Did I not tell you to buy stock in Microsoft?
Xbox 360 is the Future of Television
Maybe that makes up for my questionable predictions about Netflix ....
Monday, December 5, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Who Else Made Today a Good Day
Now that I think about it ... that title may be a bit ... icky. But I can't think of a better way to satisfy my "in the form of a question, please" format so I'm stuck with it.
Recently, I blogged about discovering the outstanding drama Veronica Mars that was canceled in 2007. The show starred an underrated actor named Kristen Bell - those of you who were Heroes fans will remember her as the electric femme fatale, Elle Bishop - who strangely never got any critical nods for her outstanding work in the series.
Showtime has just announced that Kristen Bell is on board for their upcoming drama pilot House of Lies. The show looks pretty interesting (it's about cutthroat business consultants, and you know that speaks to me as an MBA), and it also stars Don Cheadle. I don't subscribe to Showtime, but I might have to get the free opener package to check out this show when it airs in the near future.
Since Showtime is well-known for its edgy, critically-acclaimed dramas I'm optimistic that Ms. Bell might get some well-deserved critical attention if the show's pilot is well-received.
If you have Showtime, make sure to watch for House of Lies and tell me what you think!
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
Recently, I blogged about discovering the outstanding drama Veronica Mars that was canceled in 2007. The show starred an underrated actor named Kristen Bell - those of you who were Heroes fans will remember her as the electric femme fatale, Elle Bishop - who strangely never got any critical nods for her outstanding work in the series.
Showtime has just announced that Kristen Bell is on board for their upcoming drama pilot House of Lies. The show looks pretty interesting (it's about cutthroat business consultants, and you know that speaks to me as an MBA), and it also stars Don Cheadle. I don't subscribe to Showtime, but I might have to get the free opener package to check out this show when it airs in the near future.
Since Showtime is well-known for its edgy, critically-acclaimed dramas I'm optimistic that Ms. Bell might get some well-deserved critical attention if the show's pilot is well-received.
If you have Showtime, make sure to watch for House of Lies and tell me what you think!
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
Why You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself
This one will be quick. You should be ashamed of yourself if:
1. You watch Tosh.0 and laugh like a child; or
2. You don't watch Tosh.0 at all.
In other words, you should be watching Tosh.0. It's worth the shame, and before you can start to feel too uncomfortable with his racial and gender stereotypes, he will rock an insult directed at you that hits a little close to home. He's an equal opportunity offender, and he pulls no punches, or nude shots, or vomit scenes.
The show itself isn't an original concept: it's a clip show with funny web videos. VH1 had a version called Web Junk in 2007 hosted by comedian Patrice O'Neal. Following the unexpected success of Tosh.0, they've decided to reboot the show with a new host, Half Baked's Jim Breuer.
The factor that sets Tosh.0 apart is Daniel Tosh and his shocking, but hilarious, commentary. If you haven't given it a look, DVR an episode and watch it over breakfast the next morning. If you don't end up with Froot-Loops flavored milk shooting out your nostrils, you're an old fart.
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
1. You watch Tosh.0 and laugh like a child; or
2. You don't watch Tosh.0 at all.
In other words, you should be watching Tosh.0. It's worth the shame, and before you can start to feel too uncomfortable with his racial and gender stereotypes, he will rock an insult directed at you that hits a little close to home. He's an equal opportunity offender, and he pulls no punches, or nude shots, or vomit scenes.
The show itself isn't an original concept: it's a clip show with funny web videos. VH1 had a version called Web Junk in 2007 hosted by comedian Patrice O'Neal. Following the unexpected success of Tosh.0, they've decided to reboot the show with a new host, Half Baked's Jim Breuer.
The factor that sets Tosh.0 apart is Daniel Tosh and his shocking, but hilarious, commentary. If you haven't given it a look, DVR an episode and watch it over breakfast the next morning. If you don't end up with Froot-Loops flavored milk shooting out your nostrils, you're an old fart.
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
How to Be Confused
So, I started watching Parenthood recently. I'll admit I wasn't too keen on the premise, since the state of parenthood isn't something to which I can personally relate, but let's face it ... Lauren Graham is in this show. Even if it's terrible, I'll like it.
It turns out that I actually do like this show. It isn't for the faint of heart, though. While there are occasional moments of levity, the show is basically a sniffle-fest. Destitute mother with delinquent children? Check. Good-hearted parents with autistic child? Check. Rock-solid grandparents going through a potential divorce? Check. Immature adult musician discovers he has a 5-year old son? Check. Hilarious hijinks ... not so much.
The writing for the show is good, but without the very high-quality actors in this show it would fall apart. I would credit Ron Howard, one of the show's producers here. He is the best in the business for matching characters to actors, and I don't doubt he had a hand in the casting here. Peter Krause of Six Feet Under fame is probably the best "impatient" actor on television and frankly I'm shocked he hasn't had more success in the business after his 6-season run on one of the best scripted dramas ever produced. Lauren Graham, one of my uber-favorites, is flexing some serious acting muscle that likely takes her out of her comfort zone. I mean ... she went from world's-most-successful-progressive-mother on Gilmore Girls to world's greatest train wreck parent. Well done. Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia need no praise from me ... they're really, really good.
Where is the confusion? Well ... I don't have children, and don't particularly want any. This show's raw portrayal of the pain of parenthood largely reassures me I've made the right decision. Yet, it also fires off bursts of joy that leave me confused. It doesn't hurt that they cast some of the cutest kids ever born in the show. If you watch an episode and don't wonder whether they built Savannah Paige Rae out of flowers and sunshine in Willy Wonka's Cute Factory, then you're a black-hearted savage.
No one should be surprised, since I love complex character dramas, I love this show. Tivo! Netflix!
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
It turns out that I actually do like this show. It isn't for the faint of heart, though. While there are occasional moments of levity, the show is basically a sniffle-fest. Destitute mother with delinquent children? Check. Good-hearted parents with autistic child? Check. Rock-solid grandparents going through a potential divorce? Check. Immature adult musician discovers he has a 5-year old son? Check. Hilarious hijinks ... not so much.
The writing for the show is good, but without the very high-quality actors in this show it would fall apart. I would credit Ron Howard, one of the show's producers here. He is the best in the business for matching characters to actors, and I don't doubt he had a hand in the casting here. Peter Krause of Six Feet Under fame is probably the best "impatient" actor on television and frankly I'm shocked he hasn't had more success in the business after his 6-season run on one of the best scripted dramas ever produced. Lauren Graham, one of my uber-favorites, is flexing some serious acting muscle that likely takes her out of her comfort zone. I mean ... she went from world's-most-successful-progressive-mother on Gilmore Girls to world's greatest train wreck parent. Well done. Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia need no praise from me ... they're really, really good.
Where is the confusion? Well ... I don't have children, and don't particularly want any. This show's raw portrayal of the pain of parenthood largely reassures me I've made the right decision. Yet, it also fires off bursts of joy that leave me confused. It doesn't hurt that they cast some of the cutest kids ever born in the show. If you watch an episode and don't wonder whether they built Savannah Paige Rae out of flowers and sunshine in Willy Wonka's Cute Factory, then you're a black-hearted savage.
No one should be surprised, since I love complex character dramas, I love this show. Tivo! Netflix!
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Why "Glee" is Super-Duper Important
I don't watch Glee, and I don't plan to. Musical theater in general doesn't appeal to me; I like my drama and my music on different channels, I guess. Don't misunderstand - I'm not saying Glee is a bad show! Plenty of people (2, maybe 3) have told me they enjoy it and I'm willing to take them at their word, but it's just not my cup of Glee.
But I can't stay out of the newest Glee-sip about the show's creator Ryan Murphy telling the band Kings of Leon to go f--- themselves. Apparently, the Kings declined an offer to have one of their popular songs performed on Glee, and Mr. Murphy took that as a signal that the band's members hate children and want to destroy music education in this country. Sadly, I'm not exaggerating.
Most of you have heard me rant about our nascent narcissism epidemic (I realize that's ironic coming from someone who blogs), but even I was shocked by the outright self-importance of this fracas. I will admit it's possible Glee encourages kids to join a choral group, and maybe it even helps those groups with their fundraisers. But seriously ... if an artist isn't interested in being Glee-mourized, does that make him/her an enemy of music education? Let's bring it down a bit, shall we Mr. Murphy? You produce a campy show on Fox. Until President Obama appoints you Secretary of Education, I have a song suggestion for your show ... Harvey Danger's "Humility."
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
But I can't stay out of the newest Glee-sip about the show's creator Ryan Murphy telling the band Kings of Leon to go f--- themselves. Apparently, the Kings declined an offer to have one of their popular songs performed on Glee, and Mr. Murphy took that as a signal that the band's members hate children and want to destroy music education in this country. Sadly, I'm not exaggerating.
Most of you have heard me rant about our nascent narcissism epidemic (I realize that's ironic coming from someone who blogs), but even I was shocked by the outright self-importance of this fracas. I will admit it's possible Glee encourages kids to join a choral group, and maybe it even helps those groups with their fundraisers. But seriously ... if an artist isn't interested in being Glee-mourized, does that make him/her an enemy of music education? Let's bring it down a bit, shall we Mr. Murphy? You produce a campy show on Fox. Until President Obama appoints you Secretary of Education, I have a song suggestion for your show ... Harvey Danger's "Humility."
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
When It's Okay to Say Ho
I thought we had dipped the '80's television remake well' dry when I read that NBC went even further back and picked up David Kelley's remake of the 70's camp show, Wonder Woman. Apparently I was wrong!
Cartoon Network has released some concept art for their upcoming remake of the classic 80's cartoon Thundercats. It seems to have more anime influence this time around (witness the spiky hair on Lion-o and giant cat cleavage on Cheetara), which may help make this update watchable. CN's propensity for injecting adult themes into their cartoons may also help snag the 30-somethings who grew up with the original.
When it airs, I'll give it a glance and let you know what I think. For now, I'll just say ... "Thundercats! Ho!!!!"
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
Cartoon Network has released some concept art for their upcoming remake of the classic 80's cartoon Thundercats. It seems to have more anime influence this time around (witness the spiky hair on Lion-o and giant cat cleavage on Cheetara), which may help make this update watchable. CN's propensity for injecting adult themes into their cartoons may also help snag the 30-somethings who grew up with the original.
When it airs, I'll give it a glance and let you know what I think. For now, I'll just say ... "Thundercats! Ho!!!!"
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
Who Cares About Jurisdiction
On February 9th, the FX series Justified returns for its second season. Although it could never replace Deadwood as the best neo-western drama of all time, it's still extremely entertaining; thus I will definitely put it in my Tivo rotation, and I recommend you do the same.
If you didn't catch the first season, don't sweat it: Timothy Olyphant plays a trigger-happy U.S. Marshal who gets transferred to the Lexington, Kentucky field office after gunning down a Miami thug in a Marshal-Dillon-style hip draw. Resisting the urge to see Mr. Olyphant as typecast here is difficult to say the least, but he does an admirable job of differentiating his character, Marshal Raylan Givens, from his iconic portrayal of Seth Bullock (another trigger-happy lawman) in Deadwood.
The character development is a little shallow, and the relationship between Marshal Givens and his ex-wife is a bit sloppy, but you can't beat Justified for pure testosterone. In that arena, it has more complexity than Rescue Me, and better suspense than other cop shows like Southland. The writers also do a great job of playing out the action and suspense without having to rely on explosions and countdown clocks (a la 24). This is where Timothy Olyphant shines ... as one character in the first season notes: "you got ice water runnin' through your veins, dontcha?" He clearly does, and on screen that translates into unadulterated bad-assery.
Of course, this one has the typical annoyances that all cop and lawyer shows have: why the heck is a U.S. Federal Marshal investigating local murders and handling confidential informants? Sometimes I hate my law degree. The writers throw us the standard bone, a one-line explanation about why Marshal Givens is needed to help bring down a group of white supremacists, etc. And they actually attempt to put the Marshal in real-life U.S. Marshal situations (prisoner transfer, fugitive pursuit), so I'll suspend disbelief before the second season premiere in February. Not because I'm naturally forgiving ... but because I really enjoy watching Timothy Olyphant use his freakishly long arms to administer a beat-down. Have Gun Will Travel!
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
If you didn't catch the first season, don't sweat it: Timothy Olyphant plays a trigger-happy U.S. Marshal who gets transferred to the Lexington, Kentucky field office after gunning down a Miami thug in a Marshal-Dillon-style hip draw. Resisting the urge to see Mr. Olyphant as typecast here is difficult to say the least, but he does an admirable job of differentiating his character, Marshal Raylan Givens, from his iconic portrayal of Seth Bullock (another trigger-happy lawman) in Deadwood.
The character development is a little shallow, and the relationship between Marshal Givens and his ex-wife is a bit sloppy, but you can't beat Justified for pure testosterone. In that arena, it has more complexity than Rescue Me, and better suspense than other cop shows like Southland. The writers also do a great job of playing out the action and suspense without having to rely on explosions and countdown clocks (a la 24). This is where Timothy Olyphant shines ... as one character in the first season notes: "you got ice water runnin' through your veins, dontcha?" He clearly does, and on screen that translates into unadulterated bad-assery.
Of course, this one has the typical annoyances that all cop and lawyer shows have: why the heck is a U.S. Federal Marshal investigating local murders and handling confidential informants? Sometimes I hate my law degree. The writers throw us the standard bone, a one-line explanation about why Marshal Givens is needed to help bring down a group of white supremacists, etc. And they actually attempt to put the Marshal in real-life U.S. Marshal situations (prisoner transfer, fugitive pursuit), so I'll suspend disbelief before the second season premiere in February. Not because I'm naturally forgiving ... but because I really enjoy watching Timothy Olyphant use his freakishly long arms to administer a beat-down. Have Gun Will Travel!
P.S. -
Erica Durance, I love you.
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