Classic Tube!
There are certain sit-coms that will endure forever. "I Love Lucy". "The Andy Griffith Show". "The Honeymooners." And I hope we never forget "The Dick Van Dyke Show." But on anybody's top ten list, there better be the name "Cheers."
I just went through the entire series so that I could accurately do this review. This took me quite awhile - thanks Netflix - because there were 11 seasons of this wonderful show. And back then folks, a season consisted of about 26 episodes. At any rate it was a wonderful journey, and one I'm glad I made.
'Cheers' was a mythical bar that existed in Boston Mass., (inspired by the Bull and Finch) owned by a former Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson), who was a recovering alcoholic and ironically owned the bar. In the pilot episode, a aspiring writer graduate student named Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) wanders in with her fiance, and he ultimately jilts her and leaves her stranded. She ends up being a bar maid at Cheers, much to the chagrin of the caustic bar maid Carla Tortelli/LaVec (Rhea Pearlman). The fun starts from there. There is a sexual tension between Sam and Diane that goes on for the first 2 or 3 seasons. Finally they are going together by the fourth season, and Diane stays with us through Season 5. The final episode of Season 5 is one of the finest single episodes of a sitcom ever.
Because Diane leaves, we are introduced to Rebecca (Kirstie Alley). Rebecca represents a corporation that purchased Cheers from Sam after his break-up with Diane. He had sold the bar and gone on a sail around the world. But now he's back and he ends up bar tending at Cheers.
Initially, Sam's fellow bartender is Coach. Coach (Nick Colasanto). Coach was lovable, but not the brightest bulb on the porch. After Season 3 he disappears, because sadly, Mr. Costalano had a heart attack and passed away. How did they deal with that? They talked about the fact that Coach passed away. I liked the fact that they didn't come up with a lame excuse for his absence. And then a new bartender comes on the scene....a Hanover, Indiana farm boy named Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson). Woody is a naive young man, but he adds to the merriment and fills in nicely for Coach.
Other regulars include postman Cliff Claven (John Ratzenberger), and Norm Peterson (George Wendt). Norm was the only character that appeared in every episode. Whenever he entered the whole place yelled "Norm!" and he also came back with a smart retort. Sam: "How are things, Norm?" Norm: "It's a dog-eat-dog world and I'm wearing Milkbone underwear." There was also Al (Al Rosen) Mr. Rosen passed away too in 1990. And then they made more use of Phil. Phil rarely had a line, but when he did it was funny. (As an aside, he was the real life father of Rhea Perlman). And then there was the terribly underutilized Paul (Paul Wilson). They started to use him more at the end, and a little is better than none. He was good. But sadly, I haven't seen him since.
Our journey with these characters is a wondrous journey indeed. We are taken through the ultimate love of the all-time great playboy Sam Malone, and how he tries to steal Diane from another regular, Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar). Love almost prevails.
And then (in Season 6) we are introduced to Rebecca. She is a girl that is a social climber and one who wants to marry big money - a gold-digger - And her attempts to do that never fail to entertain. Ironically she in the last few episodes actually falls for and gets married to an ordinary plumber.
Along the way there are other characters that deserve mention. There was corporate head, Evan Drake (Tom Skerritt). Another big money guy that Rebecca tried to hook was Robin Colcord (Roger Rees). He came in and out of the show many times. Woody eventally gets a girlfriend, Kelly (Jackie Swanson) and in the final season they get married. Along the way Frasier also gets married, to a fellow psychiatrist, and cold fish Lilith Sternin (Bebe Neuwirth). In fact Ms. Neuwirth was considered a regular in a couple of the seasons and got star billing with the other primary characters. There was Kelly's father Mr. Walter Gaines (Richard Doyle), and Cliff's Mother (Frances Sterhagen). And I rightfully should mention the miserable John Allen Hill (Keene Curtis) who became the owner of Melville's Restaurant upstairs, and a pain in the neck to Sam downstairs. There was Dan Hedaya and Jean Kasem as Nick and Loretta Tortelli. ("The Tortellis" was the first spin off of Cheers). Nick was Carla's first husband. She takes another husband during the show - Eddie LeBec (Jay Thomas) a hockey player who ends up in the ice shows. Eddie eventually slips on the ice somewhere and dies. Another often talked about but never seen character was Norm's wife Vera. She was only physically in two episodes - first a Thanksgiving episode. During a food fight, a pie was thrown off stage and then Vera came on, her face completely hidden in pie. Interestingly enough, when Vera was seen in "Thanksgiving's Orphans", and later when we see her legs as she sits on the steps outside crying over losing a job, she was actually Bernadette Birket- George Wendt's real life wife).
Speaking of the episode "Thanksgiving's Orphans", it along with an episode called "Home is The Sailor" both originally aired in 1987, were named #7 and #45 respectively in TV Guides "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time" in 1997. In 2002 Cheers was named #18 in "TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time."
The journey through the bar known as "Cheers" is a wonderful one. It is humorous and witty, and yet there is a hint of "bittersweet". And bittersweet is a tone that goes on throughout. All of the things we hope for are never realized.
The end of Season 5 was very touching. The 3-part end of the series was too. I think it was because Cheers had become so much a part of our lives by then. It was sad to see them go. And as I watched the final episode, I felt a kind of loss. Like I was saying goodbye to many of my old friends. I miss those goofy folks......
And in a way they were saying goodbye too. Diane had returned and said goodbye, Lilith had returned and in a way said goodbye, and in particular, after Mr. Colasanto passed away, they took the giant picture of Geronimo that had been in his dressing room and placed it prominently in the bar. So that he would always sort of be there. In the final episode Sam goes over and spends a moment at it, adjusting it and unbeknownst to the viewer, saying a silent goodbye.
I loved this place, was always glad I came, and I long to go back - back where everybody knows my name.
GRADE: A+
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
HER
FLIX!
During the Christmas Holiday, my daughters were home from college. As young people do, they had to be on their phones nearly all the time. The older daughter cannot sit through a meal in a restaurant without going to her phone every 4 minutes. That's a lot, but when I say nearly all the time, my younger, Samantha, has to have hers in her hand every moment of everyday. If she lays it down it will be right in front of her. I timed her while they were home and the longest Sami ever went without referring to her phone was seven and a half minutes. In fact once in the car she dropped it down between the seats in my car, and went into total and complete junkie panic until I could stop the car and she could retrieve it via the back seat. It was 10 minutes of nothing for me, but living Hell for her. I reckon she spends, bare bones minimum 2 or so hours everyday with her face in her phone. After 10 and a half days, she's lost a day of her life.
I have seen people so busy texting about an event they were at, that for the most part they didn't actually see the event. My daughter Sam is not alone. Most kids and a majority of adults probably do the same thing. They spend an inordinate amount of time in their device while the most precious gift they'll ever get, their life, is spinning on by. So what if someone told a story about taking what's happening now to the next logical step? I think it would be this film, Her.
This film takes place in the not distant future. Theodore was a man in his own private crisis. His wife had recently left him and divorce was imminent. He goes through his day at work by dictating letters into software that write it for people who order them through "Beautiful Handwritten Letters.Com" and then walks home with an earpiece in his ear, verbally telling his hand held computer (in his pocket), to "check my email" and the then commands "delete" to what he doesn't want or lets it read the message to him if he's interested. At home at night he plays holographic video games that swear at him, and confront him.
And then one day, he passes by a display, and on a whim buys an operating system. It is "the first operating system to incorporate artificial intelligence." He goes home and as he is installing it, it asks him questions about himself, but cuts him off when he gets too "wordy". I think it's because that was getting too human, but that's unimportant.
He opts for a female voice and during the first conversation he asks her to tell him her name. She comes right back with "Samantha". (Of course this blows me away....reference my daughter in the first couple paragraphs.) He asks why Samantha and she says that she'd scanned 850,000 names in one eighth of a second and liked that one the best.
As time goes on, Theodore grows closer and closer to Samantha, and they share things as friends that peak his interest. So much so, that when he goes on a date with a beautiful actual real live gorgeous woman, and she asks, (paraphrasing here) "you're not just going to use me, and then never call again, are you?", Theodore hesitates, blowing that real life thing. But as time goes on, Samantha is his lover, his friend, his confidant, everything he ever wanted. And finally, he even lets people know that he has a girlfriend. He will drop in "she's nice, she's an operating system, she's funny...." This grows to the point that his friends actually wear ear-pieces and they all double date.
As they are meeting to sign divorce papers, there is a brief moment when he hopes his estranged wife won't sign, and she seems to hesitate, but then she signs. He's sad, but it's okay, he still has Samantha. He's glad that the complicated human thing is out of the way.
Theodore is friends with a couple down the hall, and during the course of events, they split and the wife also gets the operating system, and it becomes her very best friend. So this is beginning to go on with a lot of people.
Whenever Theodore is on the street, every person appears to be talking to themselves or looking into a device. If they aren't I assumed they were listening to their device. So Theo isn't an out of the ordinary guy.
Theodore goes on vacations with Samantha and is totally in love. And then, besides making a publishing deal for him without his knowledge, she introduces him to another "male" operating system. This is where things start to go awry. Without being a total spoiler, let's just say, even in cyberspace, love hurts. He asks, "Do you talk to other people?". She answers yes, 8,543." He asks, "Are you in love with any of them?" She replies, "Yes, 649." This breaks Theodore's heart and he begins his tailspin.
This is a powerful movie. It is a not-so-subtle look at today; it shows us how we act, and how we will act in the future. It is a perfect picture of today in a way, even of how we are all in this "alone together". But it extends it to the next level....to a very short time from now, when we abhor human interaction and where we will actually pay a company to write a personal letter to a loved one.
Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely incredible as always. I know he was upset about being robbed of the Oscar that was rightfully his for "Walk The Line", but I was with you pal. You owned it then, and you own it now. And an amazing part of this is that the voice of Samantha (Scarlett Johansen) wasn't dubbed in until after the movie was entirely shot. So Joaquin was playing off either nothing, or a grip reading the line. C'mon Academy, give it up. He is the man.
But the bigger picture is an intelligent look at a society gone crazy. I watched someone at a recent event so focused entirely on taking a picture every 7 seconds that he totally missed the event. He gave up real life for a look at what he might have seen. It was wondrous, right in front of him, but he gave that up for technology.
Her chickens out at the end, or lets say you can draw your own conclusions.
This is not on my list of Best Movies I Saw This Year for 2013, but since this is 2014, it will be next time.
This is one of those films I will be thinking about for a long, long time.
And you should too. Go see this.
Grade: A
Disclaimer: My wife saw this film and absolutely hated it, calling one of the most boring quiet films she's ever seen and was tempted to walk out. So there you go.
During the Christmas Holiday, my daughters were home from college. As young people do, they had to be on their phones nearly all the time. The older daughter cannot sit through a meal in a restaurant without going to her phone every 4 minutes. That's a lot, but when I say nearly all the time, my younger, Samantha, has to have hers in her hand every moment of everyday. If she lays it down it will be right in front of her. I timed her while they were home and the longest Sami ever went without referring to her phone was seven and a half minutes. In fact once in the car she dropped it down between the seats in my car, and went into total and complete junkie panic until I could stop the car and she could retrieve it via the back seat. It was 10 minutes of nothing for me, but living Hell for her. I reckon she spends, bare bones minimum 2 or so hours everyday with her face in her phone. After 10 and a half days, she's lost a day of her life.
I have seen people so busy texting about an event they were at, that for the most part they didn't actually see the event. My daughter Sam is not alone. Most kids and a majority of adults probably do the same thing. They spend an inordinate amount of time in their device while the most precious gift they'll ever get, their life, is spinning on by. So what if someone told a story about taking what's happening now to the next logical step? I think it would be this film, Her.
This film takes place in the not distant future. Theodore was a man in his own private crisis. His wife had recently left him and divorce was imminent. He goes through his day at work by dictating letters into software that write it for people who order them through "Beautiful Handwritten Letters.Com" and then walks home with an earpiece in his ear, verbally telling his hand held computer (in his pocket), to "check my email" and the then commands "delete" to what he doesn't want or lets it read the message to him if he's interested. At home at night he plays holographic video games that swear at him, and confront him.
And then one day, he passes by a display, and on a whim buys an operating system. It is "the first operating system to incorporate artificial intelligence." He goes home and as he is installing it, it asks him questions about himself, but cuts him off when he gets too "wordy". I think it's because that was getting too human, but that's unimportant.
He opts for a female voice and during the first conversation he asks her to tell him her name. She comes right back with "Samantha". (Of course this blows me away....reference my daughter in the first couple paragraphs.) He asks why Samantha and she says that she'd scanned 850,000 names in one eighth of a second and liked that one the best.
As time goes on, Theodore grows closer and closer to Samantha, and they share things as friends that peak his interest. So much so, that when he goes on a date with a beautiful actual real live gorgeous woman, and she asks, (paraphrasing here) "you're not just going to use me, and then never call again, are you?", Theodore hesitates, blowing that real life thing. But as time goes on, Samantha is his lover, his friend, his confidant, everything he ever wanted. And finally, he even lets people know that he has a girlfriend. He will drop in "she's nice, she's an operating system, she's funny...." This grows to the point that his friends actually wear ear-pieces and they all double date.
As they are meeting to sign divorce papers, there is a brief moment when he hopes his estranged wife won't sign, and she seems to hesitate, but then she signs. He's sad, but it's okay, he still has Samantha. He's glad that the complicated human thing is out of the way.
Theodore is friends with a couple down the hall, and during the course of events, they split and the wife also gets the operating system, and it becomes her very best friend. So this is beginning to go on with a lot of people.
Whenever Theodore is on the street, every person appears to be talking to themselves or looking into a device. If they aren't I assumed they were listening to their device. So Theo isn't an out of the ordinary guy.
Theodore goes on vacations with Samantha and is totally in love. And then, besides making a publishing deal for him without his knowledge, she introduces him to another "male" operating system. This is where things start to go awry. Without being a total spoiler, let's just say, even in cyberspace, love hurts. He asks, "Do you talk to other people?". She answers yes, 8,543." He asks, "Are you in love with any of them?" She replies, "Yes, 649." This breaks Theodore's heart and he begins his tailspin.
This is a powerful movie. It is a not-so-subtle look at today; it shows us how we act, and how we will act in the future. It is a perfect picture of today in a way, even of how we are all in this "alone together". But it extends it to the next level....to a very short time from now, when we abhor human interaction and where we will actually pay a company to write a personal letter to a loved one.
Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely incredible as always. I know he was upset about being robbed of the Oscar that was rightfully his for "Walk The Line", but I was with you pal. You owned it then, and you own it now. And an amazing part of this is that the voice of Samantha (Scarlett Johansen) wasn't dubbed in until after the movie was entirely shot. So Joaquin was playing off either nothing, or a grip reading the line. C'mon Academy, give it up. He is the man.
But the bigger picture is an intelligent look at a society gone crazy. I watched someone at a recent event so focused entirely on taking a picture every 7 seconds that he totally missed the event. He gave up real life for a look at what he might have seen. It was wondrous, right in front of him, but he gave that up for technology.
Her chickens out at the end, or lets say you can draw your own conclusions.
This is not on my list of Best Movies I Saw This Year for 2013, but since this is 2014, it will be next time.
This is one of those films I will be thinking about for a long, long time.
And you should too. Go see this.
Grade: A
Disclaimer: My wife saw this film and absolutely hated it, calling one of the most boring quiet films she's ever seen and was tempted to walk out. So there you go.
Monday, January 6, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
FLIX!
Ben Stiller directs and stars in this updated fine adaptation of a James Thurber short story.
Walter Mitty is one of those transparent men that seem to blend into the woodwork. He occupies an office space deep in the bowels of the Time-Life Building in New York, and he has an over-active imagination because he's never really done anything in life. He one of those little guys who goes to work and goes home, with a weekly trip to the grocery store and that is the essence of his entire life.
And then an odd set of circumstances occur and Walter finds himself in a series of real life adventures taking him to Greenland, Iceland, the Himalayas and beyond. Even LA! During the course of trying to track down exotic photographer Sean O'Connell, Walter gets flown in a helicopter with a seriously drunk pilot, dropped in the ocean, nearly gets eaten by sharks, and on and on it goes. (And by the way the scenery in this movie is stunningly beautiful.) Walter is on a quest, and all the while he pines for a woman he works with. In fact in Iceland, a flock of birds form her face in the sky as they fly away.
Discretion won't allow me to reveal lots of details about this wonderful, exquisite film, but let me just say this. I didn't want to like this movie. I didn't really want to even go to the movies tonight. For my money there was nothing to see. But my wife was insistent so always one to want to keep her happy, we narrowed it down to '47 Ronin' or 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.' Out of respect for James Thurber, I pushed for the latter. Man, I'm glad I did. This was a treat.
If you are expecting a whacky, screwball comedy because of the name Ben Stiller, boy are you gonna be disappointed. But if you have half a brain, you'll be delighted and pleasantly surprised. This is a terrific, smart movie that I hope Ben Stiller will be judged by way beyond 'Dodgeball' 'Zoolander' and such. Not that those weren't good for what they were, but this is a special film and it tells me that Ben Stiller wants to sit at the grown-ups table. Ben pull up a chair....right over there between Ron Howard and Woody Allen.
Grade: A
Ben Stiller directs and stars in this updated fine adaptation of a James Thurber short story.
Walter Mitty is one of those transparent men that seem to blend into the woodwork. He occupies an office space deep in the bowels of the Time-Life Building in New York, and he has an over-active imagination because he's never really done anything in life. He one of those little guys who goes to work and goes home, with a weekly trip to the grocery store and that is the essence of his entire life.
And then an odd set of circumstances occur and Walter finds himself in a series of real life adventures taking him to Greenland, Iceland, the Himalayas and beyond. Even LA! During the course of trying to track down exotic photographer Sean O'Connell, Walter gets flown in a helicopter with a seriously drunk pilot, dropped in the ocean, nearly gets eaten by sharks, and on and on it goes. (And by the way the scenery in this movie is stunningly beautiful.) Walter is on a quest, and all the while he pines for a woman he works with. In fact in Iceland, a flock of birds form her face in the sky as they fly away.
Discretion won't allow me to reveal lots of details about this wonderful, exquisite film, but let me just say this. I didn't want to like this movie. I didn't really want to even go to the movies tonight. For my money there was nothing to see. But my wife was insistent so always one to want to keep her happy, we narrowed it down to '47 Ronin' or 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.' Out of respect for James Thurber, I pushed for the latter. Man, I'm glad I did. This was a treat.
If you are expecting a whacky, screwball comedy because of the name Ben Stiller, boy are you gonna be disappointed. But if you have half a brain, you'll be delighted and pleasantly surprised. This is a terrific, smart movie that I hope Ben Stiller will be judged by way beyond 'Dodgeball' 'Zoolander' and such. Not that those weren't good for what they were, but this is a special film and it tells me that Ben Stiller wants to sit at the grown-ups table. Ben pull up a chair....right over there between Ron Howard and Woody Allen.
Grade: A
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Music From 2013.....and Probably None of it From 2013.....
TUNES!
I didn't hear a lot of music in 2013 that excited me much, so this entry should be short and sweet.
Just to make any kind of list at all, I'll put down the best CDs I got this year, regardless of when they were made. Or else there won't be anything.
Best Live Act I Saw In 2013: The Vincent Hayes Project (featuring Doc Yankee). Saw them in Lowell and was blown away. A terrific blues ensemble. I bugged them to let me join the band, to no avail.
3. Wrecking Ball - Bruce Springsteen
Songs about togetherness and unity, and caring about each other. Oh my gosh, you don't suppose there of thread of that dirty word "liberal" in his blood do you? With songs like "We Take Care of Our Own", it gets mighty suspicious.....great record, and I haven't gotten a Springsteen record since "Lonesome Town". Okay, maybe I have "Radio Nowhere."
2. From The Ground Up - John Fullbright
I heard a track by chance on a summer night, and liked it alot. I bought the song on iTunes and got the whole CD for Christmas. This guy reminds me that there are still guys out there that want to write and play good songs, and even though main-stream radio is owned by women (Miley, Kelly, Taylor, Katie, and even Britney) guys like John Fullbright still are willing to shine like a beacon in the night and say "there is hope." This young man probably wouldn't let me in his band either, but since they already sound like The Band, they don't need a lug like me. This is like the sweet voice of Don McLean singing Bob Dylan songs. "Jericho" is a treasure. If you don't want to commit to the whole record, at least buy "Jericho" on iTunes.
1. Allen Stone - Allen Stone
This wonderful, fun, blue-eyed soulful, record is the best thing I've stumbled on in years. My pal Jerry told me to check it out, knowing full well I'd love it. It turns out that Mr. Stone was raised in a strict Christian home and was not allowed to listen to secular music. While in high school, a friend gave him a Stevie Wonder album that he sneaked into the house, and Stevie Wonder is how Allen gauges all secular music. So when he decided to do his own songs, naturally they have a soulful flavor. Very good stuff from a very fun guy. Go to YouTube and witness him on "Live From Daryl's House." You won't believe this it the guy singing all of these delicious soul tunes.
I didn't hear a lot of music in 2013 that excited me much, so this entry should be short and sweet.
Just to make any kind of list at all, I'll put down the best CDs I got this year, regardless of when they were made. Or else there won't be anything.
Best Live Act I Saw In 2013: The Vincent Hayes Project (featuring Doc Yankee). Saw them in Lowell and was blown away. A terrific blues ensemble. I bugged them to let me join the band, to no avail.
3. Wrecking Ball - Bruce Springsteen
Songs about togetherness and unity, and caring about each other. Oh my gosh, you don't suppose there of thread of that dirty word "liberal" in his blood do you? With songs like "We Take Care of Our Own", it gets mighty suspicious.....great record, and I haven't gotten a Springsteen record since "Lonesome Town". Okay, maybe I have "Radio Nowhere."
2. From The Ground Up - John Fullbright
I heard a track by chance on a summer night, and liked it alot. I bought the song on iTunes and got the whole CD for Christmas. This guy reminds me that there are still guys out there that want to write and play good songs, and even though main-stream radio is owned by women (Miley, Kelly, Taylor, Katie, and even Britney) guys like John Fullbright still are willing to shine like a beacon in the night and say "there is hope." This young man probably wouldn't let me in his band either, but since they already sound like The Band, they don't need a lug like me. This is like the sweet voice of Don McLean singing Bob Dylan songs. "Jericho" is a treasure. If you don't want to commit to the whole record, at least buy "Jericho" on iTunes.
1. Allen Stone - Allen Stone
This wonderful, fun, blue-eyed soulful, record is the best thing I've stumbled on in years. My pal Jerry told me to check it out, knowing full well I'd love it. It turns out that Mr. Stone was raised in a strict Christian home and was not allowed to listen to secular music. While in high school, a friend gave him a Stevie Wonder album that he sneaked into the house, and Stevie Wonder is how Allen gauges all secular music. So when he decided to do his own songs, naturally they have a soulful flavor. Very good stuff from a very fun guy. Go to YouTube and witness him on "Live From Daryl's House." You won't believe this it the guy singing all of these delicious soul tunes.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
The Best Movies I Saw in 2013
FLIX!
I know that at this time of year there are a flurry of movies that screen in "selected cities"; translation: New York and LA, just so they can make it under the deadline and qualify for this year's Oscars. And sure, I'm dying to see "Her", and "American Hustle". But for now, I will just have to go with what I saw on the big screen this past year and tell you that these were the best I saw. In reverse order they are:
5. THE LONE RANGER
Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp make this happen. It was a fine movie that delivered exactly what it promised. It was accurate to the original story line, was fun, and even included the obligatory "Hi-O Silver, and Away!!" To which Tonto begs: "Don't ever do that again."
4. Lee Phillips' THE BUTLER
Forrest Whitaker delivers another of his astounding performances playing a man who was a Butler in the White House from Dwight Eisenhower through Ronald Reagan. This includes all the strife of the 60's and his son who breaks away and sees the future, much to his father's chagrin and disapproval.
3. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Tom Hanks as the Captain on a shipping vessel that is ultimately over-run by pirates, is superb. This guy still has his chops. In my opinion this was his greatest performance since "The Green Mile". The supporting cast not so much, but Tom and the Pirates were uncanny. And hats off to the Navy nurse who stepped up to help Tom in one of his final scenes. This was good stuff.
2. DJANGO UNCHAINED
Quentin Tarantino is at it again. Using his new-found friend Gustav Waltz and the pretty darned great Jamie Foxx, created a new western with the Tarantino twist. Quentin has begged time and time again, to remember that Slavery was a thousand times worse than this, but his critics, continue to assail him for not being sensitive enough. Especially the very jealous Spike Lee, who wishes he could make a movie like this. The script uses the "N", which is crazy I guess because everybody knows no-one in the pre-Civil War South ever called black people the "N" word. Please critics, screw you heads on right. If you want to criticize a few of the costumes or Tarantino's laughable attempt at an accent, okay. This was a look at a black man who really wanted his wife back. Mark Twain would have been proud, because he alludes in "Huckleberry Finn" Huck was amazed when he heard Jim crying, missing his wife and children. Huck had never realized that blacks loved their families too. Anyway, Django is a partner of a bounty hunter who gives Django his freedom and is determined to help him achieve his goal. It isn't an easy goal, folks. But it is wonderful.
1. 42
Not only was this one of the greatest films I saw this year, it is one of the greatest films I ever saw. Certainly circumventing "Field of Dreams" as the best baseball movie ever. I knew that Jackie Robinson "broke the color barrier" and that he was the first black player in the Major Leagues, but I really had no idea what this man went through. And what his wife in the stands went through. And the fans weren't the only ones. There were the newspapers and team-mates. Jackie Robinson was a man of outstanding character, perseverance, determination, and talent. It takes a special person to break a color barrior, and Jackie Robinson was the right man at the right time. And let's not forget this would never happened if it weren't for the vision of Branch Rickey, (played by Harrison Ford) owner and manager of The Brooklyn Dodgers. This was a tremendous movie, and I urge you all to not only see it, but to own it.
I know that at this time of year there are a flurry of movies that screen in "selected cities"; translation: New York and LA, just so they can make it under the deadline and qualify for this year's Oscars. And sure, I'm dying to see "Her", and "American Hustle". But for now, I will just have to go with what I saw on the big screen this past year and tell you that these were the best I saw. In reverse order they are:
5. THE LONE RANGER
Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp make this happen. It was a fine movie that delivered exactly what it promised. It was accurate to the original story line, was fun, and even included the obligatory "Hi-O Silver, and Away!!" To which Tonto begs: "Don't ever do that again."
4. Lee Phillips' THE BUTLER
Forrest Whitaker delivers another of his astounding performances playing a man who was a Butler in the White House from Dwight Eisenhower through Ronald Reagan. This includes all the strife of the 60's and his son who breaks away and sees the future, much to his father's chagrin and disapproval.
3. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Tom Hanks as the Captain on a shipping vessel that is ultimately over-run by pirates, is superb. This guy still has his chops. In my opinion this was his greatest performance since "The Green Mile". The supporting cast not so much, but Tom and the Pirates were uncanny. And hats off to the Navy nurse who stepped up to help Tom in one of his final scenes. This was good stuff.
2. DJANGO UNCHAINED
Quentin Tarantino is at it again. Using his new-found friend Gustav Waltz and the pretty darned great Jamie Foxx, created a new western with the Tarantino twist. Quentin has begged time and time again, to remember that Slavery was a thousand times worse than this, but his critics, continue to assail him for not being sensitive enough. Especially the very jealous Spike Lee, who wishes he could make a movie like this. The script uses the "N", which is crazy I guess because everybody knows no-one in the pre-Civil War South ever called black people the "N" word. Please critics, screw you heads on right. If you want to criticize a few of the costumes or Tarantino's laughable attempt at an accent, okay. This was a look at a black man who really wanted his wife back. Mark Twain would have been proud, because he alludes in "Huckleberry Finn" Huck was amazed when he heard Jim crying, missing his wife and children. Huck had never realized that blacks loved their families too. Anyway, Django is a partner of a bounty hunter who gives Django his freedom and is determined to help him achieve his goal. It isn't an easy goal, folks. But it is wonderful.
1. 42
Not only was this one of the greatest films I saw this year, it is one of the greatest films I ever saw. Certainly circumventing "Field of Dreams" as the best baseball movie ever. I knew that Jackie Robinson "broke the color barrier" and that he was the first black player in the Major Leagues, but I really had no idea what this man went through. And what his wife in the stands went through. And the fans weren't the only ones. There were the newspapers and team-mates. Jackie Robinson was a man of outstanding character, perseverance, determination, and talent. It takes a special person to break a color barrior, and Jackie Robinson was the right man at the right time. And let's not forget this would never happened if it weren't for the vision of Branch Rickey, (played by Harrison Ford) owner and manager of The Brooklyn Dodgers. This was a tremendous movie, and I urge you all to not only see it, but to own it.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Year End TV This and That. The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly.
TUBE!
I just posted (see the post after this) my favorite TV for the last year. But my favorite stuff doesn't cover everything I want to say about TV. So here are a few random categories I want to toss out there.
The TV Thing I Most Wanted to See But Missed: The 2013 Inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Coolest Non-Fiction Thing I Saw: The Led Zeppelin tribute folks honoring LZ as the band received Kennedy Center Honors. The "Stairway to Heaven" bit was remarkable. If you haven't seen it, please watch this on YouTube. Now.
Best Reality Show: "Pawn Stars." But keep in mind, that saying "best reality show" is like saying, "The Freshest and Shiniest Turd." Runner Up? "Naked Vegas". Just because it's so different.
Worst Reality Show: In the land of Honey Boo-Boo, all the rest. Including the God-awful Cake-Boss, Project Runway, Hells Kitchen and any other show that takes a respectable profession and makes a crummy game show out of it.
Worst TV in 2013: The Oscars hosted by Seth McFarland. What a putz. Terrible. Just God-Awful.
Best Just Out There Fun Current Events Thing: Bill Maher on "Real Time."
Where else are you going to get to see Ann Colter and Ben Affleck yelling at each other while Michael Moore chuckles at them both?
Best Old Time Sit-Com I Watched that Still Holds Up: "The Andy Griffith Show", "Cheers", and "I Love Lucy."
I just posted (see the post after this) my favorite TV for the last year. But my favorite stuff doesn't cover everything I want to say about TV. So here are a few random categories I want to toss out there.
The TV Thing I Most Wanted to See But Missed: The 2013 Inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Coolest Non-Fiction Thing I Saw: The Led Zeppelin tribute folks honoring LZ as the band received Kennedy Center Honors. The "Stairway to Heaven" bit was remarkable. If you haven't seen it, please watch this on YouTube. Now.
Best Reality Show: "Pawn Stars." But keep in mind, that saying "best reality show" is like saying, "The Freshest and Shiniest Turd." Runner Up? "Naked Vegas". Just because it's so different.
Worst Reality Show: In the land of Honey Boo-Boo, all the rest. Including the God-awful Cake-Boss, Project Runway, Hells Kitchen and any other show that takes a respectable profession and makes a crummy game show out of it.
Worst TV in 2013: The Oscars hosted by Seth McFarland. What a putz. Terrible. Just God-Awful.
Best Just Out There Fun Current Events Thing: Bill Maher on "Real Time."
Where else are you going to get to see Ann Colter and Ben Affleck yelling at each other while Michael Moore chuckles at them both?
Best Old Time Sit-Com I Watched that Still Holds Up: "The Andy Griffith Show", "Cheers", and "I Love Lucy."
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Year End List- Television- the 12 Best I Saw
TUBE!
Some people hate end-of-the-year lists, but I love them. So, you are about to get mine about TV. But I have a couple of disclaimers. First, this is a list of the best things I watched this year, although they may haven't technically occurred this year. Secondly, don't worry, the fact that I am currently reviewing the entire STAR TREK franchise and am going through "CHEERS" all over again will not count. The things here will be a little bit more relevant to the current times. In other words, should something have been aired at the end of 2012, it might be on my list here. I guess I will start with number 12 and work may way to number 1. Because if I start with Number 1, it kind of becomes anti-climatic...one pick after another.
So here we go:
HONORABLE MENTION: LIVE FROM DARYL'S HOUSE - Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates fame invites different performers to his home to just jam with him. He normally does one of their songs and they do one of his. My favorite episode? The one featuring Allen Stone. (Can be seen on Youtube, as many episodes can be)
12. THE MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR HUMOR: 2013, Carol Burnett
This broadcast from the Kennedy Center is always a delight, but the 16th winner being Carol Burnett was something special. She is a mega-talented American Institution - to comedy what John Wayne was to westerns. (might be seen, in part anyway, on YouTube)
11: LILLYHAMMER - season 1 & 2.
Steven Van Zant plays a New York "goodfella" who needs to be in the witness relocation program. Instead of the usual tropical choice, he opts for Lillehammer, Norway. He sets up his own "Flamingo" nightclub, and there the fun ensues. Season 2 introduces a wider cast of misfits and overall is better than the 1st, but I miss the use of his love interest in Season 1. (Stream on Netflix)
10. LONGMIRE - season 1 & 2
A wonderful show about Walt Longmire, [Robert Taylor] a Sheriff in Wyoming, who has taken his job back after his wife's death, and has a task each episode. In other words, you can tune into any episode and be satisfied - although there are ongoing plot-lines. (Stream on Netflix)
9. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
An original NETFLIX production, (btw, I love how Netflix is redefining how we watch TV), and this is one of those shows you can binge-watch in a weekend. A woman makes some bad choices in her girlfriend relationship, and ends up in prison, entirely out of her element. Has a boyfriend, but has tendencies......(of course stream on Netflix...it's their show after all)
8. HOMELAND - Season 1
An HBO series focused around a returned POW held in the middle east, Nicholas Brody [Damien Lewis] for years and the CIA agent Carrie Matheson [Claire Danes] who's obsessed that he has been "turned" and that he is a danger. Nevertheless, she sleeps with him. So there's that. Also features the most over-rated guy in the world, Mandy Patikin, as Saul Berenson.
7. SONS OF ANARCHY - seasons 4 & 5
Once again America's favorite despicable band of outlaw bikers and their "old ladies" continue to stay fascinating in a sick, looking-at-the-train-wreck kind of way. The plots remain interesting and besides Jimmy Smits being introduced into the mix, more of "The Shield" cast filter through. (Now must be steamed through Netflix or maybe Hulu)
6. BOARDWALK EMPIRE - Season 2
Steve Buschemi as a mobster in prohibition 1920's in Atlantic City is as interesting as the decision to cast Steve Buschemi. But he is magnificent as is everyone in the cast. And that includes the band in the speakeasy nightclub, Dafney Coleman, and Stephan Graham- playing a young green Al Capone. There is way too much to say about this, [ala Michael Kenneth White] so I'd better let you find out for yourself. (I got it through CDs on Netflix)
5. THE WALKING DEAD - Season 3
Many fans weren't fond of Season 2. I was. No problem. Season 3 took turns I wouldn't have taken as a writer, but sometimes different isn't worse, it's just different. The gang that continues to try to survive hold up in a prison, after fighting their way in and leaving the obligatory leaks for dramatic effect in the fence. They hold up in cell-blocks and have to deal with the "Governor" a egocentric maniac who oversees another survival group nearby. A couple characters we've grown to love end up dying but that is the nature of this show. Worthwhile nevertheless. (Stream on Demand, Netflix, Hulu maybe)
4. THE HATFIELDS AND MCCOYS
Kevin Costner as Hatfield and Bill Paxton as McCoy, as well as an astounding cast of principles, are mind blowing. Kostner was born to play westerns. This a wonderful, and as it turns out, a historically accurate account of America's longest and most painful family feud. Intriguing does not do it justice. (can be streamed on Netflix)
3. THE BLACK LIST
Who would ever imagine Network TV could remotely churn out anything to make this list? But NBC did. And at Number 3. That's how good this is. James Spader is a jewel and here he plays a great character who turns himself into the FBI, and in turn works with only one agent and helps them eliminate people that are on his "Black List." Turns out they are on their lists too, so it's win/win. And it is implied that the agent is his daughter. There were only about 10 initial episodes, but it was enough of a hit that they -NBC- have renewed (translation: ordered another 10 episodes - anybody remember when a season meant 23 episodes?) (This can be streamed ON DEMAND or HULU, but episodes 2 through 5 are not available)
2. HOUSE OF CARDS
This just might be Kevin Spacey's best work ever. He plays the minority whip in the House of Representatives and as I said in my review, takes us through the dark underbelly of what really happens inside the beltway. If it weren't for the next entry, I might say this was the best TV I ever saw, but can't say that. But please don't miss this experience. Robin Wright, you are wonderful. It's a Netflix original, so subscribe, watch this, and cancel. But really I think even better things are coming. So you might want to just bite the bullet and enjoy quality TV.
1. BREAKING BAD - season 5
This final season came in two 8 episode installments. That was almost a blessing. I needed a breather in between. This was the finale season in the greatest TV experience I've ever had the pleasure to watch. Bryan Cranston as Walter White, and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman were one on the greatest TV one-two punches since Andy and Barney. And a supporting cast that would make any producer envious. There was Anna Gunn as Walt's wife, Dean Norris as his DEA agent brother-in-law, and many more that all deserve mention. This was fantastic, and solidly deserves my number 1 slot. Please, if you haven't seen it, start from the beginning and witness this work of TV art. And for my money, TV is where the real art is being made these days.
So here you go. This was the best TV I witnessed this year. I hope you too have had the pleasure of witnessing some or all of the things I talked about here. I do believe that in this world of Super-hero, blow-up stuff, movies, that TV has stepped up and become where it's at for true artists. And in the last couple years it appears that way....
And although I'm not paid to say it, you might want to think about streaming Netflix....there is a lot of cool stuff happening there, and they don't play the feed-you-one-episode at a time thing. I love how they have redefined TV and you can binge watch a series in a weekend, or however it fits you. To me, Netflix is making that defiant, snot-nosed, shout in the face of Network TV. Please reference the beginning of "Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" by The Young Rascals. Seriously, do it. It's the same wonderful thing.
2013 was all in all, a good TV year.
Some people hate end-of-the-year lists, but I love them. So, you are about to get mine about TV. But I have a couple of disclaimers. First, this is a list of the best things I watched this year, although they may haven't technically occurred this year. Secondly, don't worry, the fact that I am currently reviewing the entire STAR TREK franchise and am going through "CHEERS" all over again will not count. The things here will be a little bit more relevant to the current times. In other words, should something have been aired at the end of 2012, it might be on my list here. I guess I will start with number 12 and work may way to number 1. Because if I start with Number 1, it kind of becomes anti-climatic...one pick after another.
So here we go:
HONORABLE MENTION: LIVE FROM DARYL'S HOUSE - Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates fame invites different performers to his home to just jam with him. He normally does one of their songs and they do one of his. My favorite episode? The one featuring Allen Stone. (Can be seen on Youtube, as many episodes can be)
12. THE MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR HUMOR: 2013, Carol Burnett
This broadcast from the Kennedy Center is always a delight, but the 16th winner being Carol Burnett was something special. She is a mega-talented American Institution - to comedy what John Wayne was to westerns. (might be seen, in part anyway, on YouTube)
11: LILLYHAMMER - season 1 & 2.
Steven Van Zant plays a New York "goodfella" who needs to be in the witness relocation program. Instead of the usual tropical choice, he opts for Lillehammer, Norway. He sets up his own "Flamingo" nightclub, and there the fun ensues. Season 2 introduces a wider cast of misfits and overall is better than the 1st, but I miss the use of his love interest in Season 1. (Stream on Netflix)
10. LONGMIRE - season 1 & 2
A wonderful show about Walt Longmire, [Robert Taylor] a Sheriff in Wyoming, who has taken his job back after his wife's death, and has a task each episode. In other words, you can tune into any episode and be satisfied - although there are ongoing plot-lines. (Stream on Netflix)
9. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
An original NETFLIX production, (btw, I love how Netflix is redefining how we watch TV), and this is one of those shows you can binge-watch in a weekend. A woman makes some bad choices in her girlfriend relationship, and ends up in prison, entirely out of her element. Has a boyfriend, but has tendencies......(of course stream on Netflix...it's their show after all)
8. HOMELAND - Season 1
An HBO series focused around a returned POW held in the middle east, Nicholas Brody [Damien Lewis] for years and the CIA agent Carrie Matheson [Claire Danes] who's obsessed that he has been "turned" and that he is a danger. Nevertheless, she sleeps with him. So there's that. Also features the most over-rated guy in the world, Mandy Patikin, as Saul Berenson.
7. SONS OF ANARCHY - seasons 4 & 5
Once again America's favorite despicable band of outlaw bikers and their "old ladies" continue to stay fascinating in a sick, looking-at-the-train-wreck kind of way. The plots remain interesting and besides Jimmy Smits being introduced into the mix, more of "The Shield" cast filter through. (Now must be steamed through Netflix or maybe Hulu)
6. BOARDWALK EMPIRE - Season 2
Steve Buschemi as a mobster in prohibition 1920's in Atlantic City is as interesting as the decision to cast Steve Buschemi. But he is magnificent as is everyone in the cast. And that includes the band in the speakeasy nightclub, Dafney Coleman, and Stephan Graham- playing a young green Al Capone. There is way too much to say about this, [ala Michael Kenneth White] so I'd better let you find out for yourself. (I got it through CDs on Netflix)
5. THE WALKING DEAD - Season 3
Many fans weren't fond of Season 2. I was. No problem. Season 3 took turns I wouldn't have taken as a writer, but sometimes different isn't worse, it's just different. The gang that continues to try to survive hold up in a prison, after fighting their way in and leaving the obligatory leaks for dramatic effect in the fence. They hold up in cell-blocks and have to deal with the "Governor" a egocentric maniac who oversees another survival group nearby. A couple characters we've grown to love end up dying but that is the nature of this show. Worthwhile nevertheless. (Stream on Demand, Netflix, Hulu maybe)
4. THE HATFIELDS AND MCCOYS
Kevin Costner as Hatfield and Bill Paxton as McCoy, as well as an astounding cast of principles, are mind blowing. Kostner was born to play westerns. This a wonderful, and as it turns out, a historically accurate account of America's longest and most painful family feud. Intriguing does not do it justice. (can be streamed on Netflix)
3. THE BLACK LIST
Who would ever imagine Network TV could remotely churn out anything to make this list? But NBC did. And at Number 3. That's how good this is. James Spader is a jewel and here he plays a great character who turns himself into the FBI, and in turn works with only one agent and helps them eliminate people that are on his "Black List." Turns out they are on their lists too, so it's win/win. And it is implied that the agent is his daughter. There were only about 10 initial episodes, but it was enough of a hit that they -NBC- have renewed (translation: ordered another 10 episodes - anybody remember when a season meant 23 episodes?) (This can be streamed ON DEMAND or HULU, but episodes 2 through 5 are not available)
2. HOUSE OF CARDS
This just might be Kevin Spacey's best work ever. He plays the minority whip in the House of Representatives and as I said in my review, takes us through the dark underbelly of what really happens inside the beltway. If it weren't for the next entry, I might say this was the best TV I ever saw, but can't say that. But please don't miss this experience. Robin Wright, you are wonderful. It's a Netflix original, so subscribe, watch this, and cancel. But really I think even better things are coming. So you might want to just bite the bullet and enjoy quality TV.
1. BREAKING BAD - season 5
This final season came in two 8 episode installments. That was almost a blessing. I needed a breather in between. This was the finale season in the greatest TV experience I've ever had the pleasure to watch. Bryan Cranston as Walter White, and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman were one on the greatest TV one-two punches since Andy and Barney. And a supporting cast that would make any producer envious. There was Anna Gunn as Walt's wife, Dean Norris as his DEA agent brother-in-law, and many more that all deserve mention. This was fantastic, and solidly deserves my number 1 slot. Please, if you haven't seen it, start from the beginning and witness this work of TV art. And for my money, TV is where the real art is being made these days.
So here you go. This was the best TV I witnessed this year. I hope you too have had the pleasure of witnessing some or all of the things I talked about here. I do believe that in this world of Super-hero, blow-up stuff, movies, that TV has stepped up and become where it's at for true artists. And in the last couple years it appears that way....
And although I'm not paid to say it, you might want to think about streaming Netflix....there is a lot of cool stuff happening there, and they don't play the feed-you-one-episode at a time thing. I love how they have redefined TV and you can binge watch a series in a weekend, or however it fits you. To me, Netflix is making that defiant, snot-nosed, shout in the face of Network TV. Please reference the beginning of "Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" by The Young Rascals. Seriously, do it. It's the same wonderful thing.
2013 was all in all, a good TV year.
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