of great Leanord Cohen tunes sung by people who love them.


Happy Thanksgiving!