Sunday, December 27, 2009

All Together Now

Oscar season is in full swing, and as a result, I've seen a lot of movies, but if I am going to blog about every movie I see before Oscar nominations in January, I have a lot of work to do. Even though these films deserve more than a paragraph long analysis, that's all they're going to get.

Avatar: James Cameron knows spectacle. Twelve years after Titantic became King of the (box office) World, Cameron is back with a jaw-dropping 3-D thrill ride. The premise of Avatar is simple -- it's the story of humans attempting to take over the world of Pandora, currently inhabited by 10-foot-tall fluorescent blue natives. Basically, it's Dances with Wolves meets Fern Gully. The story may not be revolutionary, but the images and action sequences are so mind-blowing that similarities to any other story are bowled aside. Grade: A

Fantastic Mr. Fox: George Clooney and Meryl Streep are two of the biggest stars in the business, but not even their voices (as Mr. and Mrs. Fox) can outshine the clever and detailed animation in the Fantastic Mr. Fox. The animation combined with a wry script (adapted from Roald Dahl's children's book) written by Hollywood's oddball, Wes Anderson, make the Fantastic Mr. Fox an exuberant celebration of film-making. Grade: A-

Invictus: The biggest disappoint of the year. Clint Eastwood made a living this decade by releasing last-minute films that took the box office and/or the Academy Awards by storm (see: Million Dollar Baby, Gran Torino, and Letters from Iwo Jima). Invictus isn't a bad film, but it doesn't live up to Eastwood's previous work. The story of Nelson Mandela and the South African rugby team after the fall of apartheid is buoyed by Morgan Freeman's best performance in years and a impressively subtle turn from Matt Damon. However, the dialogue is preachy and Eastwood, who usually uses music to perfection in his films, allows his son to create a score that is sappy and heavy-handed. Better luck next time Clint. Grade: B

The Princess & the Frog: This year is a banner year for animation. With great films like Up, Fantastic Mr. Fox, 9, Coraline, and now The Princess & the Frog, 2009 has more than one film that could be considered one of the year's 10 best. With Disney returning to it's 2-D roots, The Princess & the Frog came with a lot of expectations, and (almost) lives up to them. The movie has all the ingredients for success: an endearing heroine, wonderful music, impeccable animation, but there's just not enough of it. The film would be an instant classic if had more character development and plot. The Princess & the Frog doesn't live up to the brilliance of The Beauty & the Beast or The Lion King, but it more than holds its own with Disney musicals like Mulan and Tarzan. Grade: B+

"Instead of Just This Song, You Have My Heart"

In lieu of a quote for the week, more new acoustic songs from Ms. Clarkson. It's definitely not bubblegum pop, but I love it - especially "Song To You."

"Song To You:"


"Hand-Me-Downs:"


"White Horse" (Taylor Swift cover):

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Unreleased (Live) Kelly: "Poison Candy," "Far From Home," and "Don't"

Two new songs from VIP shows of Kelly Clarkson's All I Ever Wanted tour leaked this week, and I am obsessed. Singer/songwriter Kelly is back in full force with these songs, and I love it. Then again, I love anything she does.

"Poison Candy:"


"Far From Home:"


And just for old times sake, my all-time favorite unreleased Kelly song, "Don't."

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Top 10 Movies of the Decade


1. Crash (2005)
Many critics lament Crash as one of the worst film's ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. I couldn't disagree more. It's one of the few times the Academy actually got it right. Paul Haggis' directorial debut is simultaneously exhilarating, depressing, and disturbing. It's a rare film that will cause you to think and question your own behavior.

2. United 93 (2006)
The decade's hardest movie to watch was one of its best. Paul Greengrass' examination of the doomed United flight 93 plays like an impeccable documentary. I've never had a more powerful reaction to a film than I did to United 93. Sure, the subject matter had something to do with the raging emotions, but the superb way in which Greengrass examines human nature will stir even the most stone-faced movie-goer.

3. Big Fish
(2003)
The best movies are the ones that make you feel. They're not the films with splashy performances, the impeccable one-liners, or the out-of-this-world special effects. They're the movies that "speak to you." Maybe they're not critically-acclaimed, but that's no what matters. For me, that movie is Big Fish. Often overlooked by many when discussing Tim Burton's best work, Big Fish is an imaginative experience full of heart.

4. In America
(2003)
It's impossible not to love this story about an Irish family immigrating to America. The story brims with sadness, but director Jim Sheridan's subtle sense of humor makes the experience joyous. Real-life sisters, Emma and Sarah Bolger, steal the show with their d0e-eyed innocence and insatiable exuberance. In America is a film about what truly matters in America -- family.

5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
(2004)
Michael Gondry's one-of-a-kind style paired with unforgettable performances from Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey made Eternal Sunshine 2004's most original and best flick. Eternal Sunshine is a movie about the true meaning of love, and it's love's flaws that will leave you enamored with this quirky and tragic story of fate, hope, and adoration.

6. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
(2001 - 2003)
It's quite difficult to make adaptations of famous literature. Audiences and critics usually agree, "the book was better than the movie." That can't be said of Peter Jackson's take on J.R. Tolkien's famous fantasy adventures. As Gollem would say, Jackson's masterpiece is our precioussss.

7. Slumdog Millionaire / The Dark Knight (2008)
The timing of a film's release can determine its success and how its viewed critically. That's true of both Slumdog Millionaire and The Dark Knight. They're two movies that perfectly capture the mood of society at a specific point in time. Not only are both movies impeccably made, acted, and directed, but they're perfect descriptors of life in 2008.

8. Up (2009)
Pixar had a great decade. Each of the studio's films was practically better than the last. That must be why Up makes this list. Up is the best animated movie to hit the big screen since The Beauty and the Beast. It's full of pathos, humor, and sentiment. During Up, children watch their wildest imaginations play out on the big screen, and adults simply remember the joy of being young while celebrating the beauty in growing old.

9. Chicago (2002)
The musical is cool again, thanks to Chicago. Rob Marshall's glitz-filled musical is elevated by career-best performances from Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, and Renée Zellweger. The movie helped inspire a bevy of stage-to-screen adaptations -- from Rent and Sweeney Todd to Dreamgirls and Phantom of the Opera. However, one of the decade's first musical was its best. Thanks to Chicago, the silver screen now has a little more razzle dazzle.

10. Million Dollar Baby / Letters From Iwo Jima
(2004 / 2006)
Clint Eastwood had an amazing decade, and his work couldn't go unrecognized. I couldn't choose just one. Million Dollar Baby and Letters from Iwo Jima are two of the best of their respective "film genres," sports and war. Each takes its genre's respective clichés, throws them out the window, and focuses on good, old-fashioned storytelling. Now going on 79-years-old, Mr. Eastwood keeps getting better with age.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Top 10 (Mainstream) Songs of the Decade (Sorta)


1. " Since U Been Gone" - Kelly Clarkson (2004)
This should be no surprise. "Since U Been Gone" is pop rock perfection. From the opening guitar riffs to Clarkson's gale-force vocals to the in-your-face lyrics, "Since U Been Gone" is irresistible. The ranking wasn't even a contest. The "Since U Been Gone" play count on Jason's iTunes: 450. The next closest song? 295. Enough said.

2. "So What" - P!nk (2008)
Max Martin is a pop God. Afterall, he did write the two best pop songs of the 2000's. Like Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," "So What" is a massive hit that will define P!nk's career. The lyrics are simple, yet the singer's matter-of-fact attitude matched with the fist-pumping chorus prove that P!nk is still a rockstar.

3. "Single Ladies" - Beyoncé (2008)
Beyoncé could've dominated this list with songs like "Crazy in Love," "Irreplaceable," "If I Were A Boy," and "Halo." However none of those hits meets the cultural significance of "Single Ladies." Paired with a flawless video, "Single Ladies" is still being parodied more than a year after its release. Everyone agrees, Sasha is fierce.

4. "SexyBack" - Justin Timberlake (2006)
The 2000's were good to Mr. Timberlake. Not only did he launch a successful solo career, but he helped pen and produce songs for artists like Madonna and Nelly Furtado. However, none of those efforts were as good as Timberlake's own "SexyBack." The pulse pounding beat and stylized vocals truly do make FutureSex/LoveSounds.

5. "We Belong Together" - Mariah Carey (2005)
Comebacks don't get better than this. Mariah may be known for her pop ballads, but she stormed back on the scene in 2005 with this R&B jam. The quickfire verses combined with Carey's subdued delivery made for the biggest gamble of the singer's career. The calculated risk paid off, as she made the best R&B song of the decade.

6. "Not Ready to Make Nice" - Dixie Chicks (2006)
The best thing George W. Bush did as president was piss off the Dixie Chicks. Had Natalie Maines not openly dissed the president and faced the backlash of Middle America, we would've never been graced with "Not Ready to Make Nice." Performed with authentic heartbreak and anger, "Not Ready to Make Nice" is the best song to come from country's preeminent girl group.

7. "Gold Digger" - Kanye West (2005)
He has the biggest ego in Hollywood, but Kanye West knows how to make music. Few artists know how to stay as fresh, current, and original as Kanye, and "Gold Digger" is his best song. With the opening line of, "She take my money, well I'm in need" to the chorus shouting of, "We want pre-nup!," "Gold Digger" will be stuck in your head for days.

8. "This Love"
- Maroon 5 (2002)
Adam Levine's voice is one of the most distinctive voices to rise from the 2000's and "This Love" serves as a showcase for his trademark falsetto. The rest of the band isn't too shabby either, with the guitars and piano providing a sublime, sexy background for Levine's voice.

9. The Breakaway Trifecta - "Breakaway" / "Behind These Hazel Eyes" / "Because of You" Kelly Clarkson (2004/2005)
"My Life Would Suck Without You" or "Already Gone" could have filled Kelly slot number two on my list. However, 2004 was the year that Ms. Clarkson took the world by storm, and I could not ignore singles one, three, and four from one of pop music's best albums. Each song showed a different side of the original American Idol's voice, and each was a raging success both in America and across the globe.

10. The 2009 Trio - "You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift / "Use Somebody" - Kings of Leon / "Poker Face" - Lady Gaga (2009)
I am aware that I've cheated and included more that ten songs on this list, but there were too many options. The decade's final year included career-making songs from Taylor Swift, Kings of Leon, and Lady Gaga. Taylor's simple and piercing voice worked flawlessly with the lyrics on "You Belong With Me," the indie group Kings of Leon finally went mainstream with the monster hit "Use Somebody," and Lady Gaga made dance music cool again with "Poker Face." Now, as we enter a new decade, hopefully each artist can continue to redefine themselves and make music that matters.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

"Hello You Long Shots"

This week's quote comes in the form of lyrics, and is stolen from one of my best friends, Elizabeth.

"Some dreams stay with you forever
drag you around and lead you back to where you were
Some dreams keep on getting better
Gotta keep believing if you wanna know for sure

Oh oh, I can hear them playing
I can hear the ringing of a beat up ol’ guitar
oh oh, I can hear them saying
Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart"

-Will Hoge, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"

Video:

Friday, December 18, 2009

Will You Be My Valentine?


A few months ago I blogged about how trite and cliche the new movie Valentine's Day looked. A new (and better) trailer premiered here today. Now, I am excited to see the movie. Bizarre, I know, since Valentine's Day doesn't actually look good or particularly original. Maybe I am looking forward to it because I really want to see Jennifer Garner go ape-crazy on a pinata (awesome!), or maybe I am turning into a softie who can actually enjoy awful rom-coms (yuck!). Whatever the reason, I think I know where I'll be spending my Single's Awareness Day in 2010 - with my butt in the seat of a movie theater, right where I belong. Who's with me?

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Top 10 TV Shows of the Decade

As the first decade of the 2000's comes to a close, it's the perfect time to make "best of" lists. So with that, over the next few weeks I'll be making my own lists of the Top 10 movies, songs, television series, and entertainers of the decade. We begin with TV.

1.
Alias (ABC, 2001-2006)
My least shocking selection. Sure it had some rough patches (season four anyone?), and it was hard for the producers to sustain such quality over five seasons, but Alias is my all-time favorite television series. I have yet to see a better episode of television than the show's pilot, and season two will absolutely blow your mind. Sydney Bristow will likely be the best role of Jennifer Garner's career, and the fact that she never won an Emmy is a travesty. She portrayed Sydney with incredible strength and vulnerability, and without her, Alias would not have succeeded. J.J. Abrams owes his career to this show. Without it, he never would've been given the creative freedom to later create sci-fi gems LOST and Star Trek. However, I contend that Alias represents his best work. I only hope that the next decade brings another show that I love this much.

2. Battlestar Galactica (Sci-Fi, 2004-2009)
Even though it's set in space with spaceships and "aliens," I never really considered Battlestar Galactica a science fiction show. It was merely television's best drama. Everything about the four season series was perfection. The writing, acting, directing, and even the special effects were sublime. However, Galactica's greatest asset was it's short run. Unlike many TV shows, Galactica knew when to hang it up, and the storytelling benefited greatly, and the show turned in one of television's most satisfying series finales ever.

3.
American Idol (FOX, 2002 - present)
Television purists would lament the inclusion of reality television on a list like this, but I am not one of them. How can you ignore the biggest show of the decade, and one of the most entertaining? Sure, American Idol had a winning formula with Simon Cowell's acerbic wit, Paula Abdul's antics, Randy Jackson's gibberish, and Ryan Seacrest's "metrosexuality." However, this is a show all about the contestants. Without the talent of stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry the show would have failed. It'll be interesting to see if the show can continue to churn out music's next big thing. If so, it'll likely be a ratings giant well into the next decade.

4.
Everwood (WB, 2002-2006)
The most underrated show of the 2000's, probably because it aired on the WB. Everwood was Greg Berlanti's Alias. Just as the spy drama set the stage for J.J. Abrams career, Everwood cemented Berlanti's place in Hollywood. After Everwood, he'd later go on to produce the much better known Brothers & Sisters, and he's slated as the writer for 2011's The Green Lantern. As with Abrams, his lesser-known work was his best. Everwood was the ideal family drama. It was smart and funny, and didn't shy away from hot-button issues like abortion and teen pregnancy. Television needs more shows like this.

5. Veronica Mars (UPN/CW, 2004-2007)
This one falls under the category of "TV Shows Canceled Much Too Soon." A victim of poor ratings, Veronica Mars never once suffered from poor quality. Kristen Bell infused Veronica with such life and vitality that she was impossible to resist, and she delivered Veronica's trademark zingers impeccably. Plus, any show that can survive a Paris Hilton cameo in only its second episode must be pretty damn good.

6.
LOST (ABC, 2004 - present)
Yes, J.J. Abrams' second best effort makes the list too. LOST started off with a bang, and its first two seasons were breathtaking. The show lost its way for a while, but got back on track when producers and the network decided the show would end in 2010 (something that Abrams' learned from Alias). The show's final season will go a long way to determining LOST's legacy, and it's still confusing as hell, but for now, it remains television's most accessible science-fiction offering.

7.
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 2005 - present)
Primetime's best soap opera. Lots of love and lots of sex, and it's completely irresistible. Like many shows on this list, Grey's started with a magnificent two season run. There have been a few bumps in the road, but the show still manages to blend medical drama with good old-fashioned love stories. It doesn't hurt that the cast including Chandra Wilson, Sandra Oh, and Ellen Pompeo turn in first-rate performances each and every week.

8.
Arrested Development (FOX, 2003 - 2006)
It's probably heresy that I am listing a show that I've only seen 2/3 of, but that's a testament to Arrested Development's superior quality. Once I see the entire series, the show will probably climb its way up this list. It was one of the funniest and most original comedies to ever hit the small screen. It's groundbreaking style paved the way for other quirky, critically-acclaimed shows including 30 Rock, Modern Family, and Better Off Ted.

9. Survivor (CBS, 2000 - present)
The only show on the list that has survived the entire decade.
The granddaddy of reality television, Survivor is a statement to quality equaling longevity. After nearly 20 installments, Survivor continues to cast people and create situations that bring new twists and freshness to the show. If they keep up this pace, we'll still be talking about Survivor come 2019.

10.
Modern Family / Glee (ABC / FOX, 2009 - present)
Some will say it's "too soon," and I was tempted to put both of these shows even higher, but since they're only halfway through their first seasons they both land at number 10. Their addition to the television landscape has made 2009 a banner year. They're original and "side-splittingly" funny, and I cannot wait to see what they bring to the next decade.

"My Life Would Suck Without You"

In celebration of Glee's fantastic fall finale, this week's quote comes from the episode's most heart-wrenching moment. SPOILER ALERT: if you haven't seen the show yet, you may want to avoid the following.

"He understood that I wasn't doing it for the kids. I was doing it for you... It's not your fault, I really messed up. He was absolutely right, I was settling for him. Really one blink from you Will, and I would have been out the door, so I e-mailed my resignation to Figgins. My last day is Monday. I just can't. I just can't be at that school. I just can't see Ken without feeling ashamed, and I can't see you without feeling heartbroken."
-Emma Pillsbury ("Sectionals")

The Roads Less Traveled








Growing up is hard to do, just ask the lead characters of 2009's most-buzzed-about films, Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire and An Education. Both films follow two teenage girls (Claireece Precious Jones, a 16-year-old in 1987 Harlem and Jenny, a 16-year-old in 1961 London) as they struggle to discover themselves.

Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) is a depressed, obsese, illerate teen, pregnant with her second child. She lives her mother, Mary (Mo'Nique), an abusive wretch, who treats Precious as her slave. As the film opens, Precious' confidence is so low that she rarely speaks -- the audience only hears from her through downtrodden and somber voice-overs. However, after a late night visit from her school principal Precious takes a spot in an alternative school, Each One Teach One. It's there that Precious meets a teacher, Blu Rain (Paula Patton), who encourages her to express herself through writing.

Like Precious, Jenny's story is one of self-enlightenment. Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is an above-average 16-going-on-17 London schoolgirl. She is beautiful, perky, witty, and smart. She's destined for Oxford according to her mum and dad (Cara Seymour and Alfred Molina). That's before Jenny meets a 30-something man, David (Peter Sarsgaard), who sweeps both she and her parents off their feet. David whisks Jenny across Europe, treating her to the finest in food and entertainment. It's not long before our leading lady is questioning her education, and her Oxford future.

Precious and An Education each have smart screenplays and more-than-capable directors (Lee Daniels and Lone Scherfig, respectively). However, the films belong to the actors. Sidibe is remarkable in her first role, Mo'Nique tears up the screen with fury and rage -- the Oscar is her's come February, and Mariah Carey channels raw emotion and sheds any memories of Glitter as Precious' social worker.

An Education belongs to Mulligan. Also in her first major role, she dominates every scence with girlish innocence and wavering womanhood. The comparisons to Audrey Hepburn are spot-on. However, her stellar turn would be for not if it weren't for the supporting cast. An Education reunites Mulligan with her Pride & Prejudice co-star Rosamund Pike, and Pike, as one of David's rich, oblivious friends, gives her most effortless performance to date. Screen stalwarts, Molina and Emma Thompson (playing a bullheaded headmistress), also turn in small yet memorable performances.

Even a bevy of outstanding actors can't make a fantastic film. It's the excellent material that put Precious and An Education in a league of their own. While the circumstances of the heroines are vastly different, both Precious and Jenny represent hope, and in a roundabout way, redemption. Their stories are marred with pain and heartbreak. However, both Precious and An Education will lift you up. The tales are proof, that in spite of everything, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Precious, Grade: A
An Education, Grade: A-

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Quote of the Week Returns

This is neither relevant nor timely, but after re-watching some of my favorite Alias episodes last weekend, I remembered how much I love this scene in the season three premiere. Jennifer Garner kills it.

"I am not going say, 'I understand.' I am not going to sympathize with you and tell you how hard it must be for you. But you want to know how I am? I am horrible. Vaughn, I am ripped apart. And not because I lost you, but because, if it had been me, I would have waited. I would have found the truth. I wouldn't have given up on you. And now, I realize what an absolute waste that would have been."
-Sydney Bristow

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Capsule Reviews


Since I have much catching up to do, it's not worth writing full-length reviews for films that I wouldn't grade above a B. With that, three mediocre movies:

The Men Who Stare at Goats: Otherwise known as We're Just Here for the Paychecks. The all star cast of George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges all mail in their unfunny, boring performances. Ultimately, this "based on a true story" wasn't one worth telling. Grade: C

Law Abiding Citizen: Automatically gets downgraded for the grammatically incorrect title. Yes, I am a grammar Nazi, but someone should've caught the error. This cat-and-mouse movie about a father seeking revenge on his murdered family is a decent popcorn flick, and that's about it. To make matters worse, Gerard Butler is horribly miscast, and turns in yet another wooden performance void of personality. Grade: B-

Surrogates: A standard, yet at times thought provoking, action flick. The cast, lead by Bruce Willis, is decent, even if the age difference between Willis and his Surrogate wife (Rosamund Pike) is distracting. The ending is packaged too simplistically, but at least the concept is interesting. Grade: B-

The Comeback Kid

Six months ago, in my "mini review" of The Proposal I said that Sandra Bullock made 2009 the year of the cougar. Well, I was wrong... sort of. Had it not been for critically-panned All About Steve, 2009 would be the year of Sandra Bullock. Maybe it still is. The Proposal, a generic rom-com, elevated solely by Bullock's charming performance, earned $164 million at the box office and became the highest grossing film of her career. Until The Blind Side. The feel-good football flick is tearing up the box office. Not only did it open to the best numbers of Bullock's career, but this weekend, after spending two weeks in second place, it will pass Twilight: New Moon and reign in at number one. Only one word can describe that feat: remarkable.

The Blind Side, based on the life story of professional football player Michael Oher (played in the filmed by Quinton Aaron), begins the weekend before Thanksgiving when Leigh Anne Touhy (Bullock, playing a character who could be cast in a new Bravo series, "The Real Housewives of Tennessee") takes in a homeless Oher. Leigh Anne treats Michael as one of her own children, and encourages him to work hard in school and pursue football. It's fairly predictable stuff.

Director John Lee Hancock has a great story on his hands, but only makes a decent film. The Blind Side conveniently skims over the rough spots in Oher's childhood and too often presents Leigh Anne and her family as the pitch-perfect American family. Leigh Anne is a wholesome do-gooder, her husband, Sean, (Tim McGraw) is a "whatever you say honey" guy, and their children, Collins, a smart and successful cheerleader and SJ, The Blind Side's version of Remember the Titans' Sheryl, are spotless. A few more doses of reality would have done The Blind Side well.

However, as with The Proposal, The Blind Side can thank Bullock for raising the film above its average material. This is one of the best performances of her career. It's up there with her turns in Crash and Miss Congeniality. The role as a Christian housewife fits her like a glove -- she's simultaneously refreshing and fiery. By the end of the film, I'd even forgiven Leigh Anne for being Republican. Now that's a big deal.

As great as she is, it's doubtful that Bullock will land her first Oscar nomination. Though she should be a double nominee at the Golden Globes for both The Proposal and The Blind Side. However, if 2009 proved anything, it's that you should never count Sandra Bullock out, so come February she may very well be walking the red carpet in hopes of a golden statue. Just call her the comeback kid. Correction, she's the comeback cougar.

Grade: B+

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

In Your Face, Simon Cowell

(Bloggers Note: I've been away for a while. Between moving to a new apartment and a busted MacBook, it has been hard to find time to blog, but I'm back. There are quite a few new posts coming including reviews of Sandra Bullock's career-reviving performance in The Blind Side, Adam Lambert's surprising debut album, Leona Lewis' much-improved sophomore record, and the emotionally gut-wrenching Precious. However, I'm marking my comeback with Allison Iraheta's Just Like You.)

If Kelly Clarkson and P!nk had a love child, her name would be Allison Iraheta. The fourth-place finisher on American Idol's eighth season, the 17-year-old Iraheta has turned out an album (Just Like You) that showcases vocal pipes similar to those of the original American Idol and vulnerability identical to that of the used-to-be-pink-haired rocker.

Iraheta opens her debut effort with the rip-roaring "Friday I'll Be Over U," penned by Max Martin, who also wrote Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" and P!nk's "So What." "Friday" is the ideal lead single for Just Like You as Iraheta's husky, raw voice takes center stage over fist-pumping guitar beats.

Iraheta, often falsely accused by Simon Cowell during her American Idol stint of lacking charisma, oozes personality throughout Just Like You. Whether she's lamenting an obnoxious boyfriend on the tongue-in-cheek "Robot Love" or giving advice on the moving "Don't Waste the Pretty," there is no doubt that Iraheta connects with her material -- and has a blast while doing it.

The album veers slightly off track with the forgettable "Pieces" and "Just Like You" and the juvenile "D is for Dangerous." However, Iraheta comes back with a vengeance on the album's second half. She embodies heartbreak as she belts, "I'm still breathing / Don't you think I'm not because you're leaving / I'm moving up and away" on "Still Breathing." Her voice soars on "No One Else," a track that P!nk ironically co-wrote. Near the album's conclusion, she sheds all comparisons and tears through the fantastic, dance-floor-worthy "Beat Me Up."

Just Like You is one of the best freshman album's to come from an American Idol alumnus. The red-haired rocker sounds impeccable, and there isn't a vocal imperfection to be found. Though in order to achieve the pop super-stardom of Clarkson and P!nk, she needs to differentiate herself on her next album. However, we should expect great things from Iraheta. After all, she is only 17.

Grade: A-

Download It: "Friday I'll Be Over U," "Beat Me Up," "Still Breathing," "No One Else"
Ditch It: "D is for Dangerous"

Sunday, November 15, 2009

"It's My Turn To Be Brave"

Rules are made to be broken. At least that's what they say, right? That's why this week's quote doesn't come from a politician, Meredith Grey, or a relatively unimportant pop culture personality. Sometimes the most profound statements come from those around you, and that's why today's quote comes from a friend, Tara, over at starting now.

She wrote a pretty wise post about fear this week, and here's an excerpt from the end of the post.

"The last lines of the movie (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) are probably etched into my brain somewhere, I love them so much:

Joel: I can’t see anything that I don’t like about you.

Clementine: But you will! But you will. You know, you will think of things. And I’ll get bored with you and feel trapped because that’s what happens with me.

Joel: Okay.

Clementine: [pauses] Okay.

I’m not trying to get preachy. It’s just that I remembered today that I’d rather live my life trying things and failing and getting my heart broken and feeling all of those crazy, mixed up emotions and all the while holding on to the hope that maybe this time pushing through the fear will lead to something greater, than live my life in fear of what could go wrong.

I’d rather be brave."

You can read the beginning of the entry here.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

This Is It

Last night, after the House of Representatives passed the first comprehensive health care reform bill, President Barack Obama tweeted, "this is history." Truer words have never been spoken. After decades of party bickering and political posturing, Congress finally did something.

Now there's no guarantee that the Senate will pass its version of the bill, or that the final version of the bill will even work. (Of course I believe it will be successful, but there are no guarantees). However, at least it's something. It's an attempt to fix one of America's biggest problems. According to CNN, if passed, the bill "restricts insurance companies from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition or charging higher premiums based on gender or medical history. It also provides federal subsidies to those who cannot afford it and guarantees coverage for 96 percent of Americans, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office."

Maybe I am simply a crazy liberal, but I will never understand how any of those outcomes deserved the heated debate that preceded the vote. I'll never buy the "it's happening too quickly" argument. The last time I checked, taking 70 years to pass a bill didn't qualify as "quickly." I don't put stock in the "it's too costly" argument either. Congressional budget figures show the reform pays for itself. Even if it doesn't, I think we'll find a way to make it work -- this country has gone to war on less information and less budget analysis. If we can't ultimately pass a bill that is meant on helping Americans, but we can irresponsibly risk the lives of thousands of our own citizens, we have a serious problem. Don't even get me started on Utah's lone "Democrat," Jim Matheson. Come 2010, if he survives a likely inter-party challenge, I am going to have a very hard time voting for him.

With the bill's passing you have morons like Sarah Palin (can't she just go away already?) saying, "Congressional action tonight just put America on a path toward an unrecognizable country. It's on to the Senate now. Our legislators can listen now, or they can hear us in 2010. It's their choice." Are you kidding me? An unrecognizable country? In my opinion, there is nothing more American than passing a bill that will improve the lives of millions. We're Americans, we're supposed to look out for each other.

Now that the House has done it's job, we wait. Harry Reid has said that the Senate may not pass it's version of the bill until early 2010, so prepare yourself for more scare tactics and ridiculous accusations. However, this moment cannot be underestimated, we're the closest we've ever been to creating a health care system that's for the people and not for corporations or bureaucracies. The next few months could define a generation, and I am hoping that it does.

"Afterall, I'm Gonna Be Okay, So Let It Rain"

"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours."
-Ayn Rand

Friday, November 6, 2009

Two Are Better Than One

This wouldn't be my blog without a weekly Kelly posting.

Last week, Ms. Clarkson, at her Halloween show in Missouri, poked fun at the "Ryan Tedder spat" by performing a mashup of "Already Gone" and Beyonce's "Halo." It could be better, but it still oozes awesomeness.

The video:


Grammy nominations are nearly a month away -- they'll be announced on a primetime show on December 2 -- but I can't help but pray that both "Already Gone" and "Halo" are nominated for Song of the Year. It will never happen, and "Halo" has the advantage, because Kelly shot herself in the foot with her public comments, but they're still two of the best (and my favorite) songs of 2009. Despite the controversy surrounding the backing tracks, the songs could not be more different lyrically or vocally. Kelly's is evocative and haunting while Beyonce's is hopeful and sweeping.

In reality, Kelly will likely be shut out of major categories, but I hope that Grammy producers share her tongue-in-cheek humor when planning the Grammy night performances. It would be incredible to watch two of pop music's best voices share the stage and sing the other's song. Beyonce would add an ethereal quality to "Already Gone" and Kelly could inject "Halo" with raw emotion.

I'll keep on dreaming...

(Video via mj's big blog)

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

Carrie Underwood is, without a doubt, the savviest artist to hold the title of American Idol. When push comes to shove, she knows how to sell albums. On her third disc, Play On, Underwood sticks to the same multi-platinum formula of her previous two records, Some Hearts and Carnival Ride. Play On contains similar sweeping ballads, foot-stomping tell-offs, and feel-good, country-pop ditties -- albeit with different twists.

Underwood takes lead writing credit for more than half of Play On's tracks, and they're surprisingly some of the album's highlights. However, even more shocking, are the results of the collaboration between Underwood and American Idol judge, and writer of the abomination known as "No Boundaries," Kara DioGuardi. Their combined talents make magic on Play On's best track, "Undo It." Underwood plays scorned lover to perfection as she belts, "You had my heart, now I want it back / I'm startin' to see everything you lack / Boy, you blew it, you put me through it / I wanna uh-uh-uh-uh-uh undo it." The song represents Underwood's best chance at replicating the ubiquitous success of 2006's "Before He Cheats."

"Undo It" isn't Underwood's only feat. On "Quitter" she stretches and teams with pop hitmaker Max Martin (the man behind "Since U Been Gone" and "So What") to create a sweet, simple song of devotion. "Temporary Home" plays like Some Heart's "Don't Forget to Remember Me," which isn't a bad thing. She also utilizes her strengths on the man-hating "Songs Like This."

If uptempo songs are Play On's strength, then the ballads are its weakness. "Unapologize" is the album's best, but even it has a country rock feel. "Mama's Song" starts strong but fails to deliver necessary emotional heft. "Change" is the disc's most grievous misstep. Not even Underwood's pristine and powerful voice can save a song with lyrics of "What ya gonna do with 36 cents/ Sticky with Coke on your floorboard?."

Play On will appease any Underwood fan, but it also won't win her any new ones. With Taylor Swift nipping at her Prada heels, Underwood needs to sing outside the lines on her next effort to continue her reign as country music's queen. With her undeniable talent and a few calculated risks, she has the potential to make a crossover record as successful and iconic as Shania Twain's Come On Over.

Grade: B

Download It: "Cowboy Casanova," "Undo It," "Songs Like This," "Quitter"
Ditch It: "Change," "Look At Me"

Sunday, November 1, 2009

"I'll Take a Risk, Take a Chance, Make a Change"

Because I didn't post my usual sappy quote last week, and to celebrate the rejuvenation of Grey's Anatomy, two quotes from America's favorite medical drama today:

"A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I'd have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you're wrong? What if you're making a mistake you can't undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the hell out of never trying."
-Meredith Grey

The next exchange sums up what I want to yell at the Mormon church right about now.

Mr. Torres:
“Leviticus: ‘Thou shalt not lie with a man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’”
Callie: “Oh, don’t do that, Daddy. Don’t quote the Bible at me.”
Dad: “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and their sin is exceedingly grave.”
Callie: “Jesus: ‘A new commandment that I give unto you, that you love one another.’”
Dad: “Romans: ‘But we know that—’”
Callie: “Jesus: ‘He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.’”
Dad: “So you admit it is a sin—”
Callie: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Jesus: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.’ Jesus: ‘Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Jesus is my savior Daddy, not you. And Jesus would be ashamed of you for judging me. He would be ashamed of you for turning your back on me. He would be ashamed.”

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Where the Heart Is

Where the Wild Things Are isn't a movie made for children. It's a movie for the 20- to 30-somethings who grew up with Maurice Sendak's 350-word adventure. Director Spike Jones brings the the classic children's book to life in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally affecting.

Max (Max Records) is a rambunctious, mischievous boy who feels scorned by his teenage sister, for letting her friends destory his ice castle, and mother (the always reliable Catherine Keener), for spending time with her new boyfriend. After a night of defiance, where he bites his mother, Max sets off on a journey, donned in his iconic wolf costume, to become king of the Wild Things.

Jonze's throughout the movie directorial choices are spot-on. He and and his screenwriting partner Dave Eggers deserve ridiculous praise for maintaining the tone of Sendak's story while injecting the film with original concepts. Jonze gives the brilliantly constructed Wild Things (designed with meticulous accuracy by Jim Henson's Creature Shop) names and personalities that add depth and heft to the story. He also showcases excellent judgment by handing the musical reigns to Karen O and Carter Burwell who turn in a score that is playful, melancholy, and entirely enchanting.

However, Jonze's direction would be nothing without the bravura performance of Records. The young star delivers the same type of spectacular performance that launched the careers of fellow child actors Dakota Fanning (I Am Sam), Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), and Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland). He carries the film, and watching him bring such a beloved literary character to life is remarkable.

Where the Wild Things Are is, without a doubt, one of the best films of the year. Not only will it touch your heart, but it will help you remember how to live and love life with reckless, childhood abandon.

Grade: A

"Takin' the Long Way Around"

This week's quote is a passage from one of my favorite books, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

"She would emerge. She always had before. The punishing political climate of Oz had beat her down, dried her up, tossed her away -- like a seedling she had drifted, apparently too desiccated ever to take root. But surely the curse was on the land of Oz, not on her. Though Oz had given her a twisted life, hadn't it also made her capable?"

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Oops! She Did It Again

It's not news to anyone, but Britney Spears is back. This week, Britney became the first artist in over a decade to debut a "non-American Idol coronation song" at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The last artist to do so was Lauryn Hill with "Doo Wop (That Thing)" in November 1998.

Britney's new song, "3" is an absolute trash fest, and I'm not just talking about the song's subject. Though Britney has reached new skanky heights by singing about the appeal of threesomes. I don't even know if you can call "3" a song. It hardly has a hook and Britney's goat bleating (aka singing) is at its worst. The song's appeal is dumbfounding. I'd rather listen Sanjaya Malakar cover No Doubt's "Bathwater." Oh wait, that already happened.

Now I'm not one to have superior musical taste. I have Britney songs like "Oops! I Did it Again" and "Lucky" on my iPod. (At least Britney attempted to have a voice back then.) However, her new "music" has jumped the shark. Sure, "Womanizer" and "Gimme More" were "foot tap" worthy, but don't get me started on "Radar" and "If U Seek Amy."

I'm not sure what Britney's recent success says about the music industry. We live in a time where singers rely on synthesizers and vocal modulation. Some don't even bother to try and sing live (Britney!) while others try but sound heinous (I'm looking at you Katy Perry). Again, I am as big offender as anyone when it comes to falling for catchy music, but when the most talented new singers of the last decade come from reality television, I think we have a problem.

So even though Britney is a talentless hack, at least we have Kelly Clarkson. (You didn't really think I'd write a post on music without bringing her into the mix, did you? Come on now. Lets be serious.) On her new tour, she covers (and absolutely kills) the White Stripes' "7 Nation Army," and shows why there is still hope for the future of pop music. Watch the video below and enjoy.

Abnormally Great

Not since the Blair Witch Project has a horror flick been marketed as ingeniously as Paranormal Activity. Released nationwide this weekend, solely because of online demand from fans, Paranormal Activity is making a killing at the box office -- already grossing more than 1,800 times its paltry $11,000 budget. The film's styling and tone draw obvious and warranted comparisons to Blair Witch, but Paranormal Activity is far to superior to its 10-year-old predecessor.

The two-hour fright fest is set exclusively in the San Diego home of Micah Sloat and Katie Featherston. The movie begins with Micah purchasing an upscale video camera, so he can record the noises and sounds that Katie claims have haunted her since age eight. The scares start slowly, but they build as Micah ignores Katie's fears and encourages the supernatural happenings.

Some will say that the film's pacing is too slow, but that's what makes it so great. Paranormal Activity draws you in as you begin to understand Katie and Micah's relationship. Once the film has you hooked, it preys on your instinctual fears and vulnerabilities, making the fear that much more palatable.

Like summer hits District 9 and (500) Days of Summer, Paranormal Activity is one of the recent quality films, made on a modest budget, that has deservedly struck gold at the box office. If anything, Paranormal Activity proves that horror films can scare up a whole lot of dough, without all the blood and guts.

Grade: A-

The Truth Hurts

Last fall, Ricky Gervais headlined Ghost Town, a surprisingly funny romantic comedy about a man who sees ghosts. This fall, Gervais is back, this time as both director and lead actor, with another quirky rom-com about a world where no one can lie and everyone says what they think. However, The Invention of Lying, while funny at times, doesn't live up to it's one-of-a-kind concept.

Gervais plays Mark Bellison, a frumpy, down-on-his-luck screenwriter. Since it's a world without lying (and imagniation), Mark's screenplays are dry historical documentaries. Pretty exciting stuff. After Mark gets rejected by the woman of his dreams (Jennifer Garner), belittled by his snappy coworkers (Tina Fey and Rob Lowe), and fired from his job, he tells the world's first lie. Mark's fibs make him famous, and without giving away too much, a large portion of the film is a commentary on religion and the afterlife.

Anyone who has watched an award show during the past few years knows that Gervais is a comedic all-star. His delivery is spot-on and he knows how to make the most scathing one-liners endearing. While he's an excellent comedian, Gervais' directorial skills need some work. The Invention of Lying suffers from an identity crisis. The film waffles between romantic comedy and biting satire, and doesn't succeed fully on either front.

The supporting cast is stellar and elevates the muddy material. Jennifer Garner mails in her go-to, girl next door persona (perfected in 13 Going on 30), Tina Fey is, well, Tina Fey, and there are quite a few funny cameos from a smattering of stars including Edward Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Though not even a cast this loaded can completely save the film.

There is a strong message to be found in The Invention of Lying, but it's just not as powerful as it should be. However, truthfully speaking, let's hope Gervais' is back soon with a comedy that delivers on his award show potential.

Grade: B

Friday, October 9, 2009

Congratulations Are in Order


Bloggers Note: Those who know me, know that I like to keep my political commentaries open-minded, rational, and level-headed. However, this will be no such post. If you're a conservative, a closed-minded partisan, or a "political ambivalent" you best stay away. Consider yourself warned.

By now everyone is aware that U.S. President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize this morning. The award is a great honor and a coup for the U.S. -- or so I thought. Upon hearing the news, the Internet exploded in a heated debate. My facebook newsfeed, which is supposedly populated heavily by liberals included the following statements:
  • "can't believe that man won. the world blows my mind."
  • "how the hell did Obama win? really? he hasn't done anything."
  • "can't really understand why Obama won. what is the world coming to?"
I don't want to debate Obama's credentials for the Nobel Peace Prize. I think the committee chose Obama because of his phenomenal potential, and I have no doubt that the President will do his best to live up to the award. (The Huffington Post has a great piece on the Nobel Committee awarding the Piece Prize based on potential here.) I don't understand why the public cannot congratulate the man on the achievement and move on. The feverish skepticism set me off. After months of remaining silent, I am "mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore."

This rant is probably more about a few fickle Democrats than the Republicans, so my blogger's note may be for not. However, I am livid with those who continually complain about President Obama "not doing anything." The man has been President for nine months. Count them. NINE. He still has at least 39 more months in office. Yes, Obama had big campaign promises. Yes, he promised change in Washington, but can you please name a President that has made radical differences in nine months? We all knew that Obama's biggest weakness was his lack of experience. It wasn't a secret. We all knew what we were getting when we voted. The decades-old Washington machine is well-oiled. It's going to take more than one man, and 3/4 of a year to change it.

Maybe its Obama's fault for setting expectations too high, but has he really done nothing? Thanks to Obama, the discussion of health care reform has come further than ever. The system has been messed up for decades and Obama is finally stepping up to the plate and trying to get something done. Reforming health care is a pretty big deal.

Who knows, I could be completely crazy, but do I blame Obama for lack of progress? Absolutely not. I blame Congress (aka the opposite of PRO-GRESS) -- the old boy's club that hasn't accomplished anything in what seems like forever. The President has a myriad of issues to tackle - it's going to take time. I for one, still believe in the him. (As a side note, for all those complainers, change rarely happens on the national level -- it's ALWAYS slow and painful. If you want to make change -- get involved in local government, contact your state legislator, vote in municipal elections. Please.)

I said it when I was 16-years-old and I'll say it again, I want a President who knows how to lead and who can inspire a nation. President Obama is still that man. We live in a world full of cynicism and doubt, and I could be naive, but I am still choosing hope, because at the end of the day, that's a lot better than the alternative.

Monday, October 5, 2009

The Second Coming

I shouldn't be posting during the work day, but I couldn't resist, this is a big deal -- Allison Iraheta, my favorite American Idol from last season leaked her first single today, and it's a good one. Iraheta, despite Simon Cowell's criticisms, is the most talented teenage belter (sorry Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta) to come out of American Idol and "Friday I'll Be Over U" is her first step to becoming the next P!nk. The song, penned by ultimate hit maker Max Martin, the man behind Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," P!nk's "So What," and Katy Perry's "Hot 'N Cold," is simple, catchy, and showcases Allison's raw, husky tone. If anything, the song is a promising hint at what her album, coming out this December, will sound like.

Take a listen here.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

"You Can Count on My Love"

A shout out to all my friends, especially those who are 2,500 miles away. From Winnie the Pooh of all places.

"If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think, but the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."
-Winnie the Pooh

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Rule #1: See Zombieland

Rules are made to be broken, and that's why Zombieland, Hollywood's latest "zombie comedy," succeeds. In making Zombieland, Director Ruben Fleischer threw convention out the window, and the result is a movie that's a killer good time.

Our protagonist is Columbus, a rule-obsessed virgin in search of his family. Played by Jesse Eisenberg, Hollywood's new go-to geek (sorry, Michael Cera, your ship has sailed), Columbus neurotically lives by a long list of rules regarding the undead. For example, the most obvious rule is "do cardio" because fatties can't outrun zombies. Watching Columbus' rules play out over 80 minutes is part of Zombieland's massive appeal.

During his time as a lone wolf, Columbus meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), a crazy-eyed, zombie killer on the hunt for the world's last twinkie. (The characters in Zombieland don't refer to each other by their first name, just their geographic locations, as to not get too attached.) While searching for the calorie-laden Hostess snack, Columbus and Tallahassee meet Witchita and Little Rock (Emma Stone and Little Miss Sunshine, Abigail Breslin), two manipulative and savvy sisters.

The group of misfits soon bands together and travels to (where else?) a Southern California amusement park. Their adventures are littered with hilarious zombie encounters and pop culture references. The jokes poke fun at everything and everyone from facebook to Russell Crowe, Hannah Montana even merits a references. Though I'll keep Zombieland's best pop culture encounter a secret, but it'll definitely leave you in stitches.

While it'll never win an Academy Award, Zombieland is a bloody good way to spend a night with the living dead.

Grade: B+

"You Know that I Could Use Somebody"

Kelly Clarkson launched her "All I Ever Wanted" tour yesterday, and rather than bitch about how sad I am that I can't see her, I'll just post tour videos periodically. Thank God for YouTube.

Here she is singing a mash-up of Alanis Morissette's "That I Would Be Good" and Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" (one of my favorite songs of the year). Pretty awesome.

Enjoy.



via mj's big blog.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Thoughts on the Season

We're one week into the fall television season and here are my unsolicited opinions...

Monday
Gossip Girl
: Rinse and repeat, and you have the third season of Gossip Girl. We've been here before. Blair's a bitch, Chuck is a scandal, and Serena doesn't know what she's doing. Gossip Girl is losing its trademark bite and I am quickly losing interest. The show needs to shake things up, and the characters need to show some growth or a breakup is imminent. Grade: C+

Heroes
: I couldn't bring myself to do it. After two seasons of crap, I couldn't sit through another season hoping the show reclaimed its season one glory. Grade: Divorced

Tuesday
The Good Wife: Welcome to Judging Amy: Round Two. Four years after CBS unceremoniously canceled the drama about a single mom managing her law career and family, the network is back to try again. This time Juliana Margulies plays a lawyer (not a judge), once again, finding her way in the workforce. Margulies is made for the role, and the show couldn't ask for a better supporting cast including Christine Baranksi and Josh Charles. Throw in the political timeliness and this one is bound for ratings success (just like Judging Amy). Grade: B+

Wednesday
So You Think You Can Dance
: Reality shows are hard to grade in the beginning. They usually don't hit their stride until midway through the season -- once the audience has a chance to become attached to the contestants. With that said, So You Think You Can Dance isn't suffering from summer fatigue. In its sixth season, the judges are still spot on and America doesn't appear to be running out of talented dancers. Grade: B+

Glee
: The High School Musical references don't do this show justice. It's smart and funny with a cast that oozes musical, comedic, and dramatic talent -- everything that High School Musical wasn't. Plus, the most recent episode proved that the show can thrive without relying on the musical numbers. The only concern I have is the plot's light speed pacing (the same problem that creator Ryan Murphy's had with his last show, Nip Tuck). Even with those concerns, I'll definitely be long for the ride. Grade: A

Modern Family: This one has huge potential. After only one episode, it's the only show on television (besides Glee) that will make me laugh out loud. The cast is pitch perfect and the writing is witty and fun. Without spoiling anything, lets just say The Lion King scene will be with me forever. Hopefully the rest of the series can keep up with the stellar pilot. Grade: A

Thursday
Project Runway: Technically not a fall show, but six episodes into its sixth season, Project Runway has found its stride. The changes of shooting location (from New York to L.A.) and network (from Bravo to Lifetime) haven't hampered the show's quality. Plus, this season's cast seems more talented and memorable than recent casts. Though the season's highest point has to be the transformation of Heidi Klum from a pretty, former fashion model into a funny and reliable host. However, the show loses points for the plethora of guest judges. Where are Nina and Michael? Grade: A-

Survivor
: Like So You Think You Can Dance, it's hard to grade reality shows after only a couple of episodes, but Survivor appears headed on the right track. Already, there are several memorable personalities (Shambo, Russell, and Yasmin), and after 19 seasons the show still isn't stale. The producers propensity to focus all the camera time on one tribe this season is a minor cause for concern. Grade: B+

FlashForward
: High concept dramas are risky, and FlashForward is no exception. The show might play better as a miniseries, but only time will tell. The pilot had a few dead spots and all-too-convenient plot twists, but Joseph Fiennes and Sonya Walger are the fall's most promising new lead actors. Grade: B

Grey's Anatomy
: Merridith Grey is consistently touted as one of the most annoying characters on television, but I love her anyway. Maybe it's because we have so much in common, but it's my love for the title character that allows me to forgive Grey's all it's mistakes -- like 2/3 of last season. This season started well, and regardless of the backstage drama, killing George off was a great move for the series. Grade: A-

Community
: I am going to take flack for this one, but the pilot wasn't great. Not a single laugh out loud moment. Joel McHale is great in The Soup, but while the concept is original, Community tries far too hard to be funny. Grade: B-

Sunday
The Amazing Race: There's a reason Race has won the "Best Reality Show Competition" Emmy for seven years straight. The show has never had a bad episode, but the "twist" in the season premiere was rather lame. Otherwise, it appears to be another solid season ahead for the greatest race around the world. Grade: A-

Desperate Housewives: Housewives always starts with a bang and ends with a whimper, and this season seems no different. Marc Cherry cannot come up with a solid, season long mystery to save his life. That said, the show is still good for a laugh or two, and Eva Longoria Parker continues to be Housewives' unsung MVP. Grade: B+

Brothers & Sisters: Pros from the season premiere: lots of Nora/Holly fighting, no sign of Ryan, lots of Walker family interaction that wasn't around a dinner table, and the show's most boring character (Tommy) is gone for good. Cons from the season premiere: the disappearance of Sarah Walker, Rob Lowe's horrendous hair, and the car crash fake-out. All in all, my favorite family drama is off to a much better start this season than last. Grade: A-

Sunday, September 27, 2009

"Gotta Live Like We're Dying"

"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."

-Mary Tyler Moore

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Short and (Not Really) Sweet

I'm a sucker for a good performance. However, a good performance does not make a good movie, as is the case with Matt Damon and The Informant!

In the flick, Damon plays bumbling, corporate-whistle-blower Mark Whitacre. The Informant! is based on the real-life Mark Whitacre's adventures as an FBI informant at ADM, an agri-business giant suspected of price-fixing.

Even at 108 minutes, The Informant! drags. As as the director of Oceans 11, 12, and 13, Steven Soderbergh knows how to make a great quirky/funny crime film, but he misses the mark. Even the set design, costumes, and graphics feel wrong. The film is set in the slick corporate world of the 90s, but it has the look of bad 70s polyester. Even Whitacre's experience as an informant is neither funny nor suspenseful. The best parts of the satire are Damon's voice overs that bring the audience into Whitacre's bizarre mind. Damon's voice is extremely nuanced and the slightest inflection will make you chuckle.

However, that's the problem with The Informant!, it's a movie that wants to make you laugh out loud, but will only get a giggle or two.

Grade: B-

The Jay Leno Problem

NBC is screwed. Last year, Jeff Zucker, President & CEO of NBC Universal, announced the (inane) idea of abandoning scripted programming during the 10/9 p.m. in favor of a Jay Leno "variety" show. The move was solely economics. When a network doesn't have to pay a host of actors, writers, producers, cameramen, etc., it saves a ton of cash, and through those savings it makes more money, right? Not so fast.

Television is all about the advertising. End of story. If people don't watch a show, advertisers don't pay, and the show gets canceled. Simple as that. Given, even with paltry ratings, The Jay Leno Show might turn a huge profit for NBC. However, even if the show does make money, which seems questionable, it will be a short-sighted profit at best. Television has always been, and will always be, about quality programming.

In the digital age, networks cannot expect Joe Q. Public to tune into the same program every night -- there are too many other options. That's why the Jay Leno experiment was dead before it started. The show debuted to more than 18 million viewers, but in only two weeks ratings have declined by more than 70 percent. Not good.

Only a week into the "official" television season, NBC has a huge problem on its hands. It has devoted so much programming time to The Jay Leno Show that it is nearly impossible to salvage the 2009/10 schedule. None of the scripted shows can bomb because the network doesn't have enough in development to replace a failed drama or comedy.

Lucky for NBC, it has Olympics in February (always a ratings stalwart) to help bolster the season. However, the network desperately needs an intervention before the sports extravaganza arrives. There isn't enough time to completely revamp the fall schedule, but here is what I'd do come December (unfortunately, there aren't enough developed shows to completely take The Jay Leno Show off the air or even reduce it to one airing a week):

Jason's NBC (winter) Fix:

Monday:
7 p.m.: Heroes
8 p.m.: Day One
9 p.m.: Southland

What's different: Heroes stays on the air (unfortunately) and Southland moves to Mondays at 9 p.m.


Tuesday:
7 p.m.: Chuck
8:00 p.m.: The Biggest Loser
9 p.m.: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU)

What's different: Chuck relocates from Mondays, The Biggest Loser shrinks from two hours to (a much more manageable) one, and SVU moves back to its successful Tuesday night stomping grounds.

Wednesday:
7 p.m.: Mercy
8 p.m.: 100 Questions
8:30 p.m.: The Best of NBC
9 p.m.: The Jay Leno Show

What's different: 100 Questions premieres on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. NBC launches The Best of NBC, featuring a classic episode of a different "Must See TV" comedy each week (The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, Friends, Mad About You, etc.)

Thursday:
7:00 p.m.: Community
7:30 p.m.: Parks & Recreation
8:00 p.m: The Office
8:30 p.m.: 30 Rock
9 p.m.: Parenthood

What's different: Parenthood is fast tracked and debuts in the same time slot as other great NBC dramas like Hill Street Blues and ER. (Ideally, the producers would convince Helen Hunt to join the drama in time for a December/January launch).

Friday:
7 p.m.: The Marriage Ref
8 p.m.: Law & Order
9 p.m.: The Jay Leno Show

What's different: The Marriage Ref launches on Fridays and Law & Order moves back an hour.


Saturday:
7 p.m.: Crime Show Repeat
8 p.m.: Crime Show Repeat
9 p.m.: Crime Show Repeat

What's different: Not a thing.

Sunday:
6 p.m.: Dateline NBC
7 p.m.: Trauma
8 p.m.: The Apprentice

What's different: Trauma relocates from its fall time slot of Mondays at 8:00 p.m.

NBC's proposed winter schedule can be found here. Don't worry, mine is better. I am back Monday with initial reactions to all of the shows I've been watching this fall.