Thursday part one

Sorry I've been gone for a week or two. I went on vacation. Which also means I saw a few movies. So hopefully I can get to those soon. I think you can expect more post come July after I've finished the screenplay I've been talking about.


So, Thursday. I'll start with my CW shows. "Smallville" just finished what I believe was its eighth season. I think this show is probably past its prime. But I'm sticking this one out to the end. But so help me if he doesn't turn into Superman before the end. This season started out really strong. I enjoyed the new angle now that Lex Luthor and Lana Lane are no longer on the show. My favorite episodes were the ones that revolved around Lois and Clark. They should just change the show to center around those two. That's what it's all going to be about in the end anyways. The finale was okay. I thought the fight between Clark and Doomsday was a real letdown. I realize it's a TV budget but come on give me something a little more. So here's hoping next season will be "Lois and Clark: The Next Generation"
Season: B-
Finale: C+

Next up is "Supernatural." This show has really evolved over the years. This season got pretty dark towards the end which is fine. Dark is good. But actually my favorite episodes are the funny ones. They're usually written by Ben Edlund of "The Tick" fame. He really was a warped sense of humor. The finale ended with a big battle between the two brothers and it looks like Satan is on his way out of hell. So I'm excited for what's expected to be its last season. If you like scary, goofy fun, I recommend giving this show a try. It's a largely undiscovered gem.
Season: B+
Season Finale A-

In the next post I will be tackling NBC's Thursday comedy night. So you can look forward to that... and hopefull soon I will review "The Brothers Bloom," "Angels and Demons," and "The Proposal."

One more thing I just want to thank those people who choose to make comments. Just when I'm not sure this thing is worth keeping up, I see a comment. So thanks. See ya next time.

Wednesday

Okay. Back to the TV schedule. I'm pretty sure "Lost" was the only show I watched on Wednesdays... but if you think I missed something let me know. Just a warning there may be spoilers for the fifth season.


"Lost" as far as I'm concerned is the best show on TV right now. Season five was as good as any season so far. People may moan and complain about the time travel but I say to you: "tough beans." Time travel is awesome. I've read a number of things over the years about how time travel is an overused sci-fi trope. It's overused because it's beyond cool. Sure sometimes it sucks if people think about it too hard.. the paradoxes and all... but this season hasn't created a paradox yet. It will be interesting to see what happens next season.

I thought the finale was perfect. Not as mind blowing as the season three finale but... perfect for what it was. The actual introduction of Jacob and the "man in black" was my favorite part. I'm assuming one is good and one is evil.. but I'm always surprised on this show. I feel like I'm always talking about "Lost" or "Star Trek" on this blog so I'll finish up. If you are one of those people who has given up on "Lost" or has never given it a try.. Now is your chance. The last season starts in January. The season with all the answers. The DVDs are probably at your local library or you can watch them online. Do it. You won't regret it... Unless you're one of those people who thrives on reality TV and doesn't like complex rich storytelling.. Then I'm sorry there's nothing here for you. Good Day Sir.

Season Grade A+
Season Finale A+

Midweek Movie Reviews

I'm going to take a break from my TV reviews today to address to the new movies I saw in the theater this weekend.


The first movie I saw was "Up." It's the latest movie from the Studio called Pixar. You may have heard of them... Probably because they are incapable of making bad movies. Sure some are better than others but none of them are bad. "Up" is the story of Carl Fredrickson... He's an octogenarian who decides to fly his home to South America. I won't give away the circumstances behind his decision but it makes sense in context. The thing is.. he's got a stowaway on board. A young Boy Scout. The dynamic between the two is the heart of the film. The cool thing about Pixar is they get to make movies that no regular studio would greenlight. Just think about it... when's the last time you saw a movie where the main character was over sixty years old... and it's an adventure/comedy. The movie is touching, funny, adventurous, and just a lot of fun. A definite must see.
Grade: A



The second movie I saw this weekend was "Drag Me To Hell" -- which for the record couldn't be more different than "Up." But it was great all the same. The movie comes to us from the same crazy mind that brought us the "Evil Dead" trilogy and the "Spiderman" trilogy... (yes I know the third one was crap... but the first two were great). This new movie is a horror film... but the cool thing is that it's not like the horror films we get now days. It's not "The Grudge" or "Saw IV"... It's actually good. Sam Raimi scares us with what's not on screen. Which in my opinion is the sign of a talented director. There's not a lot of gore or blood.. In fact the movie is PG-13. It does have some definite gross out parts... but that's part of the fun.. Trust me you don't want me to give it away. You may not want to eat during the movie... or for a couple hours afterwards. The movie follows Alison Lohman's character.. She plays a bank loan officer who feels pressured into denying a loan extension to an old lady who it turns out is an evil gypsy. The gypsy curses her and hijinks ensue. I couldn't find one girl I know who had any desire to see this.. They're missing out. So as a great horror/comedy

I give this film an A-... As my friend Dave said, "It could've used some Bruce Campbell.

Tuesday

Let me start off by saying how disappointed I am this weekend that "Terminator: Salvation" and the "Night at the Museum" sequel are getting really bad reviews.. I was really looking forward to "Terminator" and I wanted to see "Night" for the Amy Adams factor.. I'm sure I'll still end up seeing both of them eventually... but all my desire to run out and see them quickly has gone. I have high hopes for "Up" and "Drag Me To Hell" both which as of this typing are rated 100% at Rotten Tomatoes. Don't let me down.


On the the fact that I watch too much TV.. Tuesdays didn't have a ton to watch this season.. But "Fringe" the new J.J. Abrams sci-fi show was on now and again.. "Fringe" started out a little slow for me.. I liked watching it but was never enamored with it.. But as the season went on I started to enjoy it more and more.. It's still no "Lost" but perhaps it could be.. I will be sticking with it. The season finale.. had some cool #$%@ in it so... yeah.
Season grade: B
Season finale grade: B+


"Scrubs" ended this season.. or so I thought.. I thought it was a little more grounded this year.. which I think was an improvement.. It got a little too silly for it's own good the previous few seasons.. I thought the finale was great and a good sendoff for the characters... But wait.. what is this I hear? They're bringing the show back.. Bad idea. Bad idea. Let this show die in peace.. Sure it will be filled with new characters.. and some of the old one's will drop by from time to time.. but it's time to let this one end. Please!
Season grade: B
Series finale? grade: A-
Series renewal: F



I would like to mention a show that I won't review but needs attention: "Better Off Ted." The show is really funny and quirky.. I definitely recommend it. It's not for everyone but anyone who's a little twisted will enjoy it. Plus it comes from the creator of the wonderful "Andy Richter Controls the Universe"... one of the best (short lived) sitcoms of all time! The DVDs came out last month.. Do yourself a favor and check them out... You won't regret it.. If I were reviewing "Andy" it would get an A+. Anywhoo like I said check out "Better Off Ted" which somehow was miraculously renewed for another season. Yay!



Finally I need to mention a Monday show I neglected to review.. It was brought to my attention by Rice.and.Mr.Pudding. "Chuck"... I really enjoy "Chuck".. in fact I'm going to try to write a spec script of the show for a contest I'm entering.. I have a good outline.. I won't share it for fear my loyal readers may steal it... Anywhoo "Chuck" was also somehow miraculously renewed another season.. Let me just say this.. any show that brings in Scott Bakula.. is okay in my book.. It's such a great cast.. I of course love Adam Baldwin... of "Firefly" fame. I know a number of people who think this is one of the best shows on TV... and you know they're probably not wrong.. I thought the second to last episode was darn near perfect.. The finale lacked a little bite but was still good.. Anyone who just loves a good action, comedy, romance, with superb shout outs to superb 80's movies will like this show.. My only complaint is the show isn't serialized enough for my taste.. but other than that... who can't love a show that does an entire episode homaging the brilliant "King of Kong".... anyway I realize this review was a little scattered... but that's how it came out.. Since I neglected reviewing it earlier.. I will grade it a little different than the other shows..
Use of Scott Bakula: A
Use of Huey Lewis music: A
Use of Adam Baldwin: A
Second to last episode: A
Soundtrack in general: A
Renewal: A

Until next time... when I review the only Wednesday show worth watching: LOST! As if I don't talk about it enough..

The Television Season (Monday Edition)

All right... first off. "Star Trek" gets an A. I've seen it twice now.. and I can't come up with any noticeable flaws. Go see it!

Okay now on to my latest project.. I am going to evaluate this past season's television shows. A warning to everyone... SPOILER ALERT! If you do not want to be spoiled on certain shows do not read their reviews.


And we're going to start with Monday.. We kick the night off with "House".. I enjoy watching "House" but I only get really interested when there are changes in the lives of the characters.. I could really care less about the "patient of the week." And this season.. there were a few really good episodes where characters went through dramatic things cough Kutner's death cough.. but for the most part they were average episodes.. In the finale they made it look like a lot of things happened that actually didn't happen.. A device I'll fall for once.. but they've gone down this road before.. Call me back when something actually happens between House and Cuddy.
Season grade: B-
Season finale: C-


"How I Met Your Mother" had a pretty good season. There were a couple less than funny episodes but.. I really enjoyed the Barney & Robin story line.. As well as some of the more random story lines about Lilly and Marshall.. The finale had some problems.. most notably the "goat hype" didn't live up to its potential.. Plus did they even have a slap bet episode this season.. If they did I don't remember it.. It's been too long.. Feel free to remind me..
Season grade: B+
Season Finale B


"24" got good again this season.. Last season almost made me give up on the show.. This season the show moved to D.C... I'm not sure if that's why it's better but the change of venue definitely helped.. The episode set in the White House was awesome.. I couldn't breath for portions of it.. I only have two complaints about the season.. First the novelty is wearing off a bit.. It's not as exciting as the first few seasons.. We're too familiar with it.. It's nothing producers or writers can really fix but.. it lessens my initial excitement about the show... And second: Tony!!! How could you? I trusted you.. I would've let you babysit my pretend children.. I'm so disappointed.
Season grade: A-
Season Finale grade A-


My hopes for "Heroes" was high this year.. There was all kinds of buzz after they premiered the finale at Comic-Con... So I was excited that they might rebound from a boring season 2.. My hopes were dashed.. I made it through the first half of the season.. hoping things would change.. they did not.. I did the unthinkable.. I quit the show... The characters I once loved had become parodies of themselves.. I heard the show got a little better after Bryan Fuller (of "Pushing Daisies" fame") came in.. So maybe I'll check it out on DVD.. We'll see... So sad.
Season grade: C-
Season finale grade: didn't see it

Next time.. we'll cover Tuesday...

The time has come

So anyone that reads my wife's blog knows that last weekend she and I got to go see an early preview of "Star Trek." I got the tickets from work.. the only catch was that the premiere was at ten in the morning.. which isn't so bad for normal people but I work the night shift. Anyone that knows me though, knows that I can make big sacrifices if geek things are involved. So I got up at 7AM in order to get to the theaters by 8AM... to make sure we got in..

Turns out we were like tenth in line. There was no real need to get there so early. The crazy thing is that a lot of people at the front of the line were not "Star Trek" fans. That kind of caught me by surprise... Then I started remembering all of the people who had told me throughout the week that they had never seen a "Star Trek" movie or TV episode. Many considered it a matter of pride. Boo!! I say to them. Boo!! What if I had done the same thing with "Harry Potter." I considered it a matter of pride for a while to not have read any of the books. But eventually with some strong encouragement I gave in... and now my life is better for it.

So my point is that even though some people may think "Star Trek" carries a stigma.. that shouldn't stop people from giving it a try.. I held out watching the original series because I thought it looked cheesy and outdated.. But I started watching the show last year to prep for the new movie.. And let me tell you it's worth watching.. Sure there are some ultra crappy episodes.. But the characters are just cool.. and they are fun to get to know.. And some of the plots would make good movies.. So check it out..

I won't even talk about how good "The Next Generation," "Deep Space Nine," or some episodes of "Voyager" were... I'm reserving judgement on "Enterprise"... haven't seen enough episodes. And the movies.. some awesome, some not so awesome.. Check out the even numbered ones... except for 10... eh.

Finally... now I come to the good part.. The new movie.. It's very good. I think it's a movie for fans and non fans alike. As the time of this writing "Star Trek" has a 100% approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Not a bad sign.. The casting in the movie was impeccable. Pine embodies everything that is Kirk.. Quinto isn't exactly an unemotional Spock... but the script necessitates that. Karl Urban is perhaps my favorite.. he becomes Bones.. Everyone else was great as well. Once the movie starts it doesn't really stop.. Great movie.. I will give it an official grade after I see it for the second time on Friday in IMAX.

Also I saw "Wolverine" over the weekend.. Not a great movie.. but worth a matinee or dollar theater.. Not a lot of substance to it.. But some fun action scenes.. and special effects.

2 More Movies

Since I last wrote I saw two more movies.. The first was a DVD rental that was free thanks to the beauty of Red Box promo codes.

"Yes Man" is the latest movie from Jim Carrey... who's getting a little old. I was particularly intrigued by this movie because of the beautiful Zooey Deschanel. She play Carrey's love interest in the movie.. When previews for this movie started coming out it looked like this was a variation of "Liar Liar." It looked like Carrey was hypnotized say yes to everything.. Well turns out, that's not true. There are no supernatural/magic/hypnosis story lines in this movie.. Carrey just decides he wants to say yes to everything... so he does. I thought it was a pretty good rental. I laughed out loud a couple times.. So like I said a worthwhile rental. I give it a B.

Also I'd like to plug Deschanel's music group called "She and Him." It's her and indie artist M. Ward. Check out the website.. It's fun and light.. and there are Beatles covers.. you can't go wrong. I give the bands album "Volume One" an A.



The second movie I saw was "State of Play" starring Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck and Jason Bateman. I really enjoyed this movie.. We don't get a lot of films like this anymore.. It's an old fashioned thriller about a journalist who is trying to get to the bottom of some murders. I don't want to say more than that because it would give too much away. But the performances are great and there are some fun twists and turns. I would recommend people check it out before the summer movie season hits in a couple weeks because it will get buried soon. Also I don't think we'll see many more movies like this... old fashioned newspaper journalism is unfortunately dying a slow death... and the topic is actually addressed in the movie. I give it an A-.. Check it out.