So, I've been sick for weeks and I just got over this nasty flu. While I was sick I watched a ton of stuff so this blog is packed - and at some point in the last year or so, my friend Ralph Cirella (Howard Stern Show) and I discussed him being a guest critic as he's one of my friends who watches almost as much as I do - and me being sick - this seemed like a good time to do it. Ralph is famous on the Stern show as much for being Howard's stylist as for his often snarky opinions (to put it really mildly.)
What I did not expect is that this guest critic's main target of criticism would be me, personally.
Thanks, Ralph.
I just got the U2 CD – have only heard it a few times thus far, but I'm starting to really like it. The third track, "Moment Of Surrender" is as good as anything the band has ever recorded. It's a gorgeous, seven minute track which now adds a near-epic to the U2 catalog.
RALPH SAYS:
I dont know about the new album, but they were GREAT on LETTERMAN.... it really looked/felt like a special event, the director did an AMAZING JOB... I have it on good authority they added a few cameras and he worked closely with BONO to make it work.
take a look if u missed it...
http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/live/index/php/979638.phtml?play=1
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)
Rock hosted and Ray LaMontague sang. For the record, I’m a huge LaMontague fan – but not of the stuff he sang last night nor so much his latest CD, which shies away from his usual depressing but great sounding records (check out his ALL THE WILD HORSES which is on the RESCUE ME soundtrack – amazing.) Let’s talk about THE ROCK for a minute. He’s okay in movies – he was amusing the first time he hosted. But now he’s become that guy – that truly unfunny guy working and sweating to make you laugh – and it’s become really embarrassing that somehow Dwayne “Rock” Johnson is now supposed to always be some kind of comedian. Really. It’s enough. He was a disaster at the Grammys and now he was a disaster on SNL. We like THE ROCK – let’s not drag him into this supposed idea that he’s a hilarious man, shall we? I mean, I really do like the Rock – he’s really genial. But when did he get the reputation of a seasoned comedian? Also – the rest of the show – without THE ROCK – sucked as well – so, anyway you sliced it – SNL has started one of their better years with a run of really bad episodes. There was literally not one funny sketch on this mother fucker. Not a one.
Grade: D -
RALPH SAYS:
kind of agree.....the opening sketch was REALLY GOOD (and THE ROCK is much more then OKAY in movies and VERY GOOD with comedy) but the rest of the show BLEW... including the usually funny UPDATE... i REALLY miss AMY POHLER and PLEASE keep
J. TIMBERLAKE out of the bldg
...now theres a guy whos NOT FUNNY!
theres been ALOT to like about the show this year
RALPHGRADE: GRADE B- (SEASON OVERALL)
LOST (ABC)
(CAUTION – SPOILERS AHEAD - MAJOR SPOILERS)
I finally caught up on the last batch of 7 or 8 eps of LOST. Before I say anything else – these episodes are truly a pleasure to watch. TV at its finest in many ways. Having an ending in sight has clearly allowed the writers and producers to tell and end the story the way they want to. I have some quibbles, but first let me say what I think is RIGHT about the ABC drama in it’s 5th and next to last season.
Every episode is now answering more questions than asking. We are getting closure and for the most part, the answers seem right and (mostly) ingenious. We finally get Sawyer as a full fledged action hero, and it’s a good fit. We get a bunch of the survivors (The Oceanic 6) on dry land, we get Ben as a (seemingly) good guy – which he plays astonishingly well. Although we don't know the truth of his war with Charles Whitmore – I’m riveted by the feud.
Daniel Faraday is the best new character in the history of the series. RIP Charlotte – who (SPOILER AHEAD) – even though time-travel proved to rough for her system – in my own humble opinion – I thought Charlotte – or rather the actress that played her – was truly one of the most exquisite woman ever on prime time. Her eyes…okay, this is clearly another conversation. And a great character that I was sorry to see go – although with LOST – you never know who’ll pop back up again. (Thank God they finally answered the WALT question this very last episode.)
And while I”ve LOVED the time traveling back and forth angle – let’s talk about the few things that aren’t quite working. First of all, not for a minute did I buy the BAD SUN plot – Sun as this revenge seeking – tough talking mama who’s out to kill Ben and having these – really insipid conversations with Whitmore complete with bad “B” dialog (Remember the scene where she was detained at the airport and she was screaming at Whitmore “Why did you do this? Was is it YOU who put me in this room!!!” Really bad – seriously – thank God Jin’s alive and we don’t have to endure “Killer Sun” anymore. Also – 2 episodes ago – things got REALLY woozy and the mythology almost got seriously fucked. The idea that they would go to that house with this woman (Faraday’s mom) and she had all the answers while she sat there in that ridiculous outfit with this absolutely nonsensical explanation of how to get them back to the island – I half expected her to say “Just tap your shoes and say “There’s no place like the Island. There’s no place like the Island.” Seriously – Faraday’s mom and her whole persona and her whole way to get them back to the island – not good. An awful key moment in a mostly stellar season.
Also – I’m still not sure – why in the fuck do they all want to go back there? Ok, I can see Sun wanting to retrieve her husband after her brief career as a laughable 84 pound assassin. (Boy, did that dialogue not serve the actress well.) Oh – I almost forgot – Sawyer slapping Farraday was as unexpected as it was AWESOME. But – getting back to the Island – why? Why would the doctor want to go back? Or Kate? (maybe Kate has a thing left for Sawyer – but that still would not really explain her going back.) Hurley? Well – I still don’t think they have a great fix on his character so – I never really understand any of his motivations. Sayid and Desmond – in a million years they would never go back – to save “THE OTHERS” this weird radial group of hippies that wanted them dead. So – therein lies the problem for me – I absolutely LOVE the storytelling – but can’t really put my finger on why exactly the survivors would want to go back beyond Ben telling them “Because the Island needs you.”
I just watched the most recent episode “Les Flour” which was a completely Sawyer-centric episode and slowed things down considerably to lesieurly tell the story of what Sawyer’s been doing for the last 3 years. Really, the ep was a complete let down and I was rather bored with Sawyer’s storyline – as much as I like the actor in that role and even though the twist ending was cool – it lacked any real moments. Again – a pretty rare misstep in an otherwise amazing season.
Despite my quibbles, LOST is as alive as ever, and once again, one of the big events of the TV season.
Grade: A
RALPH SAYS:
TOTALLY AGREE....your much more analytical then me though,
I don’t dig too deep with this show, I like to sit back and enjoy
the ride. The show is SMART, FUN, SURPRISING and ALWAYS ENTERTAINING.... I'm amazed at how they can write FLASH-BACKS... FLASH FOWARDS and now TIMESHIFTING...a CONFUSING mess that ALWAYS sorts itself out and satisfies on MANY LEVELS.
MUST SEE and a MUST SEE in real time, quite a feat these days
RALPHGRADE: A+
WHAT WOULD YOU DO? (ABC)
If you haven’t seen this – this is a great show from the ABC news division. They stage these tense incidents with actors to see if people watching would jump in. (Like a woman yelling at her nanny and being racist.) Unfortunately – some of the setups are as old as a bad Candid Camera segment – usually about half the show is relevant and great and the other half sucks out loud – but tune in – there is fun to be had here.
Grade: B -
RALPH SAYS:
dont watch this show....I dont care what anyone else would do,
most people are STUPID
SOBER HOUSE (VH1)
I’m a huge fan of this show – and I realize why it’s more exciting than CELEB REHAB – because in this show – you get the celeb, you get the addiction, the rehab AND the relapses! But I have to say – there are a few things in this show that are beginning to feel – don’t laugh when you read this – but exploitive. The whole thing with Seth on his crack run was frightening and real I’m sure – but the SCOOBY GANG in their van going around looking for Seth – highlighted by a trip to a porn star’s home who they woke up (I think her name was Jessie Jane) – and when she did wake up sporting a black eye, an uncharacteristically compassionate Andy Dick asked “Did Seth give you that, baby?” I mean – this was probably the apex of insanity. And there is some weird incestuous bent to all the relationships. Mary Carrey’s boyfriend is this major douche (at least how he’s being edited) named David – and everybody in the house seems to both know him and somehow work for him. It’s weird and they don’t bother to explain all the connections and what David’s actual connection to Seth is. And Dr. Drew bringing Rodney King back to where he was beaten – I’m sure it was cathartic for Mr. King – but it felt like something that should’ve been done with the cameras off. Still – it’s unbelievably compelling. And even if it can be exploitive and ridiculous – within every episode something really great/horrifying happens (after Seth was MIA for a few days, Steve, the heavy set dude who’s the bodyguard of the house finally found him in a depressing hotel room. After they reunited, Steve said “I love this guy – he’s a fool like me.”
It’s that kind of humanity that goes a LONG way in redeeming the more exploitive moments.
Grade: A
UPDATE: Just watched the ep where Andy Dick makes amends to a lot of people – very sobering and very real. Worst of all was watching Steven Adler completely fall apart.
RALPH SAYS:
NEVER saw this show and from your description I never WILL.
I once saw a few min of CELEB REHAB, JEFF CONWAY was hunched over and feeble, and some CRACKHEAD was trying to score.
I don’t find peoples MISERY entertaining.
DIGITAL COUCH SAYS: Since fucking when?
RALPH SAYS:
I just found it DISTURBING and I'm REALLY SURPRISED that
DR. DREW NEVER gets any heat for this.
DIGITAL COUCH SAYS: Dr. Drew is a very stabilizing presence on this show – without him it’d be lost. If I ever got into this kind of trouble – Dr. Drew would be the first guy I called.
ZACK & MINI MAKE A PORNO (DVD)
How bad does Kevin Smith want to be Judd Apatow? How’s this for starters – he gets 4 or more major players from the Apatow repertory company – he allows them to completely riff on his (what he thinks is) modern relevant script (it’s not) and just improv all the shittiness of the script away. Sorry, Kevin, even Seth Rogan can’t save your ass. Even with these talented actors and an admittedly fun idea, Smith still manages to make one of the worst comedies of the year. There are a couple of funny moments – 3 or 4 maybe – tops – but mostly its Kevin Smith desperately trying to get in on the new Apatow style comedy – a style that has never suited Smith. The truth is – I’m not a fan – so read this with a grain of salt – but besides CLERKS (overrated), I don’t’ think the guy has made one decent movie since. Why doesn’t he just buy a completed film of Apatow’s and stick his name on it? It would be a lot better than this – and by the way – the “porno” they make resembles absolutely nothing related remotely to porn – and it’s as if Smith nor anyone else in this entire movie – including Katie Morgan – the porn star who does those HBO specials – and Traci Lords, looking and sounding real tired – has never seen an actual porn – it’s that bad. The endless deleted scenes are even worse. And you can see every plot twist coming from 40 miles away – the worst. Any movie that can make Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks unappealing deserves a special place in Hell.
Grade: D
RALPH SAYS:
UGH... KEVIN SMITH is a whiny bitch who ALWAYS BLAMES someone else for his MANY failures...I have ZERO interest in his CHATTY, BORING MOVIES.
...and for the record CLERKS was WAY OVERATED!
THE ACADEMY AWARDS (ABC)
Umm….what to say. Hugh Jackman is disturbing. His song & dance routine – really disturbing. Like every year – there were highs and lows. HIGH – the inspired sketch from PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. LOW – Hugh Jackman sitting in Frank Langella’s lap. LOW – Sean Penn beating Mickey Rourke. By the way – I read something hilarious but don’t remember where so I can’t properly attribute it – but it went something like “Sean Penn won for MILK with the EXACT same performance he gave in I AM SAM without the mental retardation.” I kind of agree – Penn WAS great in a good movie – but he played a flawless character with no real arc. Rourke, on the other hand – took us through that guy’s entire life with clear precision – Rourke literally took all the other nominees to school on this one – but what do I know? Anyway – how many years are they NOT going to ask their main man, Jimmy Kimmel, to host this fucking thing? And the past presenters giving their personal notes to the nominees – awkward. Particularly Adrien Brody’s strange, rambling presentation to a mystified Richard Jenkins.
Grade: B –
RALPH SAYS:
B-!!...were u HIGH when u watched this??? this was ABSOLUTELY THE WORST FUCKING broadcast of the show EVER.
I tuned out/zoned out SEVERAL TIMES.
I TOTALLY agree HUGH JACKMAN was disturbing.... starting off with him PRANCING around to that ill-conceived low rent prop extravaganza was more then EMBARRASSING....
yeah I got the attempted joke there, but it wasnt funny.
As for the AWARDS themselves PENN TOTALLY deserved it, he was ACTING.... ROURKE was just playing HIMSELF, BASICALLY.
HATED that SYMPATHY VOTE for LEDGER.
-speaking of the JOKER someone PLEASE tell ANN HATAWAY to stop doing her makeup like a CLOWN!!
I LOVED the 5 PRESENTERS, for me that was the only saving grace of the night, problem is it happened in the first and last half hour....EVERYTHING in between was completely unsatisfying.
RALPHGRADE: a solid D for DULL.
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! AFTER THE OSCARS (ABC)
Ok, this had a lot to live up to after last year’s “I’m Fucking Ben Affleck.” And he did it – the Mel Gibson interview was nothing short of genius. From minute one when Mel got out there and Jimmy asked “can I say Shalom?” to Jimmy telling Gibson that he should trademark “Sugartits” (which Mel claims he didn’t actually say – but wished he had) – and the whole thing was just kind of wonderful and gave Mel a chance to re-connect to the public he angered. Who knows if it worked. I don’t think it was really about that – I was genuinely curious about Mel at this point. I don’t know what the deal is with his new beard and such – but 1 – it’s nice to see Mel embracing old age – 2 – Kimmel & Co. worked wonders with it with the near-perfect KFC movie starring Mel Gibson (You Tube it – it’s that funny – you tube the whole interview.)
When things looked like they could not get any funnier – We got a “behind the scenes of the Kimmel Live! Promo” – who knew that the next great comedy team just might be Kimmel & Cruise? Every year Jimmy’s after Oscar show is better than the actual Oscars – when do they give this man the hosting gig? I mean, we’ve had Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel, Whoopi Goldberg, Hugh Jackman – who’s next – William Hung? But – back to this hour – awesome.
Grade: A +
RALPH SAYS:
I REALLY enjoyed JIMMYS after show too, esp. the stuff with CRUISE, and the show in general has been really good but...
"GENIUS"-"WONDERFUL" -"KIMMEL and CO. WORKED WONDERS"
STOP embarrassing yourself. You love JIMMY. We get it.
HOWARD TV (ON DEMAND)
Have been catching up a bit on some of these great segments from the greatest radio show in the world:
GARY VS. ARTIE
This was great. Gary was under the impression that Artie did not want him in Afganistan when Artie went to entertain the troops. He might’ve been right but Artie backed off the sentiment – which lead to some GREAT insane stories of Artie losing it overseas. Artie said there was one soldier who he had only known as this very nice guy and at some point the soldier had to get Artie in a headlock and tell him to get back in his room. Artie said he marched.
Grade: A
Gary’s TAKE ME BACK video (aka “hello hello”)
This was a video Gary made I think in the late 80s or early 90s to try and win back his girlfriend. Anyone who’s ever written any kind of “take me back” email or video would relate to this – though they showed the video straight – rather than the segment where Howard auctioned off seats and commented on every line – which is the version which I prefer – still – for pure humiliation grounded in humanity – it doesn’t’ get more humiliating than this – and god bless Gary for having a sense of humor about it.
Grade: A
RALPH SAYS:
A CLASSIC among CLASSICS!!! I'm not sure about that sense of humor though....If GOD didn't bless him with $20,000 (or whatever he got paid for showing it) u would have NEVER seen it!
EAST BOUND & DOWN (HBO)
Nothing less than the hands-down funniest new show in recent memory. The first 2 were stellar and star Danny McBride as a washed up pitcher who’s forced to move back to his home town and live with his brother and his horrified family. There are so many good jokes, so many great moments – Danny gets a job as a substitute teacher and walks into the lunchroom and announces to the faculty “There are four kids raping a 6th grader – awww, I’m just kidding!” The humor is as crass as it gets, Danny is a much of a mess as one person can possibly be. In episode two he agreed – for 200 bucks, to make a guest appearance at a local car dealership run by a wig wearing insane Will Ferrel – who completely humiliated Danny until the former pitcher was forced to take ecstacy and show up at a school dance of which he is faculty. This is fresh, unpredictable writing – every single scene goes in the opposite direction you were expecting and McBride is the best at being the worst. This show is DA BOMB. You can start from the beginning ON DEMAND. Highest recommendation.
Grade: A +
RALPH SAYS:
been on the fence with this one but based on your review i'll def check it out
THE BIGGEST LOSER (NBC)
Ok – Bob literally CRYING about the changing of the teams – leading to a 20 minute montage of Bob, thought tears, remembering the workout moments with his trainees…ok, this is starting to get RETARDED. Bob is fucking CRYING on the show because they split the teams – and Jillian is not far behind. By the way – the show is getting to the point where people have lost even 100 pounds and are starting to look great – that’s the money shot of this show – the weigh ins – not all the other bullshit with the complicated games – believe me. This is really simple - just show us huge giant people losing massive amounts of weight. That’s all we ask. Thank you.
Grade: B -
RALPH SAYS:
UGH...I've NEVER watched this....I HATE when people get rewarded for doing what they should be doing in the first place!
REAL TIME W/ BILL MAHER (HBO)
Maher returns not a moment too soon. I’ve always loved this show – I loved it on ABC before they gave it the ax – but I do have this one negative thing to say. Bill – you are funny, very insightful and often times brilliant. Your interplay with your carefully selected guests is always great. But Bill – as a friend who doesn’t know you – please heed my advice – for GOD’S SAKES – STOP WITH THE FUCKING BITS. What can we do to beg you to stop? THEY ARE NOT FUNNY. Truly not funny. And you trying to make them funny only makes you look lame – keep the show – drop the bits. They are a cancer on your otherwise healthy show. I say this with love – let it go.
Grade: A -
RALPH SAYS:
CONSISTENTLY GREAT and a MUST SEE, ignore the bad bits...just be happy they dont last as long as some of those bad SNL SKITS...
besides, the ALWAYS BRILLIANT NEW RULES makes up for it.
speaking of SNL, check this out, from awhile back but STILL CRACKS ME UP...
http://www.hulu.com/watch/47604/saturday-night-live-digital-short-j-in-my-pants
MR. WOODCOCK (HBO)
Ridiculous. Not funny. Worst of all – in the last 20 minutes – the bad film goes from bad laughs to bad sentiment. There seemed to be something funny in the premise, but it was never realized.
Grade: D
RALPH SAYS:
D?....CMON MAN... that was a funny premise and had its moments...although it did fall apart at the end.
RALPHGRADE: C+
30 ROCK (NBC)
Continues to be one of the funniest shows on network TV – BUT – they have to stay away from the more surreal storylines and stay GROUNDED and about the weekly show they put on and not get into these crazy flights of fancy with…the weird stuff they do in a lot of episodes. Still, even at it’s worst, it’s great.
Grade: B +
UPDATE: Just watched the episode from last Thursday. The best moment of it – and perhaps one of the funniest moments of the season – Jack Donagy explaining, with great pain in his heart, the ending of HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS. That speech alone was worth the price of admission.
Grade: A
RALPH SAYS: I agree, i'm not always so into it when they get too surreal but the OPRAH episode was pretty out there and still an A+ ...u gotta take a shot sometimes with the absurd.
Bottom line: the show is ALWAYS GREAT and BALDWIN is always BRILLANT!...and BRING BACK THE BEEPER KING!!
RALPHGRADE: consistently B+ to A+
CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (ABC)
What can you really say about this show? It’s been on forever – the format is completely the same pretty much every year. I actually prefer this new incarnation with the celebrities as its fun to watch them go after each other. But this first installment was no different from any other – just the celebs have changed. To that end – here is what stuck out in my mind – first of all – I’m rooting for Claudia from DEAL OR NO DEAL – she’s a friend and starred with Jess Zaino on TLC’s late, great series “GIRLS MODERN GUIDE TO LIFE.” That aside – that girl poker player looks pretty tough – thought I’d never heard of her. There are about 4 or 5 people – I don’t know who they are. Scott Hamilton is a weirdo with all his weird enthusiasm. Brandy Roderick (is that her name?) seems like one of these generic model/Playboy types who just…I don’t know. She’s made a living out of being pretty and then wants to be patted on the back for it – I guess.
Joan Rivers has had so much plastic surgery that it’s beginning to get really disturbing and poor Joan looks great from some angles – from others – she really does look like Donald Duck. I like the presence of her daughter, Melissa – they seem to be attached at the hip on every TV project either one of them does – but Joan is clearly the one with the charisma – Melissa seems nice – but she has zero personality on here. Dennis Rodman was his usual weird self – saying and doing little but just sort of being there and getting angry when he’s accused (rightfully so) of doing nothing. Some Monster Truck guy is there who’s lame.
Tom Greene – who I never found funny even when he was hot – comes off as fairly normal and nice – except for the one moment where he tried to be funny and it just got awkward. But hands down – the biggest mess this year was Andrew Dice Clay – the first guy to get kicked off (deservedly so) and just – a total mess. Anyone who reads this blog knows I love Dice and used to think he was the best comic around (he’s still funny when he does his thing both on stand-up and in the Stern studios) but here, on the Trump show, he seemed ill at ease, tired, cranky, petulant, every bit the character he supposedly “plays.” I felt bad for the horrified girl in the office he asked out. Worst of all was him thinking he had an audience of millions – he’d remind them what a great comedian he was – huge mistake. His 40 year old impression of Travolta (he still does the Travolta routine from WELCOME BACK KOTTER – seriously) and a REALLY wonky impression of Stallone that my niece could probably best him on – Dice – stick to the filthy material and it would’ve been nice to see you on here with a decent attitude instead of thinking you’re some kind of diva. He kept referring to the fact that he was bigger than everyone else in the room and that nobody ever sold out Madison Square Garden 3 nights in a row like him. And it’s like – Yeah, Dice – we know that – that was cool. It was also 92’. It’s 17 years later – you’re not the same guy so – act like a human being and instead he acted like a moron and made any Dice fan embarrassed to have once championed him. Throwing him off – that was tricky because he was bound to be more of a train wreck – but maybe Trump had mercy and saved the man from himself. I almost forgot – Donald Trump, Jr. Wow – he’s been around the show for years – he always sounds weird and awkward when he talks – that explanation about what he’s doing with his life by his father – WOW. This guy must be doing nothing but CELEB APPRENTICE. That said – he’s already starting in with the insanity of the hair like his dad. I can’t even describe nor explain what he does with his hair. Dude – cut the hair short and be done with it. Just how psychologically fucked up are you that you are trying to emulate the worst hair-do in the entire planet?
Grade: B –
UPDATE: I heard Dice on the Stern radio show and he had a very credible reason for being such a train wreck on the show – of course, mixed in with a good dose of Dice style self-sabotage.
RALPH SAYS:
DAMN... THAT’S quite the exhaustive review... EDIT MAN, EDIT!
anyway, this was the first time in AWHILE I was interested in the show and it didn't disappoint...although I wish they had kept DICE on a little longer esp. when I heard him explain on THE STERN SHOW why he was such an uncooperative pain in the ASS.
do all the TRUMP men HAVE to have BAD HAIR??
RALPHGRADE: A
NOTE TO JIMMY FALLON:
Dude, stop going around and talking about how your show is going to be so fucking funny because unlike all the other shows, you’re into the internet and Twitter. The fucking guy is running around saying because he’s using TWITTER his show rules. Jimmy Fallon, what in the fuck are you talking about? You don’t need the internet. People aren’t tuning in to see you play with a computer. What people would like is some hard comedy – the kind that makes them laugh. Then, after the monoluage – it usually works best if you actually have some curiosity and enthusiasm about your guests. Get it together. Although – I don’t know – Conan has made a living off not being funny for 15 years and now he’s getting the 11:30 slot, so what do I know? And Leno hasn’t made me laugh in the last 15 years and he’s getting 10:PM – so who knows? I just know that Fallon should shut up already about how the internet is what’s going to separate him from the pack – that may be true – but boy, will it not be in the way you want it to be. I think Fallon’s late night career will turn out worse than his big screen one. Good luck,
UPDATE: I saw a batch of eps. Fallon is really bad. He’s comes out and gives these monologues that he doesn’t seem to believe in. His bits, for the most part – are horrible. And he was supposed to innovate his whole process with TWITTER – instead he’s like – in an SNL sketch almost pretending to be in a bad tv talk show. Deniro interview was a fucking disaster. Cameron Diaz came out and looked great, but Jimmy Fallon has no idea what to ask since all he seems to care about is what people think of him – like because he’s cute and genial everyone’s going to just fall in love with him – despite the fact that he can’t conduct an interview to save his life. He reminds of a girl on a nervous first date. Then he had Drew Barrymore – of course the whole world knows that Fallon is married to Drew’s producing partner – and Drew is every bit as annoying as Tattiana from IDOL. I swear she is. She comes out with this cow-pie grin like everything is just so fucking wonderful in the air she’s in – she was like “Jimmy – you’re like family – you’re the funniest human being I know!!!!!!” And it’s all this fake, pie in the phoney hollwyood shit – yikes.
I know it’s just the beginning – but I’ll be shocked if this works.
RALPH SAYS:
Saw EPISODE 3 (CAMERON DIAZ), I'll say upfront I've NEVER been a fan of FALLONS...at all....cant stand that FAKE, GEE GOLLY, MESSY HAIRED, nice guy act he does (see SANDLER, SAMBERG).
Trying so hard to be likeable makes him TOTALLY UNLIKABLE...
one step above DANE COOK in the comedy world.
All that being said I obviously wasn’t expecting much
...and he didn't disappoint.
HOSTING a talk show is CLEARLY a role he’s not cut out for...
DURING the UNFUNNY monologue he appeared NERVOUS and UNSURE....Then it was on to some VERY LAME bits...BROMANCE NOVEL covers and THE WORST, some ill conceived celebrity feud thing with audience members that i cant even EXPLAIN
(which is supposed to be a recurring bit...lets hope not!)
His interview with CAMERON DIAZ was HORRIBLE...
he was LISPING, MUMBLING and talking over her answers.
(*NOTE to FALLON...it helps if u let the guest talk, esp. after u ask them a question) Then as you mention, he tries way too hard to be "with it" and reads questions for her that people submitted from TWITTER...and TERRIBLE ones at that.
UGH!....HOW LAME and DESPERATE...
you cant think of any questions yourself?!
The one and only HIGH POINT was the DANCE OFF with DIAZ...
FUN and GOOFEY...they should have just done that the entire show!
...the good news is it CANT get ANY WORSE!
RALPHGRADE... NONE...DO OVER!
I’ve been seeing the promos for DUPLICITY, in which Julia Roberts plays a brilliant, scheming woman to Clive Owen’s equally slippery character. There are shots of Roberts being “brilliant” and other shots of her resurrecting her thousand watt smile and laugh – I don’t know about you guys, but it made me throw up in my mouth.
RALPH SAYS:
YEAH...LOOKS AWFUL..... like one of those trailers you'd see in a movie for a fake movie...yaknow?? ... and speaking of BAD MOVIES dont waste your time/money on....
STEP BROTHERS...couple funny moments but WAY too over the top and GRATUITOUS... there appeared to be no script, and they just let those guys loose to do whatever the F they wanted.
RIGHTEOUS KILL... DUMB PREDICTABLE story that doesnt come close to living up to the potential of these two LEGENDARY ACTORS.... one of them alone in this would be bad enough, but to bring them together for such a useless piece of shit is a CRIME!
STREET KINGS (HBO)... WOW....TOTAL SHIT!
cant imagine how upset i'd be if i actually paid to see that mess
On more POSITIVE NOTES just saw LAST CHANCE HARVEY...
GOOD SUNDAY AFTERNOON LOVE STORY.
also check out BODY of LIES...DICAPRIO NEVER disappoints.
On the TV front STOP with all that REALITY CRAP man and get into some quality programming like...
BSG
continues to be the best show on television.
Z-ROCK
ROCKERS at NIGHT...KIDS PARTY BAND by DAY....
good guest stars and awkward situations.
24
GREAT CAST* and storylines...yeah, ALOT of the same notes but EVERY EPISODE is SOLID....a wkly MINI-MOVIE
*except for the ALWAYS ANNOYING GARAFALO
SHOOT HER JACK... PLEASE!!!
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
as good as ever... I want to live in that town... GO PANTHERS!
BIG BANG THEORY
gets a little too GEEKY sometimes, but can be VERY FUNNY
NEW ADVENTURES of OLD CHRISTINE
ALWAYS makes me laugh out loud...almost as good as 30 ROCK
FRINGE
another GREAT CAST and VERY WELL WRITTEN...
INTRIGUING SUBPLOT
THANKS for having me....CIRELLA OUT!
2009/02/22
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?”
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?”
2009/02/10
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 +
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 +
2009/01/29
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.
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.
2008/12/15
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
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
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