July 2009 - Posts
I'd argue that many television shows are best watched on DVD. It's how I got caught up on such gems as "The Shield," "The Wire," "Gilmore Girls," "House" and "My Name Is Earl."
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Sometimes when a TV show starts to go bad, I just can’t look away. It’s a mystery that demands to be solved. What went wrong? How did a show that was once fresh and new grow tired and clichéd? “Entourage,” I’m talking to you.
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We're halfway through our commercial contest, so let's look at some of the ads that have been repeatedly mentioned as contenders. That Prius ad is still high among your favorites, as are the Evian skating babies. But over on the worst side, there's a yogurt-sucking blonde and a bicycling woman with Sasquatch-like armpit hair.
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Back in February, when Trent Reznor announced that it was "time to make NIN disappear for a while," I didn't think too much of it. I thought I'd just have to wait several years for another album from my favorite band ever. I figured if I could wait five years for "The Fragile" and six more years after that for "With Teeth," I could wait just as long for the next album or tour. Then he called Bonnaroo his last U.S. show, and that's when it hit me.
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I understand that commercials have a short amount of time to deliver their message. But really, do they have to fall back on stereotypes quite so often? If there's a dad in a commercial, he's almost always a doofus with a smarter wife who smiles benevolently at him when he does something dumb. If there's a woman in a commercial, she loves shoes and shopping, kids and chocolate. It practically goes without question that she's a mom.
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As if summer weren’t delightful enough, it’s also the season of my favorite reality show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” Each year, much to the amusement of my co-workers, I get totally involved with this show about dancers trying to become America’s favorite, not best, dancer. Now that we’re down to eight dancers, I’ve have a few favorites I’m rooting for.
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Where have you gone, Grimace and Hamburglar? Today, fast-food commercials feature square butts and cows the size of schnauzers. That last one is not necessarily a bad thing.
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Some movies with twist endings are breathtaking, but others make you want your money, and the past two hours back. Let's discuss twists that work, and those that fail. Warning: Here there be spoilers.
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A year or so ago, my parents were singing the praises of CBS's Monday night comedy lineup, most notably "Two And A Half Men," and their new favorite show, "The Big Bang Theory." Not being a big fan of the "Men," I was dubious about "Bang" as well. But one Monday night, I decided to give it a try. Mom, Dad ... I will never doubt you again (well, except for "Men.").
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The main problem I’ve always had with the Emmys is that there’s almost a force of habit when it comes to the nomination picks. Once a show gets in, it stays in. A great show can have a crappy season, but Emmy never seems to realize it.
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Love them or hate them, reality shows are here to stay, and they're even in the Emmy running. How about some love for Tom Bergeron, already?
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Times are tough all over, and even TV commercials reflect that. I'm seeing fewer ads for diamond baubles (annoying "he went to JARED" couples, you are not missed) and more that try to subtly present the message: Hey, we know your wallet is lighter these days, and our product can help.
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