2007 YEAR END SPECTACULAR

Announcer: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!

Audience: AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!!!

Announcer: Tonight, the Starlight Playhouse proudly presents…The 2007 Year End Spectacular!!!

Audience: (with boisterous cheers and thankful cries of pleasure) YAY!

Yes my loyal Droogies, it’s that time of year again. The annual occurrence where I, your humble narrator, get up on my digital soap box with complete and utter self absorption and spew my end of year lists onto a blank blog slate for you to peruse.

You, my honorable Malchicks and Cheenas, whom I have, in some way or another fooled myself into thinking actually care about what I have to say. And for this false sense of superiority I say…Thank You.

So here we go.

THE FILMS OF 2007

THE TOP TEN FILMS OF 2007

So on January 1, 2007 I made a vow to myself to, for the first time in my tenure as geeky film dude, actually put together true top ten list. I’ve avoided this in the past because I didn’t want to seem myopic or uncool. But I must say, although I feel bad for the films that didn’t make it to the top ten (and believe me there are many), I found that forcing myself to just ten truly added a nice new level of internal conflict and debate to the already overworked fandom part of my brain.

But I digress.

What a year huh? It was the summer of mostly unsuccessful Three-Quels and a fall and winter of mostly unsuccessful (and pretty bad) anti war films. But as a whole, 2007 actually did turn out some of the better films in recent years. And here are the ten best (in my opinion)

10. DEATH PROOF – Not only does this Tarantino schlockfest contain some of the writer’s best dialogue to date, the last 40 minutes of the films has one of the finest car chases I’ve ever seen captured on celluloid. More than this, we were introduced to a new, ready to break out, on screen heroine in Zoe Bell, and got to witness Kurt Russell finest acting in 15 years. Kurt we’re not afraid of your scar…we’re afraid of your car.

9. ZODIAC – Great script, great acting, great cinematography, but all of these elements are overshadowed by David Fincher’s vision and taught direction. Fincher’s attention to detail is infamous around Hollywood (he did 50 takes of the soap hitting the tray in FIGHT CLUB), but it pays off in this wonderful homage to the 70’s paranoia filmmakers like Pakula and Coppola. The out-of-the-shot tension that Fincher creates in felt in every frame of this film. He is meticulous with his camera movements and only shows us just enough to keep us one step ahead of our main characters. A true development can been seen from Fincher film to Fincher film, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

8. RATATOUILLE – What is there left to say about writer/director Brad Bird that hasn’t already been said? The guy’s goven us some of the most brilliant Simpons episodes ever, one of the more underrated 2D animated films of all time in the IRON GIANT, and wrote/directed/produced the best film of 2004 in THE INCREDIBLES. What Bird’s accomplished with RATATOUILLE was no small feat though, the images and story he put together for the film are so lifelike and pleasing, they’re almost as good as the food being prepared by the characters. More than this, casting Patton Oswalt as the voice or the main rat Remy was a wonderful choice. 

7. EASTERN PROMISES – David Cronenberg’s biggest strength as a filmmaker is that he knows how to slyly ease an audience into a world that they otherwise would have never wanted to be a part of. His movies are small, quiet, intimate yarns, with fully fleshed out characters. Following up the brilliant A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE is no small feat, but Cronenberg accomplishes this in spades with this gritty portrait of the Russian mob. And with understated performances from Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, and Armin Mueller-Stahl, the film could be one of Cronenberg’s best.

6. HAIRSPRAY – This film is the cinematic equivalent of diving into a fresh baked happiness pie. HAIRSPRAY is pure visual and audible cotton candy, and quite easily the most fun I had in a theater in a long long time. It’s not small task to blend the subversiveness of a John Waters films with an uproarious musical, and on top of this to successfully transition a monster Broadway smash to the big screen. But director Andrew Shankmen (a former Broadway choreographer) did so, and in turn left audiences knowing that you just can’t stop the beat.

5. KNOCKED UP – Honestly, for this slot, it was a toss up between this and SUPERBAD. However, what SUPERBAD has in laughs, KNOCKED UP has in heart, and for me that puts KNOCKED UP one slight notch above it’s equally deserving sister film. Judd Apatow is a player right now, but for those who’ve followed his work since FREAKS AND GEEKS, it’s comes as no surprise that he is now being touted around Hollywood as guy who makes sincere gross-out comedies…which oddly enough appeal to both genders. The allure of a film like KNOCKED UP is that it teeters on that line between reality and the hyper-reality of movies. And come on folks, that line is where we all want to be in our own lives anyway, right? But sadly enough, we know it’s not possible, so the second best thing is to escape for two hours with characters that do reside on that line. And for this reason Judd Apatow is going to be around for a long long time.

4. INTO THE WILD – The film is a visual poem with textured characters, crackling dialogue, and an enveloping score that slowly lures you in never lets go. Writer/director Sean Penn delivers on every possible level, but for all the virtues contained in this film, the true stand out is the performance of Emile Hirsch. The character of Christopher McCandless is in its truest form an anti-hero. He’s even loathsome in parts, and it’s to Hirsch’s credit as an actor and Penn’s credit as a writer/director, that the audience doesn’t turn on him. They stick with him to the bitter end, and even feel a little sad for the lost and thick-headed boy. Finally, I would be remise if I also didn’t give a quick shout out to Hal Holbrook for one of the most beautiful performances of the year.

3. JUNO – There’s no reason for me to go too deep into this film because there have been articles upon articles dissecting it already. Pieces ranging from it’s brilliant first time writer Diablo Cody, the maturation of second time director Jason Reitman, and the signaling of the arrival of a new female starlet in Ellen Page. To me, the quality of this film is explained by sharing the story of my first screening of the film. Back in September at the Toronto Film Festival I sat in a packed theater with hard to please, quick to bury and bad mouth, industry types. 10 minutes into the film the tone in the theater clearly shifted, and it was as if everyone watching JUNO pleasantly regressed and were reminded of why they actually got into this business…because it can be FUN and a truly great film can honestly effect people. Needless to say the film got a standing ovation and everyone walked out with smiles on their faces. I don’t want to go on too much longer, but I have to point out that in a film that contains the best ensamble cast of the year, kudos must be given to Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons for stealing every scene they are in.

2. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN – If ones says that this film could be the Coen Brothers best they better mean it, because when looking at the Coen Brothers’ filmography almost every movie could be argued to be just that. Well, I am saying NO COUTRY FOR OLD MEN is the Coen’s best. It is the perfect storm of all the beloved Coen Brother nuances, and contains some of the best acting in any of their films. When looking closely, the elements that make up a Coen Brother film are like pieces to a beautiful jigsaw puzzle. The cinematography must fit with the framing and camera movement, which then slips in with the production design, which then ultimately clicks with the sound design, etc... And with NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, all the pieces have fit just right. After a string of so-so films, the Coen Brothers are back to form.

1. THERE WILL BE BLOOD - I really don’t know what to say about this film other than...PERFECT. The moment the first credit popped up at the end of the film I turned to my friend and said, “That’s an American Classic”. Movies like this are just not made anymore. So much care, so much detail, so many layers. The word “auteur” is thrown around a lot these days, but Paul Thomas Anderson truly is one. He has put together one of the best American made films since RAGING BULL, and more than this, a laid out a character study on par with CITIZEN KANE. This film solidifies Anderson’s place in the pantheon of great American directors. Daniel Day Lewis is beyond good, and is the best actor working today. His Daniel Plainview will be talked about for years to come.

(I know I said this was a true top ten, but I have to say that SWEENEY TODD and GONE BABY GONE just missed making it onto the list by the slightest margins. In fact each film was on, and then off my list multiple times.)

THE BOTTOM TEN FILMS OF 2007 (or as I like to call it, “Did they need the money, or did they loose a bet?”)

Let’s just say be glad that I saw these films and you didn’t. But if you did happen pay the money and witness these cinematic travesties…well, I feel your pain.

10. THE HEARTBREAK KID – Oh boy, Ben Stiller must have needed the money. The Farrelly Brothers are slipping. I think this film actually contained zero laughs.

9. SMOKIN’ ACES – This was what Joe Carnahan decided to follow up NARC with? Wow?! And he wants to do a sequel? Who is managing this guy? When you have a film with Ray Liotta, Ryan Reynolds, Jeremy Piven, Peter Berg, Jason Batemen, and your best performances come from Common and Alicia Keys, you better know you’ve done something terribly wrong.

8. HALLOWEEN – Bascially this film can be summed up in one image - Rob Zombie relieving himself on John Carpeter’s filmography and then accidentially steping on the negative of the original masterpiece. My question is…how in the world did Carpenter OK this?

7. #23 – Jim Carrey…PLEASE go back to doing comedy. And Joel Schumacker…PLEASE stop directing movies.

6. SHREK 3 – Unfunny, unimaginative, and unworthy of my time. It’s like Dreamworks released this film because they owed someone money.

5. WILD HOGS – I get Travolta, Lawrence, and Allen in this film, but what the hell was William H. Macy doing in this? Again, did he loose a bet or something?

4. LICENSE TO WED – Let’s just hope John Krasinski makes better choices in the future. And is it me, or is Robin Williams “antics” now starting to come off as the musings of a mad man?

3. FANTASIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER – If the first one was a dead bird in a sumo wrestlers jock strap, this one was at least a live bird in a sumo wrestlers jock strap. Not too much better, but at least an improvement.

2. RUSH HOUR 3 – Chris Tucker waited ten years to get back into movies, and returned to the silver screen for this? Did he loose a bet? (Are we beginning to see a pattern forming?) This film solidifies Brett Ratner as the biggest piece of Hollywood excrement…EVER!

1. GHOST RIDER – I can’t completely write this film off because is has Eva Mendes in it…well, yeah, actually I can. I wish this film had never been made because then my wife would not have put it on our Netflix queue, and I in turn would not have needed to sit through it.

MY OSCAR NOMINATIONS

I am not going to even bother typing a best picture list. You should just take my top five from the above section and figure that those are the ones I would nominate…if I could. (OH WOULD THAT BE A DREAM!!!!!)

Best Actor

1. Daniel Day Lewis – THERE WILL BE BLOOD (WINNER)
2. Emile Hirsch – INTO THE WILD
3. Johnny Depp – SWEENEY TODD
4. Viggo Mortensen – EASTERN PROMISES
5. Christian Bale – RESCUE DAWN

Best Actress

1. Ellen Paige – JUNO (WINNER)
2. Amy Adams – ENCHANTED
3. Keri Russell – WAITRESS
4. Anjelina Jolie – A MIGHTY HEART
5. Helena Bonham Carter – SWEENEY TODD

Best Supporting Actor

1. Javier Bardem – NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (WINNER)
2. Hal Holbrook – INTO THE WILD
3. Ben Foster – 3:10 TO YUMA
4. Philip Seymour Hoffman – CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR
5. Casey Affleck – THE ASSASINATION OF JESSIE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD

Best Supporting Actress

1. Cate Blanchet – I’M NOT THERE (WINNER)
2. Amy Ryan – GONE BABY GONE
3. Julia Roberts – CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR
4. Queen Latifa - HAIRSPRAY
5. Allison Janney – JUNO

Best Director

1. Paul Thomas Anderson – THERE WILL BE BLOOD (WINNER)
2. Joel and Ethan Coen – NO COUNTRY FROM OLD MEN
3. Sean Penn – INTO THE WILD
4. David Cronenberg – EASTERN PROMISES
5. Tim Burton – SWEENEY TODD

Best Screenplay

1. Diablo Cody – JUNO (WINNER)
2. Judd Apatow – KNOCKED UP
3. Adrienne Shelly – WAITRESS
4. Scott Frank - THE LOOKOUT
5. Kelly Masterson – BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOUR DEAD

Best Adapted Screenplay

1. Paul Thomas Anderson – THERE WILL BE BLOOD (WINNER)
2. Joel and Ethan Coen – NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
3. Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard – GONE BABY GONE
4. Halsted Welles, Michael Brandt, Derek Hass – 3:10 TO YUMA
5. Aaron Sorkin – CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR

OTHER AWARDS FOR 2007

ACTOR OF THE YEAR - Christian Bale (RESCUE DAWN, 3:10 TO YUMA, and I’M NOT THERE)

ACTRESS OF THE YEAR – Amy Adams (ENCHANTED and CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR)

BEAKOUT MALE TALENT – Ben Affleck (co-writer and director of GONE BABY GONE)

BREAKOUT FEMALE TALENT – Diablo Cody (writer of JUNO)

BEST THRILLER – MR. BROOKS

BEST CRIME MOVIE – ZODIAC

BEST ACTION MOVIE – THE BOURNE SUPREMACY

BEST COMEDY – SUPERBAD

BEST COMIC BOOK ADAPTATION – 300

BEST BOOK ADAPTION – HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

BEST MUSICAL – SWEENEY TODD

BEST ANIMATED MOVIE – RATATOUILLE

BEST DRAMA – THERE WILL BE BLOOD

BEST SCI-FI MOVIE – SUNSHINE

BEST HORROR – THE MIST

BEST DOCUMENTARY – NO END IN SIGHT

BIGGEST DISAPOINTMENT(S) – Anything with the #3 in it (SPIDERMAN, SHREK, PIRATES, OCEANS, RUSH HOUR, etc…)

MOST PLEASANT SURPRISE – LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD

BEST TRAILER - CLOVERFIELD

TOP TWENTY MOST ANTICIPATED FILMS OF 2008

1. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOME OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL

2. THE DARK KNIGHT

3. BOND 22

4. WALL E

5. THE PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

6. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

7. STAR TREK

8. X-FILES 2

9. THE HAPPENING

10. TROPIC THUNDER

11. THE CURIOUS CASE OF BEJAMIN BUTTON

12. HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY

13. THE INCREDIBLE HULK

14. IRON MAN

15. BE KIND, REWIND

16. FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL

17. HAROLD AND KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY 

18. GET SMART

19. RAMBO

20. NICK AND NORA’S INFINATE PLAYLIST

 

THE TELEVISION OF 2007

THE TOP TWENTY SHOWS OF 2007

Why twenty? Well, there are way more television programs than there are movies, so comparatively twenty is not that big of a number for me to choose. But if you are still not convinced…this is MY list and MY blog so I’ll do what I want! And if you don’t like it, well stop reading (if you haven’t done so already).

Anyway…

This was an exceptional year for television. Programming risks were taken, and for the first time, in a long time, networks were not so quick to pull shows off the air. Now, I am not going to get into a whole big thing about the writers strike and how it might effect future shows and scheduling. What I will say is this, looking forward things looks grim (at this point we can put the grave stone down for the 2008 fall TV line-up), but when looking back at 2007, all I see is Anna Friel waiting for me to come home holding a delicious pies of the Pie Hole.

And away we go…

20. LIFE – One of the better new shows from the 2007 season (see previous blog entry for full review of LIFE). The show got better with each episode, and Damien Lewis is just terrific as the enigmatic Detective Charlie Crews.

19. STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP – Say what you want about this show, when it returned from it’s mid-season hiatus with the “K & R” episodes, this show was better than anything on TV. Too bad people had to give up on it so quickly.

18. IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA – I got into this show late, but was able to catch up in time to start the third season as it aired. Hilarious show, and with each passing season the “gang” pushes the envelope even further. Where else can you get a show where your protagonists find a baby in a dumpster, and some how sees it as an opportunity to make cash by passing it off as a baby model. So mean spirited, but so much fun!

17. MY NAME IS EARL – I know this show came out of the box smokin’, and has lost some of it’s public penash. But now that it’s settled in with it’s core audience the show is really groovin’. What makes EARL such a great show is that it’s constantly experimenting with story structure. For example, almost every show has the played out flashback, “what were our characters like before all this”, episode. But on EARL, instead of showing hackneyed flashbacks the producers shot an episode of FOX’s COPS and had EARL’s main characters watching themselves be arrested “way be when”. Very creative.

16. NIP/TUCK – Yes, as I type this the current season is still going on, but from what I’ve seen so far, it’s by far McNamara/Troy’s most hedonistic and twisted yet. I’m just going to throw some random words and phrases out to sum up how much of a wild ride this season’s been…Hollywood, reality show, pooping in a hot tub, excess fat hanging off a body, consensual stachatory rape, fruit cake, birds flying into people, meth explosion, porn, modeling, kidnapping, lesbians, Marilyn Monroes, experimental drugs, orgies…oh and the list could go on. This is one perverse show.

17. HOUSE – In the TV dictionary, next to the word “consistent”, there should be a picture of HOUSE. Every episode is solid. I can’t say anything bad about the show. Week to week, it’s just a great watch. And Hugh Laurie is the sweet ambrosia of the gods sent down to us via the boob tube. And just for a second can we thank Dr. Gregory House for not choosing Cut Throat Bitch. She was so annoying!

16. THE SOPRANOS – Forget the last few seconds of black in the series finale. Why doesn’t anyone talk about the sound made when the SUV ran over Phil Leotardo’s head, and the subsequent reaction of the three school boys…GENIOUS! Anyway, I am sad to see this show go. I respected this show. Respected it because it never caved in to the public pressure of what fans and critics thought it “should have been”. It always stayed true to what it was. And week to week, it was nice to hang with Tony and his family. Who cares if we don’t know if he lives or dies, let’s just say we were just visiting for a while, and now it’s time to leave…but it don’t mean we won’t miss ya.

15. DAMAGES – The show started off slow, but after episode four (see previous blog) I was sold. More than anything, what hooked me was the clever narrative structure and the acting. With stand out performances from Glenn Close and Ted Danson, it’s no surprise that FX reupped the show for a second season (also good numbers and positive word of mouth didn’t hurt).

14. REAPER – Cheesy, clever, and just way cool. With one of the better young casts on TV, this show fills the void left open after BUFFY was cancelled. Brett Harrison is solid as Sam, but the show really belongs to veteran character actor Ray Wise. Wise’s Devil is playful and funny, but when push comes to shove, he’s a mean and scary dude. This is a deliciously bizarre show, and in another universe could have been a great Roger Corman film.

13. 30 ROCK – Awards, accolades, critic darling…yes, 30 ROCK is all these things. But what should never be lost is the fact that this show is hil-ar-ious. Once it hit its stride mid-way through the first season the show was delivering laughs on par with ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. Much has been made about Baldwin’s portrayal of Jack Donaghy (and rightfully so), but I have to throw some love to the Tracy Morgan. Morgan slays me every time he opens his mouth and spews out one of his non-sequiters. Case in point, take a look at this bit of dialogue…

(Tracy enters into Jack’s office where Jack and a well dressed woman wait)

Jack – Oh, hey, Tracy, this Susan Hocker the NBC’s psychologist.

Tracy – So who’s crazier, me or Anne Curry?

I love this show. Absolutely brilliant!

12. BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA – Could be the best piece of Sci-Fi ever shot (that means for TV or Film). What makes the show unique is it’s insistence on remaining practical and real. Sure, it takes place in space, but every piece of action and every object in the GALLACTICA world seems like it could exists. The characters are real humans in extraordinary situations, and like a classic piece of sci-fi the similarities and subtle references to our world today are potent and true.

11. THE RICHES – In all honesty, I would watch Eddie Izzard in anything. It’s just serendipitous that he just happens to be acting in this quirky family dramedy. What’s more, he’s not even the best part of the show. Minnie Driver owns this show, and her relationship with Izzard’s character is genuine and textured. You actually believe that they are husband and wife. Unlike many of the more popular shows on TV about suburbia, THE RICHES doesn’t shy away from possibly distancing their audiences. The dirty and the disturbing are out in force on this show, and that takes guts.

10. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM – What kind of demented mind takes his personal life, dirty laundry, hardships, and critiques, and bundles them all together are shares them with an audience on a weekly basis? Larry David, that’s who. After going through a quasi-public divorce and bout with environmentalism, David decided to use his weekly comedy show to work out his own demons. And lucky for us, because this past season of CURB was by far the funniest. At first I thought the Black family was kind of a stretch, but they ultimately were used well throughout the season and wound up being part of the single funniest moments of the TV year (the final montage in the season finale). We can only hope that Larry has more demons in his closet so we can get some more CURB.

9. SOUTH PARK – In this, its eleventh season, SOUTH PARK is still the best piece of social satire out there. No one cuts down public perceptions and conceptions in a more biting way than Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Part of the fun in each episode is to slowly watch how Trey and Matt take a completely irrelevant and more often than not juvenile “A” storyline and slowly build it up to make a much larger social statement. For example in one episode this past season the kids find a military portal to the our imagination (bare with me here), and wind up taking part in a war between the good imaginary characters and the evil ones (in our imagination). All the while, a much larger side war is being waged where the US Government is trying to destroy “our imagination” by turning “our evil thoughts” against us. Completely genius.

8. EXTRAS – Remember what I said about Eddie Izzard? Well, if Rickie Gervais and Stephen Merchant asked me to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge…well folks, get the scuba team because they are going to need to be doing to dredging. EXTRAS is a sharp and hilariously uncomfortable look at fame and ego. However, for the many accolades that Gervais and Merchant get, the true star of this show is Ashley Jensen’s Maggie. She is above and beyond the most talented comedic actress working today. Gervais’ character of Andy Millman would be nothing without his loyal and dim witted sidekick Maggie. The series came to a close in a wonderful Christmas special, and I am sad to see it go, but much like the original BBC THE OFFICE, I am just happy that I was able to enjoy it while it lasted.

7. CALIFORNICATION – Obsession is a strong word, but I know I am obsessed with this show. CALIFORNICATION oozes cool. The show is like eating a piece of extra dark chocolate…delectably bitter. David Duchovny has found a role that was tailor made for him in Hank Moody. He delivers his dialogue with such ease and grace, that the banter with the other actors almost seems like a well choreographed tango. The rest of the cast is rounded out with excellent character actors, but the true breakout here is the young actress who plays Hank’s daughter Becca, Madeleine Martin. She acts on a much more mature level than her 12 year old age dictates. If you haven’t see the show, I strongly recommend trying to pick it up.

6. RESCUE ME – The best ensemble cast on TV. What this show does better than any other is that it transitions from comedy to drama to tragedy and back to comedy seamlessly, and sometimes all in one scene. Denis Leary and Peter Tolan are the workhorses of this show. They produce every episode, write almost every episode, and Peter Tolan directs the majority of the episodes. The world that their characters live in is a post 9/11 New York City, where there is no bad or good…just grey. This show is about living with one’s self, and how no matter how hard you want it to stop the world it won’t ever let you get off.

5. THE OFFICE – A sign of a good comedy is when the action not making you laugh is just as compelling as the funny stuff. This is THE OFFICE to a tee. Start to finish, every moment of this show is worth watching. It was great to see Jim and Pam finally consummate their relationship, and who didn’t like seeing the Schrute farm. To me, what separates and makes the US version better than the BCC one is that is it has a much kinder heart. All the characters have traits that we all can relate too, and each one seems like someone we already know. More than this, I love the fact that all the actors are either writers or producers on the show because it’s clear that in every episode the performers are honestly invested in what they are doing.

4. PUSHING DAISIES – The facts are these…this show rocks my socks off! Made up of mostly former Broadway actors (who get to sing a lot…YAY!) this show is almost as delicious as the pies Ned the baker makes. The visuals are Tim Burton light, and the scripts are sharp and twisty. Lee Pace and Anna Friel combine to make up the cutest couple on TV, and the enchanting Kristin Cheneworth flourishes as Olive the lonely-hearted barista. And no other show out there could land such geek worthy guest actors as Mike White, Molly Shannon, and Paul Reubens. After the first two episodes I was sure this show would be cancelled, but the fact that ABC has stuck with this imaginative show for so long gives me hope that times and tastes in this business are a-changin’.

3. BIG LOVE – I can honestly say I don’t miss SIX FEET UNDER anymore. BIG LOVE has filled in that empty space in my TV watching heart. In previous posts I’ve written about my admiration for the actors on this show, but what’s rarely said about BIG LOVE is how much it’s had to overcome to be success. Before the show first premiered (almost three years ago now) it was mocked and disregarded as a show about polygamy. But over time it was clear that BIG LOVE was about much more than that. It’s a show about human connection, family, beliefs, and roots. The fact that BIG LOVE is now viewed as a quality TV program and nothing else is it’s biggest achievement.

2. LOST – Some say the third season of LOST was not so great. I disagree. What I will agree to is that the first six episodes of LOST were a little slow, but the last 16 were some of the best storytelling and acting around. I’ve always said each season of LOST is like a layer of a gobstopper. Each season brings you in deeper, and you ultimately can’t remember where you started, and when you do finally remember you’re surprised how far you’ve come in such a short period of time. It is a show that can be watched over and over, and upon each viewing new insights begin to reveal themselves. LOST is the TV equivalent to Alice’s rabbit hole, and we as audience members just have to enjoy the ride down. But Just remember…NOT PENNY’S BOAT!!!

1. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – I am not going to say much here. For those of you who’ve read me before, you’re already well aware of my undying affection for this show (and my totally hetro crush on Coach Taylor). If this is your first time reading the blog, go back, check out some of my previous posts on FNL. This all said…this is what I will say about the show…CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN’T LOOSE!!!           

So that’s it. 2007 has come to a close, and all we can hope for in 2008 is that the popcorn be hot, the projection be clear, the sound be loud, the commercials be minimal, and the writers be working.

Till 2008 my loyal ad much loved Droogies.

Your Humble Narrator,

Alex

P.S. – For those of you who really are interested, below is my full list and grades for ALL the films of 2007. Yeah, I did see all of these, and yeah, I am that insane.

THERE WILL BE BLOOD – A+

ZODIAC - A

NO END IN SIGHT - A

KNOCKED UP – A

RATATOUILLE – A

HAIRSPRAY – A

GONE BABY GONE – A

SWEENEY TODD – A

EASTERN PROMISES – A

DEATHPROOF – A

JUNO – A

INTO THE WILD – A

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN – A

THE LOOKOUT – A-

THE HOST – A-

HOT FUZZ – A-

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY – A-

SUPERBAD – A-

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE – A-

THE KING OF KONG – A-

THE MIST – A-

MR. BROOKS – A-

THE NAMESAKE – B+

THE SIMPSON’S MOVIE – B+

3:10 TO YUMA – B+

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX – B+

SUNSHINE – B+

I’M NOT THERE – B+

CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR – B+

A MIGHTY HEART – B+

DISTURBIA – B+

I AM LEGEND – B+

ENCHANTED – B+

BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD – B+

SLEUTH – B+

1408 – B+

SICKO – B+

DAN IN REAL LIFE – B

SURF’S UP – B

AMERICAN GANGSTER – B

RESCUE DAWN – B

RENO 911: MIAMI – B

MICHAEL CLAYTON – B

300 – B

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS – B

LIVE FREE, OR DIE HARD – B

28 WEEKS LATER – B

PLANET TERROR – B-

OCEAN’S 13 – B-

TRANSFORMERS – B-

HOT ROD – B-

SHOOT EM’ UP – B-

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSIE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD – B-

THE KINGDOM – B-

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH – B-

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON – B-

THE SAVAGES – B-

WALK HARD – B-

THE KITE RUNNER – B-

BEE MOVIE – B-

MEET THE ROBINSONS – B-

THE BRAVE ONE – B-

SPIDERMAN 3 – C+

30 DAYS OF NIGHT – C+

TALK TO ME – C+

THE INVISIBLE – C+

BEOWULF – C+

BLACK SNAKE MOAN - C

BLADES OF GLORY – C

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY – C

THE DARJEELING EXPRESS – C

CAPTAIN MIKE ACROSS AMERICA – C-

HITMAN – C-

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL – C-

REDACTED – C-

NORBIT – C-

THE EX – C-

MR. MAGORIUM’S WONDER EMPORIUM – D+

THE BROTHER’S SOLOMON – D+

RENDITION – D+

HOSTEL 2 – D+

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLDS END – D+

I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE – D

GOAL 2 – D

BALLS OF FURY – D

#23 – D-
FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER – D-

SMOKIN’ ACES – D-

SHREK 3 – D-

WILD HOGS – D-

THE HEARTBREAK KID – D-

HALLOWEEN - F

GHOST RIDER – F

RUSH HOUR 3 – F

LICENSE TO WED - F

 

MOVIES I MISSED OR HAD NO INTEREST IN SEEING IN 2007

ATONEMENT

THE GOLDEN COMPASS

FRED CLAUS

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS

THE BUCKET LIST

THE GREAT DEBATERS

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE

RESERVATION ROAD

MARTIAN CHILD

LUST CAUTION

MARGOT AT THE WEDDING

THE NINES

THE INVASION

DEATH SENTENCE

 

 

MUCH ADO ABOUT SOMETHING

Good morrow to you, my faithful Droogies out there in the blogisphere. It has been some time since I lasted posted, and for that I apologize from the deep bowls of my heart. You see, I have been working on a Jerry Maguire-esque rant as to why so many once bankable movie stars and established fixtures in the independent film world are now relocating their tinsel town condos to TV-Ville.

The long and the short of it is, that post just became too darn long and pedantic (and that’s so new?). So being the benevolent beast you have all come to love and respect, I felt there is no reason me to subject any of you to that drivel, especially when I can just bombard you will this drivel.

So away we go…

Bill Shakes from the Stratford-Upon-Avon Press once wrote, "TV, or not TV, that is the question: whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous drivel, or to take arms against a sea of knockoffs, and by opposing end them."

(Narrator’s Note – There is no Bill Shakes or a Stratford-Upon-Avon Press. And if you don’t get the reference I would pull a Billy Madison and go back to the Seventh Grade…then you’re sure to understand the reference...Ms. Veronica Vaughn, so hot, want to touch the heiny OOOWWWW!)

Yes, my honorable Droogies, it is that time again. No, not the major league baseball post season. No, not the time when the Presidential race kicks it into high gear. No, it’s not the time of year when we get 80 degree days at the end of September, and you begin to worrying, so you start only buying produce from local NY farmers to lower your carbon footprint.

Man, you people are way off, and to be honest you have to start getting your priorities straight because I am about to tell you what time it is…it’s the best time of the year - the start of the new TV season!

On the planet "boob-tube", their seasons are slightly different from ours. And our Fall is considered their Spring - a time of renewal and fresh hope. But I’m confident in saying that with all the hype that surrounds our Spring season, it’s never is as good as the mental illusion that we have built it up to be. In reality, Spring brings days upon days upon nights of rain, and of course allergies. But outside of wet clothes and the sniffles, spring also always bring nice surprises – a new rooftop bar in your neighborhood, a cool breeze when it’s least expected, and let’s not forget the overly promiscuous clothes and the over abundance of hormones.

And in a very slant-rhyme way we come all the way back around to the new TV season.

By most accounts the 2007 fall TV line-up was the least enticing in recent memory. Not many, "gotta see" new series; and too many "Ugg, I think I am just going to watch whatever is on VH1 instead" type shows. But, since I am a connoisseur of all things pop-culture and hype; as your humble Narrator I have subjected myself to almost all of the new Fall TV line-up and am here to download you all with my proven and reliable thoughts and opinions.

BUT…before I begin you must understand this is not just going to be quick bite-sizec reviews of just the new shows. I’m going to be hopping all over the place and drop some science on ya’ll about many of the returning shows as well. So to quote my pretend best friend Hunter Thompson, "The possibility of physical and mental collapse are now very real. No sympathy for the Devil. Keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride."

So let’s begin…

NEW SHOWS - BEST BETS
There are only a few new shows that I’ve seen that have really popped. Mostly, it’s just been one inane product after another. Which has made it much easier for the so called, cream, to rise to the top.

First off is BIONIC WOMAN. Totally and utterly awesome. Even before I saw frame one of this program I was intrigued. For this reimagining of an otherwise forgettable show, NBC brought in David Eik who resurrected BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA to a fraking monster hit. Then they surround him with a solid cast, lead by the talented Michelle Ryan (from BBC’s EAS ENDERS). What’s so cool about this show is the fact that it shares the same tone and accessibility that BATTLESTAR has. It’s got the perfect balance of cheekiness, action, drama, and sci-fi so all types of audiences can enjoy it. And on a personal level, the fact that they sprinkle in tons of intertextual references to other geek shows and films just makes BIONIC WOMAN a blast to watch. But more importantly they cast Katie Sackoff (from BATTLESTAR fame - Kara "Starbuck" Thrace) as the evil Bionic Woman…well, to this, all I have to say is, "Fellow geeks of the world unite!" (Seriously the geek juice oozing off this show is so thick and sweet you could bottle it and then drizzle it over pancakes).

Next…PUSHING DAISIES. This is one entertainingly twisted show which seems like it came from the mind of Tim Burton and David Lynch’s love child who just happens to be a less drugged out and mildly sweet Edger Allen Poe. Led by the fantastic Lee Pace, the first episode (directed by Barry Sonnenfeld) plays like a Fractured Fairytale. The rest of the cast is strong, but the oddity of the show’s premise and style could turn some viewers off. The thing that scares me most about this show is that I might like it too much, and when the peasants (that actually have influence over TV programming) have their say, the show will be yanked out from underneath me. It could be an ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and THE LOOP all over again. That said, my dear Droogies, if you trust me at all…please try this show. You will like it. Oh, and tell your friends.

In the realm of reality TV, the biggest, and most pleasant, surprise has been KITCHEN NIGHTMARES. OK, I have to be upfront about this…I have a major man crush on Gordon Ramsey. I want to hang out with him, I think he is hilarious. I love how he just says what he thinks. Plus he’s like a walking Mamet play. The guy just knows how and when to use profanity. He says it in a way that just stings (plus he’s given me one of my all time favorite new curses…"F—king Donkey"). Oh, and the show is really entertaining.

Finally, LIFE. In your humble narrator’s opinion, this is the best new show of the season. Forget the fact that I’ve been a semi-cultish follower of the lead actor, Damien Lewis, since he played Lt. Winters on HBO’s BAND OF BROTHERS. And you should also let slide that LIFE is basically HOUSE set in a police station (even down to the fact that Damien Lewis is British like Hugh Laurie, and looks oddly similar to him as well). All of this aside, LIFE is a very well put together piece of television. It’s well acted, well written, and well shot. But it’s the premise that’s most intriguing; a former cop gets out of prison after 12 years because of new evidence proving his innocence, and as a result the state has awarded him an undisclosed multi million dollar settlement. Then for reasons not yet known, the cop rejoins the force. Is here there to do good, or to take down the system and uncover the conspiracy that sent him away and took is former life away. Great stuff, can’t wait to see more.

COULD BE GOOD…JUST GIVE IT FOUR EPISODES
I am a practicing member of the "Rule of Four". What is that you ask? Well, I am a firm believer that any new TV show will reveal its true colors after four episodes. How did I come to this conclusion? Purely by luck.

Here’s the short version, when HBO’s THE WIRE first premiered, I could not get through the first episode, so I ditched it. But after hearing all the praise it received, I decided before the second season began to try it again. I still did not like the first episode, but told myself I’d give it three more. By the end of the fourth episode I was hooked, and I’ve gone on using this formula ever since. And I am glad I have because it’s worked for such shows as THE RICHES, BIG LOVE, THE UNIT, and BROTHERS AND SISTERS. (Just a quick clarification; some shows are just plain awful, and do not warrant having the Rule of Four applied to them. These shows are the obvious ones like, TWO AND A HALF MEN, TIL DEATH, and THE CLASS)

Much like BROTHERS AND SISTERS last season, this season’s DIRTY SEXY MONEY just feels like a great show trapped in a mediocre pilot episode. This show could be the new DYNASTY, a sexy back-stabbing show about rich people doing evil things to each other. The cast and creative team behind it is too good for this show to be bad, but so far it has been. I’ll give it a few more episodes though.

Next up is CHUCK. I actually did not like the first episode of this show at all, and the second one was not much better. That said, this show just feels like something I should like - a computer geek mistakenly has all the government’s top secrets downloaded into his brain, and as a result a hot CIA agent becomes his protector, and they go off on wacky adventures…yeah, how can I not like that. But the fact is, the show kind of blows. I am sure I’ll drop this, but for now, it stays.
As of this past week’s episode the CW’s REAPER might move up to the "best bets" category, but something tells me not to shift it just yet. I really liked the pilot episode, it was funny, it was quirky, and it was directed by Kevin Smith. Also the show stars Bret Harrison from THE LOOP, and ya’ll know how I feel about that show (AWESOME). Anyway, the concept of REAPER is hilarious - on his 21st birthday, Sam discovers his parents sold his soul to the devil before birth and he must now be a bounty hunter for the devil until he dies. The devil is played brilliantly by the long time character actor Ray Wise, and the rest of the cast consists of strong performers from other non-successful shows. The thing that scares me about REAPER is that so far every show has been the same - Sam reluctantly has to go search for an escaped soul with his buddies, and in the process learns a life lesson about himself. To me, this will get old, I need a little more development. From what my trusted friends in geek world tell me, that’s just how the CW shows are, flimsy and thin. If this is the case, I’ll stop watching, but for now, REAPER is my guilty pleasure of the fall season.

STAY THE F—K AWAY
Now, because my parents raised me right, and taught me to do unto others as you would expect them to do to you (the only exception is if they are Red Sox fans); being the good Narrator that I am, I’ve sacrificed my time, energy, patience, and brain cells to watch some of the worst pilots on TV in recent years. Since I don’t want to relive those experiences too much, I am going to be brief…

K VILLE – WOW, what an ungodly piece of excrement. So poorly done on all levels. My wife and I knew it wasn’t, but seriously hoped the show was going to wind up being a comedy because some of the choices the creators made were just RE-DIC-U-LOUS!

JOURNEYMAN – Don’t even think about tasting this piece. This is a minor league show trying its best to play in the bigs. Honestly…who cares. Avoid at all costs.

CAVEMEN – Oh boy. I could write an entire blog on why this show failed. But the fact that it’s based on a series of commercials produced by an insurance company should just about tell you how much this show blows Cro-Magnon balls.

CARPOOLERS – I really wanted to like this show, it’s created, written, and directed by Bruce McCullagh from KIDS IN THE HALL, so you know I did give it an honest try. But even my Dan Silver-Lining taste could not make up for how bad it is. It’s just bad.

BACK TO YOU – Back to another cheesy Kelsy Grammer and Patricia Heaton show that’s made to air at the John J’s in Boca Raton Florida during the early-bird special. Ouchy!

PRIVATE PRACTICE – Publicly sucked! (And that comes from my wife, I didn’t see it, she just wanted me to include that…GO ABBY!)

BIG SHOTS – Another great cast in a mediocre show. I thought about putting this in "The Rule of Four" section, but when I didn’t even care about watching the second episode I realized I had it in the right section.

(Quick question…why hasn’t Michael Vartan become a bigger deal? He’s fracken great. He can do comedy, drama, action…will someone please give him a role he can shine in please????!!!)

BACK WITH A VENGANCE
I would be remiss if I did not touch upon some of the returning shows, especially since some of them have made some positive changes to their tried and true formulas. More than this, some of them have just made some outright ballsy choices upon their return.

The most ballsy of choices has come from THE UNIT and HOUSE.

At the end of last season on THE UNIT, the "Unit" (a special military division that only answers to The President) was dissolved and all it’s members were in hiding or on trial for war crimes they did not commit. Fine, sounds like a perfect cliffhanger for the season. But in normal "TV Land" shows usually comes back in the fall and ease their audiences back into the action in hopes that new viewers have come aboard. Not THE UNIT, they started this season fast and furious. The first episode felt like the last 30 minutes of a Michael Bay/Jerry Bruckheimer movies…WHAM, BAM, BOOM, BANG…and lots of it. And if you were new to the show, you’d have zero idea of what was going on. So far in season three, THE UNIT has proven it does not care about new viewers, it just cares about making the best show possible and keeping their current audience happy. The adrenaline level on the show had been raised to 11, and that’s a good thing. David Mamet and Shawn Ryan have a killer show on their hands. I just hope they can keep it up all season long.

HOUSE is a much more popular show than THE UNIT, and as a result the changes the HOUSE folks have made (to me) are much more significant. In short, at the end of season three, the shows five main characters quit, took other jobs, or were fired (not for real…just their characters). At the start of this season, Dr. House began to interview new candidates to replace the old ones. Again, on a normal show, at the end of the new season’s premiere some deus ex machine would occur and all three old characters would be back bickering with House, and the audience would be happy because everything was back to normal. Not on HOUSE. Not only have the writers made it clear that Foreman, Chase, and Cameron have zero intention of coming back, these three beloved characters are treated as after-thoughts, barely appearing in the new episodes. As a loyal audience member of HOUSE, I know that Foreman, Chase, and Cameron will be back, but every week I keep checking the opening credits to see if the three actors are still being billed…THAT’S HOW GOOD THIS SHOW IS…they keep me guessing, I know how it all ends. On another level, HOUSE has reinvented itself visually. For three seasons the show has not really been an example of visual superiority on TV (nor did it need to be, this is a character and story show). But starting with the first episode of season 4, HOUSE dropped the camera off the steady-cam and tripods and went hand-held. Now, they have not totally abandoned the old look, but based on the first three episodes of this new season, there are moments in the show that play almost like a documentary. It’s a terrific choice, and I hope they keep going with it.

In an hour drama you have a lot of time to play…change things up from week to week, and if it doesn’t work, more time to change it back. It’s much harder with a half-hour comedy, and that’s why what MY NAME IS EARL has done is most impressive. At the end of last season Earl was put in prison for taking the rap on a crime Joy (his pregnant ex-wife and still close friend) committed. And based on the way things are going, it looks like Earl is not going to get out of prison any time soon. So what do the writers do, they turn the show upside down. They get rid of Earl’s list and have him strike a deal with the warden so that for every "good deed" he does, Earl gets a week off his sentence. Now EARL as a show has not been afraid to take chances (instead of doing a normal "look back show" Earl did a spoof on the show COPS to give background on all their characters, they also did a whole RASHOMON episode). This twist keeps the show fresh, and so far has been working out really well.

NEW SEASON, SAME SHOW, AND THAT’S A GOOD THING (SOMETIMES)
The lightning round. This is where I briefly give my quick thoughts on all the rest of the returning show. OK, Chip, away we go…

PRISON BREAK – This show is so stupid, but I love it to death. I like that they appear to take themselves to seriously, yet completely have their tongue firmly pressed in their cheek. The fact that they started this season with half the cast in a Mexican prison that has to guards and is run by the inmates should tell you what kind of show this is. Also, I think Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell could give Alec Baldwin a run for his money when is comes to talking in a whisper.

HEROES – Got off to a so so start with the first two episodes of the new season, but there’s SOOOO much to cover after the grand finale of season one that as audience members we should be patient and let them catch up. That said, I am dying to see the episode that shows us what happened in the four months between the season one finale and the first episode of season two. I have a feeling that’s when the show will really start rolling. Finally, this past week’s episode with Sylar was great. Wouldn’t it be cool if he’s on the same island as the guys from Lost?

UGLY BETTY – Season two picks up right where season one ended, so, so far so good. As long as this show keeps its soapy candy coated feel, it has nothing to worry about. All I ask it that they give me more Marc and Amanda moments. They are the true stars of this show.

SURVIVOR: CHINA – It’s Survivor, how can it not be good. The show has the best reality host on the planet, ridiculously divine challenges, and a bunch of fun whiny contestant. What more do you want from this show? I’m pulling for the giant grave digger guy with the jacked body.

THE OFFICE – So good to have this show back. Easily the funniest and most creative show on air. I love having Pam and Jim together and Ryan being Michael’s boss was a stoke of genius. Not much else to say about this piece of comedy gold other than if you’re not watching…I HATE YOU!

30 ROCK – It’s been argued that 30 ROCK is the funniest show on TV (obviously I disagree), but I can see why people say this. I just feel the show tries to hard sometimes. By the end of last season the show was in a groove and just killing with each episode, and this season’s premiere was no different. The use of Seinfeld was great, and the cast really seems to be more comfortable playing with each other. I am looking forward to this season, and if there is a comedy god, they’ll bring back Will Arnett and make him a regular. I needs me some Will Arnett.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS – Season one got better and better with each passing week. Last year I wrote a blog entry early on in the show’s run stating that BROTHERS AND SISTERS (outside of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) was the best show on TV no one was watching. Soon after that the show found its legs and an audience (was it because of my post…of course it was). It’s a tremendous cast and it’s extremely well written, I’m just very happy to have the Walker family back in my life.

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM – After two mediocre seasons, Larry and company are back in form. This season has been hilarious. Some of LD’s best work since the first and second season. His decision to give Jeff and Suzie larger roles have been paying off in a big way. The interactions between Larry and Suzie are classic. You know CURB is "on" when on Monday you quote a line from the show, and I’ve done that every Monday since the show came back (I especially like "Jew Squirrel").

THE SIMPSONS – They had a great summer with the huge BO on the film, and started the season with a cameo from Spider Pig. So not off to a bad start. What else can be said about THE SIMPSONS that hasn’t been said already? Brilliant, and this season has been on par with all the rest.

FAMILY GUY – Honestly, I don’t know why I keep watching this show? It’s always the last show on the DVR I watch, and even then I don’t find it particularly funny. The strange thing is, everyone else I know and respect, loves the show. So I feel like it’s my obligation to stay hip to the cultural zeitgeist that this show is and watch it. My friends keep telling me, "Oh, the show is so your sense of humor". I just do see it. The first episode was the much talked about Star Wars spoof, and it sucked. I didn’t laugh once. Ah whatever.

SOUTH PARK – Now this is a funny show, and probably the best cultural satire in the last 20 years (and I truly mean that). No show is as daring, shocking, or clever. The first episode of this new season had Cartman pretending to have turrets syndrome…awesome? If you think this is just an offensive show that aims to shock, well you’ve clearly never seen an episode. Try it.

THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM – I really hope that last season wasn’t a flash in the pan. I loved season one, but the first episode of season two was not funny at all. So fingers crossed it doesn’t go down hill.

IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA – The gang is back, and their hijinx are just as evil. It’s true that this show is an acquired taste, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t funny as hell. Starting off the season with the "gang" finding a baby in a dumpster just about set the tone for the fun to come. What impressed me most about this new season is that they seem to have no fear. Finally, their internet campaign prior to this season (spoofing the Apple commercials, the internet beat-box video, and the Danny Devito BJ short on Funny or Die) show how savvy these guys are when it comes to viral marketing.

KIND OF SORT OF IN THE MIDDLE
Event though these next two shows started over what was techinically "the summer" they are finishing their runs now, and I would not be handling my proper duties as your narrator or pop culture tour guide if I didn’t touch upon them.

CALIFORNIACATION – Wow this is a great show. The dialogue is almost poetic, but what makes the words truly sing is that they are delivered with such wit and charm by David Duchovny (who has never been better). Duchovny has reinvented himself as a middle-age sex symbol. That guy that every guy wants to be, and every girl want to be with. More than this, the show would be nothing without Natascha McElhone and Madeleine Martin playing Duchovny character’s ex-wife and daughter. They ground the show, and give beautifully textured performances of strong females. It reminds me of the actresses on BIG LOVE, it’s just a pleasure whenever they are on screen. Every week this show accomplishes more in a half-hour what most hour long "character driven" dramas.

DAMAGES – Another great FX show. What’s most impressive dabout DAMAGES is the way the overall story is told. The use of flashbacks and scenes of "the present" playing out simultaneously and slowly catching up to each other was an inspired decision that sets this show apart from other legal dramas. Glen Close rocks so hard as Patty Hughes. Every time here character is on screen you truly believe that she is in total control, and when you do see moments of weakness of vulnerability they are made that more powerful. But it’s the performance of Zeljko Ivanek and Ted Danson that are the highlights. Zeljko has been a staple in the NY stage community for years and his portrayal of Arthur Frobisher’s lawyer is pleasure to watch. And who knew Ted Danson was a real actor? He’s tremendous.

THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY
Did you really think I was going to forget my favorite show? Really? I mean really? Did you really think I would NOT cover the number one thing I write about on this blog? Really? I mean come on, really? Of course I wouldn’t. Of course I would not let my faithful Droogies down by not allowing you a brief pass into the twisted freak spot in my brain that is dedicated solely to loving the show FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.

My thoughts on the first episode of season two are these…it was just OK. I admit, it wasn’t great, but I am sick and tired of people complaining that the show has gone down hill already (and you know who you people are). I mean come on people! Seriously, the pilot episode of season one was terrible. I almost didn’t watch the rest of the season based solely on the pilot, but by episode four (referencing back…see how I come full circle in this blog) I was hooked.

So to that respect, here’s what I liked and didn’t like about FNL 2.1.

Liked:
- Coach starting the season at TMU. It will make his return to the Panthers that much sweeter.
- Lyla Garitty becoming religious. It adds a nice layer to her character. It shows that she knows she’s done wrong, but deep down wants to be a good person, and based on everything around her, religion was the easiest way to feel better about herself. It will be nice to watch Lyla shift back towards the moral middle this season.
- Mrs. Coach struggling with her own decision to support Coach in his efforts to succeed on the college level.
- The scene between Coach and his daughter in the car after he picked her up from the bar. A true FNL scene, raw, real, and true.

Disliked:
- The Landry and Tyra murder. Wow, that was such an unexpected trite and overly-dramatic move for this show. This plot point feels like it belongs on the GILMORE GIRLS rather than the more subtle FNL. I have two things to say about this; one, I thought the same thing about the Jason Street spinal injury last season, and look how well that storyline played out, and two, based on what I’ve read, it appears this plotline will carry itself out through the whole season, that tells me the writers and creative folk (we’ve come to trust) have a very organic and "real" plan to sort this out. So let’s just wait and see.
- Riggins is a Senior this season? I thought he was a Senior last year with Jason? Am I wrong on this? Did anyone else catch that?

Now, I am not going to be one of those people who say, "Where did the football show I loved go?" (again, you know who you people are) To those folks, again, I have two things to say; one, it was just one episode, give it time, and two, go back and think of your ten favorite moments from season one. I’m confident that one, maybe two of them took place on the football field. And I can almost guarantee you that of those one or two football scenes, none of them were from the pilot episode. So just be happy the best show on network TV is back.

The last thing I want to say about FNL is this, based on all the hub-a-baloo surrounding the show’s return (it being an underdog in the ratings game, all the snubbing at the Emmy’s, etc..) how could this show return and NOT be a disappointment. The stakes were too high. Let the season play out a little and then we all can judge it. OK?

WE’RE FINALLY DONE…WELL, ALMOST
Before I conclude I would like to point out some shows coming up on the horizon that everyone should keep their eyes open for.

SCRUBS – Returns at the end of the month for its final season. Will or won’t JD and Elliot finally be together, or will JD wind up with his real true love…Turk.

30 DAYS – Morgan Spurlock’s brilliant, but little seen, role-reversal documentary series returns at the end of October. If you haven’t seen it, go out and rent seasons one and two, or just start with season three. I promise, you’ll thank me.

NIP/TUCK – Dr.’s McNamara and Troy relocate to LA for season five. It’s going to be fun to watch these guys blossom as they work on starlet’s bosoms. My guilty pleasure is back!

THE RICHES – Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver return in 2008 (at some point). A great show that is so darkly funny sometimes I feel dirty laughing. Love this show, and it could only thrive on FX.

THE SHIELD – The final season drops in early 2008. I am so excited to see what destruction Vic Mackey and his team leave behind them after their final stand. It’s going to be bloody for sure.

THE WIRE – Another final season of what many consider (including myself) to be the best show on TV. The new season has everyone returning to tackle the media. Oh you know it’s going to be good when Omar gets in front of a news crew…Fo’ Shu’.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA – Kicking off the fourth (and some say final) season in November with a two hour movie, and then the actual season starting in January. That sound you’ll be hearing is the geeks of the world all orgasming at once when Starbuck, Adama, and Lee all finally find earth.

LOST – Who knows when it’s coming back, but after last season’s finale another layer of the onion has been peeled away and things are going to start to get smelly.

24 – Let’s just hope Jack Bauer does something interesting this new season (day). The show was so good for five seasons that I have faith that it will bounce back, but last season just plain sucked.

That’s it, that’s really it. I’ve checked my little black book and I’ve got nothing else to say. You’re humble narrator is tapped out. So take from this what you will, and disregard if you must, but don’t forget, in the end I am always right. Thanks for reading, till next time...

Keep on, keep'n on.

(On a personal note, I would like to dedicate all the above photos to Kevin Wildes)

All things BIG and SMALL

With only a month left in the summer movie season, I figured there was not a more awkward time to do a review of this summer's movies than now (hey that’s how I roll).

But before I begin, I would be remiss (as your humble narrator) if I did not get on my television soapbox and provide a few inane brain droppings. Now, as loyal droogies of this here blog, you all know my unrequited love and admiration for all things FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.

However, since the FNL season concluded I've been overcome by my deep seeded urge to preach (to no one in particular) about how my taste in all things pop-culture is far superior to all the rest of the peons on this small piece of matter we call earth. But without FNL, what would I talk about? RESCUE ME? Usually I would, but since it’s been getting a whole bunch of attention and noms, there is not much to complain about?

FLIGHT OF THE CONCORDS? Maybe, but that show is so brilliantly quirky that I am just going to keep that one to myself for a while.

HELL’S KITCHEN or RAMSEY’S KITCHEN NIGHTMARES? Well, even bringing up that fact that I watch those would make me look like a cheesy dork wouldn’t it? Oh, and I should probably not mention that I have a giant man crush on Gordon Ramsey. And that I really want to be him, should I? Yeah, I won’t bring those up at all.

No, actually the summer FNL for me is BIG LOVE. I promise I won’t get off on a rant here, but the fact that this isn’t one of the most talked about an beloved shows on TV is a mystery to me. The best compliment I can give the show is that it easily…EASILY…filled that SIX FEET UNDER void in my heart. The first season was good, and the last episode was exceptional (seriously my droogies…go rent the first season on DVD, you won’t rebgret it), but this second season is truly a revelation.

The direction and pacing is crisp, the writing is edgy and original, but what truly makes BIG LOVE better than anything else on TV right now is the acting. The ensemble cast is on the level of a SIX FEET UNDER, THE WIRE, SOPRANOS, RESCUE ME, and THE SHIELD. Sure Bill Paxton is one of my all time favorite actors anyway…but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t tear it up on this show. And please…has Harry Dean Stanton ever been bad?

But it’s the women of BIG LOVE that make the show really special. These actresses are AWESOME - Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Chloe Sevigny (or as my wife like to call her…Couch Snot…because not matter how hard she tries, she just can’t pronounce her name correctly). It’s not often that I am fully engrossed in a show and I still find the time to turn to my wife and say, “Wow, that was an incredible moment.” Each one of these fine thespians brings their own interpretations and nuances to their characters, and as a result give some of the most textures and vivid performances on TV right now. And when the three of them have scenes together, or with Bill, it’s truly a master class in acting.

Please, if you have not seen BIG LOVE…give it a shot.

OK, now onto the summer movies…

Yuck, blach, and ech…is how I need to start describing most of films I have seen this summer. Up until recently, this has been one of the worst summer for films. Major disappointments abound, but that is not to say there weren't some pleasant surprises (LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD), and some flat out fantastic films (HAIRSPRAY), but as a whole, it's been just plain awful. So without further ado, I, your humble narrator, give you my “With a Month to go, My 2007 Summer Movie Reviews”

SPIDERMAN 3 – By far the biggest disappointment of the summer. The first one was good, the second one is one of the greatest comic book films ever made. But this one just felt like everyone involved wanted it to back home counting there money. Plus, since these same people knew it was their last Spiderman film it felt as if they tried to squeeze too much into this film, and as a result all those great character development moments from films 1 & 2 were lost. For my man Sam Raimi I am truly embarrassed. That all said, there were some pretty kick ass action sequences. GRADE: C

PIRATES 3 – Not only one of the worst films of the summer, but it could be one of the worst films I have ever seen. When a sequel spends the first hour of a two hour and forty minute movie explaining what went on in the previous film...you’ve got a problem. And for a swash-buckling adventure film to only have one action scene…well, that is just sad. Plus, this is the first time (and I can’t believe I am going to actually write this) Johnny Depp was not even worth watching. Bad, bad, bad film. GRADE: D

SHREK 3 – This film falls privy to the same problems as SPIDERMAN 3 and PIRATES 3…tried to squeeze too much into a short film, felt like everyone working on it sleep walked through it, and it was just not entertaining at all. Another bad, bad, bad film. GRADE: D+

28 WEEKS LATER – Being a sequel to a film that by no means needed it, this was a pretty darn good time. This film found some new ways to scare me, and the filmmaker had some of the more creative horror set pieces I have seen in a long time (night vision in a abandoned subway line…creepy). If you liked the first one, I think you will dig this. GRADE: B

HOT FUZZ – Honestly what is there left to say about the brilliant team of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost? These guys do for movies what Rickie Gervais and Stephen Merchant to for TV - brilliant. I loved this movie, I plan on seeing it 10 more times (which will since my DVD arrived yesterday) because I know new jokes and moments that I missed the first time will appear. SHAUN OF THE DEAD and this put together easily put Wright, Pegg, and Frost at the top of any list of sure fire hits. GRADE: A-

NORBIT – Sucked (Sorry Mike Tollin...but you're laughing all the way to the bank anyway). GRADE: F+

KNOCKED UP – Now it’s not really fair for me to offer up ethoughts on this film since I have not made it a secret to anyone that other than Sean Connery (circa 1963), Jim Henson, and Gillian Anderson’s pant suits from season 4 & 5 of the X FILES, there is no one person (or thing) on this planet I would rather be than Judd Apatow. He is my hero, and I have loved everything he’s done THE BEN STILLER SHOW, THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW, FREAKS AND GEEKS, UNDECLARED, ANCHORMAN, THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN). This film was no different. The one thing that surprised me was that, although it was not as funny as VIRGIN, this film was…well, a better overall movie (in all categories). And I will say it now, I would not be surprised to see Apatow get a nod for best original screenplay come February…mark my words. GRADE: A

FANTASTIC 4: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER – I hated the first one…HATED it. It was like watching flies have sex during the first round of any PGA event. The good news is this one was not as bad, but the bad news is it was still pretty awful. You can’t put a fur coat on a turd, but that don't make it classy...it's still a turd. GRADE: C

A MIGHTY HEART – I actually really liked this film. I’d forgotten how good an actress Angelina Jolie could be, and Michael Winterbottom is just a fantastic director. This was a small, well acted, and tightly directed film. It felt a little like FLIGHT 93 in that it was shot almost like a documentary. It was not seen by many people which is a shame because it really was a good flick. GRADE: B+

WAITRESS – One of the top five best films of the summer season so far. This film took me completely by surprise. I had little to no interest in it, outside of the fact that I am a fan of all the cast members. But boy, what a truly delightful film. The characters are quirky, the dialogue is snappy, and Keri Russell is just pitch perfect. The two things I did not like about the film were the fact that it had to end and that as a result of an awful tragedy I was not going to be able to get another movie from the clearly talented Adrienne Shelly. GRADE: A

OCEAN’S 13 – Enjoining a film like this boils down to this question...do you like hanging out with these guys? If not, well, then you won’t like the film. This installment was much better than 12, but not as good as 11. That said, it had some really terrific moments (Affleck and Caan in Mexico), and some very funny performances. The best way I can describe this film is as a giant piece of visual Cotton Candy. GRADE: B

LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD- Easily the most surprised I’ve been coming out of a film in a long time. I thought this franchise was dead (the first is a classic, the second is OK, the third is just a tired piece of junk). I thought, Bruce Willis was too old, the McClane character has since been done better (see Jack Bauer), and all coupled with the fact that Len Wiseman is a hack. Well, I can’t say the film was ALIENS, but man, what a fun pop-corn action film. It never took itself too seriously, and the script was really funny. This is a perfect mindless summer movie…invest nothing, and really get nothing but a smile out of it. Lots of fun! GRADE: B+

RATATOUILLE – If you take away the fact that the lead character is voiced by my favorite comedian of all time (Patton Oswald), Bard Bird is one the best working writer/directors in the business today, and that I've LOVED (well, CARS I just liked) every single PIXAR film ever made…I would still think RATATOUILLE was brilliant. Seriously, I don’t know what else to say about this film other than…brilliant. If you haven’t seen it, consider me hating you until you do. GRADE: A+

1408 – Another extremely pleasant and welcome surprise. I know this term is tossed around a lot, but this film was truly a tour-de-force for one of my favorite actors – Mr. John (GROSS POINTE BLANK, HIGH FIDELITY, SAY ANYTHING, BETTER OFF DEAD, ONE CRAZY SUMMER, THE GRIFTERS, etc…) Cusack. I had no idea what to expect going into this film. I’d never read the Steven King short, I’d never seen anything this director had done, but wow…what a scary film. It’s the perfect cure for the god awful torture porn films being released right now (SAW, HOSTEL, CAPTIVITY, etc…). This is a psychological and just moody flick. Lost of fun, check it out. GRADE: B+

SICKO – Everyone should see this movie. This is a film that crosses the political aisle, and say what you want about him, this could be Michael Moore’s best film. An extremely well crafted doc about humanity and our country’s willingness to sacrifice that humanity just to make a buck. It amakes you think, it makes you want to act, and more than this, it makes you want to move to a country that has Universal Health Care (seriously, my wife and I had an intense talk about it). Please, go see it…but be careful on the way to the theater because you don’t want to get hurt and have your claim be denied ;) GRADE: A-

TRANSFORMERS – What is there to say other than this is a Michael Bay film. Incredible SFX, crazy action sequences, loud noises, quick cuts, no story, and I can’t remember if there were even actors in it. All in all…I had to take a nap after seeing it because I had a severe headache. GRADE: C+

I NOW PRONOUCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY – I now pronounce this film not funny. For all you guys out there…go see it just for Jessica Beil. Seriously, I am not one to talk about “hot celebs”, but WOW, she is nuts. Even my wife turned to me during the film and said, “She’s really hot.” The film sucks though. GRADE: C-

SUNSHINE – It’s a always a toss up between Sam Raimi, Danny Boyle, and Peter Jackson as to who my favorite director actually is…but Boyle usually comes out on top. He so versitle, just look at his resume - SHALLOW GRAVE, TRAINSPOTTING, A LIFE LESS ORDINARY, THE BEACH, 28 DAYS LATER, MILLIONS. He can jump genres and styles better than any director out there. This combined with the fact that he always gets an incredible writer on board makes his film a “must see” in my book. This all said, SUNSHINE is a truly unique and quite taut sci-fi thriller. Extremely well executed by all those involved. The ending is a little “Dias ex machina”, but the film is still better than most of the other stuff out there. GRADE: B+

HARRY POTTER: AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX – Best Potter film since AZKABAN, but the most impressive film of the series so far. Why? Well, ORDER OF THE PHOENIX was the longest and most boring book of the seven, but the filmmakers streamlined it, made it more entertaining, and were still able to stay true to the source material. What’s more, the director of this installment, David Yates, actually had a visual style. He chose to make a movie, not a book on film (does that make sense). Cuaron did this in the third film, but the others (Columbus and Newell) did not. They chose to just let the action play out…they had no style. Yates has a visual poetry about him, and as a result made a really kick ass film. The opening Dementor sequence sets the tone and it rolls from there. GRADE: A-

HAIRSPARY – No doubt about it…this will be the BEST film of the summer. Mark my words (othert than BOUNE…maybe) there will not be another movie this summer, and possibly, this year, that will even come close touching it. HAIRSPAY is a triple threat…well made, great soundtrack, and relentlessly likeable. Like he Broadway version, the film is quite possibly the best musical in 20 years. Travolta is a marvel as Edna. He takes the character of Edna to another level. He’s the first person to play this role as a woman…not a man playing a woman. More than this, I promise that you will catch yourself bouncing to all the musical numbers, and when the film is over…smiling ear to ear (if not, well, you are not human). I could go on forever, but to conclude...like a true John Water’s film, HAIRSPRAY makes you understand that we humans are ALL alike and should always accept and love each other. Oh, and one more thing…mark my words (again)…you’ll see this film come Oscar season. GRADE: A+

THE SIMPONS MOVIE – I am happy to say that I really liked this film. It would have crushed me if this film was not good. In my opinion THE SIMPSONS and SOUTH PARK are the best pieces of American satire since Mark Twain. Basically, this movie is exactly what it should be; a 90 minute TV episode. The filmmakers utilize the feature length and freedom of a theater viewing to push the envelope (slightly)…but nothing feels un-SIMPSONS like. All the jokes play like they belong in THE SIMPSONS universe, and if the filmmakers could have, they would’ve used these gags in the TV version already. My one big critique of the film is that we were not given a classic SIMPSONS musical number. But with comparisons to the SOUTH PARK movie already abounding, I understand why they did not do one. That said, we did get Spider Pig out of the film…and honestly…that’s enough for me. GRADE: B+

Well, that’s it for now. Not sure what my next entry is going to be abour, but I am sure something soon will rub me the wrong way soon, so keep checking your email. On that note, I bid you, my loyal droogies, a fond adu…

Your Narrator,
Alex Banky

I'm Back...BEE-OTCH!

With the recently announcement of the Emmy’s (and with some gentile reminders from friends) I have come to realize that I neglected my opinion hungry droogies out there. And as one of my heroes Hunter Thompson said…"Buy the ticket, take the ride."

So without further ado, your humble narrator is back and ready, willing, and able to start spewing nonsense into your hearts and minds.

2007 EMMY ABOMINATIONS

I could not be more pissed about this year’s noms (but for those of you who know me, that is pretty much the case every year). And for those of you who have been reading this blog for some time now, you are fully aware of my affinity and unabashed love for the show FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. So when the show only received one nomination yesterday, needless to say, I was pissed.

I think the Academy really got it wrong…case in point, Keifer Sutherland gets a nomination (I love 24…but this past season was so god awful that it doesn’t even deserve to be considered, it should just be forgotten…Jack wasn’t even a bad ass, he was just bad).
If the Academy had any marbles in their head and in their pants the nominations would look something like this…

(In the list below you will see that some of my personal nominations coincide with the Academy’s…I chalk this up to public pressure, because if said/listed nominations didn’t get a nod…then all the Academy’s credibility would’ve be lost. It’s their "cool" factor)

COMEDY SERIES
The Office
30 Rock
Entourage
Extras
The Sarah Silverman Show

DRAMA SERIES
The Wire
Friday Night Lights
House
Rescue Me
The Sopranos

ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Steve Carell – The Office
Rickie Gervais - Extras
Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock
Jason Lee – My Name is Earl
Bret Harrison – The Loop

ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Tina Fey – 30 Rock
Jamie Pressly – My Name is Earl
Ashley Jensen – Extras
Jenna Fischer – The Office
Sarah Silverman – The Sarah Silverman Show

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Jeremy Piven – Entourage
Kevin Dillon – Entourage
Rainn Wilson – The Office
Ethan Suplee – My Name is Earl
Stephen Merchant – Extras

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Nadine Velazquez – My Name is Earl
Angela Kinsey – The Office
Mimi Rogers – The Loop
Sarah Chalk - Scrubs
Melora Hardin - The Office

ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Hugh Laurie – House
Denis Leary – Rescue Me
Michael Chiklis – The Shield
Kyle Chandler – Friday Night Lights
James Gandolfini – The Sopranos

ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Edie Falco – The Sopranos
Connie Britton – Friday Night Lights
Elizabeth Mitchell – Lost
Katie Sackoff – Battlestar Galactica
Minnie Driver – The Riches

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Michael Emerson – Lost
Steve Pasquale – Rescue Me
James Callis – Battlestar Galactica
Steven Webber – Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Robert Sean Leonard - House

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Abby Brammell – The Unit
Lisa Edlestein – House
Sarah Paulson – Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Ginnifer Goodwin – Big Love
Chole Sevigny – Big Love

Coming up later this week will be my Summer Movie (so far) Review, and blood will be shed. Oh yes, there will be blood.

Silver out!