Does anybody remember how back when there used to be Saturday morning cartoons they would have a primetime preview of the upcoming cartoons. I loved that. Often they would use a current primetime show to pimp their cartoons. For example:
Ah. "Perfect Strangers." I miss the Dance of Joy. I wish that clip hadn't edited out the cartoons.. oh well. I also wish Saturday morning cartoons were still around. This current generation doesn't know what it's like to get up before six in the morning to watch cool cartoons. Sigh.
Anyways, my point. Primetime shows don't often have a preview show. So what I would like to do with this column is look ahead to the upcoming primetime sci-fi shows.
See, here's the thing.... "Lost" will be on it's last season in January... so I need to find a new show to possibly replace it. There seem to be big three sci-fi shows coming up this season. I want to know what you think I should give a try.
First up is the one I think looks the most promising: "V"... Really one of the reasons I think it looks cool is because it has two "Firefly" alums in the cast as well as a "Lost" cast member. It's a remake of the 80's miniseries.. that was apparently pretty popular. I have never seen the original but I hear one of the aliens eats a live rodent.. so that's cool. Also the executive producer is Jeffrey Bell who exec-produced the last few seasons of "Angel" and "Alias." Take a look. Tell me what you think.
Next up is "Flash Forward." It's based on a novel.. and comes to us from David Goyer (Batman Begins) and Brannon Braga (Star Trek: The Next Generation). The premise seems really cool. And I like the cast here as well... another "Lost" star is in this one. As far as previews go I think this one is my favorite of the three. What think ye?
And finally we have "Day One" which actually doesn't premiere until midseason on NBC. It's about apartment residents that survive an unknown world-wide cataclysm that destroys modern infrastructure.... or something like that. This one come's to us from Jesse Alexander who did some good work on "Alias" and "Lost" but from what I understand is one of the people who got fired from "Heroes" after it started sucking. I don't know that much about the show except I know the TV critic at Aint It Cool News says it's his favorite of the three.
So there you have it... a sneak peak at what's ahead on primetime... at least what's ahead that's not a medical show, a cop show, or dumb sitcom. In the end I may just wait to see what sticks. There's nothing worse than starting a great show only to have it canceled. Besides, right now I'm really looking forward to the second season of "Dollhouse" after having seen the lost DVD episode (it rocked).
One more thing of note.. AMC is making a TV show based on the graphic novel "The Walking Dead"... the show will be written and directed by Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile).. So maybe I should just hold out for it.
Till next time.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Playing Catch Up
So a number of posts back I said I'd review a few movies that I never actually reviewed. So now I'm finally getting around to reviewing the movies.
The first one I saw at the Broadway theaters in downtown Salt Lake. It's called "The Brothers Bloom." The movie stars Mark Ruffalo, Adrien Brody, and Rachel Weisz. It's a con-artist movie. I really enjoyed this one. It didn't open in a ton of theaters, but I think it's the type of movie a lot of people could get behind. Brody and Ruffalo play brothers who try to pull one over on Weisz's character... and of course there's more to it than that... but to say more would be wrong. My favorite part of the movie had to do with the brother's assistant Bang Bang. She has the best lines, or actually non-lines in the movie. So for anyone that likes a good con artist movie, this one's for you. Definitely worth your time.
A-
The second movie you may have heard of, it's the latest film from Ron Howard and Tom Hanks. "Angels and Demons" is the "sequel" to "The DaVinci Code." It's based on the book which actually was written before "The DaVinci Code." I really enjoyed the book and thought it was actually a better thriller than "The DaVinci Code." For the record I thought "The DaVinci Code" movie was actually pretty boring... though I really liked the book. So I wasn't sure what to expect from the new movie. I actually enjoyed it. It did have a couple moments that dragged but overall it was a big improvement over the last movie. It's not really even worth mentioning the plot.. but it all takes place after the Pope dies.. Robert Langdon is called in to solve some "symbology" mysteries. And of course he succeeds. The movie's a little long... but if you read the book and liked it... the movie is worth a rental.
B
And finally, I saw "The Proposal." Yeah, it was your typical romantic comedy. But I like Sandra Bullock and I prefer her to many typical rom-com stars. I also like Ryan Reynolds, soon to be Green Lantern. Anyways I don't have a lot to say. You already know if you're going to like this movie or not. It does have the wonderful Betty White.. so that could be a convincing reason to see it. I don't know. I obviously prefer "500 Days of Summer"... but you could do a lot worse than "The Proposal."
B-
So I think you now know my opinion of every movie I saw in theaters this summer. I saw more movies on DVD but who know if I'll ever get to those. What were your favorite movies this summer? Worst movies? Please comment. The more people comment the more likely I am to update this blog more frequently.
The first one I saw at the Broadway theaters in downtown Salt Lake. It's called "The Brothers Bloom." The movie stars Mark Ruffalo, Adrien Brody, and Rachel Weisz. It's a con-artist movie. I really enjoyed this one. It didn't open in a ton of theaters, but I think it's the type of movie a lot of people could get behind. Brody and Ruffalo play brothers who try to pull one over on Weisz's character... and of course there's more to it than that... but to say more would be wrong. My favorite part of the movie had to do with the brother's assistant Bang Bang. She has the best lines, or actually non-lines in the movie. So for anyone that likes a good con artist movie, this one's for you. Definitely worth your time.
A-
The second movie you may have heard of, it's the latest film from Ron Howard and Tom Hanks. "Angels and Demons" is the "sequel" to "The DaVinci Code." It's based on the book which actually was written before "The DaVinci Code." I really enjoyed the book and thought it was actually a better thriller than "The DaVinci Code." For the record I thought "The DaVinci Code" movie was actually pretty boring... though I really liked the book. So I wasn't sure what to expect from the new movie. I actually enjoyed it. It did have a couple moments that dragged but overall it was a big improvement over the last movie. It's not really even worth mentioning the plot.. but it all takes place after the Pope dies.. Robert Langdon is called in to solve some "symbology" mysteries. And of course he succeeds. The movie's a little long... but if you read the book and liked it... the movie is worth a rental.
B
And finally, I saw "The Proposal." Yeah, it was your typical romantic comedy. But I like Sandra Bullock and I prefer her to many typical rom-com stars. I also like Ryan Reynolds, soon to be Green Lantern. Anyways I don't have a lot to say. You already know if you're going to like this movie or not. It does have the wonderful Betty White.. so that could be a convincing reason to see it. I don't know. I obviously prefer "500 Days of Summer"... but you could do a lot worse than "The Proposal."
B-
So I think you now know my opinion of every movie I saw in theaters this summer. I saw more movies on DVD but who know if I'll ever get to those. What were your favorite movies this summer? Worst movies? Please comment. The more people comment the more likely I am to update this blog more frequently.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Four stars
Sometimes I think the way critics review movies is kinda dumb. I mean just because somebody likes a movie doesn't mean that somebody else is going to like it. For some people "Transformers 2" was the best movie out this summer. For others, it was some artsy Russian movie that no one's ever heard of. I wish when people reviewed movies they wouldn't say, "this movie sucked" or "this movie is the best thing since sliced bread." I think they should say "I thought this movie sucked" or "I loved this movie so much I want to take it behind a middle school and get it pregnant." That's why I like Rotten Tomatoes and Meta Critic. What's my point... I'm not sure but, let me say this. I loved "500 Days of Summer."
My lovely wife and I almost caught this movie at Sundance this year... but the stars didn't align and we didn't get to see this movie, "Paper Heart," or"Afghan Star." It's a long story. But now I know we should have tried harder to see "500 Days of Summer." And probably those other movies too, because they look good. Anywhoo. For those of you who aren't familiar with this movie, it tells the story of the relationship between the two people in the picture above. I don't want to give much more away than that... but it's one of the most realistic portrayals of dating and looking for love I've seen on the big screen. There are some TV shows that have portrayed it very well... cough "Freaks and Geeks" cough. But that's for another post that I'll probably never get to. While watching this movie I found myself reliving many joyful and painful experiences from earlier in my life.. This movie is hilarious, heart breaking, sincere, thought provoking, and just all around well worth your eight hard earned dollars. Just don't expect your typical romantic comedy. This movie is anything but cookie cutter. So if you get the chance check it out. You won't regret it... Unless you don't like this type of movie.... because, remember I liked this movie.
PS. I didn't love this movie just because it starred the beautiful Zooey Deschanel (although that didn't hurt). I think it's funny that people always seem to think that I love shows like "Buffy" or "Dollhouse" or "Veronica Mars" because they have attractive women... I love them because they are very well written, acted, and directed. So there. :-P
My lovely wife and I almost caught this movie at Sundance this year... but the stars didn't align and we didn't get to see this movie, "Paper Heart," or"Afghan Star." It's a long story. But now I know we should have tried harder to see "500 Days of Summer." And probably those other movies too, because they look good. Anywhoo. For those of you who aren't familiar with this movie, it tells the story of the relationship between the two people in the picture above. I don't want to give much more away than that... but it's one of the most realistic portrayals of dating and looking for love I've seen on the big screen. There are some TV shows that have portrayed it very well... cough "Freaks and Geeks" cough. But that's for another post that I'll probably never get to. While watching this movie I found myself reliving many joyful and painful experiences from earlier in my life.. This movie is hilarious, heart breaking, sincere, thought provoking, and just all around well worth your eight hard earned dollars. Just don't expect your typical romantic comedy. This movie is anything but cookie cutter. So if you get the chance check it out. You won't regret it... Unless you don't like this type of movie.... because, remember I liked this movie.
PS. I didn't love this movie just because it starred the beautiful Zooey Deschanel (although that didn't hurt). I think it's funny that people always seem to think that I love shows like "Buffy" or "Dollhouse" or "Veronica Mars" because they have attractive women... I love them because they are very well written, acted, and directed. So there. :-P
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Harry Potter 6
Yeah, so I took a few days off but I'm back with a review of "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince." I saw the movie this past weekend and I'm glad I did.
In case you don't know, I'm a huge fan of the books and can't say enough positive things about them. I'm a big enough fan that I watched the ABC special the other night about a year in the life of J.K. Rowling. (It was good). So... the movie. I thought the movie was great. I have enjoyed most the of the HP movies and this one was as good as any of the others. Yes, in an ideal world, Harry Potter would be a miniseries on TV that could include every part of the book. But considering the length of these movies, they try. They made a couple of big changes from the book, some definitely unnecessary but in the end I was okay with it. I know some are complaining about all of the adolescence love scenes, but I quite enjoyed them. They gave a lot of needed humor to a dark movie.
I just look forward to the next two movies (they're breaking the last book into two movies.) I think they should have no reason to include all of the best parts, especially the battles.
HP 6 grade: A-
Now I want to hear from you... do you like the movies, what would you change if you could? And what do you hope will appear in the next two movies.. spoilers are allowed, cause come on you should have read the books by now.
In case you don't know, I'm a huge fan of the books and can't say enough positive things about them. I'm a big enough fan that I watched the ABC special the other night about a year in the life of J.K. Rowling. (It was good). So... the movie. I thought the movie was great. I have enjoyed most the of the HP movies and this one was as good as any of the others. Yes, in an ideal world, Harry Potter would be a miniseries on TV that could include every part of the book. But considering the length of these movies, they try. They made a couple of big changes from the book, some definitely unnecessary but in the end I was okay with it. I know some are complaining about all of the adolescence love scenes, but I quite enjoyed them. They gave a lot of needed humor to a dark movie.I just look forward to the next two movies (they're breaking the last book into two movies.) I think they should have no reason to include all of the best parts, especially the battles.
HP 6 grade: A-
Now I want to hear from you... do you like the movies, what would you change if you could? And what do you hope will appear in the next two movies.. spoilers are allowed, cause come on you should have read the books by now.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Year One
Yeah, I know. The reviews for this movie were horrible. But I just couldn't believe that a movie directed by Harold Ramis (Groundhogs Day) and starring Michael Cera and Jack Black could be all bad. I was kind of wrong. It pains me to say this but I think all of the funny parts were in the trailer. There were some cool supporting characters but they weren't really given much to do. The movie's not that long so it wasn't painful or anything. Just a major, major disappointment. I look forward to Cera's "Scott Pilgrim vs the World," and "Arrested Development: The Movie." I'm not sure what's up next for Black, but it probably can't be much worse than this.
"Year One" D+
P.S. This was the other half of the double feature I mentioned in yesterday's post.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Land of the Lost
Today's movie is "Land of the Lost." It was the second of a double feature I saw at a drive-in theater. I will tell you of the other movie at a later time. "Land of the Lost" was actually the better movie. It was also better than I thought it would be. But that doesn't mean it was quality cinema. This is probably a movie to catch on TBS late at night. Or if you have a free rental at the redbox. It's typical Will Ferrell fare. He acts like a pompous idiot like you would expect. I love his schtick, so you should keep that in mind while reading this review. Now I never saw the TV show upon which this film is based but I'm told that's it's not the most faithful of adaptations. Will Ferrell plays a discredited scientist who happens across a strange new world. And wackiness ensues. There are some scattered laughs but not enought to pay eight bucks for.
So in the end I give this movie a C.
I look forward to Will Ferrell in "Anchorman 2"
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Movie A Day
So, I know I'm sporadic on this thing, but I'm going to try something new. For the next few days, I will post a movie review a day. Or I won't. Sometimes life happens. But that's the goal. There's too many reviews to do them all in one day. They will be in no particular order. Today's movie: "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen".
This is an interesting movie to review. I liked the first move but I didn't love it. I just had too many problems with the plot. Yes I know it's based on a cartoon. But for whatever reason, I just thought some of the problems could've been fixed with a line or two. Was it really a smart idea to hide the little spark thingy in the middle of a populated city -- where robots could wreak crazy havoc? No it's not a good idea. How about in the middle of an abandoned desert. That's a better idea.
Speaking of abandoned deserts that where most of this movie takes place. I quite liked all of the robot fighting. But I think they could've taken out 5-7 minutes of robot fighting from the desert scenes and we'd have all lived. Also they could've taken out the entire parents subplot and the scene in China and I would've liked the movie even more.
Another thing about this movie is it's very sexualized. Isn't this a movie about toy robots. Do we really need everything to be sexy?
So you're asking yourself, did he like the movie, or not? I'm going to go with yes. I had so many people tell me that the movie wasn't any good that I went in with low expectations and was I kind of surprised by how not completely sucky it was.
So let me write a list of reasons to see the movie and reasons to not see it.. so you can decide for yourself if this movie is for you.
Reasons to see the "Transformers":
Big robots fighting
Great special effects
The plot makes more sense than the original. Although it is convoluted.
John Turturro doesn't suck in this movie like he did in the last one.
Lots of pretty ladies.
Big explosions
Big Robots fighting
Rainn Wilson
Reasons to not see the movie:
The twin robots
Too sexualized for children
The mom gets high for no apparent plot reason
Two dogs hump for no apparent reason
It's too long (a lot of scenes could've been excised and not hurt the movie)
The dialogue, especially between Shia and Megan
The fact that somehow the government was able to hide from the public the events of the first movie -- I mean come on -- No one noticed L.A. was destroyed by giant robots. If that happened in real life you can bet it would've been all over the news, not to mention youtube, facebook, etc.
This is an interesting movie to review. I liked the first move but I didn't love it. I just had too many problems with the plot. Yes I know it's based on a cartoon. But for whatever reason, I just thought some of the problems could've been fixed with a line or two. Was it really a smart idea to hide the little spark thingy in the middle of a populated city -- where robots could wreak crazy havoc? No it's not a good idea. How about in the middle of an abandoned desert. That's a better idea.Speaking of abandoned deserts that where most of this movie takes place. I quite liked all of the robot fighting. But I think they could've taken out 5-7 minutes of robot fighting from the desert scenes and we'd have all lived. Also they could've taken out the entire parents subplot and the scene in China and I would've liked the movie even more.
Another thing about this movie is it's very sexualized. Isn't this a movie about toy robots. Do we really need everything to be sexy?
So you're asking yourself, did he like the movie, or not? I'm going to go with yes. I had so many people tell me that the movie wasn't any good that I went in with low expectations and was I kind of surprised by how not completely sucky it was.
So let me write a list of reasons to see the movie and reasons to not see it.. so you can decide for yourself if this movie is for you.
Reasons to see the "Transformers":
Big robots fighting
Great special effects
The plot makes more sense than the original. Although it is convoluted.
John Turturro doesn't suck in this movie like he did in the last one.
Lots of pretty ladies.
Big explosions
Big Robots fighting
Rainn Wilson
Reasons to not see the movie:
The twin robots
Too sexualized for children
The mom gets high for no apparent plot reason
Two dogs hump for no apparent reason
It's too long (a lot of scenes could've been excised and not hurt the movie)
The dialogue, especially between Shia and Megan
The fact that somehow the government was able to hide from the public the events of the first movie -- I mean come on -- No one noticed L.A. was destroyed by giant robots. If that happened in real life you can bet it would've been all over the news, not to mention youtube, facebook, etc.
CrOW is watching giant robots destroy L.A.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)