Episode feels so slow because out of all the characters, the show decides to focus on Caroline. Caroline? Why? Yes, she's now a vampire. So what? She's the least interesting character on the show.
Tyler learns from his uncle that they are something more than human. They don't reveal what they are yet but of course we're guessing vampire.
Bonnie demonstrates how powerful she is by almost killing Damon. If Elena hadn't stopped her, she would have. This sets up an interesting dynamic. I'm sure Damon won't let this attempted murder pass without some type of payback.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
SMALLVILLE - Season 7.20 - ARCTIC
Season 7 ends with Lex and Clark in the Fortress of Solitude. Lex now knows Clark's identity. He then sets out to destroy the Traveler and we see the Fortress crumble, pieces of crystal raining down upon them.
The showrunners always manage to end their seasons with a fantastic cliffhanger. This one isn't nearly as good as season's past but it's good enough to compel us to come back for more.
Episode also brings us the end of Lana and Clark's relationship. She's in love with him but realizes that he means more to the world and is needed by everyone so she leaves, broken-hearted. Of course, she would've realized this once she learned his identity so this doesn't seem quite as heart-breaking as it should. Plus their relationship has been so up and down, we've gotten tired of it.
Jimmy proposes to Chloe in this episode.
Series has grown tired and looks as if it has overstayed its welcome.
The showrunners always manage to end their seasons with a fantastic cliffhanger. This one isn't nearly as good as season's past but it's good enough to compel us to come back for more.
Episode also brings us the end of Lana and Clark's relationship. She's in love with him but realizes that he means more to the world and is needed by everyone so she leaves, broken-hearted. Of course, she would've realized this once she learned his identity so this doesn't seem quite as heart-breaking as it should. Plus their relationship has been so up and down, we've gotten tired of it.
Jimmy proposes to Chloe in this episode.
Series has grown tired and looks as if it has overstayed its welcome.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
THE SOPRANOS - Season 3.7 - UNIVERSITY
THE SOPRANOS is filled with little moments that are absolutely hysterical throughout its series. In this episode, we get a scewne where Ralphie's hooker proudly brings him a poptart and asks him if it's alright as if she has just spent four hours slavnig over a stove preparing it.
Episode delves into Meadow's relationship with Noah at school. She's in love and thus is shocked when he breaks it off with her. There's sure to be ramifications from this.
Ralphie is shown to be a crazed psychopath. First he hits the club's bouncer with a chain to the head and then he kills his hooker/dancer when she disrespects him in front of his friends. Tony gives Ralphie a beat which sets the stage for an upcoming confrontation.
Episode is good. The big difference between THE SOPRANOS and a series like SONS OF ANARCHY is, even though the characters are bad, they're likeable.
Episode delves into Meadow's relationship with Noah at school. She's in love and thus is shocked when he breaks it off with her. There's sure to be ramifications from this.
Ralphie is shown to be a crazed psychopath. First he hits the club's bouncer with a chain to the head and then he kills his hooker/dancer when she disrespects him in front of his friends. Tony gives Ralphie a beat which sets the stage for an upcoming confrontation.
Episode is good. The big difference between THE SOPRANOS and a series like SONS OF ANARCHY is, even though the characters are bad, they're likeable.
Friday, January 27, 2012
SONS OF ANARCHY - Season 3.1 - SO
The season opener deals with Jax's grief over his son being kidnapped. Unable to deal, he pushes Tara away. The gang tries to dig up leads but the trail has grown cold.
In the end, the Sons attend the Prospect's funeral only to have a van tear down the street with a gunman opening up fire at everyone.
This is the way to kick off a season in style. We've got heavy emotion and big action.
Meanwhile, Gemma's on the lam. She goes to visit her father who's suffering from dementia. Not quite sure what this adds to the plot but I'm willing to keep watching to find out.
In the end, the Sons attend the Prospect's funeral only to have a van tear down the street with a gunman opening up fire at everyone.
This is the way to kick off a season in style. We've got heavy emotion and big action.
Meanwhile, Gemma's on the lam. She goes to visit her father who's suffering from dementia. Not quite sure what this adds to the plot but I'm willing to keep watching to find out.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 3.5 - ANOTHER TOOTHPICK
Artie's in love with Chris' girl? Since when? Was there even a hint of this in a past episode? This plot development seems to come out of nowhere.
Uncle Junior has cancer.
Burt Young makes a powerful guest appearance in this episode, playing a deathly sick character who takes a hit assignment just to feel alive again.
Charles Dutton also guest stars as a cop who stops Tony and gives him a speeding ticket. Enraged, Tony, using his contacts, gets the cop reassigned to the basement where he's not eligible for overtime any longer. Tony then sees the cop working at a Home Depot-like store to make ends meet. Tony feels sorry for his actions.
If you ever want to see an example of a director bringing material to life, check out when Jack Bender does in the opening scene. We see a shot of Tony not saying a word. We then see he's in his therapist's office. This is fine. We see the two of them sitting there, uncomfortable. Bender then shifts the camera revealing that Tony's sitting next to his wife. That's the reason for the uncomfortable feeling. By choosing when to reveal and conceal, Bender is able to create a big laugh out of a simple scene. Excellent.
Uncle Junior has cancer.
Burt Young makes a powerful guest appearance in this episode, playing a deathly sick character who takes a hit assignment just to feel alive again.
Charles Dutton also guest stars as a cop who stops Tony and gives him a speeding ticket. Enraged, Tony, using his contacts, gets the cop reassigned to the basement where he's not eligible for overtime any longer. Tony then sees the cop working at a Home Depot-like store to make ends meet. Tony feels sorry for his actions.
If you ever want to see an example of a director bringing material to life, check out when Jack Bender does in the opening scene. We see a shot of Tony not saying a word. We then see he's in his therapist's office. This is fine. We see the two of them sitting there, uncomfortable. Bender then shifts the camera revealing that Tony's sitting next to his wife. That's the reason for the uncomfortable feeling. By choosing when to reveal and conceal, Bender is able to create a big laugh out of a simple scene. Excellent.
BANSHEE
Finished this teleplay by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler. It's Alan Ball's new series on Cinemax. Series is about an ex-con newly released from prison. He ends up in Banshee, Pennslyvania where he finds himself in a pub drinking with the bartender and a stranger who reveals that he's the new Sheriff of Banshee and starts work on monday.
In come two thugs and soon everyone is drawing guns. It jumps off in a hurry and the Sheriff is shot dead. Our ex-con though is a man of many moves and is able to kill the two thugs.
Our lead then goes to lookup an old flame who has moved on to another life. She's changed her name and is now married to the District Attorney and has two kids. We learn that our lead and this flame once stole ten million dollars worth of diamonds. The lead has come for them. The flame tells him that she got rolled by some Serbians and doesn't have any cash. We also learn that there's an old gangster named Rabbit still looking for them.
With nowhere to go and wanting to stay close to his flame, our ex-con takes on the identity of the dead Sheriff and goes about playing cop.
Along the way, we meet Kai Proctor, Banshee's crimelord. Kai's father is Amish. Kai has turned away from that lifestyle and now lives in wealth.
During a party welcoming the new Sheriff, a thug comes for Proctor, shooting up the place. Our ex-con (who now goes by the dead Sheriff's name of Lucas Hood) shoots the thug dead.
The pilot ends with Rabbit telling his grisly looking underling that he wants our couple found.
And with that, this series gets off to a kick-ass start. This is how you get your series rolling. You need a bang and this pilot provides an explosive one.
The characters are cool. The action is there. The motivations are set up quickly. We're in right off the bat. Alan Ball's got another hit on his hands.
In come two thugs and soon everyone is drawing guns. It jumps off in a hurry and the Sheriff is shot dead. Our ex-con though is a man of many moves and is able to kill the two thugs.
Our lead then goes to lookup an old flame who has moved on to another life. She's changed her name and is now married to the District Attorney and has two kids. We learn that our lead and this flame once stole ten million dollars worth of diamonds. The lead has come for them. The flame tells him that she got rolled by some Serbians and doesn't have any cash. We also learn that there's an old gangster named Rabbit still looking for them.
With nowhere to go and wanting to stay close to his flame, our ex-con takes on the identity of the dead Sheriff and goes about playing cop.
Along the way, we meet Kai Proctor, Banshee's crimelord. Kai's father is Amish. Kai has turned away from that lifestyle and now lives in wealth.
During a party welcoming the new Sheriff, a thug comes for Proctor, shooting up the place. Our ex-con (who now goes by the dead Sheriff's name of Lucas Hood) shoots the thug dead.
The pilot ends with Rabbit telling his grisly looking underling that he wants our couple found.
And with that, this series gets off to a kick-ass start. This is how you get your series rolling. You need a bang and this pilot provides an explosive one.
The characters are cool. The action is there. The motivations are set up quickly. We're in right off the bat. Alan Ball's got another hit on his hands.
666 PARK AVENUE
Finished this teleplay by David Wilcox which is set up at ABC. Pilot's about The Drake Building that's run by a Devil-like figure named Gavin Doran, a nefarious guy that makes devilish deals in exchange for your soul.
In the opening sequence we meet Malcolm Hartwell, a renowned violinist who's ten year career is up. Turns out, he didn't have enough talent to reach the heights of his profession and made a deal with Gavin to become the best. Terms of the deal are now over and Malcolm gets pulled back into the Drake building after unsuccessfully trying to escape...through a small hole.
We then meet our unsuspecting leads - Jane and Henry - who get jobs as the new building managers. Along with the position comes a posh apartment that they immediately fall in love with.
Most of the building's residents have made deals with Gavin. One tenant, John Barlow, wants to be with his dead wife. She previously committed suicide. Gavin grants him this wish but in order for his wife to stay alive, Barlow must murder people at Gavin's command. When Barlow refuses to do this any longer, the walls of his room swallow him whole.
We realize Henry's gotten the job because he works for the Mayor in City Planning and is involved with a piece of property that Gavin covets.
Can't really see this concept flying. It's not horrific enough to satisfy an audience and because of this, the drama seems childish since the scares aren't believable.
Pass.
In the opening sequence we meet Malcolm Hartwell, a renowned violinist who's ten year career is up. Turns out, he didn't have enough talent to reach the heights of his profession and made a deal with Gavin to become the best. Terms of the deal are now over and Malcolm gets pulled back into the Drake building after unsuccessfully trying to escape...through a small hole.
We then meet our unsuspecting leads - Jane and Henry - who get jobs as the new building managers. Along with the position comes a posh apartment that they immediately fall in love with.
Most of the building's residents have made deals with Gavin. One tenant, John Barlow, wants to be with his dead wife. She previously committed suicide. Gavin grants him this wish but in order for his wife to stay alive, Barlow must murder people at Gavin's command. When Barlow refuses to do this any longer, the walls of his room swallow him whole.
We realize Henry's gotten the job because he works for the Mayor in City Planning and is involved with a piece of property that Gavin covets.
Can't really see this concept flying. It's not horrific enough to satisfy an audience and because of this, the drama seems childish since the scares aren't believable.
Pass.
THE SHIELD - Season 5.8 - KAVANAUGH
The series doesn't get much better than this episode. It's explosive at every turn, symbolized by the fact that a Salvadorian gang has purchased grenades in order to get back into the drug business.
The episode is outstanding at showing just how far Kavanaugh will go to get Vic - striking a deal with a convicted felon while arresting Curtis even after he's just saved Kavanaugh's life. That is pure three-dimensional writing as the conflict builds with each decision made.
This season started out slow but is hitting its heights now.
The episode is outstanding at showing just how far Kavanaugh will go to get Vic - striking a deal with a convicted felon while arresting Curtis even after he's just saved Kavanaugh's life. That is pure three-dimensional writing as the conflict builds with each decision made.
This season started out slow but is hitting its heights now.
RESCUE ME - Season 4.3 - COMMITMENT
Commitment and the problems they cause and the fears that result are is explored in this episode. Franco is pulling away from his girlfriend which she doesn't understand. Tommy doesn't want to date Nona because she was able to carry him out of the burning house. The probie is torn by his commitment to his dying mother when she asks that he kill her.
The episode ends with the Chief, unable to continue on in the station because of his failing health, putting a gun under his neck. The screen goes to credits as we hear the gun go off.
That's about as dramatic as it gets. This season has just kicked into high gear.
The episode ends with the Chief, unable to continue on in the station because of his failing health, putting a gun under his neck. The screen goes to credits as we hear the gun go off.
That's about as dramatic as it gets. This season has just kicked into high gear.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
BERMUDA
Another script in the "found-footage" genre. This one's written by Nathan Brooks and Bobby Lee Darby and concerns three friends that sail into the Bermuda Triangle, recording everything as they go.
Along with an old sea Captain, the friends seek to record strange happenings. And strange it becomes. The radio goes out as well as the GPS. Lights appear in the night sky. Their video cameras catch something peering in through a porthole at them.
The Captain realizes they're soon lost. Nothing's working onboard. The sun doesn't come up when it should.
That's when a yacht appears. We realize it's the same yacht that was reported missing three weeks ago with honeymooners aboard. The Captain goes to inspect the yacht. Finds blood on the floor and sees all the clocks have stopped at 5:07.
Later a plane appears overhead. We see it's a World War II Bomber that had been reported missing from 1945.
The script has chilling moments like this throughout. However, we never learn what's watching them. The Captain goes missing with the yacht and we never learn his fate.
The friends then meet their doom one by one.
Only Zoey, the lone female, makes it out. The U.S. Coast Guard picks her up. However, she's oblivious to the fact that they look out of time and we quickly realize, they're the missing unit that disappeared in the triangle long ago.
They bring her aboard their ship and the script ends with her screaming.
All these found footage films play the same. Sure, they provide scares but they never feel like a full meal. I'm sure BERMUDA will get made and will probably make money if they keep the budget down. I liked Oren Peli's teleplay for his tv pilot THE RIVER better. That had a lot more plot to it.
Along with an old sea Captain, the friends seek to record strange happenings. And strange it becomes. The radio goes out as well as the GPS. Lights appear in the night sky. Their video cameras catch something peering in through a porthole at them.
The Captain realizes they're soon lost. Nothing's working onboard. The sun doesn't come up when it should.
That's when a yacht appears. We realize it's the same yacht that was reported missing three weeks ago with honeymooners aboard. The Captain goes to inspect the yacht. Finds blood on the floor and sees all the clocks have stopped at 5:07.
Later a plane appears overhead. We see it's a World War II Bomber that had been reported missing from 1945.
The script has chilling moments like this throughout. However, we never learn what's watching them. The Captain goes missing with the yacht and we never learn his fate.
The friends then meet their doom one by one.
Only Zoey, the lone female, makes it out. The U.S. Coast Guard picks her up. However, she's oblivious to the fact that they look out of time and we quickly realize, they're the missing unit that disappeared in the triangle long ago.
They bring her aboard their ship and the script ends with her screaming.
All these found footage films play the same. Sure, they provide scares but they never feel like a full meal. I'm sure BERMUDA will get made and will probably make money if they keep the budget down. I liked Oren Peli's teleplay for his tv pilot THE RIVER better. That had a lot more plot to it.
KICK-ASS
Finished the graphic novel by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. It makes me appreciate the film because the movie's more well-rounded.
I didn't care for Millar's WANTED. I loved his plot on THE ULTIMATES. KICK-ASS is somewhere in the middle.
I can see why the film dropped the backstory of Big Daddy carrying around mint condition, valuable comic-books which, by selling them on E-Bay, is how he finances his excursions. That was plain dumb. Also, the fact that he's really an accountant. It's better that his backstory is him being an ex-con and now going after the men responsible for the death of his wife.
Also, the film does a better job of explaining what a loser RED MIST is. However, the comic hides the fact of his identity, using its revelation as a high-point in the plot.
Story about the kid yearning for a more adventurous life resonates. And the character of Hit-Girl is amazing. I just wish the book and the film would've been better.
I didn't care for Millar's WANTED. I loved his plot on THE ULTIMATES. KICK-ASS is somewhere in the middle.
I can see why the film dropped the backstory of Big Daddy carrying around mint condition, valuable comic-books which, by selling them on E-Bay, is how he finances his excursions. That was plain dumb. Also, the fact that he's really an accountant. It's better that his backstory is him being an ex-con and now going after the men responsible for the death of his wife.
Also, the film does a better job of explaining what a loser RED MIST is. However, the comic hides the fact of his identity, using its revelation as a high-point in the plot.
Story about the kid yearning for a more adventurous life resonates. And the character of Hit-Girl is amazing. I just wish the book and the film would've been better.
RESCUE ME - Season 4.2 - TUESDAY
Tommy's still trying to piece together what happened that night of the fire. He's looking at jail or recovering two million dollars in insurance.
Tommy's uncle is released from jail. However, he skips out on his wife on his first day of freedom because she drives him nuts.
There's a subplot about the station house wanting to recruit this hotshot African-American probie so they can win the firehouse basketball league.
Show is still missing the drama that made it such a hit.
Tommy's uncle is released from jail. However, he skips out on his wife on his first day of freedom because she drives him nuts.
There's a subplot about the station house wanting to recruit this hotshot African-American probie so they can win the firehouse basketball league.
Show is still missing the drama that made it such a hit.
THE SHIELD - Season 5.7 - MAN INSIDE
Episode ends with Claudette finally getting a confession out of the serial killer but being emotionally and physically drained, she falls down the stairs. Now this is the way to end an episode. You HAVE TO come back for more. You are compelled to keep watching. You NEED to find out what happens next.
The episode really heats up by having Vic's crew doubting Vic's plan of attack and even each other. The pressure is being applied and we're starting to see cracks.
The writing is razor sharp and this episode returns the series to its former excellence.
The episode really heats up by having Vic's crew doubting Vic's plan of attack and even each other. The pressure is being applied and we're starting to see cracks.
The writing is razor sharp and this episode returns the series to its former excellence.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
THE SOPRANOS - Season 3.4 - EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Dr. Melfi takes centerstage in this episode. She gets raped in the stairwell and comes to realize she wants someone powerful in her life that can protect her. She can't help but be attracted to Tony Soprano. The episode ends with her internally fighting herself, trying to decide whether or not to tell Tony what's happened. In the end, she decides not to.
Do we really need this? I've always thought Melfi was a waste of a character. Do we care about her at all?
Janice steals her mother's caregiver's artificial leg. The Russians come after her and slap her around. Tony's upset because now he has to take some kind of action.
The show succeeds at getting inside the heads of these characters. It fails though at bringing action to the screen.
Do we really need this? I've always thought Melfi was a waste of a character. Do we care about her at all?
Janice steals her mother's caregiver's artificial leg. The Russians come after her and slap her around. Tony's upset because now he has to take some kind of action.
The show succeeds at getting inside the heads of these characters. It fails though at bringing action to the screen.
ELEMENTARY
Finished this teleplay from Robert Doherty. It brings Sherlock Holmes into our current year as he comes to New York and offers his services to help solve crimes for the police department. Seems he's just come oout of a rehab clinic and "Watson" is now Joan Watson, a Personal Recovery Assistant.
Watson was a surgeon but she made a mistake and allowed a patient to die on the table. She now does this job and has her hands full with Holmes. It's entertaining because they're the original Mulder and Scully however, the murder is standard and unlike the best Sherlock Holmes stories, there's no way for us to play along and match wits with the greatest sleuth in history.
I would pass on the project unless they can come up with better mysteries.
Watson was a surgeon but she made a mistake and allowed a patient to die on the table. She now does this job and has her hands full with Holmes. It's entertaining because they're the original Mulder and Scully however, the murder is standard and unlike the best Sherlock Holmes stories, there's no way for us to play along and match wits with the greatest sleuth in history.
I would pass on the project unless they can come up with better mysteries.
LADY FRIENDS
Finished this teleplay for a new pilot by Kari Lizer which is set up at NBC.
Lizer is back with this pilot about two best friends who seem to be unable to exist without each other. Nicole is married to the perfect guy and has a newborn while Jen is perfect but alone. Together, they spend as much time as they can with one another to the detriment of Nicole's marriage - even going so far as to rent out a hotel room so Nicole can sneak away.
Lizer has the pulse of female-centric comedy as she aptly demonstrated on THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE. The problem is, will the guys tune in? After reading this pilot, it's hard to see that happening.
The script is funny - there's no denying Lizer has the ear for dialogue and can create loveable characters. But try putting this show up against MODERN FAMILY or HAPPY ENDINGS. It'll get killed because it won't play to wide demographic.
Lizer is gifted. This show however won't make it.
Lizer is back with this pilot about two best friends who seem to be unable to exist without each other. Nicole is married to the perfect guy and has a newborn while Jen is perfect but alone. Together, they spend as much time as they can with one another to the detriment of Nicole's marriage - even going so far as to rent out a hotel room so Nicole can sneak away.
Lizer has the pulse of female-centric comedy as she aptly demonstrated on THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE. The problem is, will the guys tune in? After reading this pilot, it's hard to see that happening.
The script is funny - there's no denying Lizer has the ear for dialogue and can create loveable characters. But try putting this show up against MODERN FAMILY or HAPPY ENDINGS. It'll get killed because it won't play to wide demographic.
Lizer is gifted. This show however won't make it.
RESCUE ME - Season 4.1 - BABY FACE
Season opener tries to start off with a bang having the crew trapped in a burning room. The floor gives way and our crew goes sliding down to what looks to be a fiery death.
However, they simply land outside, unhurt. It's a rather uneventful ending to a fiery beginning.
Same can be said of this episode as a whole. Uneventful.
Tommy could be headed to jail for setting the fire that ended last season's plot. Other than that, the rest of the episode just shows us where the other station house members are in their relationships. Kinda boring.
However, they simply land outside, unhurt. It's a rather uneventful ending to a fiery beginning.
Same can be said of this episode as a whole. Uneventful.
Tommy could be headed to jail for setting the fire that ended last season's plot. Other than that, the rest of the episode just shows us where the other station house members are in their relationships. Kinda boring.
THE SHIELD - Season 5.6 - RAP PAYBACK
You just knew Forest Whitaker wasn't going away. He sets up shop in the station and immediately goes after Danni and Vic's wife, looking to squeeze everywhere he can.
Paula Garces' character learns that Julien is gay and you can see the angles spinning in her head. It's going to be interesting to see how she uses this to her advantage.
Meanwhile, Claudette and Holland search for a serial killer's missing sister, suspecting the killer of course but with no way of proving it.
The episode is good because we see the battle in these three plots brewing. This is what makes this show great. The dangerous conflicts with the deadly consequences.
Paula Garces' character learns that Julien is gay and you can see the angles spinning in her head. It's going to be interesting to see how she uses this to her advantage.
Meanwhile, Claudette and Holland search for a serial killer's missing sister, suspecting the killer of course but with no way of proving it.
The episode is good because we see the battle in these three plots brewing. This is what makes this show great. The dangerous conflicts with the deadly consequences.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
RUN ALL NIGHT
Finished this new script by Brad Ingelsby.
Ingelsby hit it big with THE LOW DWELLER and he continues his trend of writing about characters that are criminals but have hearts of gold.
Story's about Jimmy Conlon, a hitman that lives with regret, whose son, Mike, gets in trouble with the same mob that Jimmy works for.
Jimmy's employed by Shawn Maguire, the boss. Maguire's son Colin is bad news, trying to get in bed with Serbian drug dealers. When Shawn turns the dealers down, they turn their wrath upon Colin.
Meanwhile, Mike works as a limo driver. He unknowingly drives these Serbian dealers to Colin's house. The dealers want their down payment back. Colin, however, has other ideas. He kills them but realizes that Mike has witnessed the murders. Colin has to kill him.
Jimmy is told what's happening and goes to help his estranged son. Just as Colin is about to shoot Mike dead, Jimmy intervenes and kills his boss' son.
Now, both of them have to go on the run with the police and the mob on their tail.
What sets this script apart from your run-of-the-mill, direct-to-DVD movie is the relationship between Jimmy and Mike and Jimmy and Shawn. The relationships are heartfelt, pulling you into their dilemma.
Still, would I make this movie? Given the current state of the box office, I'd have to pass. Dramas aren't doing business these days. Plus, this plot simply isn't "special" enough. Jimmy's character reminds me of Nick Nolte's character in WARRIOR and we've seen how much business that film did.
Just a little note: On pg.80, Jimmy and Mike are on the run, entering an alley and in the very next sentence, they're driving a car. Seems to be a mix-up here. Maybe two drafts being combined into one or Ingelsby overlooking this point on a rewrite?
Script ends with Jimmy saving Mike's life but dying in the process. It's okay though because he got to meet his grand-daughters. Last scene has Mike's family living their life, safe from harm.
Ingelsby is a darn good writer but these types of scripts are pieces from the past. His best bet now is to create a tv series where his well-drawn characters can find a home.
Ingelsby hit it big with THE LOW DWELLER and he continues his trend of writing about characters that are criminals but have hearts of gold.
Story's about Jimmy Conlon, a hitman that lives with regret, whose son, Mike, gets in trouble with the same mob that Jimmy works for.
Jimmy's employed by Shawn Maguire, the boss. Maguire's son Colin is bad news, trying to get in bed with Serbian drug dealers. When Shawn turns the dealers down, they turn their wrath upon Colin.
Meanwhile, Mike works as a limo driver. He unknowingly drives these Serbian dealers to Colin's house. The dealers want their down payment back. Colin, however, has other ideas. He kills them but realizes that Mike has witnessed the murders. Colin has to kill him.
Jimmy is told what's happening and goes to help his estranged son. Just as Colin is about to shoot Mike dead, Jimmy intervenes and kills his boss' son.
Now, both of them have to go on the run with the police and the mob on their tail.
What sets this script apart from your run-of-the-mill, direct-to-DVD movie is the relationship between Jimmy and Mike and Jimmy and Shawn. The relationships are heartfelt, pulling you into their dilemma.
Still, would I make this movie? Given the current state of the box office, I'd have to pass. Dramas aren't doing business these days. Plus, this plot simply isn't "special" enough. Jimmy's character reminds me of Nick Nolte's character in WARRIOR and we've seen how much business that film did.
Just a little note: On pg.80, Jimmy and Mike are on the run, entering an alley and in the very next sentence, they're driving a car. Seems to be a mix-up here. Maybe two drafts being combined into one or Ingelsby overlooking this point on a rewrite?
Script ends with Jimmy saving Mike's life but dying in the process. It's okay though because he got to meet his grand-daughters. Last scene has Mike's family living their life, safe from harm.
Ingelsby is a darn good writer but these types of scripts are pieces from the past. His best bet now is to create a tv series where his well-drawn characters can find a home.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 3.3 - FORTUNATE SON
The series is running out of gas. Nothing happens in this episode except Chris becomes a made man and finds out that it's a lot harder than he thinks. He's given the bookie operation but proceeds to screw it up by not laying off any action. He comes up short on his first payment and is forced to pay an extra two grand for his shortage.
To come up with the difference, he hits a benefit concert with Aprile's son even though Tony warned him to keep that kid out of the business.
Tony's son plays on the football team but suffers a fainting spell when he's told he's been made defensive captain.
Let's get to some action already.
To come up with the difference, he hits a benefit concert with Aprile's son even though Tony warned him to keep that kid out of the business.
Tony's son plays on the football team but suffers a fainting spell when he's told he's been made defensive captain.
Let's get to some action already.
THE FIRM - Season 1.2 - CHAPTER 3
The reason why the series is so boring is because Mitch McDeere doesn't have any personality. He's a blank page. There's nothing interesting about him. He's bland.
He may be a great attorney but he sure as hell isn't entertaining. The series is going nowhere fast.
In this episode we get a case of a kid accidentally killing someone and then a serial murderer takes credit for the crime. Somehow, McDeere ends up representing both of them. The way that it's handled is shoddy. We don't get a feel for anybody involved and thus, we stop caring.
Then there's the whole jumping back and forth through time that's uninvolving. The decision to tell the major arc this way is a mistake.
I look for a quick cancellation here.
He may be a great attorney but he sure as hell isn't entertaining. The series is going nowhere fast.
In this episode we get a case of a kid accidentally killing someone and then a serial murderer takes credit for the crime. Somehow, McDeere ends up representing both of them. The way that it's handled is shoddy. We don't get a feel for anybody involved and thus, we stop caring.
Then there's the whole jumping back and forth through time that's uninvolving. The decision to tell the major arc this way is a mistake.
I look for a quick cancellation here.
Monday, January 23, 2012
CHELSEA GENERAL
Finished this new teleplay from the master David E. Kelley. Do we need another hospital drama on tv? Well, after reading this, the answer is a resounding yes.
Kelley's coming off a poor outing with the botched Wonder Woman reboot. He rebounds nicely with this project.
He writes characters expertly. He's able to get us immediately inside their heads upon our introduction to them. That's hard to do.
I love Ty's character. A neurosurgeon who's the best at what he does. After reviewing X-rays, he orders surgery on a boy who suffered a collision playing soccer. He does everything he can but the boy dies on the table. It's later revealed that Ty made a horrendous mistake by not getting a thorough medical history on the boy's parents. Turns out, his father was a bleeder which is what happens when Ty cuts into the boy's head.
It's dramatically entertaining. We're with Ty every step of the way and when the boom is lowered, we feel as if we've been hit as well. That, people, is writing excellence.
The thing that sets this medical drama apart is the doctors are all A-type people that are the best in their field.
I love the Korean doctor Sung Park who's great at what he does but because of his laser-like focus on his craft, has the worst bedside manner imaginable. He may come across as an ass but the writing is deep so we understand why. Everyone is three-dimensional here.
Script is a winner. Of course, I would expect nothing less from Kelley.
Kelley's coming off a poor outing with the botched Wonder Woman reboot. He rebounds nicely with this project.
He writes characters expertly. He's able to get us immediately inside their heads upon our introduction to them. That's hard to do.
I love Ty's character. A neurosurgeon who's the best at what he does. After reviewing X-rays, he orders surgery on a boy who suffered a collision playing soccer. He does everything he can but the boy dies on the table. It's later revealed that Ty made a horrendous mistake by not getting a thorough medical history on the boy's parents. Turns out, his father was a bleeder which is what happens when Ty cuts into the boy's head.
It's dramatically entertaining. We're with Ty every step of the way and when the boom is lowered, we feel as if we've been hit as well. That, people, is writing excellence.
The thing that sets this medical drama apart is the doctors are all A-type people that are the best in their field.
I love the Korean doctor Sung Park who's great at what he does but because of his laser-like focus on his craft, has the worst bedside manner imaginable. He may come across as an ass but the writing is deep so we understand why. Everyone is three-dimensional here.
Script is a winner. Of course, I would expect nothing less from Kelley.
THE WEST WING - Season 1.12 - HE SHALL, FROM TIME TO TIME...
The President comes down with the flu and Leo learns, after pressing the first lady, that the President actually has multiple sclerosis.
Meanwhile, the story about Leo's alcoholism breaks and he holds a press conference to explain. This is really anticlimatic since it's been set up as such a dramatic revelation. Hopefully, there are consequences to come. If not, it's been poorly handled.
C.J. is extremely lovable as she akwardly tries to get a handle on her relationship with Danny. The reason why the series is good is because the characters are all richly drawn.
India withdraws its aggressive movement into Pakistan which is another example of an anticlimatic ending to a dramatic subplot.
Plotwise, the series feels slow.
Meanwhile, the story about Leo's alcoholism breaks and he holds a press conference to explain. This is really anticlimatic since it's been set up as such a dramatic revelation. Hopefully, there are consequences to come. If not, it's been poorly handled.
C.J. is extremely lovable as she akwardly tries to get a handle on her relationship with Danny. The reason why the series is good is because the characters are all richly drawn.
India withdraws its aggressive movement into Pakistan which is another example of an anticlimatic ending to a dramatic subplot.
Plotwise, the series feels slow.
HAPPY ENDINGS - Season 2.12 - MAKIN' CHANGES
Episode is extremely funny with Jane revealing that she changed Brad, making him a more suitable partner. Brad is outraged and goes back to being Old Brad.
The B-story is about Dave being addicted to V-Neck sweaters and Max and Alex, in a spoof of reality-tv shows, staging an intervention to break him of his addiction.
The cast rivals MODERN FAMILY for its ability to squeeze every ounce of laughter from the dialogue. Each castmember goes above and beyond the lines for maximum comedic effect. This episode is one of this season's highlights.
Bravo.
The B-story is about Dave being addicted to V-Neck sweaters and Max and Alex, in a spoof of reality-tv shows, staging an intervention to break him of his addiction.
The cast rivals MODERN FAMILY for its ability to squeeze every ounce of laughter from the dialogue. Each castmember goes above and beyond the lines for maximum comedic effect. This episode is one of this season's highlights.
Bravo.
SHAMELESS - Season 1.1 - PILOT
Emmy Rossum is a revelation. She's able to play sexy, smart, strong, vulnerable, outraged, hurt, etc, etc. She displayed such a wide range of emotions in this pilot effortlessly, able to convey complex emotions with a single look. Her performance screams the arrival of a star.
I pilot is extremely watchable and extremely entertaining. The actors hold the piece together. It's a real-life, hard-edged, dysfunctional EIGHT IS ENOUGH.
Series is about a hard-luck family that has too many children from an alcoholic, good-for-nothing father. They are on their own, scrounging to make ends meet. They scramble through a variety of jobs and scams to survive.
Give me more.
I pilot is extremely watchable and extremely entertaining. The actors hold the piece together. It's a real-life, hard-edged, dysfunctional EIGHT IS ENOUGH.
Series is about a hard-luck family that has too many children from an alcoholic, good-for-nothing father. They are on their own, scrounging to make ends meet. They scramble through a variety of jobs and scams to survive.
Give me more.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
THE SHIELD - Season 5.5 - TROPHY
Vic expertly leads Forest Whitaker into a trap. They use the fact that they're being bugged to their advantage. Forest catches Vic, on camera, murdering someone in cold blood and before you can blink, IAD storms in, apprehending Vic only to find that it's all a sting. The murdered person is in on the whole thing. Vic was attempting to get close to the Russian mob and would have if only IAD hadn't blown their whole operation.
Vic is smart. However, the episode ends with Whitaker trashing his place in a rage, letting us know this battle is far from over.
Season is still slow. They need to pick up the pace.
Vic is smart. However, the episode ends with Whitaker trashing his place in a rage, letting us know this battle is far from over.
Season is still slow. They need to pick up the pace.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.13 - BEACHED
This season ending episode is a mystery to me. In the end, Tommy's trapped inside Sheila's burning house while she sits outside in her car, screaming hysterically.
Do we think for a moment that Tommy will die? No. So what's gained by this supposed cliffhanger?
Also, the characters were all leaning towards leaving the station house. The whole season has been building up to it. And then they all, in unison, decide to stay. It's a total jerk-off.
Seems as if the creators have run out of any worthwhile ideas. Maybe it would be good to have Tommy die.
Do we think for a moment that Tommy will die? No. So what's gained by this supposed cliffhanger?
Also, the characters were all leaning towards leaving the station house. The whole season has been building up to it. And then they all, in unison, decide to stay. It's a total jerk-off.
Seems as if the creators have run out of any worthwhile ideas. Maybe it would be good to have Tommy die.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 3.2 - PROSHAI, LIVUSHKA
Tony's mother dies in her sleep in this episode. Again, as with Richie's death last season as well as Big Pussy's denounment, this plot development is rather anti-climatic. No drama whatsoever.
The episode is more boring than the season opener.
The only bright spot is the arrival of Joe Pantoliano. He openly defies Tony's order to knock off the violence as he guns for the garbage disposal contract in his area. Hopefully, he will provide the fireworks the series is missing.
The episode is more boring than the season opener.
The only bright spot is the arrival of Joe Pantoliano. He openly defies Tony's order to knock off the violence as he guns for the garbage disposal contract in his area. Hopefully, he will provide the fireworks the series is missing.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.12 - HELL
Tommy's brother actually dies from the shooting. That was unexpected. The death brings the family together and sets the stage for a reconciliation between Tommy and his wife.
Maggie and Sean get married at the funeral. Why not? Everyone's there and is dressed up. Even though I like Tatum O'Neal's performance, I can't see where this relationship is going.
Franco's a bit freaked out when he realizes that his new girlfriend looks like his young daughter.
Series has really been slow this season. By far, the worst season so far in its run.
Maggie and Sean get married at the funeral. Why not? Everyone's there and is dressed up. Even though I like Tatum O'Neal's performance, I can't see where this relationship is going.
Franco's a bit freaked out when he realizes that his new girlfriend looks like his young daughter.
Series has really been slow this season. By far, the worst season so far in its run.
SMALLVILLE - Season 7.19 - QUEST
The last surviving member of Veritas emerges having hidden himself away in a church. When he realizes that Clark Kent doubts his destiny as savior our of race, he captures Clark and attempts to sacrifice him, knowing that if Clark were to fall into the wrong hands, he would become our worst enemy.
Meanwhile, Lex has uncovered the secret that Lionel so desperately tried to hide. It's an object that floats in the air and projects a map of our world. What that means though is beyond us as the episode ends with that image.
All the while, Brainiac has taken Kara back in time to Krypton to kill Clark before he got off the planet, thus ending his existence.
The showdown between Lex and Clark and Clark and Brainiac looms.
Meanwhile, Lex has uncovered the secret that Lionel so desperately tried to hide. It's an object that floats in the air and projects a map of our world. What that means though is beyond us as the episode ends with that image.
All the while, Brainiac has taken Kara back in time to Krypton to kill Clark before he got off the planet, thus ending his existence.
The showdown between Lex and Clark and Clark and Brainiac looms.
ALIAS - Season 1.16 - THE PROPHECY
So Sydney's face is in Rambaldi's journal and she's the key to the fate of our world. Does it get anymore incredulous than this? This whole Rambaldi plot is ludicrous.
Meanwhile, Sloane is used by old 007 Roger Moore to kill off an ally. That was a nice subplot, setting up Moore as a villain.
Series is too comic-bookish to take the drama seriously.
Meanwhile, Sloane is used by old 007 Roger Moore to kill off an ally. That was a nice subplot, setting up Moore as a villain.
Series is too comic-bookish to take the drama seriously.
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES - Season 2.1 - THE RETURN
Mason Lockwood arrives in town for the death of his brother, the Mayor. Looks like he's going to be a werewolf (I'm assuming that's what they are) and become this season's opposing force.
Katherine is back and she's looking to stir up trouble, playing one brother against the other. Nina Dobrev does a nice job handling duo roles. She turns Caroline into a vampire at the end of the episode.
Ian Somerhalder smolders as usual but in a fit of rage over being rejected by Elena, he snaps her brother's neck, knowingly turning him into a vampire. Jeremy however is wearing a ring that protects him against supernatural death. It's a stunning move on Ian's part though and we realize just how deranged he can get.
Episode has its share of shocks to keep us coming back for more.
Katherine is back and she's looking to stir up trouble, playing one brother against the other. Nina Dobrev does a nice job handling duo roles. She turns Caroline into a vampire at the end of the episode.
Ian Somerhalder smolders as usual but in a fit of rage over being rejected by Elena, he snaps her brother's neck, knowingly turning him into a vampire. Jeremy however is wearing a ring that protects him against supernatural death. It's a stunning move on Ian's part though and we realize just how deranged he can get.
Episode has its share of shocks to keep us coming back for more.
ABDUCTION (2011)
Terrible film. Poorly written, poorly directed. John Singleton made one good film (BOYZ N THE HOOD) and then became a hack.
The first twenty minutes were pure boredom.
Look how slow the son and husband are to react when they hear Maria Bello being attacked in the kitchen. They just stand there, listening.
It's comical how this teenage couple find the time to make-out while they're on the run from thugs out to kill them.
How could this script ever generate any heat?
Film is a complete waste of time.
The first twenty minutes were pure boredom.
Look how slow the son and husband are to react when they hear Maria Bello being attacked in the kitchen. They just stand there, listening.
It's comical how this teenage couple find the time to make-out while they're on the run from thugs out to kill them.
How could this script ever generate any heat?
Film is a complete waste of time.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
FRINGE - Season 4.8 - BACK TO WHERE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN
I always found the episodes set on the other side extremely boring. Now, so far, this season has been set in our alternate universe. Other side? Alternate universe. Prime Walter. Walternate. Nicer-Walter-but-still-not-our Walter. There's too many uninteresting layers now.
Turns out, Walternate isn't the baddie we always thought him to be. Mr. Jones, in the alternate universe is pulling the strings on the new generation of shapeshifters.
And now, the watcher tells Olivia that she must die.
This is rather confusing since there are actually three Olivias that we know of. The series has spun out of control now.
Turns out, Walternate isn't the baddie we always thought him to be. Mr. Jones, in the alternate universe is pulling the strings on the new generation of shapeshifters.
And now, the watcher tells Olivia that she must die.
This is rather confusing since there are actually three Olivias that we know of. The series has spun out of control now.
TV: ALCATRAZ - Season 1.2 - ERNEST COBB
Don't tell me the series is going to have one criminal come back each week with our team hunting him down? Seems boring if that's the case which is what we get with this episode.
Ernest Cobb is a marksman extraordinaire who kills three people in three consecutive days and then goes underground. Turns out, he's killing his half-sister over and over again in what looks to be random shootings.
The show never does explain why Cobb desperately wants to sit in solitare during his stay on Alcatraz.
In the end, it's revealed that Sam Neill's assistant (she's shot by Cobb) was a doctor at Alcatraz during the 60's. She hasn't aged a day and she might have experimented on the inmates.
Series is slow doling out the answers. If it keeps up at this pace, it'll be a turnoff and we'll simply tune out.
Ernest Cobb is a marksman extraordinaire who kills three people in three consecutive days and then goes underground. Turns out, he's killing his half-sister over and over again in what looks to be random shootings.
The show never does explain why Cobb desperately wants to sit in solitare during his stay on Alcatraz.
In the end, it's revealed that Sam Neill's assistant (she's shot by Cobb) was a doctor at Alcatraz during the 60's. She hasn't aged a day and she might have experimented on the inmates.
Series is slow doling out the answers. If it keeps up at this pace, it'll be a turnoff and we'll simply tune out.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.11 - TWILIGHT
Tatum O'Neal steals the show. Her character is so full of anger and attitude yet she's played for laughs which Tatum delivers in spades. It's a razor sharp performance with Tatum making an unlikeable character fully entertaining. Bravo.
Tragedy abounds in this episode with Tommy's brother getting shot on a stakeout and Jerry suffering a heart-attack after making love.
The season kicks into gear with this episode but this shot of adrenalin comes so late in its run.
Episode's great. Wish the season could've been as good as this episode.
Tragedy abounds in this episode with Tommy's brother getting shot on a stakeout and Jerry suffering a heart-attack after making love.
The season kicks into gear with this episode but this shot of adrenalin comes so late in its run.
Episode's great. Wish the season could've been as good as this episode.
THE SHIELD - Season 5.4 - TAPA BOCA
Vic goes on the offensive and tries to uncover everything Forest Whitaker has on him. He can't believe his CI is the big witness. However, since we know it's her, this revelation is anticlimatic. If anything, it makes Vic look dumb that he's caught so unaware which plays against his street-wise character.
Paula Garces' character has a lot of attitude to her detriment. We still don't see where her character will land but it would be great to see her go rogue and sell out her badge as she looks out only for herself. Again, it's a female character that hasn't been seen on tv before. Very interesting.
Show doesn't have the urgency of season's past but it's still watchable.
Paula Garces' character has a lot of attitude to her detriment. We still don't see where her character will land but it would be great to see her go rogue and sell out her badge as she looks out only for herself. Again, it's a female character that hasn't been seen on tv before. Very interesting.
Show doesn't have the urgency of season's past but it's still watchable.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 3.1 - MR. RUGGERIO'S NEIGHBORHOOD
Season opener is a huge disappointment. The plot concerns itself primarily with the FBI bugging Tony's home. We spend so much time watching them watching every member of the Soprano household. It's boring.
Meadow is off to college now and we get a glimpse of her troubled dorm-mate which is also boring.
We see a newspaper headline that states competition over the garbage contracts may turn violent but we don't see any action.
Forget about trying to start off with a bang. This thing is sleepwalking.
Meadow is off to college now and we get a glimpse of her troubled dorm-mate which is also boring.
We see a newspaper headline that states competition over the garbage contracts may turn violent but we don't see any action.
Forget about trying to start off with a bang. This thing is sleepwalking.
Friday, January 20, 2012
THE WEST WING - Season 1.11 - LORD JOHN MARBURY
The White House is facing an International crisis when India decides to invade Pakistan. The President calls in ambassadors and is told both sides are ready to fight.
Ontop of this, under the Information of Freedom Act, news about Leo's alcoholism is about to break.
Again, it's hard to feel the tension of this impending war between Pakistan and India because we don't see any of it. We just hear about it while our characters are sitting down. That's the drawback to the series.
The subplot about the alcoholism doesn't register because we see the President isn't worried about it. So yeah, we know there's going to be some heat but we can tell that when it gets extremely hot, the President's going to step in and squash it.
Found this episode weak and uninvolving.
Ontop of this, under the Information of Freedom Act, news about Leo's alcoholism is about to break.
Again, it's hard to feel the tension of this impending war between Pakistan and India because we don't see any of it. We just hear about it while our characters are sitting down. That's the drawback to the series.
The subplot about the alcoholism doesn't register because we see the President isn't worried about it. So yeah, we know there's going to be some heat but we can tell that when it gets extremely hot, the President's going to step in and squash it.
Found this episode weak and uninvolving.
WHITE COLLAR - Season 3.11 - CHECKMATE
So even though Caffey has gotten away with the treasure, he now must return it in order to save Elizabeth's life. Of course if he had gotten away with the treasure, the show would've been over since he would've gone into hiding so we knew that wasn't going to be an option which then makes this dramatic dilemma pointless.
Show has steadily gone downhill from its first season and doesn't seem to be oncourse to reverse this trend.
The episode ends with the news that Caffey's sentence is going to be commuted. He will be a free man at the end of three months.
Show has steadily gone downhill from its first season and doesn't seem to be oncourse to reverse this trend.
The episode ends with the news that Caffey's sentence is going to be commuted. He will be a free man at the end of three months.
L.A. NOIR
Finished this teleplay from Frank Darabont. While it's great seeing William Parker and Mickey Cohen in the show, this pilot focuses on other characters that aren't so interesting.
We get the story of Joe Teague a cop who's playing both sides. In the end, we see he does a favor for Bugsy Siegel who's never seen. While it's nice to name-drop, it would be much better to actually focus on these gangsters.
Teleplay's a bit slow and uninvolving. It takes its time and doesn't contain much action. Since it's Darabont, I'm sure the plot will pick up in the next installments but this pilot on its own isn't much to write home about.
We get the story of Joe Teague a cop who's playing both sides. In the end, we see he does a favor for Bugsy Siegel who's never seen. While it's nice to name-drop, it would be much better to actually focus on these gangsters.
Teleplay's a bit slow and uninvolving. It takes its time and doesn't contain much action. Since it's Darabont, I'm sure the plot will pick up in the next installments but this pilot on its own isn't much to write home about.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
THE WEST WING - Season 1.10 - IN EXCELSIS DEO
Episode revolves around the dead body of a homeless man who happens to be wearing Toby's coat which he donated to Goodwill. Toby is called down and sees from the man's tattoo that he was a veteran of the Korean War.
Toby is visibly moved by the man's death and sets up a military funeral.
I realize that this episode won an Emmy for its writing but I found it to be incredibly hokey. It seemed forced and won't have any lasting effect on the characters. It's a Christmas episode and this plot made the show corny.
The real subplot to explore is the death of a homosexual boy, the victim of a heinous hate crime. What would the President's position be on this. Timothy Busfield has a great line about how no murder is worse than another.
Show is feeling tedious.
Toby is visibly moved by the man's death and sets up a military funeral.
I realize that this episode won an Emmy for its writing but I found it to be incredibly hokey. It seemed forced and won't have any lasting effect on the characters. It's a Christmas episode and this plot made the show corny.
The real subplot to explore is the death of a homosexual boy, the victim of a heinous hate crime. What would the President's position be on this. Timothy Busfield has a great line about how no murder is worse than another.
Show is feeling tedious.
ALCATRAZ - Season 1.1 - PILOT
So J.J. Abrams is back with a mystery-thriller about the Alcatraz prison. Turns out the place wasn't closed down because of it's decrepit conditions, it was closed because all of the prisoners disappeared.
We get a prisoner suddenly reappearing present day in a cell at Alcatraz and is discovered by a tour guide. he promptly makes it to the mainland and starts murdering people.
We get a flashback and see the prison doctors drew a lot of blood from him. What's the meaning behind this?
We then meet our heroine who's partner dies while giving chase. She stumbles onto the Alcatraz mystery and is hooked. Of course, she's in deep when she realizes the person her partner was chasing is her grandfather whom she's been told was a prison guard on Alcatraz yet it turns out he was a prisoner. The mystery deepens furthered.
Robert Forster turns up as a bartender who was an actual prison guard on Alcatraz. He raised our heroine and it's immediately clear he knows a lot more than he's letting on.
Sam Neill is an FBI Agent in charge of all this. We can't tell if he's a good guy or bad guy yet. All that we know is he knows a lot of answers that he's not revealing. He was there at Alcatraz as a young guard the night everyone disappeared.
And then Hurley's also here. Jorge Garcia does a good job as an Alcatraz expert who realizes there's a lot more going on than meets the eye.
Special kudos go to Michael Giacchino. As on LOST, his score elevates the material. Has there been a composer more in tune with eliciting emotions than Giacchino? Probably the best since John Williams.
The series works because the mystery deepens expertly (just as they did on the first season of LOST). We'll see if they can sustain it this time out.
We get a prisoner suddenly reappearing present day in a cell at Alcatraz and is discovered by a tour guide. he promptly makes it to the mainland and starts murdering people.
We get a flashback and see the prison doctors drew a lot of blood from him. What's the meaning behind this?
We then meet our heroine who's partner dies while giving chase. She stumbles onto the Alcatraz mystery and is hooked. Of course, she's in deep when she realizes the person her partner was chasing is her grandfather whom she's been told was a prison guard on Alcatraz yet it turns out he was a prisoner. The mystery deepens furthered.
Robert Forster turns up as a bartender who was an actual prison guard on Alcatraz. He raised our heroine and it's immediately clear he knows a lot more than he's letting on.
Sam Neill is an FBI Agent in charge of all this. We can't tell if he's a good guy or bad guy yet. All that we know is he knows a lot of answers that he's not revealing. He was there at Alcatraz as a young guard the night everyone disappeared.
And then Hurley's also here. Jorge Garcia does a good job as an Alcatraz expert who realizes there's a lot more going on than meets the eye.
Special kudos go to Michael Giacchino. As on LOST, his score elevates the material. Has there been a composer more in tune with eliciting emotions than Giacchino? Probably the best since John Williams.
The series works because the mystery deepens expertly (just as they did on the first season of LOST). We'll see if they can sustain it this time out.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
THE FIRM - Season 1.1 - PILOT/CHAPTER TWO
Mitch McDeere is now struggling to stay afloat with his own practice. Leery about firms, Mitch is finding it hard to make ends meet. He's a damn good attorney but his cases aren't making any money.
That's when a high-powered firm comes calling. They want Mitch to head up their criminal defense section. Mitch is reluctant at first but the case he's been counting on for a big settlement just announces that they're going to trial. It's David versus Goliath and Mitch realizes he's hopelessly outgunned so he goes to the firm and proposes that they form an association. Mitch will head up their criminal defense section but he will only do so if he can remain where he is. Mitch gets to use all their resources, they get his legal prowess.
How blind can Mitch be? How can he essentially fall for the same thing twice?
This series is drab and dreary. It moves along at a snail's pace and the tone is so solemn, it puts you to sleep. It's not entertaining. It's missing a spark, a heartbeat, a life.
The problem is, the drama isn't dramatic and it's utterly void of any humor to liven up the proceedings.
This never should've been made.
That's when a high-powered firm comes calling. They want Mitch to head up their criminal defense section. Mitch is reluctant at first but the case he's been counting on for a big settlement just announces that they're going to trial. It's David versus Goliath and Mitch realizes he's hopelessly outgunned so he goes to the firm and proposes that they form an association. Mitch will head up their criminal defense section but he will only do so if he can remain where he is. Mitch gets to use all their resources, they get his legal prowess.
How blind can Mitch be? How can he essentially fall for the same thing twice?
This series is drab and dreary. It moves along at a snail's pace and the tone is so solemn, it puts you to sleep. It's not entertaining. It's missing a spark, a heartbeat, a life.
The problem is, the drama isn't dramatic and it's utterly void of any humor to liven up the proceedings.
This never should've been made.
THE SHIELD - Season 5.3 - JAILBAIT
Vic's wife tells Vic about Forest Whitaker. Vic knows he's in trouble but he's still got to do what he can to get Curtis out of this IAD mess. That's the intriguing dichotomy of Vic's character. He will play both sides at all times yet he is intensely loyal to his friends.
Paula Garces goes undercover with Vic's unit to break up a sex-trade ring. She's a unique character. Hard to tell what she's after. She wants to be a good cop yet she's willing to flirt to make inroads. It'll be interesting to see how she plays out.
Episode seems to sag a bit. The danger isn't escalating so far.
Paula Garces goes undercover with Vic's unit to break up a sex-trade ring. She's a unique character. Hard to tell what she's after. She wants to be a good cop yet she's willing to flirt to make inroads. It'll be interesting to see how she plays out.
Episode seems to sag a bit. The danger isn't escalating so far.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
RESCUE ME - Season 3.10 - RETARDS
The whole conjugal visits subplot is boring. How many times can you go to this well? Trying to sustain Tommy's uncle's character while he's in jail slows everything down. There's nowhere to take that character now. I understand it's strictly for comic relief but the subplot has grown tiresome.
The subplot with Franco dealing with his new girlfriend's mentally challenged brother however is hilarious. Especially when the challenged brother calls Sean a retard. That's the funniest scene in the entire season so far.
Tommy's trying to deal with his ex-wife's situation. I can't see them getting back together. Where would you take that relationship to keep it interesting?
The series is slowing down. There isn't a main plot driving this season which is hurting the show.
The subplot with Franco dealing with his new girlfriend's mentally challenged brother however is hilarious. Especially when the challenged brother calls Sean a retard. That's the funniest scene in the entire season so far.
Tommy's trying to deal with his ex-wife's situation. I can't see them getting back together. Where would you take that relationship to keep it interesting?
The series is slowing down. There isn't a main plot driving this season which is hurting the show.
Monday, January 16, 2012
JULIA'S EYES
Strong direction from Guillem Morales. He knows hot to effectively frame his shots and can milk tension out of any sequence. He easily creates a moody atmosphere and can visually scare you at will.
The problem is the script. It's boring. Story's about a twin investigating her blind sister's suicide. Turns out there's a mysterious man that keeps popping up and our lead begins to suspect her sister was murdered.
If you're going to make a thriller, you need a strong villain. Here, the villain actually runs away from out lead for half of the film. And it's hard to understand his motivation. He wants to keep his victims blind so that they become totally dependent upon him. This motivation simply isn't strong enough to sustain our interest.
Get Morales a decent script and he will deliver magic.
The problem is the script. It's boring. Story's about a twin investigating her blind sister's suicide. Turns out there's a mysterious man that keeps popping up and our lead begins to suspect her sister was murdered.
If you're going to make a thriller, you need a strong villain. Here, the villain actually runs away from out lead for half of the film. And it's hard to understand his motivation. He wants to keep his victims blind so that they become totally dependent upon him. This motivation simply isn't strong enough to sustain our interest.
Get Morales a decent script and he will deliver magic.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.13 - FUNHOUSE
This is how you end a season? With a whimper? Tony and his crew finally confront Pussy and kill him aboard a yacht. The problem is, we're expecting some kind of twist. Maybe Pussy will out-think the feds. Maybe Pussy will get Tony is serious trouble. Maybe Pussy will sacrifice himself and take out one of Tony's enemies. We're expecting something huge. Instead, this subplot is handled strictly by the book. No surprises at all. A waste.
Tony gets food poisoning and begins to hallucinate and suffer fever dreams. All of his fears come to the surface. One has him dying of a terminal diseases and so he pours gasoline on himself and lights a match. The dreams are a sloppy way to send the season because the plot isn't furthered. They simply play as padding.
Now that the season is over, what was the need to add Furio's character? You would think he's going to play a vital role but instead, he's just another henchmen that adds nothing at all to the ongoing plots.
This second season has been a huge disappointment.
Tony gets food poisoning and begins to hallucinate and suffer fever dreams. All of his fears come to the surface. One has him dying of a terminal diseases and so he pours gasoline on himself and lights a match. The dreams are a sloppy way to send the season because the plot isn't furthered. They simply play as padding.
Now that the season is over, what was the need to add Furio's character? You would think he's going to play a vital role but instead, he's just another henchmen that adds nothing at all to the ongoing plots.
This second season has been a huge disappointment.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.12 - THE KNIGHT IN WHITE SATIN ARMOR
What a shocker. It's Janice that kills Richie. He hits her and in rage, she brandishes a gun and shoots him dead. The problem with this is, we're cheated out of a big showdown between Richie and Tony now. That's where the entire season has been leading to. Yes, this murder is shocking but the greater conflict has been wasted.
There's a subplot about Tony's Russian mistress that's a complete waste of time. Who cares about her? When Tony breaks it off, she tries to commit suicide. Did we really need to waste twenty minutes of screen time on such a periphereal character?
Season is filled with a lot of clinching instead of the vicious knockout punches we're expecting.
There's a subplot about Tony's Russian mistress that's a complete waste of time. Who cares about her? When Tony breaks it off, she tries to commit suicide. Did we really need to waste twenty minutes of screen time on such a periphereal character?
Season is filled with a lot of clinching instead of the vicious knockout punches we're expecting.
THE SHIELD - Season 5.2 - ENEMY OF GOOD
Forest Whitaker is closing in on Vic. He's got Curtis under his thumb and he's got Acevedo in his corner. When Vic's in jeopardy, the show always fills with tension and conflict.
The crew is on the heels of a banger called Doomsday that has taken over an entire neighborhood. When a lady witnesses his crime, Doomsday cuts the head off her dog to scare her. Vic plays dirty though and gets a Federale to haul Doomsday down to Mexican jail where he will rot.
Series feels like it's running on fumes. The plot use to crackle. Now it's become boring.
The crew is on the heels of a banger called Doomsday that has taken over an entire neighborhood. When a lady witnesses his crime, Doomsday cuts the head off her dog to scare her. Vic plays dirty though and gets a Federale to haul Doomsday down to Mexican jail where he will rot.
Series feels like it's running on fumes. The plot use to crackle. Now it's become boring.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.11 - HOUSE ARREST
Richie's dealing cocaine along the sanitation routes that Tony controls. Tony tells him to knock it off and it looks like the confrontation we've been waiting for is about to jump off. But Richie backs down and then Tony suffers another anxiety attack.
All of a sudden, Dr. Melfi has a drinking problem. This comes out of the blue. There wasn't a hint of alcoholism in Season 1. This revelation feels forced.
Tony, under orders from his attorney, starts to hang out at his legitimate business to get the feds off his back. He's bored and so are we. Too many episodes feel like filler. Let's get to the meat.
All of a sudden, Dr. Melfi has a drinking problem. This comes out of the blue. There wasn't a hint of alcoholism in Season 1. This revelation feels forced.
Tony, under orders from his attorney, starts to hang out at his legitimate business to get the feds off his back. He's bored and so are we. Too many episodes feel like filler. Let's get to the meat.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.9 - PIECES
Episode's slow. Tommy's brother tells him he's gotten Tommy's ex-wife pregnant. Of course, this child could be Tommy's. We'll see also if Callie Thorne's pregnant as well - that's a bombshell waiting to drop.
Mike's secret gay relationship is revealed to the station house.
Franco's girlfriend has a mentally challenged older brother.
Sean asks Mr. Gavin for his blessing to marry Tatum O'Neal.
The conflicts are funny but the dramatic underpinnings are missing this season.
Mike's secret gay relationship is revealed to the station house.
Franco's girlfriend has a mentally challenged older brother.
Sean asks Mr. Gavin for his blessing to marry Tatum O'Neal.
The conflicts are funny but the dramatic underpinnings are missing this season.
FINAL DESTINATION
Who would've predicted this film would've turned into a franchise?
Film has its moments. The scene where Amanda Detmer gets splattered by a bus was the standout.
The plot however has many holes. Why does Devon Sawa get the visions? Why does he only get them for the plane crash and for Carter's death by train? How come he doesn't "see" any of the other accidents?
I also don't understand Carter's motivation on the plane. Why was he so angry at Devon when he freaks out? In a situation like that, who's going to try to punch this passenger? Most people would simply watch. Carter though is extremely aggressive.
What kind of name is "Clear" for Ali Larter's character?
It's always hard to make a villain in which we don't see a villain. Obviously, with five installments, this film solved that problem.
Film has its moments. The scene where Amanda Detmer gets splattered by a bus was the standout.
The plot however has many holes. Why does Devon Sawa get the visions? Why does he only get them for the plane crash and for Carter's death by train? How come he doesn't "see" any of the other accidents?
I also don't understand Carter's motivation on the plane. Why was he so angry at Devon when he freaks out? In a situation like that, who's going to try to punch this passenger? Most people would simply watch. Carter though is extremely aggressive.
What kind of name is "Clear" for Ali Larter's character?
It's always hard to make a villain in which we don't see a villain. Obviously, with five installments, this film solved that problem.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
SMALLVILLE - Season 7.16 - DESCENT
Lex kills his father, pushing him out the window. It's hard to believe that Lionel is dead but it's happened.
Clark confronts Lex but Lex is past the point of no return now. He's embraced the dark side and he's hellbent on finding out all the secrets.
Episode is extremely dramatic which is unusual for this series. It's entertaining because the showdown between Lex and Clark is looming now.
Clark confronts Lex but Lex is past the point of no return now. He's embraced the dark side and he's hellbent on finding out all the secrets.
Episode is extremely dramatic which is unusual for this series. It's entertaining because the showdown between Lex and Clark is looming now.
SMALLVILLE - Season 7.15 - VERITAS
There was a secret society called Veritas that knew all along that a Traveler would come to his world and save humanity. They were sworn to protect the Traveler's identity and keep him safe. However, all the murders have died except for Lionel Luthor.
The problem is Lionel's character has flipflopped so many times during this series that it's hard to keep track of his motivations. Sometimes he's a protector, sometimes he's trying to destroy.
Brainiac does something to Lana that seems to suck the soul out of her body. This episode has turned the series darker which is a good thing. The conflicts are coming to a head with Luthor on the verge of discovering what Veritas knew.
The problem is Lionel's character has flipflopped so many times during this series that it's hard to keep track of his motivations. Sometimes he's a protector, sometimes he's trying to destroy.
Brainiac does something to Lana that seems to suck the soul out of her body. This episode has turned the series darker which is a good thing. The conflicts are coming to a head with Luthor on the verge of discovering what Veritas knew.
Friday, January 13, 2012
ROB - Season 1.1 - PILOT
Rob Schneider stars in this sitcom where he plays a guy that marries a Hispanic woman and now has to deal with his wife's entire family.
Light on jokes. I guess the writers find it witty having the Hispanic family being rich and having them think that Rob is a gardner (he's actually a landscaping architect).
Schneider actually does a good job and Cheech Marin (playing his father-in-law) is always good but the material sinks them. I bet the two of them could ad-lib a better script.
Look for a quick cancellation here.
Light on jokes. I guess the writers find it witty having the Hispanic family being rich and having them think that Rob is a gardner (he's actually a landscaping architect).
Schneider actually does a good job and Cheech Marin (playing his father-in-law) is always good but the material sinks them. I bet the two of them could ad-lib a better script.
Look for a quick cancellation here.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.10 - BUST-OUT
Tony bleeds Robert Patrick dry, taking over his sporting goods store, ordering all kinds of items with no intentions of ever paying for them.
Carmela starts a romance with Robert Patrick's brother-in-law who's come over to hang new wallpaper. Once the brother-in-law realizes what Tony's capable of though, he stops showing up, wanting nothing to do with the Soprano family.
Richie goes to Junior to see if they can make a move against Tony but Junior shuts him down.
Again, the pacing is off. The episodes move sluggishly.
Carmela starts a romance with Robert Patrick's brother-in-law who's come over to hang new wallpaper. Once the brother-in-law realizes what Tony's capable of though, he stops showing up, wanting nothing to do with the Soprano family.
Richie goes to Junior to see if they can make a move against Tony but Junior shuts him down.
Again, the pacing is off. The episodes move sluggishly.
THE SOPRANOS - FROM WHERE TO ETERNITY - Season 2.9
Talk about building up the tension and then letting the story go sideways on you. We had the beginnings of a war in the last episode and then in this one we barely see one of the combatants (Richie). Way to lose all that steam.
Tony and Pussy find the shooter and kill him. That was anti-climatic. No big whoop. And it should've been.
Now we have Paulie scared off by what Chris' visions of Hell he saw when he was clinically dead for a minute. Paulie goes to the church and tells the Priest he should've been protected from Hell because of all the donations he's given the church throughout the years. That was hilarious because it's played so earnestly.
The season is really starting to drag though. Tony's sister should've emerged as a major villain by now.
Tony and Pussy find the shooter and kill him. That was anti-climatic. No big whoop. And it should've been.
Now we have Paulie scared off by what Chris' visions of Hell he saw when he was clinically dead for a minute. Paulie goes to the church and tells the Priest he should've been protected from Hell because of all the donations he's given the church throughout the years. That was hilarious because it's played so earnestly.
The season is really starting to drag though. Tony's sister should've emerged as a major villain by now.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.8 - FULL LEATHER JACKET
This episode is brilliant. We see things coming to a head now. It's a shocker having the two street-level thugs try to assassinate Chris. That came out of nowhere. Of course, this is the trigger that will lead to a war between Tony and Richie. And then having Richie see that the jacket he respectfully gave Tony has been passed on to the hired help is great. It shows how wars can be started over something so insignificant.
This is the kind of episode where you immediately want to see the next one to find out what happened. That's a perfect example of compelling writing.
This is the kind of episode where you immediately want to see the next one to find out what happened. That's a perfect example of compelling writing.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.8 - KARATE
Episode deal with Lou having an epiphany and taking up yoga. Subplot has Denis Leary still thinking he went on a bender. The most curious plotline this season is having Mike in a homosexual relationship. That's never worked and thankfully looks like it's coming to an end in this episode. Looks like Marisa Tomei's arc is coming to an end as well as she walks out on Tommy.
Series is starting to drag badly. The whole subplot with Tommy and his ex-wife still having sex isn't going anywhere. The plot about Lou being an alcoholic is going nowhere. The plot with Sean dating Tatum O'Neal isn't going anywhere. It's a season full of uninteresting subplots.
Series is starting to drag badly. The whole subplot with Tommy and his ex-wife still having sex isn't going anywhere. The plot about Lou being an alcoholic is going nowhere. The plot with Sean dating Tatum O'Neal isn't going anywhere. It's a season full of uninteresting subplots.
UP ALL NIGHT - Season 1.6 - BIRTH
Episode goes back in time and shows us our couple during the pregnancy to the delivery. Again, Maya Rudolph supplies the laughs as she makes everything about her.
We see Will Arnett in his job as a top-notch lawyer and realize that he gave everything up to be with his newborn child.
Usually flashbacks deepen the characters we already know. Here, it doesn't add much. All in all, it's a wasted episode.
We see Will Arnett in his job as a top-notch lawyer and realize that he gave everything up to be with his newborn child.
Usually flashbacks deepen the characters we already know. Here, it doesn't add much. All in all, it's a wasted episode.
UNHITCHED - Season 1.4 - MARDI GRAS CROC ATTACK
In this episode, Gator gets beaten up by a girl at a boxing class. Kate is uncomfortable by a co-worker who insists on walking around nude in the locker room. And Freddy teaches Tommy the art of tantric sex.
The comedy is standard in this episode with nothing standing out. Without any over-the-top comedic sequences, this sitcom grows dull in a hurry.
The comedy is standard in this episode with nothing standing out. Without any over-the-top comedic sequences, this sitcom grows dull in a hurry.
THE WEST WING - Season 1.8 - ENEMIES
The President is upset that a rider has been attached to his banking bill. It points out the compromise that goes into every political act.
Leo's daughter is interested in Rob Lowe and Leo's against it, giving Lowe a tedious job to do so that he cannot attend the Chinese opera with her. I guess this ends Lowe's relationship with the call-girl.
Overall, this episode is boring. Not much dramatic conflict happening here.
Leo's daughter is interested in Rob Lowe and Leo's against it, giving Lowe a tedious job to do so that he cannot attend the Chinese opera with her. I guess this ends Lowe's relationship with the call-girl.
Overall, this episode is boring. Not much dramatic conflict happening here.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
HAPPY ENDINGS - Season 2.11 - MEAT THE PARROTS
Episode has Dave's father announcing that Penny's mother is his girlfriend. Dave has a hard time adjusting to this. There's also a subplot in which our group stakeouts a chinese restaurant thinking they're going to bust a sex-ring operation and instead find out, it's just a guy teaching english to immigrants.
The subplot wasn't great but the episode as a whole was short on laughs. Whenever Max or Brad take a backseat, the episodes suffer.
The cast works well together though and the show is entertaining. Storylines need to be strengthened though.
The subplot wasn't great but the episode as a whole was short on laughs. Whenever Max or Brad take a backseat, the episodes suffer.
The cast works well together though and the show is entertaining. Storylines need to be strengthened though.
ARE YOU THERE, CHELSEA? - Season 1.1 - PILOT
Chelsea Handler is the best thing about this show. Unfortunately, she's only in three scenes. They should've just built a show around her instead of having her play her sister.
I thought Laura Prepon was the worst thing about THAT 70's SHOW and she's not so great in this series either. She's just not funny and can't deliver a comedic line visually. That makes for a boring show when she's your lead.
I don't see this series lasting long at all. If you're going to make a series where the lead is a proponent of heavy drinking, it has to be edgy which means it has to on cable. Network tv is not the place.
I thought Laura Prepon was the worst thing about THAT 70's SHOW and she's not so great in this series either. She's just not funny and can't deliver a comedic line visually. That makes for a boring show when she's your lead.
I don't see this series lasting long at all. If you're going to make a series where the lead is a proponent of heavy drinking, it has to be edgy which means it has to on cable. Network tv is not the place.
WORK IT - Season 1.1 - PILOT
Wow. I thought NBC's FREE AGENTS was bad. WORK IT might be the worst show of the new season. How did this get past the script stage? Who thought this outdated concept would work?
In a down economy, two guys who have been unemployed for a year, dress up as women and get jobs as salepersons for a pharmaceutical company. Amaury Nolasco plays a mechanic, how would he be qualified as a saleperson? How dumb can the women in the office be to accept these two as women?
It's too much of a stretch of imagination to play. Quick cancellation here.
In a down economy, two guys who have been unemployed for a year, dress up as women and get jobs as salepersons for a pharmaceutical company. Amaury Nolasco plays a mechanic, how would he be qualified as a saleperson? How dumb can the women in the office be to accept these two as women?
It's too much of a stretch of imagination to play. Quick cancellation here.
THE WEST WING - Season 1.7 - THE STATE DINNER
This episode points out an inherent weakness with the concept of this series. All the action takes place within the White House walls. So, while they are dealing with conflicts that have dire consequences, we don't get to see those conflicted situations. It's a group of people being informed of the situations and then acting upon the information.
In this episode, we get a Waco-like standoff in Idaho. Yet, we never see the situation unfold. We just hear about it. Then, when the FBI negotiator is killed in this conflict, we don't really feel anything since we've never even met this individual. We are distanced from the action. We are so far removed from the situations that they don't register.
Now, they do a good job with the ship caught in the hurricane. The President talks to a crewman who is facing impending death aboard the ship. We hear him on a radio as he tries to explain what's happening. It's emotional but of course the impact would be much greater if we got to see this situation unfold.
The show is well-written but, being grounded in reality, we're dealing with a group that never has to face the action, never has to take part in the action, never has to involve themselves in the action. They simply sit in a room and make decisions. It's a testament to how great the writing is for the show to be this entertaining.
In this episode, we get a Waco-like standoff in Idaho. Yet, we never see the situation unfold. We just hear about it. Then, when the FBI negotiator is killed in this conflict, we don't really feel anything since we've never even met this individual. We are distanced from the action. We are so far removed from the situations that they don't register.
Now, they do a good job with the ship caught in the hurricane. The President talks to a crewman who is facing impending death aboard the ship. We hear him on a radio as he tries to explain what's happening. It's emotional but of course the impact would be much greater if we got to see this situation unfold.
The show is well-written but, being grounded in reality, we're dealing with a group that never has to face the action, never has to take part in the action, never has to involve themselves in the action. They simply sit in a room and make decisions. It's a testament to how great the writing is for the show to be this entertaining.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.7 - D-GIRL
This whole subplot with Chris going Hollywood is pointless. Jon Favreau looked completely out of place in this episode.
Big Pussy showing anguish being an informer doesn't play well either. It needs to be more dramatic. They had to work harder at showing how much against his will this act is for the anguish to play strongly.
The subplot with Tony's son becoming an existentialist is boring as well. Is this what THE SOPRANOS has come down to: questioning why we are here? They're here to run an empire. Let's get to that. The conflicts should come from the empire being threatened.
Episode is boring.
Big Pussy showing anguish being an informer doesn't play well either. It needs to be more dramatic. They had to work harder at showing how much against his will this act is for the anguish to play strongly.
The subplot with Tony's son becoming an existentialist is boring as well. Is this what THE SOPRANOS has come down to: questioning why we are here? They're here to run an empire. Let's get to that. The conflicts should come from the empire being threatened.
Episode is boring.
WHITNEY - Season 1.11 - PRIVATE PARTS
Whitney doesn't understand why Alex needs a passcode on his cellphone. She then walks in on him masturbating and tells all her friends. Episode explores boundaries in a relationship. It's nicely written and dicusses a topic that everyone in a relationship can relate to: what can be shared and what is private.
Episode provides good laughs (see Whitney's expression as she shows her friends what Alex looked like masturbating) and light entertainment.
The cast is growing on me. I'd bring this series back for another season.
Episode provides good laughs (see Whitney's expression as she shows her friends what Alex looked like masturbating) and light entertainment.
The cast is growing on me. I'd bring this series back for another season.
MODERN FAMILY - Season 3.12 - EGG DROP
The show is a treasure. Episode is about the ultracompetitiveness between Claire and Jay as they take over their sons science project (an egg drop) in order to prove who's smarter.
Subplot involves Phil's seminar about house-buying and how everyone lets him down.
The dialogue is killer. The actors are great. The show is highly entertaining. Laugh-for-laugh, it ranks up there with the all-time classics.
Subplot involves Phil's seminar about house-buying and how everyone lets him down.
The dialogue is killer. The actors are great. The show is highly entertaining. Laugh-for-laugh, it ranks up there with the all-time classics.
UNHITCHED - Season 1.3 - CONJOINED TWINS PITCH NO-HITTER
Series is growing on me. I bet if it were made today though, they would center on Rashida Jones character. The Farrelly Bros-type humor shines through in this episode when Rashida nails the disabled boy in the head, causing him to fall in the pool. Show needed more laughs like this though to breakout.
Craig Bierko can do it all. It's amazing he never reached the A-List.
Series should've went for outrageousness.
Craig Bierko can do it all. It's amazing he never reached the A-List.
Series should've went for outrageousness.
UP ALL NIGHT - Season 1.5 - MR. BOB'S TODDLER KALEIDOSCOPE
I've done a complete 180-turn on Maya Rudolph's character. The show should actually be built around her. Her self-absorption is hilarious. I love the tag at the end of her singing Eternal Flame.
Episode's about Reagan feeling she may retarding her daughter's development by not being around so much.
Episode's a high note. The laughs are there but they're supported by genuine parental fears which make the jokes funnier.
I still wouldn't bring the series for another season but Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph deserve to remain on tv.
Episode's about Reagan feeling she may retarding her daughter's development by not being around so much.
Episode's a high note. The laughs are there but they're supported by genuine parental fears which make the jokes funnier.
I still wouldn't bring the series for another season but Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph deserve to remain on tv.
2 BROKE GIRLS - Season 1.7 - AND THE PRETTY PROBLEM
Episode is well written. Max's cupcakes get turned down by a shop because they're not pretty enough. This gets into a deep-seated issue with Max about "pretty." She doesn't do pretty which speaks to her self-esteem issue. This is where the series works because Caroline is the perfect partner for her. Caroline talks her up and gets Max to take a class to learn how to make prettier cupcakes.
It's here that Max and Caroline meet two snooty, Jersery Shore-type women that run their own bakery. Max is able to make a pretty cupcake that meets their approval which is then immediately smashes on the table. She doesn't need anyone to define "pretty" for her.
The series would be better if they examined these types of issues more in-depth. Here, the self-esteem issue is glossed over.
The series would become even stronger if they didn't go for the laugh every single time and instead tempered the jokes with real, heartfelt emotions. The two leads are strong, let them shine.
It's here that Max and Caroline meet two snooty, Jersery Shore-type women that run their own bakery. Max is able to make a pretty cupcake that meets their approval which is then immediately smashes on the table. She doesn't need anyone to define "pretty" for her.
The series would be better if they examined these types of issues more in-depth. Here, the self-esteem issue is glossed over.
The series would become even stronger if they didn't go for the laugh every single time and instead tempered the jokes with real, heartfelt emotions. The two leads are strong, let them shine.
FINAL DESTINATION 5
This installment brings a new plot element to the franchise. It's theorized that if you are fated to die, you can cheat death by murdering someone. That person takes your death and you get all of that victim's remaining time.
That should've been a great plot point to explore. The survivors, while on the lookout for death, would have to worry about one another's murderous thoughts. Sadly though, the plot point isn't fully realized.
The ending tries to tie into the original film by having the survivors board the doomed Flight 180. However, in the first film, that plane exploded right after take-off. Here, the flight is traveling above the ocean already when it meets its fiery fate.
I hated Eric Heisserer's scripts for the prequel to THE THING and the remake of NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET because they don't standout on their own, relaying on the original films to supply the info. Here, he does a better job but the script is still standard-fare.
That should've been a great plot point to explore. The survivors, while on the lookout for death, would have to worry about one another's murderous thoughts. Sadly though, the plot point isn't fully realized.
The ending tries to tie into the original film by having the survivors board the doomed Flight 180. However, in the first film, that plane exploded right after take-off. Here, the flight is traveling above the ocean already when it meets its fiery fate.
I hated Eric Heisserer's scripts for the prequel to THE THING and the remake of NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET because they don't standout on their own, relaying on the original films to supply the info. Here, he does a better job but the script is still standard-fare.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.6 - THE HAPPY WANDERER
Tensions are growing between Tony and Richie with Tony's sister fanning the flames. Aida Turturro is really a replacement for the Tony's grandmother. She now does the backroom scheming for the show.
Robert Patrick joins the cast as a classmate of Tony's who gets in deep to Tony and Richie with gambling debts.
Frank Sinatra, Jr turns up, playing himself, playing poker in an executive card game that Tony takes over from Junior. He does a nice job.
Tony finds out that he had a mentally disabled uncle.
The episode, like Tony's anger, simmers and smolders. The explosion can't be far off.
Robert Patrick joins the cast as a classmate of Tony's who gets in deep to Tony and Richie with gambling debts.
Frank Sinatra, Jr turns up, playing himself, playing poker in an executive card game that Tony takes over from Junior. He does a nice job.
Tony finds out that he had a mentally disabled uncle.
The episode, like Tony's anger, simmers and smolders. The explosion can't be far off.
THE SHIELD - Season 5.1 - EXTRACTION
Forest Whitaker joins the cast this season as IAD looking to take down Vic. And it looks like they're going to use Curtis to nail him.
That's a good plotline. THE SHIELD works best when Vic is facing extreme exposure. That's when the moral dilemma is at its highest.
We've got a war brewing between the African Americans and Hispanics which is reaching down into the school system.
Danni is pregnant and she isn't revealing who the father is. This is entertaining with the station house betting on who's the father.
Season opener isn't as explosive as it could be but it's off to a good start.
That's a good plotline. THE SHIELD works best when Vic is facing extreme exposure. That's when the moral dilemma is at its highest.
We've got a war brewing between the African Americans and Hispanics which is reaching down into the school system.
Danni is pregnant and she isn't revealing who the father is. This is entertaining with the station house betting on who's the father.
Season opener isn't as explosive as it could be but it's off to a good start.
THE WEST WING - Season 1.6 - MR. WILLIS OF OHIO
Episode centers on the census. A rather boring topic. Mr. Willis of Ohio is a congressman who has taken the seat of his late wife. He's an extremely well-written character, portraying an "everyman" who shows Toby that the people aren't dumb and that politics can sometimes get in the way of what's right and what's wrong.
Bradlety Whitford is funny as hell. Rob Lowe does a great job. Allison Janney is terrific. The cast brings the characters to life, showing humanity, inelligence and at all times, a passion for what they do. That is effectively entertaining.
Bradlety Whitford is funny as hell. Rob Lowe does a great job. Allison Janney is terrific. The cast brings the characters to life, showing humanity, inelligence and at all times, a passion for what they do. That is effectively entertaining.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.7 - SATISFACTION
Callie Thorne plays such a crazy character. It's a testament to her skills that we hate her actions while at the same time feel sorry for her. She makes "pathetic" understanding.
Tommy and Marisa Tomei are still out to mess with his ex-wife and brother. This subplot seems pointless. Where can it really go? Tommy's already delivered the beat-down to end all beat-downs. That's the ending of this plot. Why keep going back to this well? What could be more explosive than the beat-down?
Then there's Tatum O'Neal getting turned on when Sean beats up people. This series really doesn't treat its female characters well. They're all psychotic with deep-seated issued.
The show is hysterical but it's missing the drama that regularly set this series ontop.
Tommy and Marisa Tomei are still out to mess with his ex-wife and brother. This subplot seems pointless. Where can it really go? Tommy's already delivered the beat-down to end all beat-downs. That's the ending of this plot. Why keep going back to this well? What could be more explosive than the beat-down?
Then there's Tatum O'Neal getting turned on when Sean beats up people. This series really doesn't treat its female characters well. They're all psychotic with deep-seated issued.
The show is hysterical but it's missing the drama that regularly set this series ontop.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.5 - BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY
So now Chris wants to be an actor. They had a couple of scenes where Chris talks about writing scripts for Hollywood but to now make it an avenue to pursue seems like filler. Isn't there anything more interesting you can do with his character.
Furio comes to New Jersey and we see he's fully capable of delivering a beating.
Tony catches Richie with his sister. Nothing has come from this impending confrontation but it's sure to be explosive.
Episode feels like an extended set-up. Needs more action.
Furio comes to New Jersey and we see he's fully capable of delivering a beating.
Tony catches Richie with his sister. Nothing has come from this impending confrontation but it's sure to be explosive.
Episode feels like an extended set-up. Needs more action.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
THE SHIELD - Season 4.13 - AIN'T THAT A SHAME
Season conclusion is a letdown. Glenn Close commits career suicide by seizing another house and going behind the DEA's back to capture their top criminal which nullifies their deal with Anthony Anderson.
The reason why this season isn't as good as the others is because Vic's not in any danger. The show works best when Vic's straddling the line between criminal and cop. Hopefully, they'll get back to that in Season Five.
The reason why this season isn't as good as the others is because Vic's not in any danger. The show works best when Vic's straddling the line between criminal and cop. Hopefully, they'll get back to that in Season Five.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.6 - ZOMBIES
Sean accidentally takes the wrong pill which causes sleepwalking. He hilariously sleepdrives and sleepshops in a grocery store providing one of the funniest sequences in the series so far.
Tommy's ex-wife shows up and screws him like he did her. It's hard to tell what her motives are. Does she want to get back together with him? Does she just want him to know what he's missing?
The ending shows Callie Thorne in a complete rage when she learns that Tommy has been out with Marisa Tomei. Big laugh there.
While this episode delivers the laughs, the drama is missing. Tommy's character works best when he's going through angst.
Tommy's ex-wife shows up and screws him like he did her. It's hard to tell what her motives are. Does she want to get back together with him? Does she just want him to know what he's missing?
The ending shows Callie Thorne in a complete rage when she learns that Tommy has been out with Marisa Tomei. Big laugh there.
While this episode delivers the laughs, the drama is missing. Tommy's character works best when he's going through angst.
THE WEST WING - Season 1.5 - THE CRACKPOTS AND THESE WOMEN
Episode drags. Leo forces the staff to take meetings with the people. People that don't normally have access to the White House but nevertheless, people that they work for and represent. So, we get a guy that claims there's UFOs and another interest group that wants money for a "wolves only" highway.
Episode feels like filler. Almost as if they didn't think they'd have to produce more than four episodes and then had to quickly throw this one together.
We meet the President's daughter who catches Charlie's eye.
Even the dialogue, which is normally its strength, falters in this episode.
Episode feels like filler. Almost as if they didn't think they'd have to produce more than four episodes and then had to quickly throw this one together.
We meet the President's daughter who catches Charlie's eye.
Even the dialogue, which is normally its strength, falters in this episode.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
UNHITCHED - Season 1.2 - WOMAN MARRIES HORSE
The zaniness factor is upped considerably and the comedy is more in line with what we expect coming from the Farrelly brothers.
In this episode, Craig Bierko dates an amazing woman who has a minor flaw...she has a skin tag growing on her back shaped like a small shrimp. Bierko is just unable to get around that no matter how hard he tries. Finally, he enlists Tommy to rip it off right before the woman confides that she keeps the skin tag because her mother told her it's like an angel's wing.
Rashida Jones dates a seemingly great guy who turns out to be an air-guitar player. Seems to be the same joke from the pilot except for the fact that that date was the Celtics mascot. She's wasted in this role.
The zaniness needs to go up about eighty percent higher for the show to have had a chance.
In this episode, Craig Bierko dates an amazing woman who has a minor flaw...she has a skin tag growing on her back shaped like a small shrimp. Bierko is just unable to get around that no matter how hard he tries. Finally, he enlists Tommy to rip it off right before the woman confides that she keeps the skin tag because her mother told her it's like an angel's wing.
Rashida Jones dates a seemingly great guy who turns out to be an air-guitar player. Seems to be the same joke from the pilot except for the fact that that date was the Celtics mascot. She's wasted in this role.
The zaniness needs to go up about eighty percent higher for the show to have had a chance.
I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER - Season 1.4 - TEENAGE DATING
Jaime Pressly's starts dating a sixteen year...who has an infant son. Of course Jaime's beside herself until it turns out that the boyfriend starts to have a positive effect upon her daughter.
The problem with the series is the characters don't grab us. The daughters are always bitchy or sullen. That gets boring in a hurry. And the mothers are always frazzled. Unlike MODERN FAMILY, there's isn't an ounce of real human emotion behind the jokes.
It's a bad sitcom without any recognizable characters.
The problem with the series is the characters don't grab us. The daughters are always bitchy or sullen. That gets boring in a hurry. And the mothers are always frazzled. Unlike MODERN FAMILY, there's isn't an ounce of real human emotion behind the jokes.
It's a bad sitcom without any recognizable characters.
UP ALL NIGHT - Season 1.4 - NEW CAR
Episode has our leadng couple having to buy a kid-friendly, soccer mom-type of car which they detest.
Subplot involves Ava wanting her show to become more hard-hitting so she can have gravitas.
Episode's funny. The cast is jelling. Ava seems funnier not. Still, it's not strong enough to warrant another season. There's just not enough material to sustain the show.
Subplot involves Ava wanting her show to become more hard-hitting so she can have gravitas.
Episode's funny. The cast is jelling. Ava seems funnier not. Still, it's not strong enough to warrant another season. There's just not enough material to sustain the show.
JIMI
Finished this script by Max Borenstein.
Wasn't too impressed with this recounting of Hendrix life. Brings up this plot device of tarot cards, having them point out important women in Jimi's life as he spins out of control, becoming suicidal. Turns out, he's never gotten over the death of his mother and is overcome with the guilt and the pain of her passing. I found the tarot cards hokey, rolling my eyes when each card takes on the persona of the women that pass through.
The script doesn't dig deep enough to reveal Jimi's mastery of the guitar. It doesn't explain his genius. Sure he's a tortured artist but we need more celebration of that artistry.
Wasn't too impressed with this recounting of Hendrix life. Brings up this plot device of tarot cards, having them point out important women in Jimi's life as he spins out of control, becoming suicidal. Turns out, he's never gotten over the death of his mother and is overcome with the guilt and the pain of her passing. I found the tarot cards hokey, rolling my eyes when each card takes on the persona of the women that pass through.
The script doesn't dig deep enough to reveal Jimi's mastery of the guitar. It doesn't explain his genius. Sure he's a tortured artist but we need more celebration of that artistry.
THE SHIELD - Season 4.12 - JUDAS PRIEST
Acevedo's past comes back to haunt him. The convict that forced him to orally copulate him now wants out or else he's going to tell everyone what happened. Acevedo's leverage is gone because the grandmother he will threaten has died last month from cancer.
Panicked, Acevedo makes a deal with Anthony Anderson. Take care of his blackmailer and Acevedo will pull strings with the DEA, giving Anderson immunity.
Turns out though that Anderson ordered the killing of the two officers. When Glenn Close finds out Acevedo brokered the deal that will set Anderson free, she angrily confronts him.
All this is good but the conflicts just aren't as dire when they don't directly involve Vic. Season four so far has been a letdown.
Panicked, Acevedo makes a deal with Anthony Anderson. Take care of his blackmailer and Acevedo will pull strings with the DEA, giving Anderson immunity.
Turns out though that Anderson ordered the killing of the two officers. When Glenn Close finds out Acevedo brokered the deal that will set Anderson free, she angrily confronts him.
All this is good but the conflicts just aren't as dire when they don't directly involve Vic. Season four so far has been a letdown.
2 BROKE GIRLS - Season 1.5 - AND THE DISAPPEARING BED
Episode has Caroline trying to build a murphy bed in the apartment. She's made a vision board and sets out to accomplish her goals - getting nine hours of sleep a night is one of them.
Max has an awkward moment with Johnny as she bites the celery he offers her. It's good to see her havinig vulnerable moments because it makes her character all the more endearing.
Max has an awkward moment with Johnny as she bites the celery he offers her. It's good to see her havinig vulnerable moments because it makes her character all the more endearing.
UP ALL NIGHT - Season 1.3 - WORKING LATE AND WORKING IT
Episode's about Chris feeling that Reagan has lost her sexiness. He's made a romantic dinner for her after she comes home late and she proceeds to scarf it down while wearing a sweatshirt.
A subplot has Ava going nuts over her ex-bf, an ex-boy-band heartthrob that stole all her money and cheating with everyone.
Maya Rudolph is funny but her character is too over-the-top for the laughs to be genuine. Will Arnett has some nice moments in this episode but the show feels like it's missing a plot. The engine of "coming to grips with parenthood" seems to have gotten lost.
A subplot has Ava going nuts over her ex-bf, an ex-boy-band heartthrob that stole all her money and cheating with everyone.
Maya Rudolph is funny but her character is too over-the-top for the laughs to be genuine. Will Arnett has some nice moments in this episode but the show feels like it's missing a plot. The engine of "coming to grips with parenthood" seems to have gotten lost.
WHITNEY - Season 1.10 - CHRISTMAS IS CUMMINGS
Peter Gallagher guest-stars as Whitney's dad and gives a perfect example of an actor bringing an underwritten role to life. He makes the character memorable opening the door for a recurring part.
Episode's about Whitney and Alex not wanting to be with their parents this Christmas so they make up a lie about going on a cruise.
This brings up a lying issue that Whitney feels she's learned from her parents. When the cruise ruse is exposed, she vows to tell the truth.
Episode is a standard sitcom episode. Doesn't go too deep but by being this way, the show becomes faceless without a pulse.
Series has a lot of possibilities but instead of veering off into different directions, they're content to drive safely down the middle of the road.
Episode's about Whitney and Alex not wanting to be with their parents this Christmas so they make up a lie about going on a cruise.
This brings up a lying issue that Whitney feels she's learned from her parents. When the cruise ruse is exposed, she vows to tell the truth.
Episode is a standard sitcom episode. Doesn't go too deep but by being this way, the show becomes faceless without a pulse.
Series has a lot of possibilities but instead of veering off into different directions, they're content to drive safely down the middle of the road.
COMMUNITY - Season 3.10 - REGIONAL HOLIDAY MUSIC
Again, which show is more creative than this? Episode is a mash-up of GLEE and INVASION OF THE BODYSNATCHERS. Jeff diabolically gets the Glee Club shut down only to have the Glee Instructor recruit them one by one to join Glee.
The members beome cult-like as they place an importance on winning Regionals. It's a hilarious send-up of Glee down to having the Instructor wearing a sweater vest and having a complete stranger in the study-room seated behind a piano.
The jokes aren't always there but the attempt is. Kudos to the writing staff for consistently spinning the sitcom format upon its head.
The members beome cult-like as they place an importance on winning Regionals. It's a hilarious send-up of Glee down to having the Instructor wearing a sweater vest and having a complete stranger in the study-room seated behind a piano.
The jokes aren't always there but the attempt is. Kudos to the writing staff for consistently spinning the sitcom format upon its head.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.4 - COMMENDATORI
Richie's barely in this episode. Tony and the crew go to Italy to shore up some business. Trip seeme pointless. Tony gets a new lieutenant but the trip itself proves fruitless dramatically. It's as if the plot decided to go on vacation with them.
Series is faltering in these early episodes. Same as Season 1. Only Tony's personality keeps the show from being boring. They need to come up with plots that match his fiery temper.
Series is faltering in these early episodes. Same as Season 1. Only Tony's personality keeps the show from being boring. They need to come up with plots that match his fiery temper.
2 BROKE GIRLS - Season 1.5 - AND THE 90'S HORSE PARTY
The series relies on the patter between the two leads for its humor. That's good because the plot in this episode is boring. The girls throw a 90's-themed party at the diner to earn money to pay off Max's bills. Standard idea. No real conflict there.
Caroline's ex-boyfriend shows up which could be the missing conflict but Caroline opts to hide out in the freezer thus keeping the conflict missing. He shows up again but Caroline this time runs out the front door. So they never confront one another. Missed opportunity to get into some issues. He could have put her down and made her feel small which would've killed off her self-esteem. That could've led to some interesting conflict. However, the show's about it's snappy patter so a deep-seated issue doesn't have its place here.
Series stumbles with this episode.
Caroline's ex-boyfriend shows up which could be the missing conflict but Caroline opts to hide out in the freezer thus keeping the conflict missing. He shows up again but Caroline this time runs out the front door. So they never confront one another. Missed opportunity to get into some issues. He could have put her down and made her feel small which would've killed off her self-esteem. That could've led to some interesting conflict. However, the show's about it's snappy patter so a deep-seated issue doesn't have its place here.
Series stumbles with this episode.
Monday, January 9, 2012
THE LOOP - Season 1.1. - PILOT
Pilot episode about a young exec at an failing airline company who's madly in love with a girl that just sees him as a friend. Bret Harrison (REAPER) stars and Eric Christian Olsen plays his older brother in this show which doesn't have too much going for it.
Mimi Rogers turns up as a sexually female exec who's always harrassing Harrison's character. She makes the most of her scenes. Not too much can be said about anyone else.
Badly executed. Needs a whole lot more laughs if it was going to have a shot at success.
Mimi Rogers turns up as a sexually female exec who's always harrassing Harrison's character. She makes the most of her scenes. Not too much can be said about anyone else.
Badly executed. Needs a whole lot more laughs if it was going to have a shot at success.
UNHITCHED - Season 1.1 - PILOT
Series is from the Farrelly brothers. Craig Beirko stars in this series about a guy that's just out of a marriage and is reentering the single life.
Very uneven show. It's nice to see Rashida Jones pop up as a supporting character even though her scenes are not funny. She goes out with a short guy who turns out to be the mascot for the Boston Celtics.
I'm not quite sure what Johnny Sneed's character does on the show, I'm just sure he doesn't add anything whatsoever.
There's nothing here to sustain a series.
Pass.
Very uneven show. It's nice to see Rashida Jones pop up as a supporting character even though her scenes are not funny. She goes out with a short guy who turns out to be the mascot for the Boston Celtics.
I'm not quite sure what Johnny Sneed's character does on the show, I'm just sure he doesn't add anything whatsoever.
There's nothing here to sustain a series.
Pass.
2 BROKE GIRLS - Season 1.4 - AND THE RICH PEOPLE PROBLEMS
Kat Dennings is a star. She's just got "it." Totally watchable. Her line readings are hilarious. She manages to get laughs out of her body language. She's a comedic star.
Episode's about the two leads breaking into Caroline's old place to retrieve her bite-guard. Max is overwhelmed by the place and falls in love with the jacuzzi/tub.
Betsy and Kat play off each other to perfection. I think these two could read at atlas and entertain us. The show is a hit because of them.
Episode's about the two leads breaking into Caroline's old place to retrieve her bite-guard. Max is overwhelmed by the place and falls in love with the jacuzzi/tub.
Betsy and Kat play off each other to perfection. I think these two could read at atlas and entertain us. The show is a hit because of them.
MODERN FAMILY - Season 3.11 - LIFETIME SUPPLY
Episode's about Phil waiting on a doctor's call to see if he's dying. Of course it doesn't matter when his lifetime supply of razor blades which he won on a gameshow fifteen years ago runs out. Nor the fact that Gloria has had a deam in which she saw a black mouse which always portends trouble.
Gloria's ex and Jay also take Manny to the track where Jay bets on logic using the racing sheet as his guide while Manny's father simply looks into the horse's eyes and speaks to them.
The last subplot involves Cam and Mitchell fighting over the placement of their trophies on the mantle.
Show lacks the usual high number of laughs it normally provides. One of their weaker efforts but the episode's still better than seventy percent of all sitcoms currently airing.
Gloria's ex and Jay also take Manny to the track where Jay bets on logic using the racing sheet as his guide while Manny's father simply looks into the horse's eyes and speaks to them.
The last subplot involves Cam and Mitchell fighting over the placement of their trophies on the mantle.
Show lacks the usual high number of laughs it normally provides. One of their weaker efforts but the episode's still better than seventy percent of all sitcoms currently airing.
COMMUNITY - Season 3.9 - FOOSBALL AND NOCTURNAL VIGILANTISM
Episode's about Jeff getting sucking into a foosball game with some German rejects. Turns out Shirley is an excellent foosball player however when Jeff asks for help, they learn that they have met before when they were children. Seems Shirley beat the heck out of Jeff at a rec center and made him pee his pants.
The plot has Annie accidentally breaking Abed's Batman disc and tries to cover up this fact by saying it's been stolen.
Again, breaking up the foosball plot with a Japanese-style animation sequence is hilarious. What other sitcom does things like this? They take chances which is refreshing to see on network tv.
The plot has Annie accidentally breaking Abed's Batman disc and tries to cover up this fact by saying it's been stolen.
Again, breaking up the foosball plot with a Japanese-style animation sequence is hilarious. What other sitcom does things like this? They take chances which is refreshing to see on network tv.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.3 - TOODLE-FUCKING-OO
Episode's about Richie getting out of jail and immediately clashing with the way things are now done. This is the conflict we've been waiting for. An enemy in the ranks. He's from the old school and looks to be a worthy adversary.
Tony sees Dr. Melfi in the restaurant and does his best to ignore her. She's such a needless character. What does she really bring to the story? We don't want Tony to change because if he did, we wouldn't have a series. We could drop her now and not miss a beat.
Tony sees Dr. Melfi in the restaurant and does his best to ignore her. She's such a needless character. What does she really bring to the story? We don't want Tony to change because if he did, we wouldn't have a series. We could drop her now and not miss a beat.
THE WEST WING - Season 1.9 - THE SHORT LIST
Episode's about President Bartlett appointing a new Supreme Court Justice. Turns out, the candidate everyone's supporting believes that the Constitution doesn't guarantee an individual's privacy. So, Bartlett and his team have to quickly change course and appoint Edward James Olmos to the bench.
Hard to believe Olmos would take this job. His character has to become a recurring role. If not, what a waste of his talents.
The dialogue is fast and furious and there's a smugness to the characters in regards to their IQs. However, they are likeable which makes the show highly entertaining.
We just need the plotlines to pick up.
Hard to believe Olmos would take this job. His character has to become a recurring role. If not, what a waste of his talents.
The dialogue is fast and furious and there's a smugness to the characters in regards to their IQs. However, they are likeable which makes the show highly entertaining.
We just need the plotlines to pick up.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.2 - DO NOT RESUSCITATE
Junior is released from jail and put on home detention. Meanwhile, Tony's mother is still manipulating anyone that comes to her hospital bed. Tony's sister has her own agenda and she's insistent on keeping her mother's house.
It also looks like Big Pussy may be a stoolie afterall.
Episode's dull without any major action. Show reveals that Tony's working with a protester to squeeze more dough out of a building contractor. Shows how they will prey on anyone.
Season needs to come up with big conflicts in a hurry.
It also looks like Big Pussy may be a stoolie afterall.
Episode's dull without any major action. Show reveals that Tony's working with a protester to squeeze more dough out of a building contractor. Shows how they will prey on anyone.
Season needs to come up with big conflicts in a hurry.
THE SHIELD - Season 4.11 - A THOUSAND DEATHS
Vic's crew is still on the hunt for the cop killers all the while, Shane and Army face having to beat a lie detector test in order to save their careers.
Vic's wife confronts Wagenbach, wanting to know if dating her is just a way at getting back at Vic.
Without a major villain, the episode falls apart. The sense of urgency has dissolved. The tension has dissipated. What happened to the dramatic conflict?
Vic's wife confronts Wagenbach, wanting to know if dating her is just a way at getting back at Vic.
Without a major villain, the episode falls apart. The sense of urgency has dissolved. The tension has dissipated. What happened to the dramatic conflict?
TV: RESCUE ME - Season 3.5 - CHLAMYDIA
Marisa Tomei turns up as Tommy's brother's ex-wife. As with Susan Sarandon, I can't help but wonder why she's taking on this role. There's nothing about it that stands out.
Susan Sarandon has run off with Franco's daughter. That's something I didn't see coming but since the series doesn't make it a major plot, the conflict seems muted.
Turns out the teacher Tommy's been sleeping with wasn't just sleeping with his nephew. She gets busted for having sex with a couple of other students and worse, they have come down with chlamydia.
Tatum O'Neal's character is shown to be psychotic, juggling four guys at once.
However, there doesn't seem to be a major plot driving this season. Without one, the episodes don't stand out.
Susan Sarandon has run off with Franco's daughter. That's something I didn't see coming but since the series doesn't make it a major plot, the conflict seems muted.
Turns out the teacher Tommy's been sleeping with wasn't just sleeping with his nephew. She gets busted for having sex with a couple of other students and worse, they have come down with chlamydia.
Tatum O'Neal's character is shown to be psychotic, juggling four guys at once.
However, there doesn't seem to be a major plot driving this season. Without one, the episodes don't stand out.
THE SHIELD - Season 4.10 - BACK IN THE HOLE
Anti-climatic. We have this frenzied search for the dead girl's body and the resolution is, the cops are going to find her at any second so let's just go to the captain and tell her the truth? They could've done that at anytime.
And then we get this huge build-up to Anthony Anderson's character - he knows all the dirt on the cops - and all we get is him signing a confession and going away to prison? Where's the action in that?
This is an example of a great set-up and no payoff. Of going out with a whimper instead of a bang.
And then we get this huge build-up to Anthony Anderson's character - he knows all the dirt on the cops - and all we get is him signing a confession and going away to prison? Where's the action in that?
This is an example of a great set-up and no payoff. Of going out with a whimper instead of a bang.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
NIKITA - Season 1.3 - KILL JILL
Show feels like a retread of ALIAS without the strong supporting cast. Here, we get a reporter on the trail of exposing the work of the Division. However, she's completely unaware of how powerful the Division truly is and Maggie Q comes to the rescue.
The Division is boring. The plots are stale. The action is ho-hum. There's no reason at all to continue this series.
The conflict is minimal. How badass can the Division be if they are endangered by one individual?
Cancel!
The Division is boring. The plots are stale. The action is ho-hum. There's no reason at all to continue this series.
The conflict is minimal. How badass can the Division be if they are endangered by one individual?
Cancel!
OFF THE MAP - Season 1.4 - ON THE MEAN STREETS OF SAN MIGUEL
Episode's about a patient, a beloved figure who takes care of the villagers, who turns out to be a Nazi criminal. He's terminal and the conflict becomes, do the doctors let him drift away peacefully or keep him alive in order to be prosecuted.
Kinda boring. Again, without the anaconda or huge stingray endangering the patients, show seems forced. We're with characters that we don't care about involved in boring situations.
The showing is missing conflict between the characters.
Kinda boring. Again, without the anaconda or huge stingray endangering the patients, show seems forced. We're with characters that we don't care about involved in boring situations.
The showing is missing conflict between the characters.
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER - Season 6.11 - THE MERMAID THEORY
Episode posits a theory that any man, if they're around a woman long enough, will eventually start to see that woman as a sexy thing. It may take years but it will happen.
Ted and Zoey become closer which causes conflict since Zoey is married to the Captain who strikes fear in Ted's heart.
The episodes seem tired. The plots aren't compelling. The jokes are flat. This series seems to be running on fumes now. It's time to close the door.
Ted and Zoey become closer which causes conflict since Zoey is married to the Captain who strikes fear in Ted's heart.
The episodes seem tired. The plots aren't compelling. The jokes are flat. This series seems to be running on fumes now. It's time to close the door.
THE MIDDLE - Season 2.1 - BACK TO SCHOOL
Season two opener's about the Heck family adjusting to the new school year. Patricia Heaton, bothered by the fact that they always seem to be running around, vows to get ontop of things this year. She has everyone waking up early and organizes all of their activities. Of course, this only serves to make matters worse.
The show is funny. It has the goofiest looking cast of kids on tv but they all manage to bring their characters to life.
The show is heartwarming because even the parents are inept most of the time, it wins us over because they are always trying their best.
No one was more surprised than me when the show became a hit but now I fully understand why.
The show is funny. It has the goofiest looking cast of kids on tv but they all manage to bring their characters to life.
The show is heartwarming because even the parents are inept most of the time, it wins us over because they are always trying their best.
No one was more surprised than me when the show became a hit but now I fully understand why.
MODERN FAMILY - Season 3.10 - EXPRESS CHRISTMAS
This isn't another series on the air that consistently hits the high notes like MODERN FAMILY. It just might be the best show on the air right now bar none.
Episode's about the family realizing that this will be the last time they all get together before the holidays. So even though it's only December 16, they rush about like madmen to put together a Christmas party...with diastrous results.
The writing and acting are again top-notch. Every single character is funny while the scenes have a nice blend of visual humor and laugh aloud dialogue.
All the emmys are clearly deserved.
Episode's about the family realizing that this will be the last time they all get together before the holidays. So even though it's only December 16, they rush about like madmen to put together a Christmas party...with diastrous results.
The writing and acting are again top-notch. Every single character is funny while the scenes have a nice blend of visual humor and laugh aloud dialogue.
All the emmys are clearly deserved.
COMMUNITY - Season 3.8 - DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING - REDUX
Episode's a takeoff of the documentary about the making of APOCALYPSE NOW. COMMUNITY is fresh, innovative and knows how to send up pop-culture while embracing it at the same time.
Tying in the Dean going crazy to Francis Ford Coppola's own crisis making APOCALYPSE NOW is great. Having Luis Guzman come in to help shoot the commercial is funny. And then having Abed save the day works.
COMMUNITY can be a hit or miss venture. This episode shines brightly.
Tying in the Dean going crazy to Francis Ford Coppola's own crisis making APOCALYPSE NOW is great. Having Luis Guzman come in to help shoot the commercial is funny. And then having Abed save the day works.
COMMUNITY can be a hit or miss venture. This episode shines brightly.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 2.1 - GUY WALKS INTO A PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE
Season two's opening is underwhelming. The subplots feel undercooked. A good example of this is having Bug Pussy return...from a trip to Puerto Rico. Big deal. That's all that was. The guy disappeared without a trace. We're expecting something sinister.
The grandmother, without any more moves to make, is a non-factor. Stuck in a hospital with Junior in jail, she now has no way of pulling off her schemes thus rendering her character impotent.
Tony's sister arriving portends trouble but nothing has happened yet.
Chris taking over a brokerage firm seems boring.
Tony's in need of therapy but gets turned down by Dr. Melfi. All of this adds up to a big whoop. Let's get into some action already.
The grandmother, without any more moves to make, is a non-factor. Stuck in a hospital with Junior in jail, she now has no way of pulling off her schemes thus rendering her character impotent.
Tony's sister arriving portends trouble but nothing has happened yet.
Chris taking over a brokerage firm seems boring.
Tony's in need of therapy but gets turned down by Dr. Melfi. All of this adds up to a big whoop. Let's get into some action already.
WHITNEY - Season 1.9 - UP ALL NIGHT
When did Lily start speaking with her hands? The scenes are funny but I don't recall this characteristic being on display before.
Show's about Whitney becoming Lily's maid of honor which brings up Whitney's fears of marriage and commitment.
Episode shows how to successfully create a guest-starring role. Chelsea Handler kills it. She stands out in her scenes and the character is funny enough to becoming a recurring role. Great writing there.
As I thought, Roxanne's subplot with Neal has been dropped completely. If developed, that would make for compelling conflict.
Show isn't exactly drop-dead funny but it doesn't make me want to change the channel either.
Show's about Whitney becoming Lily's maid of honor which brings up Whitney's fears of marriage and commitment.
Episode shows how to successfully create a guest-starring role. Chelsea Handler kills it. She stands out in her scenes and the character is funny enough to becoming a recurring role. Great writing there.
As I thought, Roxanne's subplot with Neal has been dropped completely. If developed, that would make for compelling conflict.
Show isn't exactly drop-dead funny but it doesn't make me want to change the channel either.
THE SHIELD - Season 4.9 - STRING THEORY
Farmington is on the verge of exploding as the bodies of the two dead officers are found in a house that had been previously seized under Glenn Close's watch.
Mackey and his crew have to balance on the high wire since Anthony Anderson has dirt on them that can put them all away.
Shawn Ryan creates volatile situations and proceeds to wring every ounce of tension and drama he can from these plots. The show is terrific with outstanding performances all around.
There isn't a single one-dimensional character to be found. Everyone is deeped layered and the conflicts run deep. The series is a prime example of excellent tv.
Mackey and his crew have to balance on the high wire since Anthony Anderson has dirt on them that can put them all away.
Shawn Ryan creates volatile situations and proceeds to wring every ounce of tension and drama he can from these plots. The show is terrific with outstanding performances all around.
There isn't a single one-dimensional character to be found. Everyone is deeped layered and the conflicts run deep. The series is a prime example of excellent tv.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
THE SYLVIAN EXPERIMENT
What a piece of shit! Here's a Japanese horror film that isn't in any danger of being remade in America. Film is confusing with unrecognizable characters and is extremely boring instead of horrifying.
Story has a brain surgeon discovering that if you stimulate the sylvian fissure in the brain, it will bring about hallucinations. The doctor begins experimenting on her own daughter. Somewhere along the way, we get theories about the afterlife, vampires, a virgin pregnancy and a villain that will somehow eat everyone on the planet.
Terrible! The kind of movie that makes you want to stop movies altogether.
Hard to believe Hiroshi Takahashi was responsible for some of the RINGU scripts. Here, he shows he doesn't possess an ounce of talent.
Story has a brain surgeon discovering that if you stimulate the sylvian fissure in the brain, it will bring about hallucinations. The doctor begins experimenting on her own daughter. Somewhere along the way, we get theories about the afterlife, vampires, a virgin pregnancy and a villain that will somehow eat everyone on the planet.
Terrible! The kind of movie that makes you want to stop movies altogether.
Hard to believe Hiroshi Takahashi was responsible for some of the RINGU scripts. Here, he shows he doesn't possess an ounce of talent.
THE SPORANOS - Season 1.13 - I DEAAM OF JEANNIE CUSAMANO
Tony gains his revenge for the attempt on his life by having Junior's right-hand man whacked while personally killing another of his uncle's crew.
After listening to FBI tapes, Tony knows now what he's been fearing - his own mother was instrumental in the assassination attempt. He comes to the hospital to kill her only to find that she's suffered a stroke which he thinks she's faked. She smiles at him as they wheel her away to an ambulance.
The show is great because the characters are amazing. We love every single member of Tony's crew. They're comedic yet at the same time, extremely capable of dishing out violence. The reason why David Chase is a genuis is because he's able to show us the hearts inside the monsters.
The series isn't mind-blowing in this first season but you can see it picking up speed, making you want to stay on for the ride to see where it's going.
After listening to FBI tapes, Tony knows now what he's been fearing - his own mother was instrumental in the assassination attempt. He comes to the hospital to kill her only to find that she's suffered a stroke which he thinks she's faked. She smiles at him as they wheel her away to an ambulance.
The show is great because the characters are amazing. We love every single member of Tony's crew. They're comedic yet at the same time, extremely capable of dishing out violence. The reason why David Chase is a genuis is because he's able to show us the hearts inside the monsters.
The series isn't mind-blowing in this first season but you can see it picking up speed, making you want to stay on for the ride to see where it's going.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 1.12 - ISABELLA
Tony becomes smitten by an Italian beauty named Isabella who's staying at his neighbor's house. She offers a glimpse into a peaceful world that he longs for. An uncomplicated life. She's a woman that still dries her freshly washed clothes the old-fashion way - outdoors on a line.
This illusion though is quickly shatters at Junior's hit on Tony goes down. Tony thwarts the two assassins however and for the first time in awhile, feels alive. It's here that we realize, Tony may long for a simpler life but he was born to live this one. He actually enjoys the assassination attempt, laughing as he narrowly escapes the hit. He gets his juices flowing. This is a man that embraces violence.
David Chase has created a detailed series full of complex characters. Even the Priest is a schemer, out for his own gains.
Tony's mother is manipulative to her core. She now fakes senility, always knowing how to play another card.
Highly entertaining.
This illusion though is quickly shatters at Junior's hit on Tony goes down. Tony thwarts the two assassins however and for the first time in awhile, feels alive. It's here that we realize, Tony may long for a simpler life but he was born to live this one. He actually enjoys the assassination attempt, laughing as he narrowly escapes the hit. He gets his juices flowing. This is a man that embraces violence.
David Chase has created a detailed series full of complex characters. Even the Priest is a schemer, out for his own gains.
Tony's mother is manipulative to her core. She now fakes senility, always knowing how to play another card.
Highly entertaining.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.4 - SPARKS
Episode ends with Denis screwing his ex-wife partly in revenge for his brother being with her. That scene points out what makes this show so great. It's about human dysfuntion at its best. This is a deeply flawed guy that's so screwed up he would beat his brother within an inch of his life and then go out and freeze his sperm so he can bring perpetuate the family name.
That scene is about rape, anger, frustration, sex, love, forgiveness, self-revulsion, new beginnings and closure all at the same time. You want to talk about complexities, it doesn't come any deeper than that.
Series is a standout on tv.
That scene is about rape, anger, frustration, sex, love, forgiveness, self-revulsion, new beginnings and closure all at the same time. You want to talk about complexities, it doesn't come any deeper than that.
Series is a standout on tv.
HAPPY ENDINGS - Season 2.10 - THE SHRINK, THE DARE, HER DATE AND HER BROTHER
I understand the need to shake things up and keep them fresh, but there has to be some basis for the change. You cannot suddenly make your characters different if you haven't properly set up the foundation for this change.
In this episode, it's revealed that Penny and Dave have feelings for one another. What? Since when? We've never been given a whiff of this until now. Sure, it's a good way to bring more conflict to the series and inject complications but this revelation isn't organic. It comes completely out of left field and isn't earned.
But hey, that's just a little quibble. FRIENDS lived off these types of switch-ups for years.
Episode's about Dave being weirded out when Penny starts dating his therapist. Ken Marino makes a cameo here bu this performance isn't funny. The material's not there.
Damon Wayans, Jr steals the show. He makes every scene he's in funny. His mannerisms and facial expressions are winning. The guy needs to branch out into features quickly.
In this episode, it's revealed that Penny and Dave have feelings for one another. What? Since when? We've never been given a whiff of this until now. Sure, it's a good way to bring more conflict to the series and inject complications but this revelation isn't organic. It comes completely out of left field and isn't earned.
But hey, that's just a little quibble. FRIENDS lived off these types of switch-ups for years.
Episode's about Dave being weirded out when Penny starts dating his therapist. Ken Marino makes a cameo here bu this performance isn't funny. The material's not there.
Damon Wayans, Jr steals the show. He makes every scene he's in funny. His mannerisms and facial expressions are winning. The guy needs to branch out into features quickly.
WHITNEY - Season 1.8 - CLARENCE!
Show is starting to drag. Episode has Whitney and Alex adopting a dog and the gruff they have to take from the rescue shelter that objects since they are not married.
Show takes an interesting turn by having Neal and Roxanne inadvertently kiss and then later having Roxanne accidentally touching Neal's junk. This could be the source for great conflict although I wouldn't doubt it if this subplot was dropped completely in future episodes. The show doesn't seem geared for the deep conflict this situation would provide. They want their laughs light and breezy.
This brings up my point. The show is actualy about the wrong character. If you look closely at Roxanne, you'll see she's in a world of hurt and disappointment longing for a real shot at love. That's a comic goldmine to explore.
Show takes an interesting turn by having Neal and Roxanne inadvertently kiss and then later having Roxanne accidentally touching Neal's junk. This could be the source for great conflict although I wouldn't doubt it if this subplot was dropped completely in future episodes. The show doesn't seem geared for the deep conflict this situation would provide. They want their laughs light and breezy.
This brings up my point. The show is actualy about the wrong character. If you look closely at Roxanne, you'll see she's in a world of hurt and disappointment longing for a real shot at love. That's a comic goldmine to explore.
COMMUNITY - Season 3.7 - STUDIES IN MODERN MOVEMENT
The group dynamic works in this series. Everyone has a distinctive voice and their situations and disagreements provide top-notch comedy. The writing is razor sharp.
In this episode, Annie moves in with Troy and Abed while Jeff fakes an illness to avoid helping Annie move. The series has stumbled from its first season, going more for the easy laughs at the expense of character development but is still entertaining.
Britta's argument with Shirley over religion takes a turn when she pulls over and picks up a hitchhiker who states he's Jesus Christ. Funny material.
In this episode, Annie moves in with Troy and Abed while Jeff fakes an illness to avoid helping Annie move. The series has stumbled from its first season, going more for the easy laughs at the expense of character development but is still entertaining.
Britta's argument with Shirley over religion takes a turn when she pulls over and picks up a hitchhiker who states he's Jesus Christ. Funny material.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER - Season 1.3 - TEENAGE COTILLION
Episode's about Jaime Pressly's ex-husband deciding he needs to become a better father. He does a great job, showing up for his daughter's cotillion. Of course, everything goes downhill though when he starts talking to the bartender who has a goldtop Les Paul and a bag of weed in his van.
I'm not we're supposed to gain from this plot? We already know the father is a slacker and irresponsible. Nothing changes here.
The subplot about Katie Finneran's character being annoying is...annoying. Nobody could be that clueless. The jokes aren't earned.
Show's starting to die.
I'm not we're supposed to gain from this plot? We already know the father is a slacker and irresponsible. Nothing changes here.
The subplot about Katie Finneran's character being annoying is...annoying. Nobody could be that clueless. The jokes aren't earned.
Show's starting to die.
RESCUE ME - Season 3.3 - TORTURE
Denis Leary just makes this show extremely entertaining. He has found the right character to project his views on everything life has to offer.
Here, he's now screwing the high school teacher that was sleeping with his nephew. His scenes with her are priceless because she's got him totally discombobulated.
I don't know what to make of Susan Sarandon being in the show. It doesn't seem like an interesting character. I wonder why she took the part. We'll see if Franco falls for her. I'm sure that's got to be it or else why hire her?
Here, he's now screwing the high school teacher that was sleeping with his nephew. His scenes with her are priceless because she's got him totally discombobulated.
I don't know what to make of Susan Sarandon being in the show. It doesn't seem like an interesting character. I wonder why she took the part. We'll see if Franco falls for her. I'm sure that's got to be it or else why hire her?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
THE SOPRANOS - Season 1.11 - NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING
The episode begins to set up the season finale as the showdown between Uncle Junior and Tony looms in the distance.
Big Pussy is suspected of wearing a wire and you can just see how much this suspicion kills Tony. What a performance by James Gandolfini. What an actor. He brings it to life. They all are good but it seems everybody steps up their game in their scenes with Gandolfini. He sets the tone and everybody elevates.
Tony's mother expertly plays them all. Conniving to the core. She sets the wheels in motion, bringing about the tragedy that is sure to follow.
Let's get to it already.
Big Pussy is suspected of wearing a wire and you can just see how much this suspicion kills Tony. What a performance by James Gandolfini. What an actor. He brings it to life. They all are good but it seems everybody steps up their game in their scenes with Gandolfini. He sets the tone and everybody elevates.
Tony's mother expertly plays them all. Conniving to the core. She sets the wheels in motion, bringing about the tragedy that is sure to follow.
Let's get to it already.
THE BIG BANG THEORY - Season 5.11 - THE SPECKERMAN RECURRENCE
Episode's about an old bully from school contacting Leonard stating they should get together. Curiousity gets the better of Leonard and he agrees to meet the bully.
Episode's dull because there's hardly any interaction with Howard and Raj. The show works best when it involves the four nerds as a whole.
Series has gone downhill once they ditched Leonard's relationship with Penny. That has enough dramatic conflict to sustain entire episodes. Now, the show feels dull and the jokes aren't funny.
Episode's dull because there's hardly any interaction with Howard and Raj. The show works best when it involves the four nerds as a whole.
Series has gone downhill once they ditched Leonard's relationship with Penny. That has enough dramatic conflict to sustain entire episodes. Now, the show feels dull and the jokes aren't funny.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER - Season 1.2 - TEENAGE FAMILY NIGHT
Jamie Pressly gets a couple of laughs visually in this episode which is about the mothers, fearing they're losing touch with their daughters, instituting a family night. Episode has more laughs than the pilot and the series is showing a little promise.
Turns out, Jamie's in love with her brother-in-law. However, I don't understand how he didn't hear Jamie say she's into him. He was well within earshot. At least we're getting conflict that isn't focused upon the mothers and daughters.
Episode plays well enough for me to stick with it for the time being.
Turns out, Jamie's in love with her brother-in-law. However, I don't understand how he didn't hear Jamie say she's into him. He was well within earshot. At least we're getting conflict that isn't focused upon the mothers and daughters.
Episode plays well enough for me to stick with it for the time being.
THE SOPRANOS - Season 1.10 - A HIT IS A HIT
Episode's about Chris getting his girlfriend, Adriana, into the music business. However, the rapper they've befriended is more interested in getting into Adriana's pants than helping them out.
There's a subplot about the neighborhood befriending Tony but he soon learns it's strictly out of curiousity. He's treated more like a joke than a friend.
Tony has a nice moment when he tells his wife about how, when he was young, he and his friends would make fun of this kid who talked funny. The kid loved to hang out even though he was nothing more than a joke to Tony and his crew. Now, he knows exactly how that kid felt.
It's a little scene that tells us there's much more to this series than the mob. It's going after real emotions and situations.
However, the episode is devoid of any gangster action which is what we ultimately want to see.
There's a subplot about the neighborhood befriending Tony but he soon learns it's strictly out of curiousity. He's treated more like a joke than a friend.
Tony has a nice moment when he tells his wife about how, when he was young, he and his friends would make fun of this kid who talked funny. The kid loved to hang out even though he was nothing more than a joke to Tony and his crew. Now, he knows exactly how that kid felt.
It's a little scene that tells us there's much more to this series than the mob. It's going after real emotions and situations.
However, the episode is devoid of any gangster action which is what we ultimately want to see.
FRIGHT NIGHT (2011)
Terrible film. There isn't one thing about this film that improves upon the original. A botched job in every aspect of the movie.
The writing was terrible. We should feel for the friend that gets turned into a vampire. Instead, he's played for comic relief. We should feel for Peter Vincent. This is his moment. He can become a true vampire slayer. Instead, he's played for laughs as well so the emotional underpinning of his character is lost. And it would play if the laughs were funny but in both characters, you just groan. It doesn't look like the actors believe their lines.
Colin Farrell might have been good if he was given more than one note to play. His character never changes.
Poor direction of a bad script. Even the special effects were third rate. A complete waste of time.
The writing was terrible. We should feel for the friend that gets turned into a vampire. Instead, he's played for comic relief. We should feel for Peter Vincent. This is his moment. He can become a true vampire slayer. Instead, he's played for laughs as well so the emotional underpinning of his character is lost. And it would play if the laughs were funny but in both characters, you just groan. It doesn't look like the actors believe their lines.
Colin Farrell might have been good if he was given more than one note to play. His character never changes.
Poor direction of a bad script. Even the special effects were third rate. A complete waste of time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)