Friday, January 30, 2009

Took the words right out of my mouth


Well, not exactly. I don't think I could put it as eloquently as David Carr of the New York Times does, but his thoughts on the current slate of Oscar nominees and what they reveal about America right now is perfectly in line with my own way of thinking.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Sneak peek at The Office Super Bowl episode


Recently, I was wondering how The Office will end. Will the Dunder Mifflin crew finally see the documentary they've been filming for over four years? Might Jim and Pam move to New York and leave Scranton behind forever? E! Online's Kristin Dos Santos reveals some slightly spoilery answers to those questions and more, as well as look at what's in store for this Sunday's Super Bowl episode.

Monday, January 26, 2009

New Daniel Radcliffe Interview


Kevin Sessums interviews Daniel Radcliffe at the Daily Beast. The once and future Harry Potter is about to end his Broadway run in Equus, and discusses his homesickness for Britain, things he loves about the U.S., and even invites Sasha and Malia Obama to the set for a personal tour of Hogwarts. Even if it is a persona, I really like the way he comes across in an interview.

Don't kill Ugly Betty!


Holy crapoly. I just read Michael Ausiello's latest post at EW.com and he says ABC is "temporarily" taking Ugly Betty off the air! They're placing it with Samantha Who? and a new show from Megan Mullaly.

I just don't get the networks sometimes. Maybe Ugly Betty doesn't get the same media attention as Grey's Anatomy, but it's a far superior show. Grey's was terrific in its first season and has gotten progressively more ridiculous until it's nearly unwatchable now. And Betty is worlds away from the crapfest that is Private Practice, which for some mysterious reason has not been cancelled yet.

Betty is consistently funny, moving, surprising, and flat-out a treat to watch with some of the best dialogue on TV. It better be back!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Christmas Gluttony

My most obvious sign of Christmas gluttony is the four or so extra pounds currently residing on my caboose, but secretly, I have been indulging heavily in the entertainments afforded by my brand new Xbox 360, courtesy of my brother and his girlfriend. Not only can you play violent video games with startling image clarity and the ability to drive drunk, you can download movies directly from Netflix and watch almost instantly. The selection on Netflix is mainly older films and those that you have never heard of or would never want to see anyway, but there are some really good ones in there too.

For instance, I had a mini Dustin Hoffman retrospective, watching
Tootsie
and Kramer vs. Kramer over a weekend and then serendipitously catching his interview on CBS Sunday Morning. And after years of meaning to watch Robert Redford's directorial debut, I got to see
Ordinary People
within minutes of realizing it was available to download.

For a pop culture and movie junkie like me, the Xbox is one of the best gifts ever.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Flight of the Conchords

My friends Martin and Miriam, who have consistently excellent taste, told me I should watch "Flight of the Conchords." I did for the first time today and this song sold me.