This question was posed on TVGUIDE.COM this week. I have given this topic a bit of thought and decided to answer it as if it were posed to me. I will then paste Matt Roush's response below my own.
Question: I have loved Grey's Anatomy since the first episode, and it continues to be the show to which I most look forward every week. However, over the past two episodes I have watched entire segments with the mute button on as I read the dialogue via CC. The reason? Though some of the montages can be very effective, the music is distractingly bad. The May 7 episode featured two full-length songs with vocalists whose "instruments" were akin to fingernails on a chalkboard. Grey's is one of the few shows that can fully absorb my attention, but it's disappointing when these songs take me out of my television nirvana. I'm just wondering if you had any thoughts on the subject. Thank you, and keep up the great column! — Abby
Chris: I have to say that I too have grown tired at times of shows using long musical pieces to cover a montage or indicate the passing of time. Grey's has never annoyed me the way some shows have in the past. I quit watching Cold Case because the montages at the end of each episode were more like a music video than a television show.
Some shows effectively use music to cover and move along a story line. Two shows that come to mind are One Tree Hill and The O.C.
I would never watch a show on mute as I am big fan of getting the director's entire vision, but I would like to see less music and more dialogue. I guess in short, it doesn't bother me when it is done effectively, but it is not a tool I would be sad to see go.
Matt Roush: There is no question that Grey's is a serious case study of overdoing the underscoring. This is a complaint I hear a lot, including from people in the industry who otherwise admire the show. The music often overwhelms the action and the dialogue, but this is such a pervasive trend (especially in final-act montages of so many dramas) that I guess I've grown mostly numb to it. Grey's also tends to overdo the cutesy incidental music to lighten the tone of the more romantic scenes. But none of this gets in the way of my enjoyment, or prompts me to mute the dialogue spoken by these wonderful actors. I beg you to reconsider.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
My Friday
new digital camera for me
mother's day gift for mom
from the bullseye
new wallet
new birthday gift from paymon
eat moe
eat moe what
eat moe moes
breaking in the glove
shaggin fly balls
the old field not the new ones
argue with kim
but just for fun
its a brother sister thing
play a game
see my real sister
no arguing at all
meat loaf
for free
thanks Jay-Long
screwed out of scene-it
the disparity is humorous...
to them
my music videos
my fish
my bed
mother's day gift for mom
from the bullseye
new wallet
new birthday gift from paymon
eat moe
eat moe what
eat moe moes
breaking in the glove
shaggin fly balls
the old field not the new ones
argue with kim
but just for fun
its a brother sister thing
play a game
see my real sister
no arguing at all
meat loaf
for free
thanks Jay-Long
screwed out of scene-it
the disparity is humorous...
to them
my music videos
my fish
my bed
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
TV Tuesday
I tried to post this last week, but for some reason blogspot was mad at me and wouldn't post it...so here goes another try.
There have been some great TV shows this season. I will be posting my top ten shows of the season coming up in just a few weeks as all of the finales finish airing. However, it's never too early to hand out the awards for most disappointing shows of the season. Here is my vote for 5 shows that should have shut down production a while back. But I am not one to complain about a problem and then not offer a solution. So, with each kick in the seat I give these shows I will also hand out free advice on how these shows could regain their glory.
5. CSI Miami
While big brother over in Vegas has turned in an excellent year with exciting new plot lines (Warrick getting married) and even better story telling inventions (like the episode from the view of the killer) CSI Miami has taken a steep fall. Horatio is still one of my favorite TV detectives, but the murders have gotten a bit stale. Sharks, night club murders, and lifestyles of the rich and famous can only be done so many times. It's time that this show goes to the next level by re-tooling the cast a bit and throwing in some fresh writers with new perspectives. I like the idea behind the CSI lab mole, however there hasn't been enough attention given to the story to warrant a frenzy around the finale.
4. Desperate Housewives
I fab four have been great. I love that Bree has fallen so far and that Gabby has shown a softer side. I think Tom and Lynette's marriage is one of the most realistic on television. And Susan is a shit-storm waiting to happen. But if they do nothing else next season, get rid of Betty Applewhite and her ridiculous family. Nothing has hurt the momentum of the show more. D.H. Was hit harder by the sophomore slump than any show on TV, but slowly it has regained it's groove and has become flashy and exciting all over again. I think the reintroduction of a season long story arc might be the best cure. What made season one tick has not been present this time around.
3. Nip/Tuck
This one is easy to figure out, never ever mention the carver(s) again and this show will be just fine. After a two year lay-off the show came back with a buzz and went out with a bust. The characters are so perfectly flawed that Ryan Murphy doesn't need to adjust anything except that horrible story line. I hear the new season in September will feature a new character who will be involved in a more business-like relationship with Christian and Sean. I can't wait.
2. The O.C.
They began by introducing the clones. (Johnny and Chilli) Then they made one of the clones, Johnny, the focal point of the show for half the season. And now Marissa is sleeping with the clone's worst enemy!?! This show is at its best when it features Seth, Summer, and Ryan. Although I still think Ryan could punch people a little less. Sandy is still a great character and it is great to see him as a real person this season with major ethical issues blowing up in his face. I think Marissa's story line has run it's course and if the rumors are true about Mischa not being a series regular next year then the show is well on its way to righting the ship. I hear we get more Taylor next season, whoo hoo. But we also have to deal with more of Marissa's sister, booo!
1. 24
There is probably nothing that this show could ever do that would make me watch it again. I have given up and thrown in the towel. I will see it through til the end of the season, but like a lame duck manager in college basketball I don't give a crap any more. If I were coming back with Jack for another year I would suggest that the show move locations. That they remove CTU from the equation all together. And that they quit writing the show from week to week and get back to writing it in 6-7 episode blocks like the first year. The show is called 24, not CTU. And until they realize this, the show is going to remain one of the most overrated and unlikeable shows on television.
OUT
There have been some great TV shows this season. I will be posting my top ten shows of the season coming up in just a few weeks as all of the finales finish airing. However, it's never too early to hand out the awards for most disappointing shows of the season. Here is my vote for 5 shows that should have shut down production a while back. But I am not one to complain about a problem and then not offer a solution. So, with each kick in the seat I give these shows I will also hand out free advice on how these shows could regain their glory.
5. CSI Miami
While big brother over in Vegas has turned in an excellent year with exciting new plot lines (Warrick getting married) and even better story telling inventions (like the episode from the view of the killer) CSI Miami has taken a steep fall. Horatio is still one of my favorite TV detectives, but the murders have gotten a bit stale. Sharks, night club murders, and lifestyles of the rich and famous can only be done so many times. It's time that this show goes to the next level by re-tooling the cast a bit and throwing in some fresh writers with new perspectives. I like the idea behind the CSI lab mole, however there hasn't been enough attention given to the story to warrant a frenzy around the finale.
4. Desperate Housewives
I fab four have been great. I love that Bree has fallen so far and that Gabby has shown a softer side. I think Tom and Lynette's marriage is one of the most realistic on television. And Susan is a shit-storm waiting to happen. But if they do nothing else next season, get rid of Betty Applewhite and her ridiculous family. Nothing has hurt the momentum of the show more. D.H. Was hit harder by the sophomore slump than any show on TV, but slowly it has regained it's groove and has become flashy and exciting all over again. I think the reintroduction of a season long story arc might be the best cure. What made season one tick has not been present this time around.
3. Nip/Tuck
This one is easy to figure out, never ever mention the carver(s) again and this show will be just fine. After a two year lay-off the show came back with a buzz and went out with a bust. The characters are so perfectly flawed that Ryan Murphy doesn't need to adjust anything except that horrible story line. I hear the new season in September will feature a new character who will be involved in a more business-like relationship with Christian and Sean. I can't wait.
2. The O.C.
They began by introducing the clones. (Johnny and Chilli) Then they made one of the clones, Johnny, the focal point of the show for half the season. And now Marissa is sleeping with the clone's worst enemy!?! This show is at its best when it features Seth, Summer, and Ryan. Although I still think Ryan could punch people a little less. Sandy is still a great character and it is great to see him as a real person this season with major ethical issues blowing up in his face. I think Marissa's story line has run it's course and if the rumors are true about Mischa not being a series regular next year then the show is well on its way to righting the ship. I hear we get more Taylor next season, whoo hoo. But we also have to deal with more of Marissa's sister, booo!
1. 24
There is probably nothing that this show could ever do that would make me watch it again. I have given up and thrown in the towel. I will see it through til the end of the season, but like a lame duck manager in college basketball I don't give a crap any more. If I were coming back with Jack for another year I would suggest that the show move locations. That they remove CTU from the equation all together. And that they quit writing the show from week to week and get back to writing it in 6-7 episode blocks like the first year. The show is called 24, not CTU. And until they realize this, the show is going to remain one of the most overrated and unlikeable shows on television.
OUT
Friday, May 05, 2006
Five For Friday
Occassionally I put my MP3 player on random when I am getting ready in the morning. I just like to see what songs it will play. It tells me if I am going to have a good day that day. It is like my own personal fortune cookie or tarot reading or something.
Here are the 5 songs it played for me this morning. Tell me what kind of day you think I am having.
1. Hydroponic by 311
2. No Sleep Til Brooklyn by Beastie Boys
3. Pranging by The Streets
4. Wasted and Ready by Ben Kweller
5. Gin and Juice by Snoop
I think something out there is telling me that I should just get high and forget today all together. Hydroponic is about smokin' the herb, Prang is a slang word for cocaine, Wasted and Ready and Gin and Juice are pretty self explanatory, and No Sleep Til Brooklyn describes my recent bouts of insomnia. Huh.
OUT
Here are the 5 songs it played for me this morning. Tell me what kind of day you think I am having.
1. Hydroponic by 311
2. No Sleep Til Brooklyn by Beastie Boys
3. Pranging by The Streets
4. Wasted and Ready by Ben Kweller
5. Gin and Juice by Snoop
I think something out there is telling me that I should just get high and forget today all together. Hydroponic is about smokin' the herb, Prang is a slang word for cocaine, Wasted and Ready and Gin and Juice are pretty self explanatory, and No Sleep Til Brooklyn describes my recent bouts of insomnia. Huh.
OUT
Friday is my Die Day
Bom Bom Bom
by The Living Things
by The Living Things
We're gonna wake this city tonight
Oh, watch it burn into the twilight
I said hey, hey, hey this is our birthright
To be bought and sold, shipped off ready to die. We're ready to fight.
We're going bom bom bom. Bom bom away bom.
Bom bom, bom bom.
We go bom bom, bom bom away bom. Bom bom, bom bom.
I can't drink or drive a tank at nineteen
So I set off to join the U.S. Army
The first time I left my country
I felt the desert sand marchin' under my feet. Come march with me.
We're going bom bom bom. Bom bom away bom.
Bom bom, bom bom.
We go bom bom, bom bom away bom. Bom bom, bom bom.
We're gonna take this city tonight
We're gonna shake this city 'til broad daylight
We're gonna take this city tonight
We're gonna shake this city 'til broad daylight
Shake it. Oh shake it.
I said: No NYC, Los Angeles
No Saint Louis, no New Orleans
No you and me, no you and me, no sympathy
Cause we're gonna bring them, bring them to their knees
We go bom bom bom, bom bom away bom. Bom bom, bom bom.
We go bom bom, bom bom away bom. Bom bom, bom bom.
We're gonna take this city tonight
We're gonna shake this city 'til broad daylight
We're gonna take this city tonight
We're gonna shake this city 'til broad daylight
Shake it. No brights lights, no more big city.
Shake it. No brights lights, no more big city.
Shake it. No brights lights, no more big city.
Shake it. No brights lights, no more big city.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
What about sanity is so great?
I have this unusual need to play it safe. Like for example, I know not to take a stroll down Summer Avenue near Tillman after dark. It's not safe for a nice boy like me! I know that there are inherent dangers looming behind the darkness and I don't want to be robbed, shot, kidnapped, or killed. My sanity allows me to make choices like staying home or waiting until morning to walk through those parts of town. It is an ability that I guess I take for granted...at the same time, is my sanity as much a curse as it is a treasure?
See, I find myself playing it safe way too often. This is an on-going struggle within myself and no matter which side wins, safety or risk, I know that it is only one small battle in a life long war taking place in my brain. If I chose to take a risk today, I will likely chose to play it safe the next ten times.
I am beginning to feel like I am making choices today that are shaping the rest of my life. I get the sensation that with every safe play I make I am digging up a shovel full of dirt. And another. And another. And eventually I am going to be standing in a hole so deep from playing it safe that I will never be able to get out of it.
Maybe this is not a new idea to most of you, I'm not sure. It is something that I have been struggling with for several years, but more so than ever in the past few months.
Monday I was talking with my dad and he told me that it looks like I might need to start saving for a new roof. Well, I am a long ways from having enough money saved up to buy a new roof on my house. So I told him that I was thinking about putting my house back on the market. He bounced back and forth with the pros and cons, but never really picked one side or the other. My grandmother who was there with us thought that selling the house was the best idea ever, but her input is not that highly valued as she rarely knows what we are talking about in the first place. All she could think about was how horrible it is that I now have "mexicans and ni**ers" living next to me.
When my dad and I were done talking I was more confused than ever. Should I sell my house or not? It's not like I am selling it to get out of Memphis as most of my job opportunities in other parts of the country seem to be fading away. But by selling it I am free to come and go as I please. As a renter I would also gain the freedom of knowing that if a new roof is needed, hey, I don't have to pay for it.
I digress...the point is, the house that I own is a great excuse for me to still be stuck in Memphis. As long as I have it, I can't really leave. At the same time the house is a bit of a burden and if I sold it in the near future it is unlikely that I would actually leave all of my friends and family behind anyway. (But with that logic isn't it smarter to just keep the house??? Geez, I am just confusing myself more.)
I think a lot of my worries are stemming from my need to drastically change my life every couple of years. I get into this mood every so often where I am tired of complacent living and I do something drastic to shake things up and then I am happy for a while longer.
Maybe I should simply count my blessings. I have a great roomie. I have a pretty decent job and I can still afford all of my bills. I have great friends and a supportive family. Could the fact that I have things so good and I am obviously trying to sabatoge myself be a sign that I am not quite as sane as I have given myself credit for? Hmmmm.
Out
See, I find myself playing it safe way too often. This is an on-going struggle within myself and no matter which side wins, safety or risk, I know that it is only one small battle in a life long war taking place in my brain. If I chose to take a risk today, I will likely chose to play it safe the next ten times.
I am beginning to feel like I am making choices today that are shaping the rest of my life. I get the sensation that with every safe play I make I am digging up a shovel full of dirt. And another. And another. And eventually I am going to be standing in a hole so deep from playing it safe that I will never be able to get out of it.
Maybe this is not a new idea to most of you, I'm not sure. It is something that I have been struggling with for several years, but more so than ever in the past few months.
Monday I was talking with my dad and he told me that it looks like I might need to start saving for a new roof. Well, I am a long ways from having enough money saved up to buy a new roof on my house. So I told him that I was thinking about putting my house back on the market. He bounced back and forth with the pros and cons, but never really picked one side or the other. My grandmother who was there with us thought that selling the house was the best idea ever, but her input is not that highly valued as she rarely knows what we are talking about in the first place. All she could think about was how horrible it is that I now have "mexicans and ni**ers" living next to me.
When my dad and I were done talking I was more confused than ever. Should I sell my house or not? It's not like I am selling it to get out of Memphis as most of my job opportunities in other parts of the country seem to be fading away. But by selling it I am free to come and go as I please. As a renter I would also gain the freedom of knowing that if a new roof is needed, hey, I don't have to pay for it.
I digress...the point is, the house that I own is a great excuse for me to still be stuck in Memphis. As long as I have it, I can't really leave. At the same time the house is a bit of a burden and if I sold it in the near future it is unlikely that I would actually leave all of my friends and family behind anyway. (But with that logic isn't it smarter to just keep the house??? Geez, I am just confusing myself more.)
I think a lot of my worries are stemming from my need to drastically change my life every couple of years. I get into this mood every so often where I am tired of complacent living and I do something drastic to shake things up and then I am happy for a while longer.
Maybe I should simply count my blessings. I have a great roomie. I have a pretty decent job and I can still afford all of my bills. I have great friends and a supportive family. Could the fact that I have things so good and I am obviously trying to sabatoge myself be a sign that I am not quite as sane as I have given myself credit for? Hmmmm.
Out
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Mission Impossible III
So, is there any chance of this movie not sucking? I'm not sure. I am not a big fan of action movies. I hated Armageddon, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and so forth and so on. I mean I used to love a good action flick, hell T-2 is one of the greatest action films of all time. But the latest Tom Cruise/Steven Spielberg blockbuster, War of the Worlds, was less than stellar. And if those two can't get it right then who can?
I did kind of like The Island, but apparently me and a small group of my friends were the only ones.
I am heading out to see MI3 this weekend and I really hope that it is going to be good. I enjoyed the first two and I am hoping that the third will be up to par. I decided to make a positives and negatives list so that I will be in the right frame of mind to kick off Summer Blockbuster Season.
Why this movie will suck:
1. Tom Cruise-He's a freak and he has made it nearly impossible to watch him on the screen without remembering something insane that he's done lately. For example, did you guys read that he cooked and ate the placenta and umbilical cord following his wife's delivery!
2. Sequels-They never live up to the hype. The second Mission wasn't as good as the first and usually a third helping of a film is just re-heated leftovers.
3. History- Action movies have just been bad lately. I refuse to get my hopes up. Hollywood has yet to prove that it has broken the recent slump.
The reasons why it is going to be awesome:
1. JJ Abrams- Anyone who knows JJ knows that he is going to put the best product possible out there. The Lost creator is never going to let his cult following down.
2. Philip Seymour Hoffman- The guy is the greatest character actor of our time. If he accepted the role then you had better believe that the script was up to par.
3. Tom Cruise- Nevermind his cooky personal life, the guy cranks out hits. Let's forget Vanilla Sky for a few seconds and count his many triumphs. And that whole War of the Worlds thing, it wasn't his fault. He did a really great job and played out of character just a bit.
So, it looks like only time will tell. Mission Impossible III could be the great kick start to a box office resurgence or it could be the bell toll for a long Summer at the movies.
OUT
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Sunday Kind Of Man
It's been a really long time since I posted on here. I guess most of my internet time has been spent on Myspace lately. I know, Myspace sucks and a real blogger would never lower himself to such a lame blogging forum. Well, I have seen the mistakes of my past and have come full circle. I am back to blogging here.
By being on here I can have a bit more control over what information gets out there about me. See, I don't mind people reading my blog, but it annoys me when I have to filter what I say to keep from hurting someone's feelings. On here I have a bit more freedom.
Now that we have that out of the way, I must say....I hate Sundays. Am I the only one? I swear, they are such a bummer. All I feel like doing is sitting in front of the tv. The thought of tomorrow's return to work is never far from my mind. It sucks. I mean my job is not so bad that I cringe at the thought of going in, but given a choice of having to go into work or having another day off, well this dude is picking the extra day off.
Sundays are lazy days anyway. Unless it's football season and then I am able to get worked into a frenzy all afternoon before reality comes calling and suddenly I am thinking about work again.
Kings play tonight. They should be up 2-1 but instead they trail the series...that's just the breaks when you are playing the best team in basketball. I am proud of how well the kings have played.
Ok my friends, it's good to be back. If you are reading this, drop me a line and let me know. I want to know who is checking up on my less than thrilling life.
-c
By being on here I can have a bit more control over what information gets out there about me. See, I don't mind people reading my blog, but it annoys me when I have to filter what I say to keep from hurting someone's feelings. On here I have a bit more freedom.
Now that we have that out of the way, I must say....I hate Sundays. Am I the only one? I swear, they are such a bummer. All I feel like doing is sitting in front of the tv. The thought of tomorrow's return to work is never far from my mind. It sucks. I mean my job is not so bad that I cringe at the thought of going in, but given a choice of having to go into work or having another day off, well this dude is picking the extra day off.
Sundays are lazy days anyway. Unless it's football season and then I am able to get worked into a frenzy all afternoon before reality comes calling and suddenly I am thinking about work again.
Kings play tonight. They should be up 2-1 but instead they trail the series...that's just the breaks when you are playing the best team in basketball. I am proud of how well the kings have played.
Ok my friends, it's good to be back. If you are reading this, drop me a line and let me know. I want to know who is checking up on my less than thrilling life.
-c
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