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.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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.
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