The following was taken from TMZ.COM
Angry much, Isaiah? Former "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington talked to Newsweek recently, and he rips the show for firing him because, in part, he's a black man "with a booming voice." Actually, let's let him explain: "It didn't help me on the set that I was a black man who wasn't a mush-mouth Negro walking around with his head in his hands all the time."Oh, and it doesn't stop there. Isaiah says an HR person told him that "some people" were "afraid" of him around the studio, to which he replied, "Why, because I'm a 6-foot-1 black man with dark skin and who doesn't go around saying 'Yessah, massa' and 'No sir, massa' to everyone?"
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thinking About Memphis
I am so down on Memphis so often, but really is it that bad? I could spend the next 2 hours writing about all of the terrible, horrible, awful things about Memphis. We all live here. We know all about them. BUT, what about the treasures. The hidden little nuggets. So here is a blog entry about the "good" things our city has to offer.
1. Beale Street: I'm not talking about the frat boy clubbin' and the ghetto-booty dancin' crap we all did back in college. Im' talking about a place to go sit, have a few beers, and listen to authentic blues music any night of the week. Beal Street is world famous and the blues are our connection to the rest of the world.
2. Live Theatre: I'm not the biggest live theatre person. I've been to a few plays. But when it comes to quality, Memphis really does a great job. Not only that Playhouse on the Square is about to break ground on a brand new 15 million dollar theatre in Midtown. This state of the art building will put Memphis on the map when it comes to community theatre. They will also be able to pay actors more and bring in more traveling performances. This is a real bragging point of our city.
3. Memphis Zoo: Yeah, you can only go to the zoo so many times before it becomes stale. But stop and think about it for a minute. We have one of the top 5 zoos in the country. Our pandas are about to do something that is so rare and amazing by having a baby. The Memphis Zoo really is a spectacle.
4. Fed Ex St. Jude Tennis/ St. Jude Golf: These are two premiere events that put the spotlight on Memphis. The golf tournament draws the top players from around the world and brings CBS coverage each year. The tennis tournament brings in an average of 3 top 10 players each year and always have a loaded field. These are awesome opportunities to see the world's best athletes.
5. The Tigers: Ok, the football Tigers may be a ways off, but the basketball Tigers are a projected top 3 team in the nation. Probably number 1 or 2. This is much see college hoops action.
Just my two cents. Thought I might give M-town some props for once.
OUT!
1. Beale Street: I'm not talking about the frat boy clubbin' and the ghetto-booty dancin' crap we all did back in college. Im' talking about a place to go sit, have a few beers, and listen to authentic blues music any night of the week. Beal Street is world famous and the blues are our connection to the rest of the world.
2. Live Theatre: I'm not the biggest live theatre person. I've been to a few plays. But when it comes to quality, Memphis really does a great job. Not only that Playhouse on the Square is about to break ground on a brand new 15 million dollar theatre in Midtown. This state of the art building will put Memphis on the map when it comes to community theatre. They will also be able to pay actors more and bring in more traveling performances. This is a real bragging point of our city.
3. Memphis Zoo: Yeah, you can only go to the zoo so many times before it becomes stale. But stop and think about it for a minute. We have one of the top 5 zoos in the country. Our pandas are about to do something that is so rare and amazing by having a baby. The Memphis Zoo really is a spectacle.
4. Fed Ex St. Jude Tennis/ St. Jude Golf: These are two premiere events that put the spotlight on Memphis. The golf tournament draws the top players from around the world and brings CBS coverage each year. The tennis tournament brings in an average of 3 top 10 players each year and always have a loaded field. These are awesome opportunities to see the world's best athletes.
5. The Tigers: Ok, the football Tigers may be a ways off, but the basketball Tigers are a projected top 3 team in the nation. Probably number 1 or 2. This is much see college hoops action.
Just my two cents. Thought I might give M-town some props for once.
OUT!
Latest On Big Brother
In case you didn't hear the latest from Julie Chen last night on Letterman. She's rich. She goes on their yacht each summer and just cruises around with her husband and three step children. For those of you not in the know...he husband is Les Moonves, the head honcho at CBS. The big cheese. Like NO ONE ABOVE HIM.
Anyway, she also said that this year will be more interactive than ever. There will be 14 houseguests...but one of them will be America's houseguest. And we get to vote and chose what moves the player makes. We get to decide the player's strategy and actions. The other 13 players will have no idea.
The house will also look different this year also. There will be one room where all of the furniture and beds are tiny and another where they all huge. It will give it a bit of an Alice In Wonderland or Goldilocks feel.
I am so pumped about it. As you know my blog tends to lean towards Big Brother pretty heavily in the summer time, but I will do my best to post about other stuff as well.
OUT!
Anyway, she also said that this year will be more interactive than ever. There will be 14 houseguests...but one of them will be America's houseguest. And we get to vote and chose what moves the player makes. We get to decide the player's strategy and actions. The other 13 players will have no idea.
The house will also look different this year also. There will be one room where all of the furniture and beds are tiny and another where they all huge. It will give it a bit of an Alice In Wonderland or Goldilocks feel.
I am so pumped about it. As you know my blog tends to lean towards Big Brother pretty heavily in the summer time, but I will do my best to post about other stuff as well.
OUT!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Great Big Brother 8 News! Can't Wait!
Big Brother, After Dark launching on ShowtimeCome July 5, rabid fans of CBS's Big Brother will have a new way to spy on the show's sequestered houseguests: the eye will start airing live feeds from the house on one of its sister Showtime channels. Dubbed Big Brother, After Dark, the live action in the house will air every night from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. on SHOTOO, a Showtime channel that airs mostly theatricals and adult flicks and is available in over 14 million homes. This is the first time the network has aired live feeds on TV, though they have been available via the internet since BB launched seven years ago. Also new for fans this summer: episodes will be available on CBS.com. The eighth season of Brother will air Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. And yes — host Julie Chen will be back.
Wasted Cash
Ok, so a magazine is paying 2 million dollars for photos of Eva Longoria's wedding. Man, if I could get 2 million bucks for shots of my wedding I'd be hitched for sure.
Madonna just bought her sixth London home. Yeah 6. Just in London. I mean come on. Maybe I understand six homes around the world, but 6 in the same city. Sounds like someone is trying to hide from Elton John if you ask me.
Madonna just bought her sixth London home. Yeah 6. Just in London. I mean come on. Maybe I understand six homes around the world, but 6 in the same city. Sounds like someone is trying to hide from Elton John if you ask me.
Germany Might Be On To Something...
Wow. Saw this on IMDB.COM
Finally someone is taking a stand against the faux religion of Scientology and calling it what it is...
Germany has banned filming of Tom Cruise's new movie at its military bases because they object to the actor's Scientology religion. Scientology is not recognized as a church by the German government, who claim the controversial religion is a "money-making cult." Cruise is set to begin filming Valkyrie in Germany this summer, in which he plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, leader of an unsuccessful plot to kill Adolf Hitler during World War II. Harald Kammerbauer, spokesman for the country's Defense Ministry, says, "(Producers) will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenberg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult. In general, the Bundeswehr (German military) has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg's person." FROM IMDB
Finally someone is taking a stand against the faux religion of Scientology and calling it what it is...
Germany has banned filming of Tom Cruise's new movie at its military bases because they object to the actor's Scientology religion. Scientology is not recognized as a church by the German government, who claim the controversial religion is a "money-making cult." Cruise is set to begin filming Valkyrie in Germany this summer, in which he plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, leader of an unsuccessful plot to kill Adolf Hitler during World War II. Harald Kammerbauer, spokesman for the country's Defense Ministry, says, "(Producers) will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenberg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult. In general, the Bundeswehr (German military) has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg's person." FROM IMDB
Sunday, June 24, 2007
R U 4REAL?
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealand authorities have blocked a couple's bid to officially name their new son "4real," saying numerals are not allowed.
Pat and Sheena Wheaton said they decided to name their new baby "4real" shortly after having an ultrasound and being struck by the reality of his impending arrival.
"For most of us, when we try to figure out what our names mean, we have to look it up in a babies book and ... there's no direct link between the meaning and the name," Pat Wheaton told TV One on Wednesday. "With this name, everyone knows what it means."
But when the parents filed the name with New Zealand's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, they were told names beginning with a number were against the rules.
The government office has opened negotiations with the parents about the name under a policy that says all unusual names must be given case-by-case consideration.
"The name has not at this stage been rejected," Registrar-General Brian Clarke said in a statement Thursday. "We are currently in discussions with the parents ... to clarify the situation."
Clarke said the rules are designed to prevent names that are "likely to cause offense to a reasonable person." Satan and Adolf Hitler were proposed names that have been declined, he said.
If no compromise has been reached by July 9, the baby will be registered as "real," officials say.
New Zealand law requires all children born in the South Pacific nation to be registered with the Births, Deaths and Marriages registry within two months of birth.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Grey's Topic
Ok, I am going to write a post here that will likely be pretty polarizing. If anyone has any comments and wants to post without using your name, I understand.
I am so sick of hearing about Washington's firing on Grey's Anatomy. First all of the gay community was up in arms over his "faggot" comment. And they fought to have him booted from the show.
But he apologized and the fire was dying down.
Then the dumb ass used the offensive term again, knowing it was STILL wrong. Making it worse still was the he used the comment while simultaneously denying that he had ever said the word in the first place. What in the hell was he thinking?
So the gay community was up in arms again. And the cast began to publicly turn on him, most notably Katherine Heigl.
ABC threatened to fire him. They issued statements.
But he apologized again. And he offered to take an anger management course. He also took tolerance classes. He then agreed to make tolerance PSAs for television.
So ABC made no other comment and the show went on.
BUT, somewhere along the way the choice was made to go ahead and write Washington off of the show. And Shonda did so in a classy and fitting way that gave great closure to the story and the character.
BUT somewhere in all of this I missed the point. I somehow missed that ABC had actually released Washington, not because he is a bigot, a hot head, has anger management issues, or that he caused a giant rift in the ensemble. Hell no, they fired him because he is black. HMMMM?
Well that's the latest coming out of L.A.
Apparently a leader from one of the gay rights organizations (who wanted Washington fired when he used the gay slur) is fighting for Washington's immediate reinstatement because the firing has now been deemed racist. Seriously.
Did I miss something? At what point did this become about race. Wait, how stupid of me. I forgot that its always about race. And ABC would never fire anyone who was a bad employee. They only fire people that are black. I mean they got rid of Michael and Walt, the two main black characters on Lost. That couldn't have had anything to do with the story line. It mist have been because Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindeloff couldn't dare work with black people one day longer.
I know that racism is rampant in our country. Hell, all over the world. And I do not condone it at all. But this is another case of what I call crutchism. When are people going to be held accountable for their actions and their lives and stop using their race as a crutch and an excuse? I for one am sick of it.
My intent here is not to offend. It is simply to beg the media, the activists, and the fans to let Dr. Burke ride off into the sunset. Let's quit fighting for this guy. It's apparent to me that he's a bad guy. He was obviously not sincere in his apologies. He even admitted that he "jumped through hoops" and "did everything ABC asked" and he was still released. That tells me that ehe was jumping through these hoops to keep his job, not because he wanted to make real amends.
The gay/race activist who is leading the charge for Washington's re-hire even went as far to say that Washington has done more for gay rights than T.R. Knight. How low down is that?
This whole thing has become a giant mess and I am sick and tired of hearing about it. I wish the new season would start already so that maybe people will be able to move on. Unfortunately something tells me this discussion is going to pop up in a big way again right around the time for the premiere.
OUT!
I am so sick of hearing about Washington's firing on Grey's Anatomy. First all of the gay community was up in arms over his "faggot" comment. And they fought to have him booted from the show.
But he apologized and the fire was dying down.
Then the dumb ass used the offensive term again, knowing it was STILL wrong. Making it worse still was the he used the comment while simultaneously denying that he had ever said the word in the first place. What in the hell was he thinking?
So the gay community was up in arms again. And the cast began to publicly turn on him, most notably Katherine Heigl.
ABC threatened to fire him. They issued statements.
But he apologized again. And he offered to take an anger management course. He also took tolerance classes. He then agreed to make tolerance PSAs for television.
So ABC made no other comment and the show went on.
BUT, somewhere along the way the choice was made to go ahead and write Washington off of the show. And Shonda did so in a classy and fitting way that gave great closure to the story and the character.
BUT somewhere in all of this I missed the point. I somehow missed that ABC had actually released Washington, not because he is a bigot, a hot head, has anger management issues, or that he caused a giant rift in the ensemble. Hell no, they fired him because he is black. HMMMM?
Well that's the latest coming out of L.A.
Apparently a leader from one of the gay rights organizations (who wanted Washington fired when he used the gay slur) is fighting for Washington's immediate reinstatement because the firing has now been deemed racist. Seriously.
Did I miss something? At what point did this become about race. Wait, how stupid of me. I forgot that its always about race. And ABC would never fire anyone who was a bad employee. They only fire people that are black. I mean they got rid of Michael and Walt, the two main black characters on Lost. That couldn't have had anything to do with the story line. It mist have been because Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindeloff couldn't dare work with black people one day longer.
I know that racism is rampant in our country. Hell, all over the world. And I do not condone it at all. But this is another case of what I call crutchism. When are people going to be held accountable for their actions and their lives and stop using their race as a crutch and an excuse? I for one am sick of it.
My intent here is not to offend. It is simply to beg the media, the activists, and the fans to let Dr. Burke ride off into the sunset. Let's quit fighting for this guy. It's apparent to me that he's a bad guy. He was obviously not sincere in his apologies. He even admitted that he "jumped through hoops" and "did everything ABC asked" and he was still released. That tells me that ehe was jumping through these hoops to keep his job, not because he wanted to make real amends.
The gay/race activist who is leading the charge for Washington's re-hire even went as far to say that Washington has done more for gay rights than T.R. Knight. How low down is that?
This whole thing has become a giant mess and I am sick and tired of hearing about it. I wish the new season would start already so that maybe people will be able to move on. Unfortunately something tells me this discussion is going to pop up in a big way again right around the time for the premiere.
OUT!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Random Quick Hits
The new White Stripes album is exactly what you'd expect. There are three or four A level songs, a handful of good jams, and a couple of tunes that leave me scratching my head. If you're a Stripes fan this likely won't end up being your favorite offering from the red and black duo.
Grade: B-
The Closer season premiere was an excellent hour in summer television. Brenda Lee Johnson was back to her old self even throwing out a few "Bless Your Hearts" to a boy who had just lost his parents and sister in a brutal stabbing. Of course, she suspected the boy of being the killer. The Closer works perfectly int he time slot that it's in. Its straight forward mysteries would get lost in the fall shuffle. But when summer comes I always look forward to this one.
Premiere Grade: B+
Big Love has been back on for two weeks. I kept hearing critics complain about how the show was good, but always keeps the viewer at arms length. I don't really feel thats the case. I think it is just a concept so far from our own that we tend to not be able to put ourselves in the characters shoes. Last night they did a good job of changing that notion when the family forgets Nikki's anniversary. We've all done that before. The show has a good vibe to it and I like where it's headed.
Premiere Grade: B-
2nd Episode Grade: A-
Big Brother 8 is only 2 weeks away. I have been hearing some random rumors flying around about what the hook might be. The latest I heard was the possibility of bringing on people that were bullies in grade school and also bringing in the people that they bullied. Could be interesting.
I have read a lot of backlash about that idea though. I like it personally. It means the show comes with some built in strife which I think is good television. The people who are complaining about it were likely either bullied in school or have totally forgotten that they are watching trash tv and should stop trying to turn the Big Brother house into a church camp.
OUT!
Grade: B-
The Closer season premiere was an excellent hour in summer television. Brenda Lee Johnson was back to her old self even throwing out a few "Bless Your Hearts" to a boy who had just lost his parents and sister in a brutal stabbing. Of course, she suspected the boy of being the killer. The Closer works perfectly int he time slot that it's in. Its straight forward mysteries would get lost in the fall shuffle. But when summer comes I always look forward to this one.
Premiere Grade: B+
Big Love has been back on for two weeks. I kept hearing critics complain about how the show was good, but always keeps the viewer at arms length. I don't really feel thats the case. I think it is just a concept so far from our own that we tend to not be able to put ourselves in the characters shoes. Last night they did a good job of changing that notion when the family forgets Nikki's anniversary. We've all done that before. The show has a good vibe to it and I like where it's headed.
Premiere Grade: B-
2nd Episode Grade: A-
Big Brother 8 is only 2 weeks away. I have been hearing some random rumors flying around about what the hook might be. The latest I heard was the possibility of bringing on people that were bullies in grade school and also bringing in the people that they bullied. Could be interesting.
I have read a lot of backlash about that idea though. I like it personally. It means the show comes with some built in strife which I think is good television. The people who are complaining about it were likely either bullied in school or have totally forgotten that they are watching trash tv and should stop trying to turn the Big Brother house into a church camp.
OUT!
Monday, June 18, 2007
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
Who should be the new host of The Price Is Right? I've been hearing Rosie's name bounced around lately. Do you have any opinions?
Here is my list of the top 5 best candidates to fill Bob's shoes:
5. Arsenio Hall
4. Kathy Griffin
3. Dave Coulier
2. Dave Chapelle
1. William Shatner
Conan O'Brien is out of late late television and into Leno's spot in less than 2 years. NBC is already working hard to make sure the spot is filled with someone the world knows and loves. There is still a possibility that Leno could remain on as the host of the Tonight Show, leaving Conan 40 million dollars richer, but with no place to host. Who should fill Conan's chair? Well right now this minute the two leading faces are Jimmy Fallon and Jon Stewart. Who would I like to see, besides these two (Stewart would top my list here)
5. Jerry Seinfeld
4. Mitch Fatel
3. Crispin Glover
2. William Shatner
1. Charles Barkley
OUT!
Here is my list of the top 5 best candidates to fill Bob's shoes:
5. Arsenio Hall
4. Kathy Griffin
3. Dave Coulier
2. Dave Chapelle
1. William Shatner
Conan O'Brien is out of late late television and into Leno's spot in less than 2 years. NBC is already working hard to make sure the spot is filled with someone the world knows and loves. There is still a possibility that Leno could remain on as the host of the Tonight Show, leaving Conan 40 million dollars richer, but with no place to host. Who should fill Conan's chair? Well right now this minute the two leading faces are Jimmy Fallon and Jon Stewart. Who would I like to see, besides these two (Stewart would top my list here)
5. Jerry Seinfeld
4. Mitch Fatel
3. Crispin Glover
2. William Shatner
1. Charles Barkley
OUT!
Forget Stripping, Just Stroll
A New York woman was awarded a 29,000 dollar settlement from NYC in a civil suit this week. The woman was arrested by police after being seen walking down the street topless in 2005. She was held for over 12 hours and forced to undergo a psychiatric evaluation during her time in custody. No charges were filed.
She later sued the city based on a 1992 ruling that says women have the same right as men to go shirtless public. The city paid the settlement, but offered no admission of guilt.
My question is this...should this lady have the right to go topless in public? I want your opinion.
OUT!
She later sued the city based on a 1992 ruling that says women have the same right as men to go shirtless public. The city paid the settlement, but offered no admission of guilt.
My question is this...should this lady have the right to go topless in public? I want your opinion.
OUT!
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Hokey Pokey: A Movie Review
I checked out Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer last night. Here are my thoughts:
-Better than the first one.
-Excellent action sequences.
-The Silver Surfer is badass.
-I couldn't get past the Silver Surfer's voice, I kept expecting him to say "Neo, you are the one."
-Jessica Alba cannot act. She was awful, but still awfully nice to look at.
-They worked hard to make Reed Richards more likable this time around. It worked.
-The writers made sure to hit you over the head with the moral of the story.
-The Human Torch is a perfect example of how a real person would act if they were give powers.
-The dialogue was comic-bookish and 1950ish all rolled into one. "Hurry grab the radioactive shutdown device. We must get to the next location before the Surfer." That bad, seriously.
For a summer movie this works on most levels. You won't see much plot development and the characters haven't really grown much from the last movie. But if you're looking for explosions and testosterone fueled action sequences, this is your ticket. If you enjoyed the first Fantastic 4 movie then you knwo what to expect here. If you didn't much care for the original, then you might want to stay away.
GRADE: C+
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
THE SUMMER TV PREVIEW
Returning Shows You Must Watch:
-The Closer: This fast paced, slow-talking show returns on June 18 for a new season. Kyra Sedgwick is well worth your time as long as you can get past her thick southern drawl.
-Kathy Griffin; My Life On The D- List: The comedienne is back on Tuesdays as the camera follow this truly hilarious woman as she struggles through her OH SO TOUGH life.
- The 4400: Returning Sunday June 17 for its fourth season. I wouldn't advice jumping into the middle of this show, but I would suggest Netflixing the first 3 seasons while TiVoing the 4th. This sci-fi show is promising major anwsers this season like "why did 4400 people disappear and then return to Earth with special abilities?"
-Big Love: Season 2 is underway on HBO. The move to Mondays might hurt the rating a bit, but the quality is just a high. I can't imagie having 3 wives and Bill Hendrickson might have 4 by the end of this new batch of episodes.
-Psych: This comedy/detective show is off-beat and fun. Retuning on Friday nights in July I suggest jumping on the bandwagon. Even after missing the first season you won't have any problem catching on to the gag.
Others of Note:
Monk (July 13) and Rescue Me (Wednesdays)
NEW SHOWS:
Burn Notice: This USA original kicks off June 28 and is all about an ex-spy trying to figure out who ruined his career by sending out a burn notice on him. Think Alias, but with a dude.
Damages: Glenn Close returns to FX after her stunning turn on The Shield 18 months ago. This time she's a legal shark with a dark past and a nasty habit of biting people's heads off. I can't wait. This one kicks off July 18.
Saving Grace: Holly Hunter stars in this show about a down on her luck Oklahoma City police officer who can't seem to balance her personal and professional lives. The catch, since she was involved in a drunk driving accident she has been followed by a guardian angel. This one kicks off on July 18 on TNT.
Meadowlands: Beginning on June 17, follow a family into the witness protection program. Showtime brings us this original series about suburban life on the run. This hidden family might discover that it's more dangerous in Middle America.
Two New Ones To Avoid:
John From Cincinnati: This new supernatural show from Deadwood creator David Lynch....I mean, David Milch, is about a surfer from Cincinnati who relocates to California. By the way he can levitate and might be Jesus. (JC...John Cincinnati or JC...Jesus Christ)
Hidden Palms: I gave the CW show a chance. It was a waste of my time. The eye candy is nice, but the plot is thin thin thin.
If Reality TV Is Your Thing:
Hey Paula and The Two Coreys both kick off this summer. Hey Paula is a Kathy Griffin's D-List style reality show featuring Paula Abdul. It's on Bravo starting June 28. The Two Coreys starts at the end of July on A&E and reunites Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. These two shows are soooo bringing back my past. I can't wait.
Other Reality Shows:
Pirate Master
America's Got Talent
Hell's Kitchen
The Next Big Thing
The Biggest Loser
Last Comic Standing
And My Favorite Show:
Big Brother 8 premieres on CBS July 5. A whole new house of crazy people!!! Count me in!
-The Closer: This fast paced, slow-talking show returns on June 18 for a new season. Kyra Sedgwick is well worth your time as long as you can get past her thick southern drawl.
-Kathy Griffin; My Life On The D- List: The comedienne is back on Tuesdays as the camera follow this truly hilarious woman as she struggles through her OH SO TOUGH life.
- The 4400: Returning Sunday June 17 for its fourth season. I wouldn't advice jumping into the middle of this show, but I would suggest Netflixing the first 3 seasons while TiVoing the 4th. This sci-fi show is promising major anwsers this season like "why did 4400 people disappear and then return to Earth with special abilities?"
-Big Love: Season 2 is underway on HBO. The move to Mondays might hurt the rating a bit, but the quality is just a high. I can't imagie having 3 wives and Bill Hendrickson might have 4 by the end of this new batch of episodes.
-Psych: This comedy/detective show is off-beat and fun. Retuning on Friday nights in July I suggest jumping on the bandwagon. Even after missing the first season you won't have any problem catching on to the gag.
Others of Note:
Monk (July 13) and Rescue Me (Wednesdays)
NEW SHOWS:
Burn Notice: This USA original kicks off June 28 and is all about an ex-spy trying to figure out who ruined his career by sending out a burn notice on him. Think Alias, but with a dude.
Damages: Glenn Close returns to FX after her stunning turn on The Shield 18 months ago. This time she's a legal shark with a dark past and a nasty habit of biting people's heads off. I can't wait. This one kicks off July 18.
Saving Grace: Holly Hunter stars in this show about a down on her luck Oklahoma City police officer who can't seem to balance her personal and professional lives. The catch, since she was involved in a drunk driving accident she has been followed by a guardian angel. This one kicks off on July 18 on TNT.
Meadowlands: Beginning on June 17, follow a family into the witness protection program. Showtime brings us this original series about suburban life on the run. This hidden family might discover that it's more dangerous in Middle America.
Two New Ones To Avoid:
John From Cincinnati: This new supernatural show from Deadwood creator David Lynch....I mean, David Milch, is about a surfer from Cincinnati who relocates to California. By the way he can levitate and might be Jesus. (JC...John Cincinnati or JC...Jesus Christ)
Hidden Palms: I gave the CW show a chance. It was a waste of my time. The eye candy is nice, but the plot is thin thin thin.
If Reality TV Is Your Thing:
Hey Paula and The Two Coreys both kick off this summer. Hey Paula is a Kathy Griffin's D-List style reality show featuring Paula Abdul. It's on Bravo starting June 28. The Two Coreys starts at the end of July on A&E and reunites Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. These two shows are soooo bringing back my past. I can't wait.
Other Reality Shows:
Pirate Master
America's Got Talent
Hell's Kitchen
The Next Big Thing
The Biggest Loser
Last Comic Standing
And My Favorite Show:
Big Brother 8 premieres on CBS July 5. A whole new house of crazy people!!! Count me in!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Finale Rankings
Now that all of the finales are done (except for One Tree Hill) it's time to post my ranking of the top 10 best season/series finales and the 5 worst. If OTH happens to make the BEST list then I will make sure to amend my posting ASAP.
THE BAD
5. The Sopranos
4. Veronica Mars
3. October Road
2. Heroes
1. Two and a Half Men
THE GOOD
10. Boston Legal
9. Grey's Anatomy
8. Brothers and Sisters
7. House
6. Desperate Housewives
5. The Office
4. The Shield
3. How I Met Your Mother
2. Smallville
1. LOST
THE BAD
5. The Sopranos
4. Veronica Mars
3. October Road
2. Heroes
1. Two and a Half Men
THE GOOD
10. Boston Legal
9. Grey's Anatomy
8. Brothers and Sisters
7. House
6. Desperate Housewives
5. The Office
4. The Shield
3. How I Met Your Mother
2. Smallville
1. LOST
The Sopranos Finale
I wanted to go ahead and throw my two cents into the big Sopranos backlash. What we seem to have here is a case of double-backlash. I will explain in due time.
Each season The Sopranos follows a familiar pattern. There is the long build-up featuring Tony and whatever organization, person, or family he is fighting with during that period of time. And this build-up leads to a violence-filled, explosive next-to-last episode of the season. And then as we reach the finale of each season it's as if the air has been let out of the balloon a bit too early.
Alan Sepinwall said it best on his blog when he deduced that David Chase uses the season finales as a time of reflection.
So, why did so many fans expect something different this time? Was it because it was the final episode ever? I guess...but how quickly the average fan forgets last weeks episode in which Bobby and Sil were gunned down. It was probably the best episode ever. The episode, titled "The Blue Comet" was probably my favorite one ever.
So my guard was up going into the finale. I fully expected a let down. The fact that Chase treated us to Phil Leotardo's skull crushing death was an added bonus. Yes, the abrupt ending had me checking online immediately to see if my TiVo had blinked, but I felt like I had been paid off enough.
The final scene was perfect in so many ways. The family sitting around the table eating. If the Soprano family did anything right, it was eat. Tony spent over half of his scenes during the run of the show at the dinner table or in his kitchen. This was the only place to end the series. The suspense that Chase built was monumental. My heart was racing and I was even forced to sit up in my bed. No, he didn't pay off that suspense, but he couldn't because he was trying to prove a point.
And that leads me to the double backlash. No one feels more frustrated to have been a Sopranos fan than me, but I know that I am not alone. Sometimes waiting between seasons for over a year was too much to deal with. It wasn't fair at all. The excruciating time between episodes was worse than going 7 months each year without football. But because the show was so amazing and we loved the characters so much we always came back to HBO when the Soprano family came back. We were loyal to David Chase to a fault. I even excused the episode titled "Christopher," which was the worst episode of any show in the history of television. It was this loyalty that lead to so many fans feeling like the reward of such patience was going to be the ultimate payoff, whether it be Tony's death, his entrance into witness protection, or him being sent off to jail.
Not being paid off with anything other than "life goes on, Tony may die, he may go to jail, or he may live happily ever after" has created a huge wave of anger.
But that's only half of the backlash. The other involves David Chase. He wanted to end this show after 5 seasons. He has taken Tony and the gang as far as he wanted. But HBO wasn't ready to seem them go. The fans cried and showed their outrage. So Chase was given more money and he was ultimately talked into staying. But this was no longer on his own terms. And by ending the show so ambiguously he managed to get one final "fuck-you" off to HBO, The Fans, and the actors that begged him to let the show live. Basically he said "you mess with my family, you pay." What a perfect ending after all.
OUT
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
Some Quick Hits
- The new Smashing Pumpkins song is underwhelming at best. I didn't have high expectations to begin with given the quality of their most recent releases, but I did hold out a bit of hope that their early magic would be recaptured. This is not the case. I likely won't purchase the album. GRADE: C-
- The new Velvet Revolver single is pretty catchy. It's definitely Scott Weiland on vocals. The song doesn't stick its claws in you and make you want to listen to it over and over again like say "sex type thing" or "welcome to the jungle." Its just a tune that you might turn up if you're driving in your car. Grade: B
- The new Marilyn Manson cd is boring. I'm so disappointed. There are no anthems, no sing-alongs, and barely anything worthy of being called rock. I saw recently that Manson was referred to as The Last Rock Star, but with disappointments like this being put out it sounds like he's just hiding behind the make-up. Grade: C-
- I saw the movie Night At The Museum last night. It was pretty ok. For a Christmastime release/family affair I could certainly see the appeal. There were a few too many common plot devices for my liking, but I expected as much. Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt was the best part of the flick. Grade: B-
- Mr. Brooks was an entertaining flick. A bit off-kilter and slightly convenient, but still worth seeing. Costner and his visible conscience make for a funny and disturbing combination. Dane Cook playing is straight was a bit of a strecth. I say NetFlix It! Grade: B-
- The new Velvet Revolver single is pretty catchy. It's definitely Scott Weiland on vocals. The song doesn't stick its claws in you and make you want to listen to it over and over again like say "sex type thing" or "welcome to the jungle." Its just a tune that you might turn up if you're driving in your car. Grade: B
- The new Marilyn Manson cd is boring. I'm so disappointed. There are no anthems, no sing-alongs, and barely anything worthy of being called rock. I saw recently that Manson was referred to as The Last Rock Star, but with disappointments like this being put out it sounds like he's just hiding behind the make-up. Grade: C-
- I saw the movie Night At The Museum last night. It was pretty ok. For a Christmastime release/family affair I could certainly see the appeal. There were a few too many common plot devices for my liking, but I expected as much. Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt was the best part of the flick. Grade: B-
- Mr. Brooks was an entertaining flick. A bit off-kilter and slightly convenient, but still worth seeing. Costner and his visible conscience make for a funny and disturbing combination. Dane Cook playing is straight was a bit of a strecth. I say NetFlix It! Grade: B-
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
NBA Finals Prediction
I know, I said I wasn't going to watch the NBA anymore...But that starts next season. Right now Lebron James is trying to fill Michael Jordan's sneakers and I wouldn't miss it for the world.
This series should be tight. The scores will hang in the mid to upper eighties. Cleveland's defense is sometimes over looked, but I assure you the Spurs will have a more difficult time getting past the Cavs than they did against the Suns.
That being said, the Jazz were a good team on both ends of the floor and they got run out of town. While rookie Daniel Gibson has stepped it up in the post season he wont be able to cover Parker or Manu. Big Z won't play man up against Duncan either, leaving that task to either floppy haired dude (wont try to butcher the spelling of his name) or Drew Gooden. And why the hell have his teammates not asked him to shave that atrocity on the back of his head. That modified rat-tail is down right nasty lookin'.
Hair cuts aside here is my prediction. The home court advantage outweighs the momentum that the Caves have. I say:
SPURS IN 6
OUT!
This series should be tight. The scores will hang in the mid to upper eighties. Cleveland's defense is sometimes over looked, but I assure you the Spurs will have a more difficult time getting past the Cavs than they did against the Suns.
That being said, the Jazz were a good team on both ends of the floor and they got run out of town. While rookie Daniel Gibson has stepped it up in the post season he wont be able to cover Parker or Manu. Big Z won't play man up against Duncan either, leaving that task to either floppy haired dude (wont try to butcher the spelling of his name) or Drew Gooden. And why the hell have his teammates not asked him to shave that atrocity on the back of his head. That modified rat-tail is down right nasty lookin'.
Hair cuts aside here is my prediction. The home court advantage outweighs the momentum that the Caves have. I say:
SPURS IN 6
OUT!
Monday, June 04, 2007
TOP NEWS STORIES
- Paris Hilton checked into jail late last night. Thank God Lohan just got out of rehab or half of L.A.'s nightclubs might have gone out of business.
- Billy Donnovan has apparently changed his mind about coaching in the NBA. That's good news for Gator fans, now they don't have to endure the heartbreak of not stealing John Calapari away from the Tigers.
- Lou Pinella got thrown out of a game over the weekend. It's his first ejection as the Cubs manager. If the Cubs can't win at least they can keep putting on shows like this for the fans.
- Serena Williams is the only remaining American player left at the French Open. She's looking to be the first American man to win in the past several years.
- Battlestar Galactica is going off the air after next season. Thank God. I'm so tired of having to pretend to only kind of like this show so that my friends will still like me.
- Pirates of the Caribbean 3 was number one at the box office again this weekend. It shows that kids drive movie ticket sales. I think Superman's next villain should be Davie Jones.
- Billy Donnovan has apparently changed his mind about coaching in the NBA. That's good news for Gator fans, now they don't have to endure the heartbreak of not stealing John Calapari away from the Tigers.
- Lou Pinella got thrown out of a game over the weekend. It's his first ejection as the Cubs manager. If the Cubs can't win at least they can keep putting on shows like this for the fans.
- Serena Williams is the only remaining American player left at the French Open. She's looking to be the first American man to win in the past several years.
- Battlestar Galactica is going off the air after next season. Thank God. I'm so tired of having to pretend to only kind of like this show so that my friends will still like me.
- Pirates of the Caribbean 3 was number one at the box office again this weekend. It shows that kids drive movie ticket sales. I think Superman's next villain should be Davie Jones.
Friday, June 01, 2007
What's Bugging You?
Movie Review: BUG
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
Let me first begin with my internal conflict. I absolutely hate when a preview gives too much away...The movie Perfect Stranger with Bruce Willis and Halle Berry...not going to see it. I saw it in trailer form BEFORE I saw Fracture. It showed enough for me to figure out most of the movie.
On the flip side, if a movie trailer doesn't give enough away you can get caught in a situation like I was several years ago with The Thin Red Line. I thought that I was going to see a war movie and instead saw the most boring piece of crap ever.
Well, now it seems like there is an amazing THIRD side to this tale. A movie trailer that shows you one thing and delivers something completely different. I got the first taste of this with the movie Hostel. They promised a gruesome gore-filled horror movie...they delivered a soft core porn with a touch of blood.
Well, add to that mislead the movie BUG. What I thought I was going to see was a horror flick about a couple of people that get infected with some sort of bug that lurks just below the skin and makes you want to tear your epidermis from the rest of your flesh.
What they delivered was an over-written, drama-filled gab fest with not one single scary moment. The movie was layer upon layer of dialogue with nothing ever being said.
Now, let me ruin the movie for those of you who aren't planning on seeing it...if you are planning on seeing it either stop reading here and go see for yourself or keep reading ahead and just give me 8.50 for saving you the time.
How do I say this without offending everyone...Ashley Judd is a quasi-lesbo, white trash, bar-tender who has been married to a horrible man, had a child with said horrible man, and now lives alone counting down the days before this terrible man is released from prison.
I call her a quasi-lesbo because her best friend is a lesbian she and Ashley Judd seem a little closer than they should be. However, it is cleared up early on that the friend has a lover and they are adopting a child. Ashley appears to just be a homely looking whoremonger.
I call her white trash because she lives in a run down motel-apartment in the middle of nowhere. Kinda looked like the place Luke Wilson stayed in Vacancy.
So, lesbian friend introduces Ashley to a new man. This dude is a FREAK. Weird and anti-social with some very serious mental issues. The kind of guy we all avoid on the street. And before long he and Ashley are doing the nasty.
Well, lets see. The first 45 minutes we hear no mention of bugs. Plenty of talking...no mention of bugs.
So the two have finished their business and the lights are off and suddenly Freak dude jumps out of bed and screams that he's been bitten. More talking. And More Talking. ZZZZZZZ.
Eventually we get into the freak dude's back story. He's ex military and we was injected with some soft of virus that lives in his blood. And he went AWOL. Immediately I say to myself, this dude is a paranoid psychotic.
So the movie wears on and the dude sees more bugs...we don't see them, mind you. And Then Ashley see bugs. And then they begin ripping each other's skin off and talking about it. And Then they pull teeth out and they talk about that. And then they wrap the whole house in bug traps and talk about that. And finally they cover the walls with foil to stop the spread of the bugs to others and the keep the bug's transmissions from reaching outerspace.
And finally Ashley Judd comes to the realization that she is THE SUPER MOTHER BUG. So she talks about being the super mother bug. And she screams about it. And then she stands up on the bed, arms stretched out and declares herself the SUPER MOTHER BUG...And so they pour gas on one another and light matches and the movie ends.
I shit you not, this movie was so terrible that I can't do anything but ruin for others in an attempt to keep it from making any more money. And the scaries part of all...60 percent of all critics liked it. WHAT!!!
MOVIE GRADE: F
Fab 5 For Friday
It's Friday and it's time to bring in the List Maker...
5 AMAZING PEOPLE FROM THIS WEEK
5. Hugh Laurie (What an amazing actor. Emmy should be calling again soon)
4. Damon Lindeloff (Because the Lost Exec should be on any list about amazing people)
3. Mr. Woot (Or whoever created the amazing site with so many toys for so cheap!)
2. Walter Goggins (Shane from The Shield is easily the biggest surprise of the year)
1. Lebron James (25 straight points and 29 or the last 30. WOW)
5 Songs or CDs or Bands You Should Hear
5. Mute Math (Band and CD)
4. Damien Rice (The Blower's Daughter is still ana amazing song that I listen to regularly)
3. Maroon 5 "Makes Me Wonder" (Will be overplayed by June 15)
2. Hanson "The Walk" )Yeah, I said it...so. Guys sound like a lot like Matchbox 20 these days)
1. The Used "The Bird and The Worm" (Catchy tune, whole album is good too)
5 Shots You Should Take At RP TRACKS
5. Buttery Nipple
4. Alien Secretion
3. Nu Car Smell
2. Sex With An Alligator
1. Walk Me Down Jesus
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