The Expendables
I first wanted to see The Expendables with my dad, thinking - what better way to celebrate life than watching Sly Stallone and a rag-tag crew battle bad guys in a third world country (because those sets are cheaper to build and probably easier to light ablaze). Also, I may or may not have a weird fascination with Jason Statham - why else would I have watched Crank 2: High Voltage?
The plot of The Expendables isn't hard to follow, unless you're listening to it out of Sly Stallone's mouth. Stuck in a weird permanent sneer, surrounded by slack skin only emphasized by overly waxed brows, I caught maybe every third word that came out of his mouth. But the dialogue was so predictable I didn't really need to hear it. Time has not been kind to Sly. His arms look like Madonna's (muscular), but watching him run down a dock to catch a plane (not a spoiler) looked like an awkward lope. Rambo he is not. Back to the plot: Sly's team gets hired by a "Mr. Church" (freaking Bruce Willis!!!!) to take out the ruler of a small island, Vilena. The General (played by Angel Batista from Dexter) was actually installed by the CIA, I think - again, from Sly's mouth - and is now stuck with an ex-CIA agent American douchebag who wants to sell cocaine. Surprise! But the real surprise is that this group of guys figured that out. Honestly, I almost fell out of my seat when I saw that they used a computer.
The characters are so simple it's ridiculous: no back story, no motivation. The only person whose soul we see is Mickey Rourke, as an ex-team member/incredifast tattoo artist/guitar hand-painter recounting why he got out of the game. He cries, and the drool on his lips as they awkwardly quiver around his words. Jet Li, an ultimate fighter and some other guys round out the crew, who all apparently majored in ammo and knives in a community college of death.
As far as the women go: there were two, and they both had names. Other than that, no dice. Instead they were the topic of awkward conversations about "love" or "feelings" - not that you could believe any of these men is keeping a woman. Did I mention Charisma Carpenter (Buffy! Angel! That ABC Family movie See Jane Date!) is Statham's ex-girlfriend? He comes home, finds her with another guy, sees her later with a bruise on her face and proceeds to kick the new guy's (and his entire pick-up basketball crew's) ass(es) ending with a great line, as he knifes the basketball: "Next time I'll deflate all of your balls."
For all the mocking, I loved The Expendables for making me laugh. It's probably way funnier than Going the Distance, which I almost went to instead. It was awesomely bad in the vein of Starship Troopers and SyFy movies. If only there had been a dragon kingpin...
9.07.2010
9.05.2010
Sunday, September 5
Pillars of the Earth
Bleak House
I have been heavily involved in these miniseries over the past two weeks. Sometimes it's good to get into something that is bigger than a movie but also has a stopping point. So when I heard about Pillars of the Earth, and that it was from Starz, I instantly checked Netflix to see if it was available to stream. I love the deal between Netflix and Starz that resulted in Starz Play, which allows users to stream not only movies that air on Starz, but also some Starz original programming, often on the same day it airs (like Spartacus: Blood and Sand). By the time I made it to Pillars of the Earth, based on the novel by Ken Follett (which I have not read), the miniseries follows multiple entangling storylines all relating back to the building of a cathedral in Kingsbridge. The series had some strong performances by the (in my opinion) typically imposing Ian McShane (as a corrupt church official with a penchant for self-abuse), old favorite Rufus Sewell (as an ambitious builder) and Sarah Parish, who I thought was wonderfully wicked as the deceitful Lady Hamleigh, ambitious and creepily involved with her son to boot. Personally I found it fun to see Matthew MacFadyen as the pious Prior Philip. A number of other relatively unknowns rounded out the cast. For an eight-part miniseries, Pillars of the Earth was enjoyable, full of political intrigue, secrets, romance of course, and plenty of fighting. I understand there are many differences from the book with the miniseries probably retaining a significantly shorter timelime to simplify the need to further artificially age actors, but not having read the book, I had only a wikipedia article to go off of.
Speaking of things I haven't read the source material for, I got suckered into Bleak House after Netflix pissed me off by having incorrectly labeled an episode of an entirely different miniseries (a problem they still haven't fixed! Bad Netflix), but the web page led me to Bleak House. I will admit, the idea of a saga with its center at an ongoing lawsuit didn't at first have me sold, but the glowing reviews made me feel like I had to give it a chance. And in the first few minutes when I saw Owen from Torchwood, aka Burn Gorman, I was in for the duration. A few of other well-known actors, such as Gillian Anderson and Carey Mulligan, were also in the large cast. The story contains all the hallmarks of a compelling miniseries - dubious parentage, debt, crooked lawyers, a lady with a secret, a good, pious young woman and a wealthy benefactor, along with a drizzling of would-be suitors, a nutty bird lady and a seedy landlord. Secrets, secret letters, secret affairs - it's all here in Bleak House, which is surprisingly not bleak as not even Dickens could manage a truly sad ending. Definitely worth the eight hours, despite a few annoying characters.
Bleak House
I have been heavily involved in these miniseries over the past two weeks. Sometimes it's good to get into something that is bigger than a movie but also has a stopping point. So when I heard about Pillars of the Earth, and that it was from Starz, I instantly checked Netflix to see if it was available to stream. I love the deal between Netflix and Starz that resulted in Starz Play, which allows users to stream not only movies that air on Starz, but also some Starz original programming, often on the same day it airs (like Spartacus: Blood and Sand). By the time I made it to Pillars of the Earth, based on the novel by Ken Follett (which I have not read), the miniseries follows multiple entangling storylines all relating back to the building of a cathedral in Kingsbridge. The series had some strong performances by the (in my opinion) typically imposing Ian McShane (as a corrupt church official with a penchant for self-abuse), old favorite Rufus Sewell (as an ambitious builder) and Sarah Parish, who I thought was wonderfully wicked as the deceitful Lady Hamleigh, ambitious and creepily involved with her son to boot. Personally I found it fun to see Matthew MacFadyen as the pious Prior Philip. A number of other relatively unknowns rounded out the cast. For an eight-part miniseries, Pillars of the Earth was enjoyable, full of political intrigue, secrets, romance of course, and plenty of fighting. I understand there are many differences from the book with the miniseries probably retaining a significantly shorter timelime to simplify the need to further artificially age actors, but not having read the book, I had only a wikipedia article to go off of.
Speaking of things I haven't read the source material for, I got suckered into Bleak House after Netflix pissed me off by having incorrectly labeled an episode of an entirely different miniseries (a problem they still haven't fixed! Bad Netflix), but the web page led me to Bleak House. I will admit, the idea of a saga with its center at an ongoing lawsuit didn't at first have me sold, but the glowing reviews made me feel like I had to give it a chance. And in the first few minutes when I saw Owen from Torchwood, aka Burn Gorman, I was in for the duration. A few of other well-known actors, such as Gillian Anderson and Carey Mulligan, were also in the large cast. The story contains all the hallmarks of a compelling miniseries - dubious parentage, debt, crooked lawyers, a lady with a secret, a good, pious young woman and a wealthy benefactor, along with a drizzling of would-be suitors, a nutty bird lady and a seedy landlord. Secrets, secret letters, secret affairs - it's all here in Bleak House, which is surprisingly not bleak as not even Dickens could manage a truly sad ending. Definitely worth the eight hours, despite a few annoying characters.
8.30.2010
Monday, August 30th
True Blood, 3:11
Mad Men, 4:6
The Informant!
True Blood, when will you realize that people watch you for three reasons, and none of them include Tara, Sam's origin story or Hotshot. It's Eric, Eric & Pam and Eric in a tank top. But moving on, with the finale (aka the last episode for months and months) two weeks and zero new episodes away, I can't understand why the show adds new characters and complications when the story lines already feel rushed. What's with Jason catching that V-taking quarterback? Is that important at all for next episode, or Sam's crazy shit? I've been saying it, and I stand by it, there's too much going on. But as far as this episode, I'm thrilled Jessica and Hoyt are back together. I am not a fan of Sam and Tara redux and even though I know they can't kill Eric and my dear sister has told me that older vampires burn faster, OMG @ Eric's burning face. Don't disappoint me next time, True Blood. Please.
Mad Men I thought was great this week. Talk about an origin story I'm okay with, Don Draper as a pushy fur salesman was brilliant, though he did have a kind of goofy, 30 Rock guest star look on his face. Also, only Don Draper could pick up someone over French Fries while he was blacked out drunk. Go, Don! But not really. Also, stop trying to sleep with the scientist; that is a mistake. Also, ease up on kissing the married office manager in a room full of people. However, I loved the victory lap that SPCD took around the table before the Life meeting. I didn't love drunk Don desperately searching for a slogan, though I think it's ironic that he used that guy's (aka Doyle from Gilmore Girls) "cure for the common________" line and has to hire him. Also, go Peggy making penis jokes at your obnoxious co-worker, but I'm not sure I like that you showed him your goodies. However, good work not sleeping with him, because when you sleep with someone in your office you end up pregnant. What ever happened to that baby, anyway? And, let's bring Ken Cosgrove back. Team Cosgrove, not Team Pete...do I even know his last name? Eh.
The Informant! was...overall good. It made me like Matt Damon as someone other than a super agent. His blissfully naive (I think) character was most enjoyable during his awkward, non-sequitur narration. And I love Joel McHale. And '90s fashion. I feel bad for not having more to say about it...but it was kind of a watch it and forget it kind of deal.
Mad Men, 4:6
The Informant!
True Blood, when will you realize that people watch you for three reasons, and none of them include Tara, Sam's origin story or Hotshot. It's Eric, Eric & Pam and Eric in a tank top. But moving on, with the finale (aka the last episode for months and months) two weeks and zero new episodes away, I can't understand why the show adds new characters and complications when the story lines already feel rushed. What's with Jason catching that V-taking quarterback? Is that important at all for next episode, or Sam's crazy shit? I've been saying it, and I stand by it, there's too much going on. But as far as this episode, I'm thrilled Jessica and Hoyt are back together. I am not a fan of Sam and Tara redux and even though I know they can't kill Eric and my dear sister has told me that older vampires burn faster, OMG @ Eric's burning face. Don't disappoint me next time, True Blood. Please.
Mad Men I thought was great this week. Talk about an origin story I'm okay with, Don Draper as a pushy fur salesman was brilliant, though he did have a kind of goofy, 30 Rock guest star look on his face. Also, only Don Draper could pick up someone over French Fries while he was blacked out drunk. Go, Don! But not really. Also, stop trying to sleep with the scientist; that is a mistake. Also, ease up on kissing the married office manager in a room full of people. However, I loved the victory lap that SPCD took around the table before the Life meeting. I didn't love drunk Don desperately searching for a slogan, though I think it's ironic that he used that guy's (aka Doyle from Gilmore Girls) "cure for the common________" line and has to hire him. Also, go Peggy making penis jokes at your obnoxious co-worker, but I'm not sure I like that you showed him your goodies. However, good work not sleeping with him, because when you sleep with someone in your office you end up pregnant. What ever happened to that baby, anyway? And, let's bring Ken Cosgrove back. Team Cosgrove, not Team Pete...do I even know his last name? Eh.
The Informant! was...overall good. It made me like Matt Damon as someone other than a super agent. His blissfully naive (I think) character was most enjoyable during his awkward, non-sequitur narration. And I love Joel McHale. And '90s fashion. I feel bad for not having more to say about it...but it was kind of a watch it and forget it kind of deal.
8.23.2010
Monday, August 23rd
My bad for being AWOL for three weeks. Personal victory has led to less time to type.
Iron Man 2
Weeds
Mad Men
True Blood
Wow, this is a long list.
Iron Man 2. Boy, I have to say I liked the first Iron Man. I enjoy the RDJ's charm, his rakish hair, his one finger of scotch away from disaster attitude. I was excited for his return to Tony Stark, and overall the film didn't disappoint. Was it at all believable? -- A particle accelerator in the basement? New element? Scarlett Johansson's nasty perm? No. But I mean, it's a man that flies around in an iron suit. So barring the many military secrets I'm not privy to, I think reality as a basis for review is kind of a waste of time. I love Mickey Rourke as Whiplash, his gold teeth, bird and remarkably skinny legs for being such a barrel on top. His little smirk didn't seem at all Russian (not that I know many Russians or exactly what I mean by that -- maybe it was his tan skin, remarkable considering how much time he was supposed to have spent behind bars and locked in a room building electric tentacles), but he was an enjoyable villain to watch, and the battles were fun and fast. My only complaint about Sam Rockwell, who plays a scheming prick in a suit so well, is that his neck and chin were obviously self-tanned, evident by his bright orange palms during the scene in the jet hanger. His nose, forehead and cheeks, however, were pale and haggard. But who cares, boy can rock a suit. As far as the choice to replace Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle, bravo. Cheadle brings a wink and a smirk to the straight-laced Rhodey, making him much more enjoyable. Also, his voice is above and beyond Howard's squeak, which I think is painful. And speaking of painful, boy some actresses can just keep going even though everyone seems to hate them but casting agents. I'm talking to you, Paltrow. Your Pepper Potts could be a weak character, or it's just your weak acting. I ban basically feel how eager you are to kick off those killer heels and go name more of your spawn for common fruit. The only thing good about her was that magic gizmo on her CEO desk. And even though I hated her hair, I thought ScarJo as the girl in spandex was okay. That's a compliment. Overall, enjoyable romp with some ideas you can think about if you want or toss aside like those delicious looking strawberries that only a character as lame as Pepper Potts could be allergic to.
Weeds, End of Season Five, 6:1
I had given up on Weeds. They left the suburbs, Nancy started getting spanked in limos - the only upgrade of season four was Silas. Whew. And I didn't even watch all of season five until I heard season six was gearing up. I thought, what the hell. I watched some late in the season episodes and was brought back in when Shane took a croquet mallet (not a stick) to the evil PR machine Pilar. Do I like Nancy? No. Is Shane a sociopath? Completely. The only people I can really root for are Andy (despite himself) and Silas, who has turned surprisingly level for a kid with such a horrible upbringing. I'm actually excited to see where the season goes. But when I compare now to then, I miss seasons one and two complete with Heylia, Conrad, Chris died for your sins and other things that made for good comedy. The move to the border town made this show a telenovela. Let's see if moving north can take it back to where it used to be.
Mad Men, 4:5
Oh, Sally. Cutting your hair, killing kittens (if you believe the e-mail), your character has always creeped me out, but it's been especially bad since Grandpa left...You are bringing the distinct possibility of Betty ordering a hit on Don, and if you mess with my Don...I will go Shane Botwin on you. But anyway, I enjoyed the politics of this episode brought on by the Honda account. Roger, WWII still fresh on his mind, is furious about the possible deal, while Pete (who showed some surprising backbone) is furious, as is most of the team, with Roger for basically ruining their shot. But how could that stop Don? Oh no. To screw over the competitors, he pretends to make a commercial (LOL at Peggy on a motorcycle) and effectively wins against that annoying guy who intruded on his date with the wife of the crazy Felowship of the Sun guy from True Blood. And while Don is great to look at, the guy makes a shit dinner date. All he does is smoke and not respond to earnest, if annoying, attempts to make him smile. Fail. Anyway, enjoyed the episode, love the humor in Don's secretary Mrs. Blankenship.
True Blood, 3:10
1. Bring back Alcide.
2. See above.
Anyway, this week was...jumbled to put it nicely. As it has been for much of the season, there is too much going on. We finally get read of the shifters in Louisiana, and we get the werepanthers. We get rid of Franklin, and poor Jason thinks it's a good time to say, Hey Tara, I know I just saved your life, but let's call it a wash because I kind of murdered your soulmate. Whoops. Tara's number has been up, she's annoying - her character gets into the worst situation, is perpetually pissed off, and I think the show could do better. And speaking of doing better, Sookie and Eric kiss! The world says, keep going. What does Eric do? Chains her up in the basement a la Lafayette (don't even get me started on his V time with Jesus - that was the biggest waste of time in the world). Unless their "powers" are going to play in the next episode, take ABC Family's advice and wait, mmmkay? And speaking of unnecessary, I really didn't need Sam's origin story of being a violent killer. I mean, where did that come from (girl from John Tucker Must Die!). Not the best of the season, but some good moments. I hope the finale is better.
Iron Man 2
Weeds
Mad Men
True Blood
Wow, this is a long list.
Iron Man 2. Boy, I have to say I liked the first Iron Man. I enjoy the RDJ's charm, his rakish hair, his one finger of scotch away from disaster attitude. I was excited for his return to Tony Stark, and overall the film didn't disappoint. Was it at all believable? -- A particle accelerator in the basement? New element? Scarlett Johansson's nasty perm? No. But I mean, it's a man that flies around in an iron suit. So barring the many military secrets I'm not privy to, I think reality as a basis for review is kind of a waste of time. I love Mickey Rourke as Whiplash, his gold teeth, bird and remarkably skinny legs for being such a barrel on top. His little smirk didn't seem at all Russian (not that I know many Russians or exactly what I mean by that -- maybe it was his tan skin, remarkable considering how much time he was supposed to have spent behind bars and locked in a room building electric tentacles), but he was an enjoyable villain to watch, and the battles were fun and fast. My only complaint about Sam Rockwell, who plays a scheming prick in a suit so well, is that his neck and chin were obviously self-tanned, evident by his bright orange palms during the scene in the jet hanger. His nose, forehead and cheeks, however, were pale and haggard. But who cares, boy can rock a suit. As far as the choice to replace Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle, bravo. Cheadle brings a wink and a smirk to the straight-laced Rhodey, making him much more enjoyable. Also, his voice is above and beyond Howard's squeak, which I think is painful. And speaking of painful, boy some actresses can just keep going even though everyone seems to hate them but casting agents. I'm talking to you, Paltrow. Your Pepper Potts could be a weak character, or it's just your weak acting. I ban basically feel how eager you are to kick off those killer heels and go name more of your spawn for common fruit. The only thing good about her was that magic gizmo on her CEO desk. And even though I hated her hair, I thought ScarJo as the girl in spandex was okay. That's a compliment. Overall, enjoyable romp with some ideas you can think about if you want or toss aside like those delicious looking strawberries that only a character as lame as Pepper Potts could be allergic to.
Weeds, End of Season Five, 6:1
I had given up on Weeds. They left the suburbs, Nancy started getting spanked in limos - the only upgrade of season four was Silas. Whew. And I didn't even watch all of season five until I heard season six was gearing up. I thought, what the hell. I watched some late in the season episodes and was brought back in when Shane took a croquet mallet (not a stick) to the evil PR machine Pilar. Do I like Nancy? No. Is Shane a sociopath? Completely. The only people I can really root for are Andy (despite himself) and Silas, who has turned surprisingly level for a kid with such a horrible upbringing. I'm actually excited to see where the season goes. But when I compare now to then, I miss seasons one and two complete with Heylia, Conrad, Chris died for your sins and other things that made for good comedy. The move to the border town made this show a telenovela. Let's see if moving north can take it back to where it used to be.
Mad Men, 4:5
Oh, Sally. Cutting your hair, killing kittens (if you believe the e-mail), your character has always creeped me out, but it's been especially bad since Grandpa left...You are bringing the distinct possibility of Betty ordering a hit on Don, and if you mess with my Don...I will go Shane Botwin on you. But anyway, I enjoyed the politics of this episode brought on by the Honda account. Roger, WWII still fresh on his mind, is furious about the possible deal, while Pete (who showed some surprising backbone) is furious, as is most of the team, with Roger for basically ruining their shot. But how could that stop Don? Oh no. To screw over the competitors, he pretends to make a commercial (LOL at Peggy on a motorcycle) and effectively wins against that annoying guy who intruded on his date with the wife of the crazy Felowship of the Sun guy from True Blood. And while Don is great to look at, the guy makes a shit dinner date. All he does is smoke and not respond to earnest, if annoying, attempts to make him smile. Fail. Anyway, enjoyed the episode, love the humor in Don's secretary Mrs. Blankenship.
True Blood, 3:10
1. Bring back Alcide.
2. See above.
Anyway, this week was...jumbled to put it nicely. As it has been for much of the season, there is too much going on. We finally get read of the shifters in Louisiana, and we get the werepanthers. We get rid of Franklin, and poor Jason thinks it's a good time to say, Hey Tara, I know I just saved your life, but let's call it a wash because I kind of murdered your soulmate. Whoops. Tara's number has been up, she's annoying - her character gets into the worst situation, is perpetually pissed off, and I think the show could do better. And speaking of doing better, Sookie and Eric kiss! The world says, keep going. What does Eric do? Chains her up in the basement a la Lafayette (don't even get me started on his V time with Jesus - that was the biggest waste of time in the world). Unless their "powers" are going to play in the next episode, take ABC Family's advice and wait, mmmkay? And speaking of unnecessary, I really didn't need Sam's origin story of being a violent killer. I mean, where did that come from (girl from John Tucker Must Die!). Not the best of the season, but some good moments. I hope the finale is better.
8.02.2010
Monday, August 2nd
True Blood
Mad Men
Shark Week - Ultimate Air Jaws
True Blood this week got good. I can feel that post-halfway-point crescendo building, and it sounds beautiful! I love Sam on a mission, saving his brother and freeing dogs- I just wished he'd let Joe Lee have it. I have to confess I'm a little afraid of Hoyt's one-date girlfriend Summer, though I really wanted biscuits during her scene. I keep wondering if he and Jessica will get back together. And where was Jessica this episode? If they do get back together, I'm pretty sure Summer will go Fellowship of the Sun on Jessica, or try to anyway. Seems possible. On the other side of possible, Sookie's journey to fae land was a little weird. It looked like a parody of Grecian nymphs. I thought it was an interesting way to expose Sookie's family lineage, or to hint at the "mystery" as it were, but the scene was a little weird to me. I thought Jason was great in the hospital, worrying about Sookie, and it's adorable when Jason is in "love" -- but I know things are going to get dangerous with him sniffing around Hotshot. Speaking of dangerous, poor Magister. I love the Eric-Sophie-Anne-Russell Edington madness that's happening. I used to think Eric was ruthless until we met the King of Mississippi - quite the sociovampath. I'm ready for True Blood to get super crazy, and it's on its way!
Mad Men makes my Sundays, and this Sunday was no different. However, Don Draper, shame on you for sleeping with your secretary, trying to seduce your neighbor and being so drunk you can't unlock your door. I like office parties on shows, and this was no exception, especially since it brought the Christmas spirit to August -- Joan really did look like a gift in her awesome red dress. Roger has had some killer lines so far this season, and I realized I only like him when he's being funny/not around his awful wife, Jane, who kind of got minigroped by the honored guest at that party. I would say the disappointment of last night's show was the reappearance of Glen, aka the creepy boy who watched Betty pee. The only thing creepier than him vandalizing the house is how happy Sally was that he did it. That kid freaks me out -- more than most kids. Can't wait for more, Mad Men.
Shark Week is one of my most anticipated weeks of the year. In the past, some of the gimmicks have started to run a little flat -- here's looking at you computer generated prehistoric sharks. But this week's appetizer, Ultimate Air Jaws, failed to wow. Oh wow, two Seal Islands. Oh wow, sharks jump out of the water. Oh wow, sharks have to work up to being able to take out a seal mid-air. Old news, Shark Week. I mean, it's still awesome to see great whites jump like that, but I just -- it felt a little stale. Then crazy host man decides to get into a kayak smaller than some of the sharks swimming around him because there generally aren't shark attacks in the area -- until four days after they filmed! What?!? I just hope the rest of Shark Week is a little better. I don't like shitty reenactments of attacks. Taking my viewership for granted would be .... jumping the shark.
Mad Men
Shark Week - Ultimate Air Jaws
True Blood this week got good. I can feel that post-halfway-point crescendo building, and it sounds beautiful! I love Sam on a mission, saving his brother and freeing dogs- I just wished he'd let Joe Lee have it. I have to confess I'm a little afraid of Hoyt's one-date girlfriend Summer, though I really wanted biscuits during her scene. I keep wondering if he and Jessica will get back together. And where was Jessica this episode? If they do get back together, I'm pretty sure Summer will go Fellowship of the Sun on Jessica, or try to anyway. Seems possible. On the other side of possible, Sookie's journey to fae land was a little weird. It looked like a parody of Grecian nymphs. I thought it was an interesting way to expose Sookie's family lineage, or to hint at the "mystery" as it were, but the scene was a little weird to me. I thought Jason was great in the hospital, worrying about Sookie, and it's adorable when Jason is in "love" -- but I know things are going to get dangerous with him sniffing around Hotshot. Speaking of dangerous, poor Magister. I love the Eric-Sophie-Anne-Russell Edington madness that's happening. I used to think Eric was ruthless until we met the King of Mississippi - quite the sociovampath. I'm ready for True Blood to get super crazy, and it's on its way!
Mad Men makes my Sundays, and this Sunday was no different. However, Don Draper, shame on you for sleeping with your secretary, trying to seduce your neighbor and being so drunk you can't unlock your door. I like office parties on shows, and this was no exception, especially since it brought the Christmas spirit to August -- Joan really did look like a gift in her awesome red dress. Roger has had some killer lines so far this season, and I realized I only like him when he's being funny/not around his awful wife, Jane, who kind of got minigroped by the honored guest at that party. I would say the disappointment of last night's show was the reappearance of Glen, aka the creepy boy who watched Betty pee. The only thing creepier than him vandalizing the house is how happy Sally was that he did it. That kid freaks me out -- more than most kids. Can't wait for more, Mad Men.
Shark Week is one of my most anticipated weeks of the year. In the past, some of the gimmicks have started to run a little flat -- here's looking at you computer generated prehistoric sharks. But this week's appetizer, Ultimate Air Jaws, failed to wow. Oh wow, two Seal Islands. Oh wow, sharks jump out of the water. Oh wow, sharks have to work up to being able to take out a seal mid-air. Old news, Shark Week. I mean, it's still awesome to see great whites jump like that, but I just -- it felt a little stale. Then crazy host man decides to get into a kayak smaller than some of the sharks swimming around him because there generally aren't shark attacks in the area -- until four days after they filmed! What?!? I just hope the rest of Shark Week is a little better. I don't like shitty reenactments of attacks. Taking my viewership for granted would be .... jumping the shark.
7.27.2010
Tuesday, 6/28
Mary and Max
IT Crowd Series Four
Mary and Max is without a doubt the best animated film I've watched this year. The claymation between the two landscapes, Max in New York, Mary in Australia, were beautiful and every scene was so full of texture and detail. It looked amazing, and the writing was even better. The two pen pals exchange letter after letter, revealing so much about their daily lives and quirks. Mary's home life is a bit of a nightmare. Max only has a life inside his apartment and at Overeaters Anonymous. But they have each other's letters, and the friendship between Mary and Max is just plain wonderful. The ebbs and flows in their letters are punctuated by really lovely music by The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. I don't have much else to say other than it's such an amazing story about friendship that will get you by the end.
The only thing I didn't like about this season of The IT Crowd is that Moss' afro was a little less orderly and side parted than usual. It's full of the usually unusual shenanigans, and I loved it all. Roy's fear of balloons, Moss' walk on the wild side, Jen's sudden exclusion from meetings that may or may not have turned into orgies. Roy's Sea Parks made of mashed potatoes. Not being able to relax if you think someone might play Norah Jones. Have you tried turning it off and on again?
The new series isn't really out in the US yet, but series 1-3 can be streamed on Netflix Instant, so do it!
IT Crowd Series Four
Mary and Max is without a doubt the best animated film I've watched this year. The claymation between the two landscapes, Max in New York, Mary in Australia, were beautiful and every scene was so full of texture and detail. It looked amazing, and the writing was even better. The two pen pals exchange letter after letter, revealing so much about their daily lives and quirks. Mary's home life is a bit of a nightmare. Max only has a life inside his apartment and at Overeaters Anonymous. But they have each other's letters, and the friendship between Mary and Max is just plain wonderful. The ebbs and flows in their letters are punctuated by really lovely music by The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. I don't have much else to say other than it's such an amazing story about friendship that will get you by the end.
The only thing I didn't like about this season of The IT Crowd is that Moss' afro was a little less orderly and side parted than usual. It's full of the usually unusual shenanigans, and I loved it all. Roy's fear of balloons, Moss' walk on the wild side, Jen's sudden exclusion from meetings that may or may not have turned into orgies. Roy's Sea Parks made of mashed potatoes. Not being able to relax if you think someone might play Norah Jones. Have you tried turning it off and on again?
The new series isn't really out in the US yet, but series 1-3 can be streamed on Netflix Instant, so do it!
7.26.2010
Monday, July 26
Mad Men, Season Four Premiere
La Belle Personne
True Blood
Oh, Mad Men. It's been three years, now a fourth, and I'm still in love with you--- and Don in that delicious red sweater.
Anyway, I had pre-listened to the opening minutes of the show, Don's interview with Ad Age, on NPR, and I mean just hearing his voice I could have totally wrecked my car. But I liked the opening, and I liked the ending because I feel like I never really know what Don thinks, and I think watching the two interviews show how Don likes to play it. I'm very excited to see how SCDP progresses throughout the season. Also, I love seeing that guy from Jack and Bobby and The Deep End in Peggy's office. Who was that man with her when she went to solve the ham mishap though? Not sure. I didn't love that plot, but I'm glad to see they finally did something better with Peggy's hair. Maybe she'll get some good plots this season. I'm already annoyed by Betty in the way I'm annoyed by her in other seasons. Not to say I don't like her, but her ice queen demeanor and way with the children (I smell an eating disorder for the daughter!) just don't make her a character whose time I wait for on screen. I feel like it's going to be an interesting, Don-slapping season (!).
La Belle Personne is a Christopher Honore film (Les chansons d'amour, Ma Mere) featuring the tres chic Louis Garrel, again, and pleasantly Gregoire Laprince-Ringuet (both in Les chansons d'amour) and Lea Seydoux (supposedly a contender to play Lisbeth Salander in the upcoming version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). The film is -- well, I think as a non-French speaker having to rely on subtitles early in this film is a disadvantage. Junie (Lea Seydoux) transfers to her cousin's high school after the death of her mother and meets his friends, who are all screwing each other somehow, and I didn't catch the tangled web, so later on some of the character's motivations were a little confusing. Anyway, Junie starts to date Otto (Laprince-Ringuet), a sweet, sincere, earnest (boring) kid who she plays hot and cold. Not that we really know why, other than she seems to be resisting a romantic interest in her Italian teacher, Nemours (Garrel). Subplots, baguettes and confusion follow. Although I didn't always love this film and never understood all the characters' motivations, I like Honore's films, if for no other reason than the people are beautiful, the mise-en-scene lovely and there's sometimes singing, in this case, at the end, a song by Otto reminiscent of his character in Les chansons d'amour. Lovely if a little empty seeming.
True Blood -- it's back, baby. I love manipulative Eric. I was terrified by Tara's moment with Franklin, but girl can wield a mace. Sookie gets on my nerves when she puts on that I love Bill face. I do love Grant Bowler's werewolf, Coot (better, I'll steal it for ya!). I have nothing against seeing a little Alcide booty post-change. I can't wait for Lorena to die, assuming she does, and Bill is just sooo not what he was season one. Jesus and Lafayette...we'll see. I don't think it's over. Good for Jessica, feeding on that old bitch. And my boss was totally right, the Pickens are dogfighting lowlives.
This episode picked up some, and I really enjoyed this week's 57 minutes. Once again, looking forward to the next one.
La Belle Personne
True Blood
Oh, Mad Men. It's been three years, now a fourth, and I'm still in love with you--- and Don in that delicious red sweater.
Anyway, I had pre-listened to the opening minutes of the show, Don's interview with Ad Age, on NPR, and I mean just hearing his voice I could have totally wrecked my car. But I liked the opening, and I liked the ending because I feel like I never really know what Don thinks, and I think watching the two interviews show how Don likes to play it. I'm very excited to see how SCDP progresses throughout the season. Also, I love seeing that guy from Jack and Bobby and The Deep End in Peggy's office. Who was that man with her when she went to solve the ham mishap though? Not sure. I didn't love that plot, but I'm glad to see they finally did something better with Peggy's hair. Maybe she'll get some good plots this season. I'm already annoyed by Betty in the way I'm annoyed by her in other seasons. Not to say I don't like her, but her ice queen demeanor and way with the children (I smell an eating disorder for the daughter!) just don't make her a character whose time I wait for on screen. I feel like it's going to be an interesting, Don-slapping season (!).
La Belle Personne is a Christopher Honore film (Les chansons d'amour, Ma Mere) featuring the tres chic Louis Garrel, again, and pleasantly Gregoire Laprince-Ringuet (both in Les chansons d'amour) and Lea Seydoux (supposedly a contender to play Lisbeth Salander in the upcoming version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). The film is -- well, I think as a non-French speaker having to rely on subtitles early in this film is a disadvantage. Junie (Lea Seydoux) transfers to her cousin's high school after the death of her mother and meets his friends, who are all screwing each other somehow, and I didn't catch the tangled web, so later on some of the character's motivations were a little confusing. Anyway, Junie starts to date Otto (Laprince-Ringuet), a sweet, sincere, earnest (boring) kid who she plays hot and cold. Not that we really know why, other than she seems to be resisting a romantic interest in her Italian teacher, Nemours (Garrel). Subplots, baguettes and confusion follow. Although I didn't always love this film and never understood all the characters' motivations, I like Honore's films, if for no other reason than the people are beautiful, the mise-en-scene lovely and there's sometimes singing, in this case, at the end, a song by Otto reminiscent of his character in Les chansons d'amour. Lovely if a little empty seeming.
True Blood -- it's back, baby. I love manipulative Eric. I was terrified by Tara's moment with Franklin, but girl can wield a mace. Sookie gets on my nerves when she puts on that I love Bill face. I do love Grant Bowler's werewolf, Coot (better, I'll steal it for ya!). I have nothing against seeing a little Alcide booty post-change. I can't wait for Lorena to die, assuming she does, and Bill is just sooo not what he was season one. Jesus and Lafayette...we'll see. I don't think it's over. Good for Jessica, feeding on that old bitch. And my boss was totally right, the Pickens are dogfighting lowlives.
This episode picked up some, and I really enjoyed this week's 57 minutes. Once again, looking forward to the next one.
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