“I know I haven’t been the most exemplary father for the past 3 or 15 years, but now I gonna need your help to get through this. From this point forward, we’re going to be a family again. What the hell is THAT?” -Frank
I’d like to start this review with a congratulations to Shameless as Showtime announced today that it will be picked up for a second season! This is excellent news, as I’ve grown to love the Gallagher family and friends. If season 2 offers more episodes like this one, then I’m fully on board.
“It’s Time to Kill the Turtle” was brilliant in the sense that it gave us a glimpse into the future of these characters. Or what the future would be like if things changed. We start with Fiona who has had her doubts all along about Steve being right for her. When she suspects he might be cheating, she is confronted with her feelings about losing him. I think even Fiona was shocked about her feelings for Steve, so it will be interesting to see what happens when she finds out his name is actually Jimmy, has a girlfriend/wife named Candice and is lying to his family about being in college. Then there’s Phillip who, despite being brilliant, has never considered going to college. That is until he was shown the robotics lab by a University of Chicago professor who caught him cheating for other students on the SATs. Phillip saw just how bright his future can be and it might finally get him out of the hood. The question will be whether he takes Karen or not. Karen appears to have no real aspirations other than palling around with Lip. Lip finally realized he may have feelings, but is Karen just going to be someone who brings him back down? Or can she change for the better with him?
We also got to see a side of characters we don’t normally get to see. The best example was seeing the sober side of Frank. In an effort to gain $3000 from a medical study, Frank had to remain sober for 2 weeks. In his sobreity we saw him be a fun and caring father. I really enjoyed my time with Sober Frank. I think Frank is best used on the show when he has a task for the episode. Be it dodging henchman looking to collect money or trying to stay sober. Often it seems like we see Frank just as a picture of what rock bottom is. That constant reminder border lines on beating the audience over the head, so I always like it when Frank is more a vehicle for driving the story in an episode.
Kevin also showed us a bit of his softer side when he and Veronica took in a foster child. Props to Shameless for never letting me guess just what they’ll do next to take a normal situation and mess it all up. They didn’t just get any foster child, they got a 13 year old mother/wife of a 65 year old polygamist. She was the polar opposite of the world of Shameless. Prim proper and reserved. The show gave us two extreme ways to live life and let us see that while not perfect ways to live, people can till find happiness. Kevin and Veronica were only going to keep the foster child for a week so they could get enough money to pay for Veronica’s parking tickets, but after seeing the type of situation Ethel had, Kevin thinks they can help her and wants to keep her.
There was one really poignant moment where Fiona comes home after waitressing at a bar where she’s a glorified stripper and breaks into tears. She works hard all day every day to provide for the family and she never gets treated with the joy the children are showing Frank when all he had to do was be sober for a day. It was even more heartbreaking after seeing Fiona try and sit through a class that taught Microsoft Office. She was the only one in there who did not know a single thing about computers so she wasn’t able to keep up. This gave her the realization that she will always be on the hustle. Life doesn’t seem like its going to get any easier for her.
Fiona and Lip decide that it’s better to force Frank into drinking again than to let him hurt Deb and Carl by going right back to his drunken self after the two week trial is up. Deb had a nice introspective moment where she tells Lip that she’s aware of Frank’s problems but she’s just going to enjoy the good times with her father while she can. It’s interesting that for all the trouble Frank is, the Gallagher’s just might be better off with him not being sober. He’s at least out of the way.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Californication "Lights, Camera, A**hole" Review
I'm gonna make this short. There was almost nothing redeeming about tonight's episode whatsoever. It's Californication though, so you have to expect that from time to time.
Hank spent 80% of the episode fucking either Sasha or her mother. This should not surprise you. That's just how Hank Moody rolls. What should surprise everyone is his reaction to discovering Becca's burgeoning problem with drugs and alcohol. He appeared to be saddened but what bothered me is that his concern was far greater when Mia was getting strung out on drugs than he is for Becca. You know his kid that he claims is his only reason for living. I'm not going to tell you Hank's ever been a respectable character but he was at least partially grounded by Becca.
Are we seeing the season in which Hank completely breaks loose of his tether? Maybe the writers want to take Hank into the Charlie Sheen stratosphere of debauchery and selfishness. I can't argue against it being entertaining. I do wonder if they don't start reeling Hank in a bit if viewers will begin to lose the last bits of connection to Hank as he loses the his last tattered shreds of humanity.
Other thoughts:
- I believe I called Stu thinking Marcy's baby is his weeks ago. Very predictable.
- The only humor in the episode was Runkle's sex scene with the realtor.
- I still haven't figured out why that scene was even written into the script.
- I didn't miss Karen at all.
- I did miss Zoe Kravitz.
Big Love "Til Death Do Us Part" Review
I appreciate that HBO and Showtime have schedules that allow them to air programs a multitude of times. The also understand viewers in some sense set their own schedules these days with DVRs. However, for schmoes like me and Barry charged with reviewing these shows running a new episode head to head with the Oscars creates a scheduling pain in the ass. How's a guy supposed to go to a bitchin' Oscar party, get home after midnight and still find a way to watch these Sunday night shows? Enough of my problems though, what went down on Big Love?
It's difficult to say there was something admirable about Roman or Alby but at least we can say they knew what they were/are. Bill on the other hand is in complete denial. Either that or he's a complete moron who fell ass backwards into building a successful business. I'm finding it more difficult to tell with each passing episode. Bill has managed to completely alienate the two people who have stood by him through the years, Barb and Don. His refusal to compromise with the LDS or Alby has led to Home Plus teetering on the brink of failure. Costing not only himself and his family but his business partner Don as well. Don never asked for any of this but Bill has continued to force his business principles on his "friend" to the point that Don's own livelihood is in peril. All Don has ever wanted is his three wives and kids, a nice successful business and a life out of the spotlight. Thanks Bill you've ruined that dream.
The position he has place Barb in is even more precarious. She has already left Bill's church, granted him his "paper" divorce and leaving her exposed to Nicki's crazy whims. Now with the families financial security at risk Bill has the balls to ask Barb, Margene and Nicki to reseal themselves to one another. Don't think everything is OK just because Barb wants a little action. Sister wives have needs too. I keep wanting to say Bill's not the dumbest husband on Earth just the most selfish but the evidence points otherwise. But don't sleep on Bill's selfishness, it's a favorite in most match ups.
Would a smart guy have a discussion about marrying a 16 year old in front of Heather? Would a smart guy under public scrutiny let that same 16 year old he married start holding rallies on television? Would a smart guy who has enemies in the state house think this is a good time to file divorce papers? Would a smart guy choose now to go to war with Alby who is capable of doing literally anything? What I'm trying to say here is Bill Henrickson, idiot.
Speaking of Alby, no one rallies the compound troops like our man. No cell phones, no TVs, no computers, I couldn't live under his regime but he does no how to lock it down. His smarmy responses to Bill when he raised the rent on Home Plus was pure gold. Still, Alby just can't resist the smooth skin of a dirty Mormon boy and Verlan seems to be just fine with that. I'm pretty sure Verlan is going to be earning his position as Alby's pet in more way than one. I don't know exactly what he's going to do for Alby but I'm pretty sure sex, guns and Bill are involved.
There are a few story lines that have become white noise to me Cara Lynn and her teacher, Lois and Margene's pyramid scheme. I'm finding it tough to see the bigger picture of the Cara Lynn saga. Is there a dramatic payoff here? To me, I feel like Amanda Seyfried left the show and they felt like they had to fill a teen girl transitioning into womanhood void. The only problem being no one noticed the void. This final season should be about the sister wives. This storyline offers nothing in the way of character revelation or redemption for the Henricksons. At this point, it is nothing more than a waste of screen time. If we're lucky the two of them will run away together and elope never to be heard from again.
As far as Lois is concerned we know she is bat shit crazy. I'm almost certain Lois believes she is Sarah Palmer at this point. She tried to kill Frank and herself this week and I thought "yeah that's nice way to put a pin in Lois and Frank they ride off into the sunset victims of their own insanities." Alas, Barb came in too soon and my dream was squashed. Lois is going to end up in a home but the way her idiot son is committing self sabotage I don't know who's going to pay for it.
Margene's pyramid scheme was funny at first. She's naive and gullible. So it was natural for her to get involved in a scheme like this. Now, it's just kind of an irritant. Bill's already fighting a two front war if Goji gets involved Bill's house of cards crumbles.
Where is this all going with only three episodes left? Obviously, they are going to pursue statutory rape charges against Bill for marrying Margene when she was only 16. Is Barb going to be implicated as an accomplice based on Margene's speech about how Barb was the one who brought her into the family? The farther this progresses with the state house, the law and LDS all after Bill and a war with Alby on the horizon, I feel like end all ends with Bill and Nicki together as the heads of Juniper Creek. I think viewers get solace in Barb's escape from the situation and forming her own church. Margene is the wild card but I think she ends up in the secular world finally leading the kind of life she never new was available to her.
A few other thoughts:
- Jeanne Tripplehorn has been outstanding all season.
- Cloe Sevigny was incredible last night. She was utterly convincing as a woman in her 30's finally getting a chance to live out her girlhood fantasies of a wedding and marriage.
- The secret sealing ceremony was almost as despicable as asking Barb for a divorce.
- I liked Carl better when he was cleaning the pool at Jerry Seinfeld's health club.
- I'm thinking Utah divorce laws might not be as easy as Big Love makes them out to be.
- 2 more episodes until Amanda Seyfried and Aaron Paul return. That's a good thing.
- I'm over Crazy Rhonda.
- I just realized this weekend that Heather is the little girl from Water World also starring Jeanne Tripplehorn.
- If I ever have another wedding I'm definitely wearing a white suit like Bill's. Except I'm also going to wear Raylan Givens cowboy hat.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Episodes Season 1 Finale Review
“I’m not gonna fire you, but I do think less of you.” -Merc
It should be stated that until I watched the finale I had no idea it would be the finale. Nothing in the previous 6 episodes led me to believe that we would be approaching the final episode. Only in the penultimate episode did we even get to real conflict. Having that been said, as a whole, I was not a fan of the first season of Episodes. As I was watching the second to last episode and the beginning of this episode I thought to myself, “I’m starting to feel like Matt should have slept with Beverly in the opening episode. It would have been more compelling watching them try to create a comedy pilot amidst all the dramatic tension.” Well wouldn’t you know, that’s what we have planned for Season 2, if there is a season 2.
The entire first season could have been compressed into one Pilot episode. I know this would mean we would miss out of some great banter about how funny English people talk from Matt LeBlanc, but when it comes to action, there was only one time I got interested, after Beverly slept with Matt. Aside from Sean being a super sleuth and all the British accent cracks, I found the finale pretty enjoyable. The arguments between Sean and Beverly were poignant and truthful. I had never like Beverly, and I don’t think I do now, but I did feel a bit sad while watching her lose the man of her dreams. My dislike for Beverly was strong in the opening scene of this episode. She seems awfully content with her affair until Matt tells her nothing happened between Sean and Morning. Oh what? Now that it’s not revenge it’s not okay anymore? Now that you’re the only one at fault the sleeping with “Joey” wasn’t a good idea? How about being beyond reproach or still honoring the commitment to your husband? Is that to much to ask? Apparently for Beverly, yes, it was.
I very much enjoyed the way Matt LeBlanc was portrayed as such a kind hearted easy going sleaze ball. His depiction was calculated the whole time. He’s the type of guy who would befriend you, try and hook you up with a hot actress, and then bang your wife. I particularly enjoyed the moment where he reached over a weeping Beverly to get a drag off of the cigarette he lent her since he was out. He wasn’t focused on the life he just ruined, he needed to get his post coital smoke on. We never really hated him, but we should have. Another character I was fond of was Carol, played brilliantly by Kathleen Rose Perkins. Her desire to please everyone, including her over bearing boss Merc, made for many light hearted moments when she would try and soften the blows to the Lincolns. And I’d like to make quick mention that in his limited screen time, I found Joseph May’s Andy Button to be very funny. If there’s a season 2, I hope they find a way to bring him back.
If the show can find honesty in the characters, I think Season 2 can be decent. I’m not sold on if we need another season of this show, but I think there is some potential. Does Sean pursue Morning? How to Beverly and Sean separate their personal lives from work to do their job? Do they try and take out their frustrations by writing a compelling TV series? I’m not sure. But until I see a second season the way the Lincoln’s feel about their pilot of Pucks! is how I feel about Episodes. I wonder if this is all just an elaborate expensive joke Showtime is playing on the viewers. A few bright spots here and there, but the show ultimately fell flat for me.
It should be stated that until I watched the finale I had no idea it would be the finale. Nothing in the previous 6 episodes led me to believe that we would be approaching the final episode. Only in the penultimate episode did we even get to real conflict. Having that been said, as a whole, I was not a fan of the first season of Episodes. As I was watching the second to last episode and the beginning of this episode I thought to myself, “I’m starting to feel like Matt should have slept with Beverly in the opening episode. It would have been more compelling watching them try to create a comedy pilot amidst all the dramatic tension.” Well wouldn’t you know, that’s what we have planned for Season 2, if there is a season 2.
The entire first season could have been compressed into one Pilot episode. I know this would mean we would miss out of some great banter about how funny English people talk from Matt LeBlanc, but when it comes to action, there was only one time I got interested, after Beverly slept with Matt. Aside from Sean being a super sleuth and all the British accent cracks, I found the finale pretty enjoyable. The arguments between Sean and Beverly were poignant and truthful. I had never like Beverly, and I don’t think I do now, but I did feel a bit sad while watching her lose the man of her dreams. My dislike for Beverly was strong in the opening scene of this episode. She seems awfully content with her affair until Matt tells her nothing happened between Sean and Morning. Oh what? Now that it’s not revenge it’s not okay anymore? Now that you’re the only one at fault the sleeping with “Joey” wasn’t a good idea? How about being beyond reproach or still honoring the commitment to your husband? Is that to much to ask? Apparently for Beverly, yes, it was.
I very much enjoyed the way Matt LeBlanc was portrayed as such a kind hearted easy going sleaze ball. His depiction was calculated the whole time. He’s the type of guy who would befriend you, try and hook you up with a hot actress, and then bang your wife. I particularly enjoyed the moment where he reached over a weeping Beverly to get a drag off of the cigarette he lent her since he was out. He wasn’t focused on the life he just ruined, he needed to get his post coital smoke on. We never really hated him, but we should have. Another character I was fond of was Carol, played brilliantly by Kathleen Rose Perkins. Her desire to please everyone, including her over bearing boss Merc, made for many light hearted moments when she would try and soften the blows to the Lincolns. And I’d like to make quick mention that in his limited screen time, I found Joseph May’s Andy Button to be very funny. If there’s a season 2, I hope they find a way to bring him back.
If the show can find honesty in the characters, I think Season 2 can be decent. I’m not sold on if we need another season of this show, but I think there is some potential. Does Sean pursue Morning? How to Beverly and Sean separate their personal lives from work to do their job? Do they try and take out their frustrations by writing a compelling TV series? I’m not sure. But until I see a second season the way the Lincoln’s feel about their pilot of Pucks! is how I feel about Episodes. I wonder if this is all just an elaborate expensive joke Showtime is playing on the viewers. A few bright spots here and there, but the show ultimately fell flat for me.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
ApeDonkey Staff Official Oscar Ballots
Yes I'm officially upgrading Barry and I to the title of staff. Here is our official Oscar ballots and by official I mean, on record. Maybe one day Barry will be a member of the Academy and we can all say we knew him when. Until then the official ApeDonkey ballots will have to do.
Fidoz
My Pick: Black Swan
Prediction: The King's Speech
Black Swan was my personal favorite of the contenders but with no real dominant film the voters will default to historical importance.
Barry
My Pick: Black Swan
Prediction: The King's Speech
I don't have a problem with either of these two or The Social Network winning. All deserving.
Best Director
Fidoz
My Pick: Darren Aronofsky
Prediction: David Fincher
Fincher is thrown a bone as The Social Network is shutout in most of the other categories.
My Pick: David Fincher
Prediction: Tom Hooper
Both were faced with the daunting task of making something inherently not very interesting and making it extremely interesting.
Best Actor
Fidoz
My Pick: Colin Firth
Prediction: Colin Firth
Firth should have won last year for A Single Man and is this year's biggest lock.
Barry
My Pick: Colin Firth
Prediction: Colin Firth
This performance coupled with his snub of Single Man's performance all but guarantee him this win.
Best Actress
Fidoz
My Pick: Natalie Portman
Prediction: Natalie Portman
Portman's was far and away my favorite performance by any actor this year.
Barry
My Pick: Natalie Portman
Prediction: Natalie Portman
A lot of late steam for Annette Benning, but I just don't think anyone can watch both performances and put Benning over Portman.
Best Supporting Actor
Fidoz
My Pick: John Hawkes
Prediction: Geoffery Rush
I think either Bale or Portman are going to be upset. I'm putting my money on the actor in The King's Speech.
Barry
My pick: Christian Bale
Prediction: Christian Bale
Perhaps the biggest lock even with Rush winning the BAFTA.
Best Supporting Actress
Fidoz
My Pick: Hailee Steinfeld
Prediction: Hailee Steinfeld
Voters will split between Adams and Leo. The rest will be like me and moved by Steinfeld's ability to hold her own opposite Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon.
Barry
My Pick: Amy Adams
Prediction: Melissa Leo
Perhaps the most contested award. I wouldn't be surprised or upset with a Hailee Steinfeld win either.
Best Documentary Feature
Fidoz
My Pick: Restrepo
Prediction: Restrepo
I don't know how voters can not be moved to vote for Restrepo. Powerful Documentary.
Barry
My pick: Exit Through the Gift Shop
Prediction: Inside Job
I just don't think Exit has the substance necessary to win. Restrepo also great.
Best Screenplay Original
Fidoz
My Pick: The King's Speech
Prediction: The King's Speech
The King's Speech keeps rolling in the weakest of all the fields.
Barry
My Pick: The King's Speech
Prediction: The King's Speech
My thoughts on Inception are well documented so I would lament a win here.
Best Screenplay Adapted
Fidoz
My Pick: The Social Network
Prediction: The Social Network
Give Sorkin a very big trophy for making FaceBook interesting.
Barry
My Pick: The Social Network
Prediction: The Social Network
Sorkin desperately needs to thank Ben Mezrich for the work he put in. Also, what was Toy Story 3 adapted from? Or are all sequels put into the adapted category?
Best Cinematography
Fidoz
My Pick: The Social Network
Prediction: True Grit
I thought The Social Network was a beautifully shot film but Oscar voters love the expanse of western landscapes.
Barry
My Pick: Inception
Prediction: Inception
None of my problems with Inception have to do with its stunning visuals. And after it's ASC award, Inception is the clear leader to sweep the tech awards.
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena "The Bitter End" Review
"One day we will see proper reward for all we have done." Quintus Batiatus
The best and truest line of the Gods of the Arena series was delivered last. That line however was foreshadowing the events of Blood and Sand. On this day, all debts would be paid and all business would be settled.
The questions going into the finale were: How would Batiatus exact his revenge on Tullius for what he believed was the murder of his father? Could Gannicus bury his secret relationship with Mellita in his grief and hide it from Doctore? Would this be the day Crixus ascends to become the champion of Capua? What happens between Batiatus and Solonius to make them such bitter enemies in Blood and Sand?
With so many questions to answer tonight's episode had little time for things like gratuitous sex scenes or gladiators disrobing to wipe the sweat from a hard day of training away. The episode and Batiatus wanted to get right on with things as soon as his father's remains were interred to the gods. And the first order of business was Tullius.
Batiatus and Solonius are able to lure Tullius onto the streets of Capua unprotected by feeding him false information through his trusted spy Solonius. Once on the street is only a minor skirmish by Spartacus standards before he and Vettius find themselves taken prisoner by their assailants. Taken to separately, Vettius with Solonius and Tullius with Batiatus the prisoners are dealt their fates. Vettius is allowed to live if he leaves town while corroborating a story that Tullius had to hastily leave Capua to attend to urgent business in Antioch. Such fortune was not to be for the scumbag Tullius. Batiatus allows him to bargain and beg for his life before mortally wounding him and burying him deep within the walls of the new arena he himself has built for the city of Capua.
I was glad they settled the Tullius business early. This gave them time to build and create the rift that would arise between Batiatus and Solonius. Solonius is no longer going to be content as a sounding board and messenger for the house of Batiatus. He has plans of his own and takes advantage of his time alone with Vettius to cross Batiatus in the process. Instead of splitting Tullius' gladiators equally Solonius has Vettius sign them all over to him alone. This sets up a battle in the new arena between the gladiators of Batiatus and Solonius.
The gladiator scenes in the arena were exactly what we've come to expect from the series, bloody, over the top and highly entertaining. Out manned and out sized the gladiators of Batiatus are able to win their fair share of fights leading up to the primus. A group battle between the two houses culminating with a fight between the last two men standing to crown the champion of Capua. The problem with Batiatus' side is that the men are fighting not only the gladiators of Solonius but with one another. Dagan looking for revenge attacks Ashur, ultimately leading to Dagan falling in the arena. Crixus has his eye set firmly on Gannicus. When the brutal battle is down to four combatants Gannicus, Crixus, Ashur and the lone remaining gladiator of Solonius, Crixus attacks Ashur and gives him the injury that he will carry through to Blood and Sand. With one swing of his sword he breaks Ashur's leg and knocks him out of the battle area and out of the tournament. Alas, final victory will not belong to Crixus as he is knocked out of the arena by Solonius' gigantic gladiator. Gannicus inspired by his Doctore is able to defeat the giant in the most brutal and graphic death to date. The victory celebration is short lived for Batiatus as Solonius once again out smarts him and urges Quintillius to reward the gladiators efforts with his freedom.
OK let's talk about the good and the bad of all that transpired. The action and fighting is outstanding. It officially became an episode of Spartacus when a woman in the crowd ripped off her top and began waving her breasts around. Up until that point there had not been any nudity and an episode does not count until there is both blood and nudity. The entire series Solonius had been a weak messenger for both Tullius and Batiatus. Tonight we finally got to see the calculating snake we saw throughout Blood and Sand. Welcome to your home Solonius. They really packed a ton of backstabbing and animosity into about thirty minutes between Batiatus and Solonius. They battled as long and hard for the favor of Quintillius as their gladiators did in the arena. I'd have to say Gannicus may have won the battle in the arena but Solonius won the battle in the grandstand. One question I have about the battle in the arena though is where did Tullius get all these giants? I swear every one of his gladiators were a foot taller than both Crixus and Gannicus.
Here's what I didn't like though. The writers tried to bring the series back to being about Gannicus the same way Blood and Sand is about Spartacus. The problem though is Gannicus essentially disappeared for much of the series as we found more interesting characters to care about. By the time he wins his freedom, you either don't care much at all about Gannicus or you find him to be completely despicable and the way he leaves a conquering hero is epically unsatisfying. My only guess is that we are going to see more of Gannicus in the future. I don't think anyone can feel good about the unresolved issues between he and Doctore.
I guess "The Reckoning" was the climax of Lucretia's story line. She disposed of Titus and remained Domina of the house. Her role in the finale was marginal at best. The only significant thing she did all night was make Crixus shave and cut his hair. Which by the way I had been waiting for all season.
The highlight of the episode by far is the speech by Batiatus at the end. Since we already know how things turn out for him and Lucretia there is a tremendous amount of irony in what he says. We know though his gladiators rise to be champions and heroes of Capua, his house never reaches the level of greatness and notoriety for which he strives. I'm going to miss John Hannah and the passion he's brought to the role of Batiatus. No one will ever say "By Jupiter's Cock" with the conviction and fervor he was able to. The entire series was beautifully cast except for the role of Gannicus. I never warmed to the character nor the actor playing him. Some of the slaves could have been better but the major roles like Solonius, Tullius, Lucretia, Gaia and Titus were spot on.
The original programming on Starz is now rivaling that of Showtime and HBO. In fact I would put it ahead of Showtime at this point. I excited to check out Camelot and hopefully they'll produce another comedy on the level of Party Down. As for Spartacus, we say goodbye to a few characters we've spent two tremendous seasons getting to know. So long Batiatus, Lucretia and Solonius may you find your place among the gods by way of Jupiter's cock.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Five for Friday - BadAss Sidemen
This week's Five for Friday is all about the sidemen. The guys in bands that aren't the lead singer or even the second banana. They're the coolest guys in the band or at least the soul of the band. The rules for the list were simple. They couldn't be what you'd think of as the head figure of the band or the co-leader guitarist like Johnny Marr or Mick Jones. Drummers are a beast all their own so they are ineligible. That's it, so here's the list.
Luther Perkins Why? He was Johnny Cash's guitarist. That should be enough. If you need more convincing listen to the opening riff of "Folsom Prison Blues." His playing was simple yet brilliant. He got more mileage per note than a guy like Kirk Hammet could ever hope. The guy literally invented the Boom-Chicka-Boom picking style that were a signature of Cash's hits of the 50's & 60's.
Paul Simonon Why? First and foremost he was the bass player for the only band that mattered. He's the prototype for what punks have been trying to look like for nearly 35 years. He came up with the name The Clash from a newspaper article. He's gone on to have a successful career in the art world. He's featured on one of the greatest album covers of all time "London Calling." The photographer caught him at the end of a frustrating show in which his bass wouldn't stay in tune so he smashed it before leaving the stage.
Izzy Stradlin Why? Cultivated the quintessential gypsy rocker look in the heyday of hair metal. He always seemed more interested in the music than the insanity around GnR. Laid down some of the best hard rock rhythm guitar on the planet. Was the first GnR member to say "Fuck You" to Axl and diva bullshit and walked away from the band at their absolute apex of popularity. "Where's Izzy?" in the ApeDonkey sidemen hall of fame that's where.
Little Steven/ Nils Lofgren I'm not a big Springsteen and the E Street Band fan, more of an admirer of the music they been able to create but both of these guys 100% deserve to be in the BadAss sidemen hall of fame.
Lets start with Little Steven Why? The E Street Band, Artist Against Apartheid, The Sopranos . That's a pretty good list huh. Is it even possible to look at a guy in a long bandanna and not think of Little Steven? He co produced three of Bruce's best Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River and Born in the USA. He played a major role in one of the great television series of all time as Silvio Dante in The Sopranos. He has a kick ass syndicated radio show Little Stevens Underground Garage. If all that wasn't enough when he got married in 1982 Bruce Springsteen was his best man. Little Richard was the minister who performed the ceremony and Percy Sledge sang "When a Man Loves a Woman" for the newlyweds.
Nils Lofgren Why? Some of you may only know him from his open letter to Michael Vick that came out last year. You'd be wrong if your opinion ended there. He was contributing to Neil Young albums at 17. The day before recording "Southern Man" Neil told Lofgren he would be playing piano on the song. The only problem was Nils didn't play piano. The result is one of the most famous piano riffs in rock history. Nils also played on one of the coolest and greatest albums of all time Neil Young's "Tonight's the Night." If tequila and cocaine every made a record "Tonight's the Night" would be the result. When Little Steven left the E Street Band, Springsteen promptly brought Lofgren in as his replacement. Oh and one more thing BadAss headband.
Peter Buck Why? REM is my favorite band of all time and Peter Buck is my favorite member of the band. If you've ever seen them live you know Buck goes into a world during performances. The first time I saw REM live was on the Green World Tour with Robyn Hitchcock as the opening act. Buck played guitar for Hitchcock on that tour. So he played an entire opening set, went backstage for a few minutes then returned to play a marathon REM set. He has an unmistakable style of picking through chords as opposed to strumming them. He was the one member of REM known for his partying acumen, once partying with Lester Bangs. In 2001 he was kicked off a transatlantic flight for drunkenness. At one point Buck was in REM, The Minus 5, Tuatura and Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3. He along with Bill Berry and Mike Mills cut a blues album with Warren Zevon and called themselves Hindu Love Gods.
Honorable Mention
Bob Stinson, Brian Jones, Steve Cropper
Luther Perkins Why? He was Johnny Cash's guitarist. That should be enough. If you need more convincing listen to the opening riff of "Folsom Prison Blues." His playing was simple yet brilliant. He got more mileage per note than a guy like Kirk Hammet could ever hope. The guy literally invented the Boom-Chicka-Boom picking style that were a signature of Cash's hits of the 50's & 60's.
Paul Simonon Why? First and foremost he was the bass player for the only band that mattered. He's the prototype for what punks have been trying to look like for nearly 35 years. He came up with the name The Clash from a newspaper article. He's gone on to have a successful career in the art world. He's featured on one of the greatest album covers of all time "London Calling." The photographer caught him at the end of a frustrating show in which his bass wouldn't stay in tune so he smashed it before leaving the stage.
Izzy Stradlin Why? Cultivated the quintessential gypsy rocker look in the heyday of hair metal. He always seemed more interested in the music than the insanity around GnR. Laid down some of the best hard rock rhythm guitar on the planet. Was the first GnR member to say "Fuck You" to Axl and diva bullshit and walked away from the band at their absolute apex of popularity. "Where's Izzy?" in the ApeDonkey sidemen hall of fame that's where.
Little Steven/ Nils Lofgren I'm not a big Springsteen and the E Street Band fan, more of an admirer of the music they been able to create but both of these guys 100% deserve to be in the BadAss sidemen hall of fame.
Lets start with Little Steven Why? The E Street Band, Artist Against Apartheid, The Sopranos . That's a pretty good list huh. Is it even possible to look at a guy in a long bandanna and not think of Little Steven? He co produced three of Bruce's best Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River and Born in the USA. He played a major role in one of the great television series of all time as Silvio Dante in The Sopranos. He has a kick ass syndicated radio show Little Stevens Underground Garage. If all that wasn't enough when he got married in 1982 Bruce Springsteen was his best man. Little Richard was the minister who performed the ceremony and Percy Sledge sang "When a Man Loves a Woman" for the newlyweds.
Nils Lofgren Why? Some of you may only know him from his open letter to Michael Vick that came out last year. You'd be wrong if your opinion ended there. He was contributing to Neil Young albums at 17. The day before recording "Southern Man" Neil told Lofgren he would be playing piano on the song. The only problem was Nils didn't play piano. The result is one of the most famous piano riffs in rock history. Nils also played on one of the coolest and greatest albums of all time Neil Young's "Tonight's the Night." If tequila and cocaine every made a record "Tonight's the Night" would be the result. When Little Steven left the E Street Band, Springsteen promptly brought Lofgren in as his replacement. Oh and one more thing BadAss headband.
Peter Buck Why? REM is my favorite band of all time and Peter Buck is my favorite member of the band. If you've ever seen them live you know Buck goes into a world during performances. The first time I saw REM live was on the Green World Tour with Robyn Hitchcock as the opening act. Buck played guitar for Hitchcock on that tour. So he played an entire opening set, went backstage for a few minutes then returned to play a marathon REM set. He has an unmistakable style of picking through chords as opposed to strumming them. He was the one member of REM known for his partying acumen, once partying with Lester Bangs. In 2001 he was kicked off a transatlantic flight for drunkenness. At one point Buck was in REM, The Minus 5, Tuatura and Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3. He along with Bill Berry and Mike Mills cut a blues album with Warren Zevon and called themselves Hindu Love Gods.
Honorable Mention
Bob Stinson, Brian Jones, Steve Cropper
The Office - "Todd Packer" Review
“Who is Justice Beaver?” -Dwight
I’ve defended The Office to a lot of non believers. When they’ve said the show has slipped the last few years, I was quick on the “they’re focusing on the story rather than telling jokes” defense. I think The Office’s strengths lie in it’s ability to tell multiple stories at once while letting supporting characters shine in limited screen time without muddying up the main plot. This episode however, got everything wrong. From start to finish this episode was dreadful. I might have laughed once or twice with the Dwight and Jim banter that I’ve loved for almost 7 season. Erin had some nice moments with the ants, but other than that, ouch.
My main problem with this episode was Todd Packer. I find his character intolerable. I’m not above silly blue humor, but his is just downright uncomfortable. Many characters made mention of just how much of a jerk he is and yet, more screen time. He also, brought out the worst in Kevin. I usually love Kevin’s naivety, but this just made me feel sad for him. To defend such an ogre was painful to watch. I know he’s part of the Michael Scott farewell tour. All the loose ends had to be tied up, but he really didn’t need to be the focus of the episode. We already saw last week in “Threat Level Midnight” that Michael Scott had a growing sense of self awareness, I didn’t need it again in the form of realizing Todd Packer is a jerk.
There were two main subplots at work in this episode. One I liked, Jim and Dwight’s quest to prank Packer, and one I felt wasn’t funny or interesting enough to occupy as much of the 22 minutes as it did, Pam and Andy’s computer feed. The Dwight and Jim prank story line was a type of throwback to the days of old. A lot of the charm in The Office comes from finding small exciting tasks to distract you from the mundane life of working in a cubicle. I very much enjoyed thinking about the amount of time Jim spent NOT working to create a list of 400 pranks to pull on Packer all while pranking Dwight himself. The more I see Dwight and Jim act as team, the more I like it. I hope to see more of their united front when the new boss rolls in. As for Pam and Andy, well I just don’t get a lot of pleasure in listening to Andy whine and take advantage of Erin. I did enjoy the scene where he purposely broke his computer. “Enable all cookies? Yes please.”
This makes two straight below average episodes of The Office in a row. The Michael Scott Farewell Tour is important, but I find that it’s getting in the way of telling a good story. Hopefully they’ve figured out how to keep the charm of the show and advance the plot while not losing a lot of viewers. If there are more episodes like this one, there won’t be a lot of believers left when the show becomes Michael Scott-less.
I’ve defended The Office to a lot of non believers. When they’ve said the show has slipped the last few years, I was quick on the “they’re focusing on the story rather than telling jokes” defense. I think The Office’s strengths lie in it’s ability to tell multiple stories at once while letting supporting characters shine in limited screen time without muddying up the main plot. This episode however, got everything wrong. From start to finish this episode was dreadful. I might have laughed once or twice with the Dwight and Jim banter that I’ve loved for almost 7 season. Erin had some nice moments with the ants, but other than that, ouch.
My main problem with this episode was Todd Packer. I find his character intolerable. I’m not above silly blue humor, but his is just downright uncomfortable. Many characters made mention of just how much of a jerk he is and yet, more screen time. He also, brought out the worst in Kevin. I usually love Kevin’s naivety, but this just made me feel sad for him. To defend such an ogre was painful to watch. I know he’s part of the Michael Scott farewell tour. All the loose ends had to be tied up, but he really didn’t need to be the focus of the episode. We already saw last week in “Threat Level Midnight” that Michael Scott had a growing sense of self awareness, I didn’t need it again in the form of realizing Todd Packer is a jerk.
There were two main subplots at work in this episode. One I liked, Jim and Dwight’s quest to prank Packer, and one I felt wasn’t funny or interesting enough to occupy as much of the 22 minutes as it did, Pam and Andy’s computer feed. The Dwight and Jim prank story line was a type of throwback to the days of old. A lot of the charm in The Office comes from finding small exciting tasks to distract you from the mundane life of working in a cubicle. I very much enjoyed thinking about the amount of time Jim spent NOT working to create a list of 400 pranks to pull on Packer all while pranking Dwight himself. The more I see Dwight and Jim act as team, the more I like it. I hope to see more of their united front when the new boss rolls in. As for Pam and Andy, well I just don’t get a lot of pleasure in listening to Andy whine and take advantage of Erin. I did enjoy the scene where he purposely broke his computer. “Enable all cookies? Yes please.”
This makes two straight below average episodes of The Office in a row. The Michael Scott Farewell Tour is important, but I find that it’s getting in the way of telling a good story. Hopefully they’ve figured out how to keep the charm of the show and advance the plot while not losing a lot of viewers. If there are more episodes like this one, there won’t be a lot of believers left when the show becomes Michael Scott-less.
Community - "Political Developments and Uncivil Disobediance" Review
“I’m no politician. I’m just a fella. I think that beer should be cold and boots should be dusty. I think 9/11 was bad. And freedom? Well, I think that’s just a little bit better.” -Jeff Winger
Community thrives because of it’s commitment to consistent characterization. There is a strong core group of characters that we all love and an equally compelling group of supporting cast members that service the whole. We love certain things about all of them and we love to watch their relationships grow. This episode dealing with student government was a great chance to show the hierarchy of the group and to gain insight into their wants and desires.
Jeff and Annie are our most three dimensional characters. They both have a past that haunts them whether it be Jeff’s sleazy lawyer career or Annie prescription medicine addiction. Yet, while in the study group they are not only bettering their lives, but are becoming better people. I enjoy watching heart felt introspective moments where they both become self aware of their negative traits. It almost makes me root for them to get together, almost. That would be A) creepy and B) be a bad decision for the show. I don’t think the show has flourished using romance. The Jeff/Britta thing was nice at first, but I think it’s clear a relationship would divide the group and their believable chemistry is necessary for the show.
I particularly enjoyed seeing Abed get as close emotionally to a female as we’ve seen. I love the idea of Abed in the show. A sort of mechanism that Dan Harmon uses to show the audience how much he loves TV and how it effects us. The danger with Abed can be that it just becomes a convention and not a character, so it’s always nice to see his human side. It was smart to not let it be just some regular girl he fancies, but an equally emotionless and sharp Secret Service agent. I wonder if this will come back in the future. I doubt it. The relationship between Troy and Abed can’t suffer. Though I stated last week that it’s nice to see both characters flourish without the other present. I hope we get to see more of Abed opening up.
Community seems to be going to great lengths to make Pierce out to be the bad guy. There was a great moment of self awareness at the beginning where they “welcome” Pierce back into the group. Shirley states, “Well Pierce, we’re very glad to have you back...I’m assuming.” The group unsurely responds that they are. At least Community is acknowledging the issue. In the breakdown of presidential candidates Pierce’s age is “66, dick,” and his rant about what he’s going to do to the other candidate are more reason’s to believe that the show is embracing him as a negative person. All of Pierce’s negativity though is counteracted in this episode by great simple comedic performances by the dean and Magnitude. I’ve been missing the dean lately so it was great to see him back. Not sure what else there is to do with Magnitude, but I have enjoyed his two short spots on the show.
Community thrives because of it’s commitment to consistent characterization. There is a strong core group of characters that we all love and an equally compelling group of supporting cast members that service the whole. We love certain things about all of them and we love to watch their relationships grow. This episode dealing with student government was a great chance to show the hierarchy of the group and to gain insight into their wants and desires.
Jeff and Annie are our most three dimensional characters. They both have a past that haunts them whether it be Jeff’s sleazy lawyer career or Annie prescription medicine addiction. Yet, while in the study group they are not only bettering their lives, but are becoming better people. I enjoy watching heart felt introspective moments where they both become self aware of their negative traits. It almost makes me root for them to get together, almost. That would be A) creepy and B) be a bad decision for the show. I don’t think the show has flourished using romance. The Jeff/Britta thing was nice at first, but I think it’s clear a relationship would divide the group and their believable chemistry is necessary for the show.
I particularly enjoyed seeing Abed get as close emotionally to a female as we’ve seen. I love the idea of Abed in the show. A sort of mechanism that Dan Harmon uses to show the audience how much he loves TV and how it effects us. The danger with Abed can be that it just becomes a convention and not a character, so it’s always nice to see his human side. It was smart to not let it be just some regular girl he fancies, but an equally emotionless and sharp Secret Service agent. I wonder if this will come back in the future. I doubt it. The relationship between Troy and Abed can’t suffer. Though I stated last week that it’s nice to see both characters flourish without the other present. I hope we get to see more of Abed opening up.
Community seems to be going to great lengths to make Pierce out to be the bad guy. There was a great moment of self awareness at the beginning where they “welcome” Pierce back into the group. Shirley states, “Well Pierce, we’re very glad to have you back...I’m assuming.” The group unsurely responds that they are. At least Community is acknowledging the issue. In the breakdown of presidential candidates Pierce’s age is “66, dick,” and his rant about what he’s going to do to the other candidate are more reason’s to believe that the show is embracing him as a negative person. All of Pierce’s negativity though is counteracted in this episode by great simple comedic performances by the dean and Magnitude. I’ve been missing the dean lately so it was great to see him back. Not sure what else there is to do with Magnitude, but I have enjoyed his two short spots on the show.
Best Scenes From the Films of 2010
It’s almost March 2011, but given that the Academy Awards have not yet taken place, I feel discussing movies from 2010 still to be relevant. The best pictures and actors and directors have been discussed and debated ad nauseum, so I thought I’d talk about something I think very interesting: what are the best scenes from movies in 2010? There are few great films, like The Social Network, where the sum is greater than the whole of their parts. While a great movie, it didn’t have that one scene that stood out. I will warn you, there will be SPOILERS. This post also lets us include great comedies in the “best of...” discussion. So without further adieu, in descending order, the Best Scenes of 2010:
12. “Wee Man Midget Fight”, Jackass 3D:
In one of the more enjoyable movies of 2010 this particular scene made me so excited because it utilized my two favorite things about Jackass scenes: story and outsiders reactions. Just great use of the “piling on” story telling technique. Enter scorned boyfriend, he brings in his midget friends, they fight, in come midget cops, and just when you think it’s over, midget paramedics! I just love that no body in the bar broke it up. You can’t break up a good midget fight. Law
11. “Gettin’ Her Daddy’s Bones,” Winter’s Bone:
I wasn’t completely sold on Winter’s Bone the movie, but this scene can not be denied. It fully encapsulates the world that is created. Seeing Ree reach down and grab the hand of her deceased father was haunting and moving. I wish the best scene from this movie included John Hawkes, but alas, chainsaw dismemberment wins out.
10. “Hallway Fight,” Inception:
Another movie I wasn’t particularly high on, but it’s stunning visuals were just that: stunning. This fight was imaginative and innovative. Cut together with scenes from other states of dreams, it really showed the thought in the choreography. I’m pretty amazed JGL never hit his head on a boom mic or camera while flipping around.
9. “Fake Sex,” Easy A:
I’m not entirely sure why this movie didn’t get more run. Emma Stone delivers a comedic tour de force in this modern day retelling of Scarlet Letter. The inciting incident in this film is just top notch comedy. I particularly loved when Brandon , played by Dan Byrd, exclaims, “Can you smell that?” I just loved seeing two kids stumble through the sounds and motions of sex having never actually done it.
8.“Fall of Big Daddy,” Kick-Ass:
What is with awesome fights in hallways in 2010?
Oscar snub Chloe Moretz as Hit-Girl, gives us not only one of the best scenes of 2010, but definitely the most “bad ass.” There’s just something about watching an 11 year old deliver merciless head shots to several henchman. This scene is made infinitely better coming off the heels of perhaps the best line of the movie, “Show’s over mother f*ckers.” I can’t wait for the sequel to come out.
7. “I Won’t Dance,” Step Up: 3D:
I think I’m going to lose some of you here, but hear me out. The Academy Awards honors, acting, directing, writing, original songs, etc. It’s long overdue to include a Best Choreography category. Dance is a vital part of entertainment and we shouldn’t dismiss it. This scene was absolutely perfect. Danced brilliantly by Adam G. Sevani and Alyson Stoner (of Missy Elliot music fame), they take us on a playfully journey of their entire relationship. Very smart choreography utilizing several styles and really giving us that throwback Fred Astaire/Ginger Rodgers feel of old movie musicals make it one of the best of 2010.
6. “Building of OP Restrepo,” Restrepo:
This scene from the great documentary really captures the dangers these men faced. Making such a bold move in the deadliest place on earth was breathtaking filmmaking. I still can’t believe these scenes were captured so vividly on camera.
5. “Final Dance (or Swan Song),” Black Swan:
I know a lot of people will say “the scene” from Black Swan was between Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman, and while that scene was all well and good, the final sequence was better. Black Swan had me on the edge of my seat the whole movie. Aronofsky weaved a tale of mystery and drama in such a thrilling way that when the film culminated in the brilliant fade to white, I was left speechless.
4. "Where it All Goes Wrong," Blue Valentine:
This whole movie was a sucker punch to my gut of emotions. We were lead to believe that this relationship was built on this primal sense of love, and it would carry them for the rest of their lives. But the flame of passion burnt out. During their romantic getaway to the "future room" we are hit such a real scene, were almost sick watching. We get to watch Ryan Gosling, in perhaps the best performance of the year, see his marriage slip away from and his reaction is spot on. He fights so hard for her, but she's already gone.
3. “Self Administered Arm Amputation,” 127 Hours:
I’m so glad I saw this movie in the theatre. The amount of uneasiness in the theatre during this scene was palpable. I must admit, even I got a little bit squeamish at the sight. First he has to break his arm in two directions, then use a poor excuse for a knife to basically tear his arm off? Ouch. I really like how he attempted it earlier, but even staring death in the face, he couldn;t tolerate the pain or sight of it. He basically had to die for a minute and come back to realize it had to be done. The sound effects and camera cuts make this scene so visceral and memorable.
2. “The Incinerator,” Toy Story 3:
Seeing those toys that we have come to love so much join hands in solidarity as they come to grips with their fate is easily one of the most memorable and touching scenes of 2010. Watching each toy struggle for a minute before they realize they’re out of options and the best way to go out is by being with your loved ones was so moving that I shed tears. Real ones. I don’t know how you did it Pixar, but you made you made me examine my own life and think who I would like to meet the incinerator with. Coming to grips with my mortality is not something I like to think about, but I was forced after this scene. Truly a provocative scene.
1. “Holding Court on the Streets,” The Town:
There was something so absolutely perfect and human about the moment Jeremy Renner takes a sip of the discarded soda before he meets his fate. I can’t fully comprehend what it would be like to get one last pleasure of this world before I die. I’m sure most people would think sex, or a delicious steak, or a smile from their spouse, but Renner couldn’t have seemed more pleased with the taste of that flat old soda.
I wonder just how hightened your senses are the moment before you die. The act is so simple, yet in that most human of moments, it made the scene completely memorable and unforgettable. Congratulations Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner and The Town you have earned the Best Scene of 2010 award from me!
12. “Wee Man Midget Fight”, Jackass 3D:
In one of the more enjoyable movies of 2010 this particular scene made me so excited because it utilized my two favorite things about Jackass scenes: story and outsiders reactions. Just great use of the “piling on” story telling technique. Enter scorned boyfriend, he brings in his midget friends, they fight, in come midget cops, and just when you think it’s over, midget paramedics! I just love that no body in the bar broke it up. You can’t break up a good midget fight. Law11. “Gettin’ Her Daddy’s Bones,” Winter’s Bone:
I wasn’t completely sold on Winter’s Bone the movie, but this scene can not be denied. It fully encapsulates the world that is created. Seeing Ree reach down and grab the hand of her deceased father was haunting and moving. I wish the best scene from this movie included John Hawkes, but alas, chainsaw dismemberment wins out.
10. “Hallway Fight,” Inception:
Another movie I wasn’t particularly high on, but it’s stunning visuals were just that: stunning. This fight was imaginative and innovative. Cut together with scenes from other states of dreams, it really showed the thought in the choreography. I’m pretty amazed JGL never hit his head on a boom mic or camera while flipping around.
9. “Fake Sex,” Easy A:
I’m not entirely sure why this movie didn’t get more run. Emma Stone delivers a comedic tour de force in this modern day retelling of Scarlet Letter. The inciting incident in this film is just top notch comedy. I particularly loved when Brandon , played by Dan Byrd, exclaims, “Can you smell that?” I just loved seeing two kids stumble through the sounds and motions of sex having never actually done it.
8.“Fall of Big Daddy,” Kick-Ass:
What is with awesome fights in hallways in 2010?
Oscar snub Chloe Moretz as Hit-Girl, gives us not only one of the best scenes of 2010, but definitely the most “bad ass.” There’s just something about watching an 11 year old deliver merciless head shots to several henchman. This scene is made infinitely better coming off the heels of perhaps the best line of the movie, “Show’s over mother f*ckers.” I can’t wait for the sequel to come out.7. “I Won’t Dance,” Step Up: 3D:
I think I’m going to lose some of you here, but hear me out. The Academy Awards honors, acting, directing, writing, original songs, etc. It’s long overdue to include a Best Choreography category. Dance is a vital part of entertainment and we shouldn’t dismiss it. This scene was absolutely perfect. Danced brilliantly by Adam G. Sevani and Alyson Stoner (of Missy Elliot music fame), they take us on a playfully journey of their entire relationship. Very smart choreography utilizing several styles and really giving us that throwback Fred Astaire/Ginger Rodgers feel of old movie musicals make it one of the best of 2010.
6. “Building of OP Restrepo,” Restrepo:
This scene from the great documentary really captures the dangers these men faced. Making such a bold move in the deadliest place on earth was breathtaking filmmaking. I still can’t believe these scenes were captured so vividly on camera.
5. “Final Dance (or Swan Song),” Black Swan:
I know a lot of people will say “the scene” from Black Swan was between Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman, and while that scene was all well and good, the final sequence was better. Black Swan had me on the edge of my seat the whole movie. Aronofsky weaved a tale of mystery and drama in such a thrilling way that when the film culminated in the brilliant fade to white, I was left speechless.
4. "Where it All Goes Wrong," Blue Valentine:
This whole movie was a sucker punch to my gut of emotions. We were lead to believe that this relationship was built on this primal sense of love, and it would carry them for the rest of their lives. But the flame of passion burnt out. During their romantic getaway to the "future room" we are hit such a real scene, were almost sick watching. We get to watch Ryan Gosling, in perhaps the best performance of the year, see his marriage slip away from and his reaction is spot on. He fights so hard for her, but she's already gone.3. “Self Administered Arm Amputation,” 127 Hours:
I’m so glad I saw this movie in the theatre. The amount of uneasiness in the theatre during this scene was palpable. I must admit, even I got a little bit squeamish at the sight. First he has to break his arm in two directions, then use a poor excuse for a knife to basically tear his arm off? Ouch. I really like how he attempted it earlier, but even staring death in the face, he couldn;t tolerate the pain or sight of it. He basically had to die for a minute and come back to realize it had to be done. The sound effects and camera cuts make this scene so visceral and memorable.
2. “The Incinerator,” Toy Story 3:
Seeing those toys that we have come to love so much join hands in solidarity as they come to grips with their fate is easily one of the most memorable and touching scenes of 2010. Watching each toy struggle for a minute before they realize they’re out of options and the best way to go out is by being with your loved ones was so moving that I shed tears. Real ones. I don’t know how you did it Pixar, but you made you made me examine my own life and think who I would like to meet the incinerator with. Coming to grips with my mortality is not something I like to think about, but I was forced after this scene. Truly a provocative scene.1. “Holding Court on the Streets,” The Town:
There was something so absolutely perfect and human about the moment Jeremy Renner takes a sip of the discarded soda before he meets his fate. I can’t fully comprehend what it would be like to get one last pleasure of this world before I die. I’m sure most people would think sex, or a delicious steak, or a smile from their spouse, but Renner couldn’t have seemed more pleased with the taste of that flat old soda.
I wonder just how hightened your senses are the moment before you die. The act is so simple, yet in that most human of moments, it made the scene completely memorable and unforgettable. Congratulations Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner and The Town you have earned the Best Scene of 2010 award from me!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Parks and Recreation "Indianapolis" Review
I checked Bodog and they didn't have a line for this but I could have told you that as soon as I came out and declared Parks and Rec the best sitcom on TV last week, it would drop one of its worst episodes on us this week.
Not you Ron, you were perfect as always. The photo album of every steak you've ever had at Mulligans, the genuine concern for all those steaks left behind when Mulligans shut down. You recoiled in disgust as Chris grilled you a mushroom. No not you Ron Swanson. Not you. You ordered all the eggs and bacon and we loved it.
As for the rest of you, I'm disappointed. I'm all for more screen time for Adam Scott. He's a funny actor and his character is finding his niche in the office. Tonight just wasn't a successful integration for Ben in with the other department members beyond Leslie. I'm a fan of Tom and his attentions seeking, success longing, tiny suit wearing ways but the fragrance angle was pretty weak. The names of Feinstein's fragrances ceased to be funny after about the third. By the way, what's the point of having Rafi from The League on your show if he's going to have one line and play it straight. You gotta let that man get someone pregnant up in the club.
Tonight dampened my hopes for the Andy and April courtship. Somehow they took two of my favorite characters and removed the funny from them. Andy's stupidity is funny in the office when he's around people like Ron, Leslie and Ben. In a place like the Snake Hole he loses all of his charm. The lovable loser becomes the sad idiot.
I'm not really going to get into the Chris and Anne breakup because I though the whole story line was pointless. Take away Leslie's line about questioning how good a nurse she is and you had absolutely nothing worthwhile. Anne's appearance in the episode was completely irrelevant and pointless. Beyond that it was just kind of stupid.
I'm holding Parks and Rec to a higher standard because I know how great it is when the show is on. Tonight just wasn't one of those nights.
Not you Ron, you were perfect as always. The photo album of every steak you've ever had at Mulligans, the genuine concern for all those steaks left behind when Mulligans shut down. You recoiled in disgust as Chris grilled you a mushroom. No not you Ron Swanson. Not you. You ordered all the eggs and bacon and we loved it.
As for the rest of you, I'm disappointed. I'm all for more screen time for Adam Scott. He's a funny actor and his character is finding his niche in the office. Tonight just wasn't a successful integration for Ben in with the other department members beyond Leslie. I'm a fan of Tom and his attentions seeking, success longing, tiny suit wearing ways but the fragrance angle was pretty weak. The names of Feinstein's fragrances ceased to be funny after about the third. By the way, what's the point of having Rafi from The League on your show if he's going to have one line and play it straight. You gotta let that man get someone pregnant up in the club.
Tonight dampened my hopes for the Andy and April courtship. Somehow they took two of my favorite characters and removed the funny from them. Andy's stupidity is funny in the office when he's around people like Ron, Leslie and Ben. In a place like the Snake Hole he loses all of his charm. The lovable loser becomes the sad idiot.
I'm not really going to get into the Chris and Anne breakup because I though the whole story line was pointless. Take away Leslie's line about questioning how good a nurse she is and you had absolutely nothing worthwhile. Anne's appearance in the episode was completely irrelevant and pointless. Beyond that it was just kind of stupid.
I'm holding Parks and Rec to a higher standard because I know how great it is when the show is on. Tonight just wasn't one of those nights.
Perfect Couples "Perfect House" Review
Every Perfect Couples episode starts with all three couples going through a similar experience, but with each having their own spin on it. This week was "Telling Stories." I won't bore you with the details because the Rex/Leigh and Vance/Amy stuff was pretty lame and unfunny but I did catch myself laughing at Dave and Julia. Dave trying to tell a story without referring to the subject as a black guy was the gist. Not the most original angle but effective. The payoff came when Julia asked Dave if he saw their pet as a dog or a horizontal life force. OK maybe it was just me.
The title of the episode "Perfect House" is in reference to a house Dave and Vance are trying to sell. They fall in love with the house and in the process realize the truth about how they treat one another when a woman is involved. Truth be told I'm not a big fan of the Vance/Dave relationship. We've seen the buddy relationship done much better on many shows before. They're basically coming off as a poor man's Chandler/Joey. Make that a destitute many living under a bridge version.
The only true home run on the show week to week is Rex. If they were to blow out the rest of the characters, recast Leigh and give Rex his own show, I'd give it a watch. He's the prototypical ultra competitive ex jock now getting his swoll' on by selling cars during the week and crushing country clubbers on the weekend.
Leigh however, I've been begging for weeks for the writers to find a way to better utilize Olivia Munn but they're actually taking steps back. Outside of a few sound effects jokes at the beginning and her "bad attitude" as a student she was virtually invisible but not entirely. I have to commend the director, producer whoever made the decision to increase the amount of cleavage. I guess if you can't make her character worth a shit, making her worth looking at is the next best thing. Thanks guys.
I read an article earlier today that said the show was on the endangered list to be canceled at the end of the season. I don't see how the execs at NBC can watch these episodes and be hopeful enough to renew it for next year. It's just not good enough. Then again I don't know how those same execs watched Parks and Recreation and decided to put it on the shelf for six months.
The title of the episode "Perfect House" is in reference to a house Dave and Vance are trying to sell. They fall in love with the house and in the process realize the truth about how they treat one another when a woman is involved. Truth be told I'm not a big fan of the Vance/Dave relationship. We've seen the buddy relationship done much better on many shows before. They're basically coming off as a poor man's Chandler/Joey. Make that a destitute many living under a bridge version.
The only true home run on the show week to week is Rex. If they were to blow out the rest of the characters, recast Leigh and give Rex his own show, I'd give it a watch. He's the prototypical ultra competitive ex jock now getting his swoll' on by selling cars during the week and crushing country clubbers on the weekend.
Leigh however, I've been begging for weeks for the writers to find a way to better utilize Olivia Munn but they're actually taking steps back. Outside of a few sound effects jokes at the beginning and her "bad attitude" as a student she was virtually invisible but not entirely. I have to commend the director, producer whoever made the decision to increase the amount of cleavage. I guess if you can't make her character worth a shit, making her worth looking at is the next best thing. Thanks guys.
I read an article earlier today that said the show was on the endangered list to be canceled at the end of the season. I don't see how the execs at NBC can watch these episodes and be hopeful enough to renew it for next year. It's just not good enough. Then again I don't know how those same execs watched Parks and Recreation and decided to put it on the shelf for six months.
Survivor: Redemption Island Recap and Analysis Episode 2
“The gorilla. Powerful animal that won’t attack anyone unless provoked. A lion. One of the few animals that no animal whether it’s starving to death will approach. For me? That’s how I feel about my family and my country.” -Philip
Bravo to Mark Burnnett and those involved in the casting and creation of this year’s Survivor. I was worried at first when I heard that both Russell and Rob were coming back as well as adding the twist of redemption island. It led me to believe they had lost a handle on the game and were going to muddy it up with a bunch of gimmicks and the show I love would have become some watered down shell of what it once was. I could not have been more wrong.
Philip is pure Survivor gold! There’s nothing like a delusional self righteous maniac who speaks the absolute truth at all times. Candidness does not get you very far in Survivor, but it sure is fun to watch. Philip and Boston Rob couldn’t be more polarizing players. Where Philip says everything he’s thinking at all the wrong times, Rob plays a slick cunning game where he has everyone eating out of his hand. Watching their personalities collide is a real treat. I do wish that I would get a chance to see Philip and Russell Hance play against each other. I think Philip would have some real choice things to say about the type of person Russell is.
Russell’s charade is up. He really needed to adapt to his game play after other contestants got the chance to see him play. I’m not wishing for a quick exit from Russell, because he’s good TV, but I think that his team will not hesitate to cut him loose at the most opportune time. No matter who’s on his team, Russell always thinks he’s playing idiots. He called Ralph the dumbest person and player alive. So it was a real treat to see Ralph out Russell for stealing the hidden immunity clue in front of everybody and make him look bad all while having the actual idol in question. However, Russell is right. The hidden immunity idol clue is not a team clue. It is an individual thing. So it’s not smart for Ralph to say “that clue is ours.” I don’t remember too many instances where a team used the individual immunity idol to better their cause. This is if we’re discounting JT’s aw(esome)ful play in the All-Star game where he delivered the idol to Russell secret agent style with a sweet note attached to it. I think if Russell would have just said, “Yes. I found the clue. We all had the same chance to grab the reward basket. You’ve seen the show before, this is how it goes. But remember, I’ve found plenty without clues, so all hope is not lost.” But maybe that just puts an even bigger bullseye on his back. Russell can’t survive on the defense “I KNOW this game. Don’t tell me how to play this game” forever.
Rob, Grant, Natalie and Ashley are an extremely powerful alliance. They’re physical, charismatic, good looking and smart. They orchestrated a blind side of a strong man, Matt, while keeping numbers, gaining an outsiders trust (Philip), and forcing an immunity idol to be played. I’m glad to see that Rob has insulated himself from elimination. The game is better when he’s around. He’s so cunning without being a brazen jerk. Just a slick slick player. And no one has really touched on Grant being a former professional football player. He’s keeping quiet while being great physically. Another solid strategy. Natalie is playing the under the radar/ride the coat tails game with Rob. You align yourself with someone strong who makes big plays and let them take the bullets and then you win the jury over by saying I never did anything to hurt you. I just rode my alliance and was honest. If Rob is smart, which I think he is, he’ll make sure everyone in his alliance gets some blood on their hands.
I really hope Team Rob starts winning some challenges. It’s no fun when one team has all the numbers coming into the merge. All of the conversation becomes about the strong tribe picking off the weaker one and someone trying to break up the alliances on the stronger one, blah blah blah. I’ve seen that game before. I want the strongest players from both teams going head to head in the merge. This definitely means I’m rooting for Russell and Rob to make the merge. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing Russell have to make it their by winning his was through Redemption Island.
Redemption Island remains a mystery. And I’m glad for that. We learned this episode that the specifics of Redemption Island will be kept from the contestants. I think that’s a very smart move on the producer’s part. Another interesting question was raised tonight about the island. How many will come back from it? I suppose it’s possible that the winner of Matt v Franchesca could reenter the game immediately and possibly on the other tribe. Lots of questions still yet to be answered.
Survivor pick to win: Mike
Bravo to Mark Burnnett and those involved in the casting and creation of this year’s Survivor. I was worried at first when I heard that both Russell and Rob were coming back as well as adding the twist of redemption island. It led me to believe they had lost a handle on the game and were going to muddy it up with a bunch of gimmicks and the show I love would have become some watered down shell of what it once was. I could not have been more wrong.
Philip is pure Survivor gold! There’s nothing like a delusional self righteous maniac who speaks the absolute truth at all times. Candidness does not get you very far in Survivor, but it sure is fun to watch. Philip and Boston Rob couldn’t be more polarizing players. Where Philip says everything he’s thinking at all the wrong times, Rob plays a slick cunning game where he has everyone eating out of his hand. Watching their personalities collide is a real treat. I do wish that I would get a chance to see Philip and Russell Hance play against each other. I think Philip would have some real choice things to say about the type of person Russell is.
Russell’s charade is up. He really needed to adapt to his game play after other contestants got the chance to see him play. I’m not wishing for a quick exit from Russell, because he’s good TV, but I think that his team will not hesitate to cut him loose at the most opportune time. No matter who’s on his team, Russell always thinks he’s playing idiots. He called Ralph the dumbest person and player alive. So it was a real treat to see Ralph out Russell for stealing the hidden immunity clue in front of everybody and make him look bad all while having the actual idol in question. However, Russell is right. The hidden immunity idol clue is not a team clue. It is an individual thing. So it’s not smart for Ralph to say “that clue is ours.” I don’t remember too many instances where a team used the individual immunity idol to better their cause. This is if we’re discounting JT’s aw(esome)ful play in the All-Star game where he delivered the idol to Russell secret agent style with a sweet note attached to it. I think if Russell would have just said, “Yes. I found the clue. We all had the same chance to grab the reward basket. You’ve seen the show before, this is how it goes. But remember, I’ve found plenty without clues, so all hope is not lost.” But maybe that just puts an even bigger bullseye on his back. Russell can’t survive on the defense “I KNOW this game. Don’t tell me how to play this game” forever.
Rob, Grant, Natalie and Ashley are an extremely powerful alliance. They’re physical, charismatic, good looking and smart. They orchestrated a blind side of a strong man, Matt, while keeping numbers, gaining an outsiders trust (Philip), and forcing an immunity idol to be played. I’m glad to see that Rob has insulated himself from elimination. The game is better when he’s around. He’s so cunning without being a brazen jerk. Just a slick slick player. And no one has really touched on Grant being a former professional football player. He’s keeping quiet while being great physically. Another solid strategy. Natalie is playing the under the radar/ride the coat tails game with Rob. You align yourself with someone strong who makes big plays and let them take the bullets and then you win the jury over by saying I never did anything to hurt you. I just rode my alliance and was honest. If Rob is smart, which I think he is, he’ll make sure everyone in his alliance gets some blood on their hands.
I really hope Team Rob starts winning some challenges. It’s no fun when one team has all the numbers coming into the merge. All of the conversation becomes about the strong tribe picking off the weaker one and someone trying to break up the alliances on the stronger one, blah blah blah. I’ve seen that game before. I want the strongest players from both teams going head to head in the merge. This definitely means I’m rooting for Russell and Rob to make the merge. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing Russell have to make it their by winning his was through Redemption Island.
Redemption Island remains a mystery. And I’m glad for that. We learned this episode that the specifics of Redemption Island will be kept from the contestants. I think that’s a very smart move on the producer’s part. Another interesting question was raised tonight about the island. How many will come back from it? I suppose it’s possible that the winner of Matt v Franchesca could reenter the game immediately and possibly on the other tribe. Lots of questions still yet to be answered.
Survivor pick to win: Mike
Justified "The I of the Storm" Review
Much of what tonight's Justified was about was catching up with Boyd. Not just where he is physically, working in the mines and living with Ava but where he is mentally. Last season his "conversion" seemed a little contrived and insincere but watching his father get shot down by the Miami hit men seems to have had a real effect on Boyd.
He has resolved himself to living a quiet life with Ava as his guide. He works, drinks alone and goes home. But the problem that faces most reformed criminals, especially the good ones, is that someone always wants to get you back in the game. Boyd seems annoyed by Dewey's attempts to get him to help with an oxy robbery and even more so when he's approached by a fellow miner, Kyle.
When Raylan is called in to investigate an abandoned church bus that has been robbed as part of an oxy run his first instinct is to check on Boyd. With the help of Ava, he finds Boyd again drinking alone insistent that he's living a straight life. I think at this point Raylan is just confused as we are whether or not Boyd has honestly changed. His steadfast denial of wrong doing almost appears to be a facade created to shield him from suspicion. Raylan always the bully reminds Boyd the best way to stay out of prison is to help them instead of working against them.
You have to feel for Boyd when the only "friends" he has in the world are lowlifes whose only intentions are to use him for illegal gains. The most useless of all being Dewey. Boyd's struggle for peace presents us with a side we never saw last season. We now have a reason to sympathize with Boyd. You want Boyd to find his peace even though a part of you knows he's only likely to find it in the ground.
In an act completely against Boyd's own ethical code, he calls Raylan to inform him that Dewey had pulled a robbery disguised a Raylan and gave him his whereabouts. Dewey continues to remind me of The Black Widows from the Clint Eastwood movie Every Which Way But Loose. He's a criminal but the kind that can't get out of his own way. Somehow he throws a wrench into every one's lives and usually is only saved because Raylan is there to arrest him.
The best scene with Raylan is by far when Doyle thinks he actually pulled the oxy robbery and tries to strike up a "see no evil" deal. Raylan's interrogation of Doyle's witness is classic and exactly the reason we like Raylan. He gets directly to the point and moves on.
What we learn is that Dickie and Coover are behind the oxy robbery and threatening to disrupt the peace between the Bennetts and the Dixie Mafia. I don't know what would scare me more facing a group that calls themselves the Dixie Mafia or telling Mags I went against her wishes. We know for sure the Bennett boys fear the latter much more.
The episode ends essentially where it began. Boyd drinking alone searching for peace between work and home. His co-worker Kyle urging him to get back into the outlaw business. After being thrown from a moving vehicle I don't think Kyle will make that mistake again. The depth actor Walter Goggins is bringing to Boyd this season is astounding. Without many words or the crazy antics of the character we saw last season Goggins is expressing the pain and struggle Boyd is constantly battling with. Great episode for Boyd and Goggins.
He has resolved himself to living a quiet life with Ava as his guide. He works, drinks alone and goes home. But the problem that faces most reformed criminals, especially the good ones, is that someone always wants to get you back in the game. Boyd seems annoyed by Dewey's attempts to get him to help with an oxy robbery and even more so when he's approached by a fellow miner, Kyle.
When Raylan is called in to investigate an abandoned church bus that has been robbed as part of an oxy run his first instinct is to check on Boyd. With the help of Ava, he finds Boyd again drinking alone insistent that he's living a straight life. I think at this point Raylan is just confused as we are whether or not Boyd has honestly changed. His steadfast denial of wrong doing almost appears to be a facade created to shield him from suspicion. Raylan always the bully reminds Boyd the best way to stay out of prison is to help them instead of working against them.
You have to feel for Boyd when the only "friends" he has in the world are lowlifes whose only intentions are to use him for illegal gains. The most useless of all being Dewey. Boyd's struggle for peace presents us with a side we never saw last season. We now have a reason to sympathize with Boyd. You want Boyd to find his peace even though a part of you knows he's only likely to find it in the ground.
In an act completely against Boyd's own ethical code, he calls Raylan to inform him that Dewey had pulled a robbery disguised a Raylan and gave him his whereabouts. Dewey continues to remind me of The Black Widows from the Clint Eastwood movie Every Which Way But Loose. He's a criminal but the kind that can't get out of his own way. Somehow he throws a wrench into every one's lives and usually is only saved because Raylan is there to arrest him.
The best scene with Raylan is by far when Doyle thinks he actually pulled the oxy robbery and tries to strike up a "see no evil" deal. Raylan's interrogation of Doyle's witness is classic and exactly the reason we like Raylan. He gets directly to the point and moves on.
What we learn is that Dickie and Coover are behind the oxy robbery and threatening to disrupt the peace between the Bennetts and the Dixie Mafia. I don't know what would scare me more facing a group that calls themselves the Dixie Mafia or telling Mags I went against her wishes. We know for sure the Bennett boys fear the latter much more.
The episode ends essentially where it began. Boyd drinking alone searching for peace between work and home. His co-worker Kyle urging him to get back into the outlaw business. After being thrown from a moving vehicle I don't think Kyle will make that mistake again. The depth actor Walter Goggins is bringing to Boyd this season is astounding. Without many words or the crazy antics of the character we saw last season Goggins is expressing the pain and struggle Boyd is constantly battling with. Great episode for Boyd and Goggins.
Modern Family "Regrets Only" Review
I'm starting to get concerned about Modern Family. The only episodes that have really worked this season have had gimmicky characters like Fizbo and Phil's alter ego Clive Bixby. "Regrets Only" had none of these gimmicks to fall back on and the episode suffered for it.
Phil's relationship with Claire may be the least interesting relationship on the show. The age difference between Jay and Gloria and Mitchell and Cam's relationships offer greater variety of material. Phil is at his best when he's being one of the kids. His attempts to be an adult and deal with Claire just always seem to fall short. Phil's best moments on "Regrets Only" are between him and Gloria. His reaction when she offers to cut his hair by saying "I'll do you." However, his attempt to figure out why Claire was mad at him just came off as a lazy episode.
We know Alex has the classic "Jan Brady" complex when it comes to Haley. Her eternal quest to expose Haley to her parents is usually pretty good but last night's fake job and Haley's attempt to cover it up was lifted straight out of a News Radio episode.
It seems like they really need some common ground they can grab on to for this season, at least on the Dunphy side of the family. Last season the Dylan/Haley courtship gave Phil and Claire something to ground them in parenting. It also created some of the better comedic tension between the two. This season the writers have put the parenting on autopilot and tried to concentrate on the relationship between the parents and it hasn't worked.
Maybe the solution is to take some of the focus off of the Dunphy's. The Jay/Gloria karaoke story actually had some funny moments and more traction than the writers used. I think they could have gotten a lot more out of Luke as Cam's party planning assistant. Even skipping the part of Mitchell forgetting the invitations and concentrated solely on the party.
It seems like I say this every other week but I do hope Modern Family regains their mojo. Last year it was a breath of fresh air and this year has been entirely too stale. Perhaps they need the offseason to see where things went wrong and come back strong in the fall. It wouldn't be the first time a show fell victim to a sophomore slump.
Phil's relationship with Claire may be the least interesting relationship on the show. The age difference between Jay and Gloria and Mitchell and Cam's relationships offer greater variety of material. Phil is at his best when he's being one of the kids. His attempts to be an adult and deal with Claire just always seem to fall short. Phil's best moments on "Regrets Only" are between him and Gloria. His reaction when she offers to cut his hair by saying "I'll do you." However, his attempt to figure out why Claire was mad at him just came off as a lazy episode.
We know Alex has the classic "Jan Brady" complex when it comes to Haley. Her eternal quest to expose Haley to her parents is usually pretty good but last night's fake job and Haley's attempt to cover it up was lifted straight out of a News Radio episode.
It seems like they really need some common ground they can grab on to for this season, at least on the Dunphy side of the family. Last season the Dylan/Haley courtship gave Phil and Claire something to ground them in parenting. It also created some of the better comedic tension between the two. This season the writers have put the parenting on autopilot and tried to concentrate on the relationship between the parents and it hasn't worked.
Maybe the solution is to take some of the focus off of the Dunphy's. The Jay/Gloria karaoke story actually had some funny moments and more traction than the writers used. I think they could have gotten a lot more out of Luke as Cam's party planning assistant. Even skipping the part of Mitchell forgetting the invitations and concentrated solely on the party.
It seems like I say this every other week but I do hope Modern Family regains their mojo. Last year it was a breath of fresh air and this year has been entirely too stale. Perhaps they need the offseason to see where things went wrong and come back strong in the fall. It wouldn't be the first time a show fell victim to a sophomore slump.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Glee - "Blame It on the Alcohol" Review
“I brought some bloody marys y’all...It’ll help your hangover. That’s what bloody marys are for. Hair of the dog that done bit your ass.” -Artie
I think it’s time to realize that Glee will never be a perfectly crafted show. While there are glimpses of its potential to do so, it seems to be settling a bit in the middle between what I love and hate. I love the relationships of the students with Will as a type of guide in their paths to success, with a little bit of Sue and Emma sprinkled in. On the outside, this episode seemed to have everything I’d want in a favorite episode, but their exists one problem now: too many plot lines!
We can’t get any continuity with this show. How are we supposed to care about Kurt and Blaine when they weren’t even in last week’s episode? The same goes for Emma and Will. I think we could feel empathy towards Will and root for that relationship if they gave it consistent airtime. With focusing on Will and Bieste this episode, we lost out on the Lauren and Puck story line and they barely touched on Santana and Sam. It’s like if one character isn’t featured that episode, they seem completely useless. I love all the characters in their own respect, so I like to see them working together as a unit, celebrating their wins and being heartbroken by each other’s actions. They have a problem that Hollywood seems to struggle with a lot in that happy couples aren’t interesting. We don’t see much of Artie and Brittany or Tina and Mike because they’re happy. Instead we only see characters that are constantly making up and breaking up. It makes it hard for us to root for couples to succeed in the long term.
I do like the episodic feel of this episode. We got some over arching story arcs, what with Rachel and Blaine, Kurt and his dad, Sue and Will as well as the Glee club tackling a specific issue independent to this episode. This is a strong recipe for success in network television. Shows like House, CSI and NCIS play to killer ratings every week using this formula. It’s a bit hidden with this week’s episode, but just think of accomplishing the task of an alcohol awareness song at assembly like a medical mystery on House. I think Glee can be successful in this respect. As long as we move towards to regionals and we spend some time developing important relationships, I’ll be satisfied.
But is being satisfied enough? Think back to the first half of the episode. The Rachel Berry Extravaganza had real potential to illuminate so many truths about these kids. I would not have minded a bottle episode where we stayed in that party the whole 44 minutes. We could have had a unique introspective look at all the characters relationships. Finn and Quinn could have talked about everything, Blaine and Rachel could have figured out he wasn’t straight by the end of it, Sam and Santana could have connected on another level that’s not purely physical, Puck could have shown more kindness to Lauren, you get the picture. Not that I hated the episode as a whole, on the contrary. I very much enjoyed it. We’re just so close to capturing it’s former greatness, yet so far.
Other thoughts:
Heather Morris continues to amaze me as a performer. I’ll take all the auto tune and Ke$ha in the world if it means getting more of her fronting the Glee club. This also on the heels of her being the “Stripper Girl Drunk” makes for one her finest episodes.
30 plus episodes for an original song and we get “My Headband.” Love it! I know the Rachel Berry original will no doubt help propel the group to nationals, but still, “My Headband” will forever be the first original song on Glee.
The evolution of Artie is probably one of the biggest successes of the show. No sympathy for his being in a wheelchair. Instead they let him flourish as a person.
Kurt is arguing on the wrong side of teenage gay rights. He has to realize that there is something different about him having a gay guy sleep over. Even if they are just friends, a parent of a high schooler is usually not ok with people of the sex they’re interested in sleeping over. Where I normally find Kurt and his father’s arguments about tolerance and homosexuality, I was left a bit angry with Kurt on this one.
I laughed way more than normal at Becky playing the xylophone.
This episode featured just the right amount of Sue and used her in a way that seemed believable. Hopefully we get more of this.
Where was Cheyenne Jackson supposed to fit into all of this? How about the girl he stole from McKinnley? Are we just supposed to forget about that?
Sam saying they haven’t had enough rehearsal is ironic because we never really see them rehearse for any numbers in class, yet they deliver knock out numbers. Like “Blame it” in this episode.
Brittany line of the week: “You guys I’m really nervous. Ke$ha has been a cultural icon for weeks and I really want to do her music justice.
Kurt line of the week: “Bisexual is a term that gay guys in high school use when they want to hold hands with girls and feel like a normal person for a change.”
I think it’s time to realize that Glee will never be a perfectly crafted show. While there are glimpses of its potential to do so, it seems to be settling a bit in the middle between what I love and hate. I love the relationships of the students with Will as a type of guide in their paths to success, with a little bit of Sue and Emma sprinkled in. On the outside, this episode seemed to have everything I’d want in a favorite episode, but their exists one problem now: too many plot lines!
We can’t get any continuity with this show. How are we supposed to care about Kurt and Blaine when they weren’t even in last week’s episode? The same goes for Emma and Will. I think we could feel empathy towards Will and root for that relationship if they gave it consistent airtime. With focusing on Will and Bieste this episode, we lost out on the Lauren and Puck story line and they barely touched on Santana and Sam. It’s like if one character isn’t featured that episode, they seem completely useless. I love all the characters in their own respect, so I like to see them working together as a unit, celebrating their wins and being heartbroken by each other’s actions. They have a problem that Hollywood seems to struggle with a lot in that happy couples aren’t interesting. We don’t see much of Artie and Brittany or Tina and Mike because they’re happy. Instead we only see characters that are constantly making up and breaking up. It makes it hard for us to root for couples to succeed in the long term.
I do like the episodic feel of this episode. We got some over arching story arcs, what with Rachel and Blaine, Kurt and his dad, Sue and Will as well as the Glee club tackling a specific issue independent to this episode. This is a strong recipe for success in network television. Shows like House, CSI and NCIS play to killer ratings every week using this formula. It’s a bit hidden with this week’s episode, but just think of accomplishing the task of an alcohol awareness song at assembly like a medical mystery on House. I think Glee can be successful in this respect. As long as we move towards to regionals and we spend some time developing important relationships, I’ll be satisfied.
But is being satisfied enough? Think back to the first half of the episode. The Rachel Berry Extravaganza had real potential to illuminate so many truths about these kids. I would not have minded a bottle episode where we stayed in that party the whole 44 minutes. We could have had a unique introspective look at all the characters relationships. Finn and Quinn could have talked about everything, Blaine and Rachel could have figured out he wasn’t straight by the end of it, Sam and Santana could have connected on another level that’s not purely physical, Puck could have shown more kindness to Lauren, you get the picture. Not that I hated the episode as a whole, on the contrary. I very much enjoyed it. We’re just so close to capturing it’s former greatness, yet so far.
Other thoughts:
Heather Morris continues to amaze me as a performer. I’ll take all the auto tune and Ke$ha in the world if it means getting more of her fronting the Glee club. This also on the heels of her being the “Stripper Girl Drunk” makes for one her finest episodes.
30 plus episodes for an original song and we get “My Headband.” Love it! I know the Rachel Berry original will no doubt help propel the group to nationals, but still, “My Headband” will forever be the first original song on Glee.
The evolution of Artie is probably one of the biggest successes of the show. No sympathy for his being in a wheelchair. Instead they let him flourish as a person.
Kurt is arguing on the wrong side of teenage gay rights. He has to realize that there is something different about him having a gay guy sleep over. Even if they are just friends, a parent of a high schooler is usually not ok with people of the sex they’re interested in sleeping over. Where I normally find Kurt and his father’s arguments about tolerance and homosexuality, I was left a bit angry with Kurt on this one.
I laughed way more than normal at Becky playing the xylophone.
This episode featured just the right amount of Sue and used her in a way that seemed believable. Hopefully we get more of this.
Where was Cheyenne Jackson supposed to fit into all of this? How about the girl he stole from McKinnley? Are we just supposed to forget about that?
Sam saying they haven’t had enough rehearsal is ironic because we never really see them rehearse for any numbers in class, yet they deliver knock out numbers. Like “Blame it” in this episode.
Brittany line of the week: “You guys I’m really nervous. Ke$ha has been a cultural icon for weeks and I really want to do her music justice.
Kurt line of the week: “Bisexual is a term that gay guys in high school use when they want to hold hands with girls and feel like a normal person for a change.”
Waiting for ApeDonkey: Netflix Reveiws - 2/23/11
Monster Camp - See it - I have a bit of a fetish when it comes to LARPers. For those of you out of the know, LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing. These are people for whom Dungeons & Dragons wasn't real enough so they started dressing up in medieval fantasy garb, made some cardboard and foam swords and started acting out their D&D adventures. Now that may not sound like a lot of fun to you. However, a documentary about the people who do find that stuff appealing should sound outstanding. Monster Camp focuses on the NERO Seattle chapter the issues and social politics involved in running a game like this. It's amazing the amount of work the people who love this stuff put in to making it successful. The documentary is definitely a step down from superbly done Darkon but is very good and funny by its own right. If you have a case of LARPer love like me then this is a must watch but if you just like good docs about social outcasts then check it out.
What We Do is Secret - See it - I have to admit being surprised that I ended up liking this movie. Following on the heels of The Runaways, one of the worst movies I've ever seen, I expected another disaster. They shared a time period and even a few of the same characters and actors are in both movies. Surprisingly, I was wrong. I've never been a Shane West fan but I thought he did an admirable job as Darby Crash, the leader of The Germs. As a testament to his ability to embody Crash and sing The Germs' songs, West actually fronts the band in concert from time to time. The movie is not without its problems. The story moves way too fast trying to pack five years into 90 minutes. There would have been nothing wrong with simply telling the very common story of a 70's punk band's rise and fall due to excess and drugs. Instead they tried to sell us on Crash being punk icon with a unique ideology. Too much is left up to interpretation. Was Darby gay? What exactly was the hold Rob had over him? Why did he come back from London dressing like an Indian Chief? I assume it has something to do with Adam Ant. If you're a person who's very stingy with your Netflix selections then I'd say look for it on cable or instant watch but if you just want an entertaining 90 minutes then go ahead and check it out.
Examined Life - Skip it - Director and documentary filmmaker Astra Taylor was right to question whether or not philosophy would translate to film. It doesn't. Artistically I get what she was trying to do. She was trying to take a philosophy and philosophers who's work is usually consumed through the written word and place it in a new medium. She went as far as to juxtapose them with backdrop that would better illustrate their point. Pete Singers piece on charity versus consumerism is shot as he walks through the multitude of ads in Times Square. The biggest issue is that most of the films subjects fail to captivate audibly or visually. The lone exception is Cornel West. West is extraordinarily captivating. You can't take your eyes off of him as he rides in the back of a car and you find yourself hanging on his every word. Sadly, there just aren't enough West moments for me to recommend this film. Do yourself a favor though and search for Cornel West Examined Life on youtube. You won't be disappointed.Waiting for Superman - Must See - If you've read my reviews before, you know I'm a sucker for documentaries on our education system. Teachers and our school systems have more opportunity to shape our kids than anyone outside of parents. An educator who truly cares can save a kid but the ones just doing their "job" allows potentially special individuals to slip through the cracks. I was one of those kids and if not for my 10th grade English teacher, I would have quit school even though I was an honor student.
Waiting for Superman is an extraordinary documentary that puts the spotlight on our failures as educators in this country. As money dries up and we continue to focus on pushing everyone through the system, we continue to fall behind the other industrialized nations in math and science. Our government has put a premium on lip service and catering curriculum to the lowest common denominator instead of working to push the bottom up to a higher level. The documentary makes a very clear point along with dynamic educator Geoffery Canada that our system is broken. Kids in lower income communities who are fed into one of many "drop out factories" are left with just a slight hope of having their number pulled in a charter school lottery. The film points out that our nation's education issues stretch beyond the poverty line. They focus on a student from a wealthy California suburb who wants to get into a local charter school so that she avoid being lost in the local schools tracking system. This really is an outstanding documentary almost guaranteed to piss you off. Especially if your a parent of a kid our system has already failed. My only real issue with the movie is that they didn't find a place to use this equally outstanding song.
Fast, Cheap & Out of Control - See it -Very interesting 1997 Errol Morris documentary paralleling the life's work of four seemingly unconnected individuals. David Hoover a wild animal trainer, George Mendonca a topiary gardener, Ray Mendez a mole rat specialist and Rodney Brooks a robot scientist are the film's subjects. They individually tell their story of how they found their way into what they do and continue to give the details of their work. Morris intertwines these stories to make a point on the evolution of humans. How we have been shaped to where we are headed as a species. Worth checking out and it's on instant watch.
Solitary Man - Skip it - Remember that Michael Douglas movie about a womanizer who was once very successful but is now watching his life melt down around him? Yeah this is another one but not as good. There's nothing outstanding about this movie including a cast. The names in the cast, Jenna Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Susan Sarandon, look much better than the performances delivered. The only performance I found spot on was Danny Devito. Over all a rather disappointing film. You'd be better off going back and re-watching the terrific film Wonder Boys for a movie about a man at the crossroads in his late mid-life years.
Lights Out - "Crossroads" Review
“I kill you old man. I kill you until you die from it.” -Morales
Patrick Leary is on his way to the championship rematch with Death Row Reynolds we’ve all been waiting for. This episode couldn’t have come at a better time for the show. In what is clearly the strongest episode of the season, all the characters seem to be working together, playing their part to tell great drama. I’ve had some issues with previous episodes, namely the likability of Theresa and the lack of Patrick fighting, but both were satisfied in this episode.
Patrick is a fighter. And more than a boxer. The show is clearly juxtaposing his many fights out of the ring with the ones in it creating a constant inner battle as for what is Patrick really fighting for. He fights hardest for his family, and while that’s all well and good, we never really cared about his family because they were trying to keep him out the ring. The writers wrote Theresa into a corner by making her so staunchly against Patrick fighting, but I think they did a remarkable recovery job. Patrick isn’t fighting to set the family up for life anymore, he’s fighting again to keep them going until he can pass the reigns over to Theresa so she can be the breadwinner for the family. This allows Theresa to, while still being against it, acquiesce to the idea of Patrick fighting. The audience gets what they want and the writers don’t sacrifice the integrity of the female lead.
So with Theresa back in her corner, what does Patrick have left to fight for outside the ring? Seems as though his father is not taking a liking to Patrick’s idea of a cash grab title shot with Death Row Reynolds. He wants Patrick to fight 5 or 6 more times before the rematch, but Patrick knows his family can’t take that. The father, plagued by the notion that his coaching might have been the reason for Patrick losing the first time around against Reynolds, desperately wants to amend his mistakes of the past. So now Patrick has yet another battle to fight. I can’t see him taking on the 5 or 6 more fights, so how will he get his father back in the ring. His laissez-faire attitude with Johnny seemed to work, but I don’t think it will with his father. Of Patrick’s main three outside family influences, Theresa, Johnny, and his father, I think we have them in the best possible positions to create the best story. Theresa is begrudgingly letting Patrick fight to save the family. Johnny is acknowledging Patrick is the fighter and doing whatever it takes to see both his brother Patrick and the fighter Lights Leary are getting everything they want and need. Johnny congratulating Lights by saying “You did it.” was very important. No, “we,” just “you.” His father is fighting for boxing. He wants to do things the right way and is torn between seeing Patrick happy taking the shortcut to money, and building another champion. Perhaps he’s seeing that after one more fight, his days as a trainer are over.
As for the fight itself, Morales showing up to his weigh in drinking a 40 and carrying a machete and smoking a cigarette was priceless. They did a great job making him evil. Just how good is Patrick? He had to guzzle water just to make it over 200 pounds, can barely see out of his right eye, has been out of the game for 5 years and he still knocks out Morales in 2! It seems to good to be true. Did Morales get paid by Barry Word to take a dive? Was the low blow from Patrick really needed to gain an advantage? Or did the cut over his right eye actually help him focus by eliminating his blurry sight? Either way, I’m with pops, I don’t think Patrick is ready for the fight with Reynolds. One of his big problems in sparring was conditioning. What if he can’t knock Reynolds out in 2? Then what? He also went against his Father’s advice in taking the early opening to knock out Morales. Maybe Johnny will step in and coach. He was the more naturally gifted fighter anyway.
Other thoughts:
Daniella is fastly moving into the most unlikable character role. Surely she can understand why her parents are split right now. Perhaps it’s the enormous pressure Patrick placed on her by telling her the family’s success lies on her keeping a huge secret.
Patrick’s sister didn’t seem to pleased at the party. It looks like she will carry the burden of Patrick’s secret now.
Could they really not find better actresses to play the Leary daughters? Maybe by shifting the burden to Margaret, we’ll get less of Daniella. We never get to see all the daughters in an episode together either. The writers are limiting the damage.
One of my problems about Theresa was her ridiculous accent. Well this past episode they remedied that by Daniella asking about her relatives in England. Now we can drop the charade of her American accent and just go full on British.
Patrick Leary is on his way to the championship rematch with Death Row Reynolds we’ve all been waiting for. This episode couldn’t have come at a better time for the show. In what is clearly the strongest episode of the season, all the characters seem to be working together, playing their part to tell great drama. I’ve had some issues with previous episodes, namely the likability of Theresa and the lack of Patrick fighting, but both were satisfied in this episode.
Patrick is a fighter. And more than a boxer. The show is clearly juxtaposing his many fights out of the ring with the ones in it creating a constant inner battle as for what is Patrick really fighting for. He fights hardest for his family, and while that’s all well and good, we never really cared about his family because they were trying to keep him out the ring. The writers wrote Theresa into a corner by making her so staunchly against Patrick fighting, but I think they did a remarkable recovery job. Patrick isn’t fighting to set the family up for life anymore, he’s fighting again to keep them going until he can pass the reigns over to Theresa so she can be the breadwinner for the family. This allows Theresa to, while still being against it, acquiesce to the idea of Patrick fighting. The audience gets what they want and the writers don’t sacrifice the integrity of the female lead.
So with Theresa back in her corner, what does Patrick have left to fight for outside the ring? Seems as though his father is not taking a liking to Patrick’s idea of a cash grab title shot with Death Row Reynolds. He wants Patrick to fight 5 or 6 more times before the rematch, but Patrick knows his family can’t take that. The father, plagued by the notion that his coaching might have been the reason for Patrick losing the first time around against Reynolds, desperately wants to amend his mistakes of the past. So now Patrick has yet another battle to fight. I can’t see him taking on the 5 or 6 more fights, so how will he get his father back in the ring. His laissez-faire attitude with Johnny seemed to work, but I don’t think it will with his father. Of Patrick’s main three outside family influences, Theresa, Johnny, and his father, I think we have them in the best possible positions to create the best story. Theresa is begrudgingly letting Patrick fight to save the family. Johnny is acknowledging Patrick is the fighter and doing whatever it takes to see both his brother Patrick and the fighter Lights Leary are getting everything they want and need. Johnny congratulating Lights by saying “You did it.” was very important. No, “we,” just “you.” His father is fighting for boxing. He wants to do things the right way and is torn between seeing Patrick happy taking the shortcut to money, and building another champion. Perhaps he’s seeing that after one more fight, his days as a trainer are over.
As for the fight itself, Morales showing up to his weigh in drinking a 40 and carrying a machete and smoking a cigarette was priceless. They did a great job making him evil. Just how good is Patrick? He had to guzzle water just to make it over 200 pounds, can barely see out of his right eye, has been out of the game for 5 years and he still knocks out Morales in 2! It seems to good to be true. Did Morales get paid by Barry Word to take a dive? Was the low blow from Patrick really needed to gain an advantage? Or did the cut over his right eye actually help him focus by eliminating his blurry sight? Either way, I’m with pops, I don’t think Patrick is ready for the fight with Reynolds. One of his big problems in sparring was conditioning. What if he can’t knock Reynolds out in 2? Then what? He also went against his Father’s advice in taking the early opening to knock out Morales. Maybe Johnny will step in and coach. He was the more naturally gifted fighter anyway.
Other thoughts:
Daniella is fastly moving into the most unlikable character role. Surely she can understand why her parents are split right now. Perhaps it’s the enormous pressure Patrick placed on her by telling her the family’s success lies on her keeping a huge secret.
Patrick’s sister didn’t seem to pleased at the party. It looks like she will carry the burden of Patrick’s secret now.
Could they really not find better actresses to play the Leary daughters? Maybe by shifting the burden to Margaret, we’ll get less of Daniella. We never get to see all the daughters in an episode together either. The writers are limiting the damage.
One of my problems about Theresa was her ridiculous accent. Well this past episode they remedied that by Daniella asking about her relatives in England. Now we can drop the charade of her American accent and just go full on British.
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