by Marc Eastman on February 8, 2010
It seems the gloves have come off recently, and everybody and their brother is climbing on their high horse about the level of stupidity on television. I’m not sure why there seems to be this sudden upsurge of feeling superior to those who tune in to such things as Jersey Shore, which seems to be a major culprit in the upturn, but it’s gotten to the point that it bears examination. As though tuning in for the State of the Union somehow makes one less stupid than spinning the dial (play along, I’m old) in any other direction, or, in point of fact, is anything less of a ludicrously scripted bit of televised nonsense.
Even before such historic points of reference as the Court Jester or the town fool, people have been finding entertainment in the hopelessly stupid (whether a true case of mental acuity, or cunning ruse) for as long as certain members of society have been able to distinguish themselves from the general pool of stupidity around them.
by Marc Eastman on February 8, 2010
ot that long ago, Wilson got his own feature episode on House, and now it’s Cuddy’s turn. Lisa Edelstein held a Q&A to talk about her character generally, and the episode “5 to 9,” which airs tonight.
The show is certainly mixing things up, and I for one am glad. These two character specific (sort of) episodes, along with the jumps and twists that have gone on this season are keeping things fresh, and the show needs it.
During a day in the life of Princeton Plainsboro’s Dean of Medicine, Dr. Lisa Cuddy, the inner workings of the hospital are seen through her eyes. This day proves to be especially trying as Cuddy wrestles with myriad hospital issues and staff disputes that test her perseverance and skills as an administrator, all while juggling issues in her personal life, in the all-new “5 to 9” episode of HOUSE airing Monday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT)
by Marc Eastman on February 8, 2010
It’s getting to the point where it becomes difficult for television critics to partake of one of their favorite endeavors – championing the lesser-knowns. Unless it’s on cable, if you don’t already know about it, it’s probably gone anyway. About the closest we get these days comes by way of cases like Gary Unmarried. Already in its second season, the show is doing pretty well, but it hasn’t quite got everyone talking. That’s about as good as it gets for a critics longing to share the undiscovered.
The first season DVD hits tomorrow, Feb. 9, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Whether you’re already a fan, or might be looking to catch up on a great show, this is a must own.
Gary (Jay Mohr) is recently divorced, and trying to find his footing in the world again. He has two kids, so he isn’t going to be rid of ex-wife Allison (Paula Marshall) any time soon. Theirs is a hate/hate relationship, though its a fairly good-natured hate.
by Marc Eastman on February 7, 2010
Of all the Peanuts DVD releases, few are quite as interesting as You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. While other releases include some of the rarer specials, adding value to bringing home the classics, this one is not only rarely seen, but is such a unique creature in its own right that it’s a must own for anyone calling themselves a fan.
Working the Peanuts characters into a Tony Award-winning stage phenomenon, and subsequently working that effort back into an animated special is the kind of cultural icon exploration you just aren’t going to run into often.
In You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the Peanuts gang perform the various comedy sketches from the original live-action musical. Charlie Brown’s friends each describe him. Charlie Brown is happy as usual and then his friends say that “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown”. Lucy comes up to Schroeder trying to talk to him about that the two of them should get married(“Schroeder”). Schroeder ignores her, then Lucy says “My Aunt Marion was right, never try to discuss marriage with a musician.”
by Marc Eastman on February 7, 2010
Sometimes you find yourself just asking, “Why?” A good percentage of the time the answer turns out to be that a goodly portion of those people who actually buy tickets are going to go see something. It’s Friday night. You don’t want to go see the love story, but you’re not particularly in the mood for comedy, and whatever actiony thing is at the theater is what you’re going to pick. Some movies get made just to be that option.
From Paris with Love is such a film. However, it does have a few things going for it that at least distinguish it from much of the knocked out for the sake of knocking something out fare. When Luc Besson’s name is on a film, there is at least some hope that it will stand out in some way. While he isn’t quite batting 1,000, he still has a far better average than most players.
by Marc Eastman on February 6, 2010
It’s been a very weird couple of weeks, and most everything I’ve had in mind to throw together in a ScreenIt? has been covered to death.
Once everyone mentions something, I lose interest in sharing it. I’m not sure if it’s just because we’re still in awards season, or if The Olympics and Super Bowl [...]
