Hot Tub Time Machine – 2
You’ll like this movie if
a. You’re easily amused
b. You like John Cusack
c. You think it’s a great concept
I give this a 2 for the 2 times I laughed.
Some movies are great scripts, with great titles. With this one, they should’ve stopped right there, kind of like Snakes on a Plane. Better to imagine it than actually sit through it.
Look, I like raunchy comedy as much as anyone. But, there’s one key element that should be present. It should be funny. This movie just falls flat. The main characters are so broad and boring that the only spark to the film is in the females who apparently inhabited the 80’s. They’re genuinely likeable, interesting, and well-acted. Other than that, not much works. Maybe the 80’s that the protags travel back to just weren’t that funny. The movie just never engaged for me.
The plot telegraphs itself like a hanging curveball, and yet it is so full of holes it’s borderline ridiculous. I could give it away, but why spoil the lack of fun? Let’s just say that in Back to the Future, hair growth ability wasn’t one of the things that changed as people vaulted back and forth through time. So, all in all, a huge disappointment. I went looking to be entertained and should have stayed home. I’d have laughed more at one of those Jimmy Kimmel short films he’s doing these days. In the best spirit of the 80’s I wanted to just yell, “Engage, Maverick, engage.” It never did.
Date Night – 8
You’ll like this movie if
a. You like Tina Fey
b. You like Steve Carrel
c. You like to laugh
This movie is Shakespeare by comparison. First and foremost the stars of this lightweight froth, Tina Fey and Steve Carrell are today’s comedy royalty. Their timing, rapport and delivery are a pleasure to watch, and it’s nice to see stardom deserved for a change.
It’s also nice to see a realistic portrayal of a married couple that actually seem committed to each other. Sure, they’re thrust into an unrealistic story, but it’s their skill that makes the ridiculous believable. Nice can be funny – what a revelation.
What’s really cool is that the movie gets funnier as it progresses. Instead of fizzling out early like so many comedies the movie builds to a hilarious climax. Nice work, and a nice way to spend an hour and a half. That’s right, short and sweet too.
Here’s hoping the two stars make more movies together. We could use a Tracy and Hepburn.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
New Orleans Rising
Suddenly, New Orleans is a media darling.
Tremendous positive vibes extended from the whole Gulf Coast as the Super Bowl celebration morphed into a more joyous than usual Saints-led Mardi Gras.
The French Quarter Festival in early April continues to grow and bring tourists in to sample the local music and great restaurant food.
Then, last week HBO premiered their new series “Treme” a celebration of the culture and music of New Orleans set against the backdrop of Katrina recovery. It’s getting rave reviews and hopefully will expand the appreciation of the music.
The first show was a little uneven as the characters got established, but the second show last Sunday was a rollicking good time. If you don’t have HBO, now is the time to get it. This is incredible television, and it gets New Orleans right.
And now it’s time for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For 2 magical weeks starting the last weekend in April, the Fair Grounds pulse with national and local music acts as well as the most incredible cuisine-sampling of local food one could experience.
Here’s a little helpful Q&A:
Where do I get tickets?
Any ticketmaster outlet, such as The Coast Coliseum. Cash only. $53.25 per day, all fees included. Whatever you do, get advance tickets. The “at the gate” line to buy tickets is not where you want to be.
What do I bring?
Sunscreen, hat, a lawn chair, plenty of cash, maybe a blanket.
What do I wear?
If you are a male, shorts and a t-shirt will do.
If female, you will need to wear a sheer, nearly transparent t-shirt, that kind that, should it get wet, would be terribly revealing. Of course, please rest assured that it never rains at Jazz Fest.
What do I eat?
The Jazz Fest begins with a soft-shell crab poboy. The music can not begin until Crawfish Monica is tasted. After that, you’re on your own.
Where do I sit?
We will be set up facing the Acura Stage. We’ll be stage right by the Big Chief Stands, against the fence, usually as far back as the big speaker stand. Easy access to Crawfish Monica.
What are the cubes?
That's the name for the music schedule you can find at www.nojazzfest.com, which you should study intently for the next few days.
What music?
This Saturday, our first day at the fest, it will be Simon & Garfunkel making their only US appearance of the year. It will undoubtedly be as memorable as some of my favorite previous moments from 30 years of intermittent festival attendance:
The Temptations – 1987 – Can’t Get Next to You. – Yes, finally got to see about 10,000 people sing along.
Sheryl Crow – 2008 – Closes a great set by ripping through Led Zeppelin’s “Rock & Roll.”
Alison Krause – 2008 – an accapella version of “Down to the River” with Robert Plant singing back up.
Bonnie Raitt – several times. A Jazz Fest favorite, her set last year with Jon Cleary, and the first time I heard her sing “Nick of Time” stand out;
Marcia Ball – 2009 – her heart felt version of Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927” brought the Fair Grounds down.
Cowboy Mouth – several times. In their first performance since Katrina they opened with the song they had written in exile, “Take Me Back to New Orleans.” One of many bone shaking performances they’ve provided. When you’re dancing in the rain with lightening flashing around you, you know you’ve lost your sanity. Not that it ever rains.
Kenny Neal – 2003 - ignites the Blues Tent
Stevie Wonder -2008 - blasts through hit after hit while we rock out in a pouring rain, the highlight being Sir Duke. Not that it ever rains.
Van Morrison – 2004 - Into the Mystic. He’ll be there this year as well, and I swear his 3 backup singers are the most beautiful on the planet. I think they can sing too.
Irma Thomas, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and many other legends
What are you waiting for?
You don’t want to miss Simon & Garfunkel sing one of their great New Orleans songs saluting our most famous sandwich:
The Crawfish:
I am just a poor boy
Though my bread is often dressed
I have squandered my resistance
For a mealtime full of miracles
All lies and jest
Still a man eats what he wants to eat
And disregards the rest
When I left Mothers for Parasol’s
I was no more than a boy
In the company of oysters
In the quiet of the Central Grocery
Running scared
Laying low seeking out the poor boys
Where the ham and catfish go
Looking for the places only they would know
Lie la lie…
Asking only shrimp for wages
I come looking for a job
But I get no offers
Just a come-on from the whores on Orleans Ave
I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome
I took some comfort there
Lie la lie…
Now soft shells are rolling by me
They are rocking evenly
And I am hungrier than I once was
Fatter than I’ll be
That’s not unusual
No it isn’t strange
After Ferdi upon Ferdi
We are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same
Lie la lie…
Now I’m laying out my eating clothes
And wishing I was gone
Going home
Where the New Orleans levees aren’t bleeding me,
Leading me, going fest
In the clearing stands a crawfish
And a mudbug by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of etouffe that laid him down
Or stewed him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
I am leaving, I am leaving
But the crawfish still remains
Lie la lie
See you there!
Tremendous positive vibes extended from the whole Gulf Coast as the Super Bowl celebration morphed into a more joyous than usual Saints-led Mardi Gras.
The French Quarter Festival in early April continues to grow and bring tourists in to sample the local music and great restaurant food.
Then, last week HBO premiered their new series “Treme” a celebration of the culture and music of New Orleans set against the backdrop of Katrina recovery. It’s getting rave reviews and hopefully will expand the appreciation of the music.
The first show was a little uneven as the characters got established, but the second show last Sunday was a rollicking good time. If you don’t have HBO, now is the time to get it. This is incredible television, and it gets New Orleans right.
And now it’s time for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For 2 magical weeks starting the last weekend in April, the Fair Grounds pulse with national and local music acts as well as the most incredible cuisine-sampling of local food one could experience.
Here’s a little helpful Q&A:
Where do I get tickets?
Any ticketmaster outlet, such as The Coast Coliseum. Cash only. $53.25 per day, all fees included. Whatever you do, get advance tickets. The “at the gate” line to buy tickets is not where you want to be.
What do I bring?
Sunscreen, hat, a lawn chair, plenty of cash, maybe a blanket.
What do I wear?
If you are a male, shorts and a t-shirt will do.
If female, you will need to wear a sheer, nearly transparent t-shirt, that kind that, should it get wet, would be terribly revealing. Of course, please rest assured that it never rains at Jazz Fest.
What do I eat?
The Jazz Fest begins with a soft-shell crab poboy. The music can not begin until Crawfish Monica is tasted. After that, you’re on your own.
Where do I sit?
We will be set up facing the Acura Stage. We’ll be stage right by the Big Chief Stands, against the fence, usually as far back as the big speaker stand. Easy access to Crawfish Monica.
What are the cubes?
That's the name for the music schedule you can find at www.nojazzfest.com, which you should study intently for the next few days.
What music?
This Saturday, our first day at the fest, it will be Simon & Garfunkel making their only US appearance of the year. It will undoubtedly be as memorable as some of my favorite previous moments from 30 years of intermittent festival attendance:
The Temptations – 1987 – Can’t Get Next to You. – Yes, finally got to see about 10,000 people sing along.
Sheryl Crow – 2008 – Closes a great set by ripping through Led Zeppelin’s “Rock & Roll.”
Alison Krause – 2008 – an accapella version of “Down to the River” with Robert Plant singing back up.
Bonnie Raitt – several times. A Jazz Fest favorite, her set last year with Jon Cleary, and the first time I heard her sing “Nick of Time” stand out;
Marcia Ball – 2009 – her heart felt version of Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927” brought the Fair Grounds down.
Cowboy Mouth – several times. In their first performance since Katrina they opened with the song they had written in exile, “Take Me Back to New Orleans.” One of many bone shaking performances they’ve provided. When you’re dancing in the rain with lightening flashing around you, you know you’ve lost your sanity. Not that it ever rains.
Kenny Neal – 2003 - ignites the Blues Tent
Stevie Wonder -2008 - blasts through hit after hit while we rock out in a pouring rain, the highlight being Sir Duke. Not that it ever rains.
Van Morrison – 2004 - Into the Mystic. He’ll be there this year as well, and I swear his 3 backup singers are the most beautiful on the planet. I think they can sing too.
Irma Thomas, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and many other legends
What are you waiting for?
You don’t want to miss Simon & Garfunkel sing one of their great New Orleans songs saluting our most famous sandwich:
The Crawfish:
I am just a poor boy
Though my bread is often dressed
I have squandered my resistance
For a mealtime full of miracles
All lies and jest
Still a man eats what he wants to eat
And disregards the rest
When I left Mothers for Parasol’s
I was no more than a boy
In the company of oysters
In the quiet of the Central Grocery
Running scared
Laying low seeking out the poor boys
Where the ham and catfish go
Looking for the places only they would know
Lie la lie…
Asking only shrimp for wages
I come looking for a job
But I get no offers
Just a come-on from the whores on Orleans Ave
I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome
I took some comfort there
Lie la lie…
Now soft shells are rolling by me
They are rocking evenly
And I am hungrier than I once was
Fatter than I’ll be
That’s not unusual
No it isn’t strange
After Ferdi upon Ferdi
We are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same
Lie la lie…
Now I’m laying out my eating clothes
And wishing I was gone
Going home
Where the New Orleans levees aren’t bleeding me,
Leading me, going fest
In the clearing stands a crawfish
And a mudbug by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of etouffe that laid him down
Or stewed him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
I am leaving, I am leaving
But the crawfish still remains
Lie la lie
See you there!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Should've Done This Last December
It may be a little late for this but I read this interesting article:
http://nymag.com/arts/all/aughts/62513/
It properly lauded some great Television shows of the decade, so I thought I’d compile my list of the best TV of the decade, to go along with my movie list.
Now let me caution you over some omissions that you will get fired up about. As I previously have stated, although a big fan of HBO, I never fell for The Sopranos and Sex in the City, both mentioned prominently in the article. I’m not a big fan of reality shows, thus no Survivor, although AI can’t be ignored. But, here’s what I loved in the last decade:
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Nothing I’ve ever seen has captured the angst of high school and college like this. The vampires were just a plus.
2. Real Time with Bill Maher – Nothing made me laugh more.
3. House – Nothing was as much fun to watch unravel.
4. Weeds – Nothing was crazier
5. Curb Your Enthusiasm – Nothing made me cringe more (well maybe Friends)
6. Six Feet Under – Nothing started and ended better
7. Firefly – Nothing left me wanting more so much
8. How I Met Your Mother – Nothing sucked me in to it’s arc more
9. Lie to Me – Nothing had a more interesting premise
10. American Idol – Nothing more entertaining and unentertaining
11. The Chris Isaak Show – Nothing I’d like to have on DVD more
12. Penn & Teller’s Bullshit – Nothing more appropriate
13. Californication – Nothing more daring
14. Brotherhood – Nothing more engrossing – my Sopranos
15. Glee – Nothing more talented
16. Sarah Connor Chronicles - Nothing said "to be continued" more
17. This Week with George Stephanopolous – Nothing more informative
18. The Sports Reporters – Nothing more infuriating, sometimes
19. Sportscenter – Nothing more omnipresent
20. George Carlin’s HBO Specials – Nothing a better legacy
21. Cold Case – Nothing more inventive
22. The Practice – Nothing more intense
23. Kitchen Nighmares – Nothing was more true to life – for me.
24. 24 – Nothing more pulse-pounding
Final Score – Showtime 5, HBO 4 how interesting.
And a special mention to the best single episodes I saw:
Six Feet Under: Finale
House: Three Stories
Buffy: The Body, and Once More with Feeling
And the Best Sequence of Episodes: Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Producers arc.
Shows I still haven’t watched that may merit consideration. I made a conscious decision to just wait for the DVD’s. I’ll let you know my verdict some day, I hope: The Wire, Battlestar Gallectica, Mad Men, Lost, among others.
Here’s the strangest thing about my list - #’s 1 and 7 – the Joss Whedon masterpieces – I never saw a single episode the day it originally aired. I caught the entire Buffy on the FX channel reruns, and Firefly solely on DVD.
And one final note on Buffy, for those of you who might want to start trolling through the DVD’s. The third season, the Senior Year, is IMO the finest single season of a TV show ever. The writing is jaw-dropping.
What did we miss? What did you like?
http://nymag.com/arts/all/aughts/62513/
It properly lauded some great Television shows of the decade, so I thought I’d compile my list of the best TV of the decade, to go along with my movie list.
Now let me caution you over some omissions that you will get fired up about. As I previously have stated, although a big fan of HBO, I never fell for The Sopranos and Sex in the City, both mentioned prominently in the article. I’m not a big fan of reality shows, thus no Survivor, although AI can’t be ignored. But, here’s what I loved in the last decade:
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Nothing I’ve ever seen has captured the angst of high school and college like this. The vampires were just a plus.
2. Real Time with Bill Maher – Nothing made me laugh more.
3. House – Nothing was as much fun to watch unravel.
4. Weeds – Nothing was crazier
5. Curb Your Enthusiasm – Nothing made me cringe more (well maybe Friends)
6. Six Feet Under – Nothing started and ended better
7. Firefly – Nothing left me wanting more so much
8. How I Met Your Mother – Nothing sucked me in to it’s arc more
9. Lie to Me – Nothing had a more interesting premise
10. American Idol – Nothing more entertaining and unentertaining
11. The Chris Isaak Show – Nothing I’d like to have on DVD more
12. Penn & Teller’s Bullshit – Nothing more appropriate
13. Californication – Nothing more daring
14. Brotherhood – Nothing more engrossing – my Sopranos
15. Glee – Nothing more talented
16. Sarah Connor Chronicles - Nothing said "to be continued" more
17. This Week with George Stephanopolous – Nothing more informative
18. The Sports Reporters – Nothing more infuriating, sometimes
19. Sportscenter – Nothing more omnipresent
20. George Carlin’s HBO Specials – Nothing a better legacy
21. Cold Case – Nothing more inventive
22. The Practice – Nothing more intense
23. Kitchen Nighmares – Nothing was more true to life – for me.
24. 24 – Nothing more pulse-pounding
Final Score – Showtime 5, HBO 4 how interesting.
And a special mention to the best single episodes I saw:
Six Feet Under: Finale
House: Three Stories
Buffy: The Body, and Once More with Feeling
And the Best Sequence of Episodes: Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Producers arc.
Shows I still haven’t watched that may merit consideration. I made a conscious decision to just wait for the DVD’s. I’ll let you know my verdict some day, I hope: The Wire, Battlestar Gallectica, Mad Men, Lost, among others.
Here’s the strangest thing about my list - #’s 1 and 7 – the Joss Whedon masterpieces – I never saw a single episode the day it originally aired. I caught the entire Buffy on the FX channel reruns, and Firefly solely on DVD.
And one final note on Buffy, for those of you who might want to start trolling through the DVD’s. The third season, the Senior Year, is IMO the finest single season of a TV show ever. The writing is jaw-dropping.
What did we miss? What did you like?
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