Wed, 26 December 2007
Just FYI: CBS will be airing the 2007 KENNEDY CENTER HONORS tonight at 9 pm Eastern/ 8 pm Central.
The honors are essentially a "lifetime achievement awards" for people in the arts. This year will see the induction of musician Leon Fleisher, comedian Steve Martin, filmmaker Martin Scorsese, and musicians Diana Ross and Brian Wilson. Steve Carell will be doing the introductory speech for fellow comedian Martin. EDIT: The video...
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:41pm EDT
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Sun, 23 December 2007
A goofy video entitled "Backlash" popped up this week which features our man Darryl Philbin, the "Mac" guy (Justin Long), the fat kid from SUPERBAD (Jonah Hill), and the hen-pecked husband from KNOCKED UP (Paul Rudd) sitting around playing some ROCK BAND and chatting about Judd Apatow's latest film (and complete box office bomb) WALK HARD. Let's just say that Craig isn't "that lovable guy from THE OFFICE" in this clip. Just FYI: the video gets a little "blue." Definitely not safe for work (or around young, impressionable ears).
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:53pm EDT
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Sun, 23 December 2007
Category:general
-- posted at: 6:36pm EDT
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Sat, 22 December 2007
The Hollywood Reporter/Reuters is reporting that SCRUBS star Zach Braff is hoping to direct and executive produce a new drama pilot at Fox. Titled "Saint of Circumstance," the pilot follows the story of an office drone (THE OFFICE's David "Roy" Denman) who quits his dead-end job to become a night shift paramedic. The pilot will be put into production when (if?) the writers' strike is resolved.
Category:general
-- posted at: 5:28pm EDT
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Sat, 22 December 2007
The strike is definitely taking its toll... not only has our favorite show been shut down for weeks, but too much free time has apparently allowed Jenna Fischer to "hook up" with David Spade (at least according to Star Magazine). Not sure WHY, exactly, but that makes me kind of sad.
Category:general
-- posted at: 5:22pm EDT
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Mon, 17 December 2007
If you're really desperate for some Jenna Fischer action, both she and WALK HARD co-star John C. Reilly will be showing clips of the film during the hour of THE OFFICE episodes on TBS tomorrow night (10 pm eastern/ 9 pm central, Tuesday, December 18th, 2007). Scroll down a bit for Kevin's early review of WALK HARD.
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:24pm EDT
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Sun, 16 December 2007
Episode # 35 of THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID finds Matt sick and alone, rooting through his holiday leftovers in a desperate attempt to please the TWSS army. In this episode, lots of bits and bobs from the convention in October that never aired... including interviews with people on the street, three songs from The Scrantones, and the entire audio of the cast/crew press conference (warning: audio is very low quality). Incidental music provided by the Podshow Podsafe Music Network. Email us at TWSSpodcast @ gmail.com, or leave a comment on our blog page at TWSSpodcast. com. iTunes reviews are always appreciated! Help spread the word!
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Sun, 16 December 2007
by Kevin Crossman With Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, filmmakers Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow have created one of the most unique movie experiences in years. The film works equally as a musical parody for fans in the know, but also as standard farce for less-knowledgable moviegoers. Plus, it's an outstanding story that provides genuine emotional appeal with a surprisingly engaging story about redemption and family. It also happens to be one of the funniest films of the year and the best "mockumentary" since This is Spinal Tap. In a ten-minute prologue, we learn about Dewey Cox, a fun-loving country kid who accidentally kills his overachieving golden child of a brother with a machete. Scorned at home by his father (Raymond J. Berry) who constantly reminds him "the wrong kid died," Dewey soon sets off on his own as a fourteen year-old with the twelve year-old bride Edith (Kristen Wiig). Dewey struggles with his musical career but soon finds fame with his signature song "Walk Hard." As Dewey's fame rises, he deals with drugs, infidelity, and a beautiful backup singer named Darlene Madison (Jenna Fischer) who he falls in love with. As the 60s arrive, Dewey finds himself in prison and later rehab. He achieves a career renaissance until The Beatles introduce him to LSD in an especially effective scene that features hilarious cameos by Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Justin Long, and Jason Schwartzmann as the Fab Four. As the sixties end, Dewey's life is in another dark place. His career rebounds in the 70s as CBS green lights "The Dewey Cox Variety Show" for television. But, sadly, Dewey's life apart from Darlene is empty and unfulfilled. The last act provides true drama to this otherwise silly movie. This is where John C. Reilly's acting chops really come in handy. He's hilarious throughout and his singing is outstanding. But the dramatic material really needed an actor to pull off properly and Reilly is "guilty as charged." The last scene might even bring a tear to your eye, like it did for me. Walk Hard features an incredible soundtrack that features a myriad of musical styles from the past fifty years. Though the title song will remind you of Johnny Cash, this is not a parody of Walk the Line. That film's musical and thematic notes are present to be sure, but educated viewers will see similarities in the story and the music to Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, and others. While not every song on the outstanding soundtrack is featured in the film, several songs shine in the movie. The title track receives the requisite montage treatment, complete with the familiar Billboard chart framing. "Guilty as Charged," "Let's Duet," and "Beautiful Ride" are just a few of the outstanding tunes in this parody that like This is Spinal Tap features true musical credibility. Film buffs who like cameos will love Walk Hard. The film features a veritable cornucopia of gag casting, featuring numerous performers from past Apatow productions. In addition to the aforementioned Beatles casting, the film also features Frankie Muniz as Buddy Holly and musician Jack White as Elvis. Other cameos are so delightful they won't be spoiled here, but let's just say that you won't be disappointed unless you're a fan of Will Ferrell (who doesn't appear) or Patrick Duffy (who's cameo from the trailer didn't make the final cut). Fans of The Office will be very interested in the movie. Jenna Fischer may not win an Oscar like her counterpart Reese Witherspoon but she does bring the requisite comedic heft during her overly emotional scenes opposite Reilly. She delivers ridiculous lines like "they say the 60's are an important time" like a pro. That's not Fischer's voice during one of the film's signature scenes, "Let's Duet", however. Craig Robinson does get to sing however, playing an early R&B singer who's illness provides a springboard to the young Dewey Cox. His song "Jump Little Children" is also featured on the Deluxe Exclusive version of the soundtrack available at iTunes. Ed Helms has a brief role as a stage manager and gets off a couple funny lines. The film isn't perfect. There are big jumps in time that aren't handled very well, and at times the cameos draw attention away from both the drama and even some of the jokes. Also, our favorite song from the Deluxe Exclusive version of the soundtrack, the emotionally wrenching "Weeping on the Inside," was played for laughs rather than drama as it probably deserved. Minor quibbles aside, Walk Hard is a revelation. Who gives a damn about this being a comedy, give Reilly another Oscar nomination says we! With powerful songs, hilarious dialogue and performances, and more Cox than you can shake a stick at, this is truly an outstanding film. More photos and links: http://www.the-frat-pack.com/reviews/walkhard.html
Category:general
-- posted at: 3:35pm EDT
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Mon, 10 December 2007
About six or seven months ago, TWSS was sort of forced into a shut-down because of a pretty nasty bout of walking pneumonia I contracted. I don't know if things are that serious THIS time around, but in the last few days I've felt like utter crap (and my voice is gone, to boot). Long story short, not sure when the new episode will be up. Sorry for the delays, and thanks for your patience and understanding.
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:43pm EDT
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Sat, 8 December 2007
1) In strike news -- Things are NOT looking good. The latest round of negotiations have broken down, and both sides are pretty much back where they started from (i.e. the studios say the WGA is being ridiculous, the WGA says the opposite, and the head of the "below the line" workers union slams the WGA). Read more HERE, and go HERE for the WGA side of the story. Apparently, according to the WGA and other Hollywood insiders, the studios never had any intention of making a deal and have, in fact, hired a high priced PR attack firm (known in political circles as "the masters of disaster") that has "a reputation for hardball tactics in damage control and inflicting damage on opponents." Supposedly these guys cost $100,000 a month. Asks the WGA: why hire a PR firm if you actually plan on making a deal? Good question. 2) According to UK gossip site Showbiz Spy, Ricky Gervais is ready and willing to do a cameo on the US version of THE OFFICE. 3) The Hollywood Reporter also gave some juicy details about Judd Apatow's next film project, YEAR ONE (a comedy set in biblical times). The cast includes Jack Black, Michael Cera, Christopher "McLovin" Mintz-Plasse, Oliver Platt, and David Cross, with Harold Ramis slated to direct. The connection to THE OFFICE? The script was penned by Office writers (and Vance Refrigeration employees) Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky. Filming is set to begin in January. 4) Jenna Fischer is looking to go "indy" -- while talking to MTV, Jenna said: “I’m developing a film. I guess this is what actors do, right? You go and you get a writing partner and you produce your own film, so that’s what I’m doing ... I have a writer who’s working with me, and we’re writing a little indie comedy — a real ensemble comedy.? Funny thing was, this story originally misquoted Fisher, saying that she was going to be "naked" and the film would feature lots of "boobies." Turns out she was referring to the cleavage-filled "Walk Hard" (where she remains fully clothed) and NOT this new project. 5) Oh yeah... the next episode of TWSS will be up next week. We were going to record this weekend, but I've got a lot to work to do and since Kevin will be attending a special screening of "Walk Hard," I figured we might as well wait for his review. Look for the retro episode of season one's "Health Care" on WEDNESDAY next week.
Category:general
-- posted at: 1:04pm EDT
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Sat, 8 December 2007
Everyone's favorite Sunday newspaper pack-in PARADE MAGAZINE did an "In Step With..." interview with Jenna Fischer this week (dated 12/9/07). Not much here, although she does talk about her new home and says that getting back together with her ex-husband would be "the best!" In addition to the interview, there's also a nice selection of new pictures taken specifically for the article. Check it out HERE. ( Photo Credit: Larsen & Talbert For PARADE)
Category:general
-- posted at: 12:47pm EDT
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Mon, 3 December 2007
I'm assuming that everyone who frequents the TWSS blog already owns all the seasons of THE OFFICE, but if you're STILL waiting... or if you'd like to convert some friends or relatives to the show this holiday, Target has a few deals for you: Right now, they're selling SEASON ONE for $9.99, and SEASON TWO for $12.99 each. Not sure if these prices are available IN STORE, but it's worth a look. (If you're looking for some other TV viewing, they're also selling seasons one and two of HOUSE for $12.99 each, season five of 24 for $14.99, and the first five seasons of SMALLVILLE for $14.99)
Category:general
-- posted at: 8:36pm EDT
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Sun, 2 December 2007
As That's What She Said reported on back in August , NBC Universal and Apple were not able to reach a renewal deal for the TV shows available in the iTunes Store. The previous agreement ended on December 1st, and sooner than you can say "try my googi googi" Apple has pulled the NBC shows from the store and associated websites. Thus apparently ends this sad chapter of internet commerce. It's an especially bitter pill for The Office fans to swallow, since many attributed the show's availability in the iTunes Store as once of the key factors in it's rise from cult curiosity to demographic ratings hit for NBC. In addition, The Office was frequently featured during CEO Steve Jobs' product keynotes for Apple Inc. As noted several months ago, Apple refused to provide pricing flexibility to NBC since they claimed that it would result in higher prices for some shows. The Office will continue to be available on the NBC.com website (well, when new shows start to air once the Writers Strike ends…). The Hulu.com service from NBC and Fox continues in private beta, leaving many Office fans desperate for Hulu’s by-invitation-only pass codes. Of course, Hulu.com won't help everyone desperate for online TV shows. It requires Internet Explorer, the NBC Direct Player, and the latest .Net framework (all Windows only) Hulu does have some nice web-only features though. You can watch episodes online and even embed clips or entire episodes to your blog (complete with ads, however). As an example, check one of the highlights of Season Four. Amazon’s Unbox service is another outlet selling The Office episodes for as little as $1.89 with subscription. While Unbox has similar Windows-centric system requirements as Hulu, there are some more liberal use rights, including transfer to TiVo devices and some portable video players. With Christmas coming in about three weeks, it’s sad that many future iPod or iTunes Gift Card owners will be unable to catch up on episodes of The Office. And in this writers opinion, it’s unlikely they’ll discover the show on those other services. Instead, they might just check out what the talk is all about on that other buzz-worthy Thursday show: “I hear that Ugly Betty is pretty good, let’s check it out.? -Kevin Crossman
Category:general
-- posted at: 10:23pm EDT
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Sat, 1 December 2007
I was a huge fan of THE X-FILES back in the day, and enjoyed the first 4 seasons of BUFFY:TVS, so I'm not sure why I never gave CW's SUPERNATURAL a shot. Maybe because it WAS on the "CW," home of schlocky pre-teen soaps and fashion model contests. Regardless, about a year ago I bought the first season on DVD from my local Goodwill store and It's been sitting on my shelf ever since. Being a teacher, I have my Summers free, and even THAT wasn't enough to get me to watch the show before now.
Oh, you crazy writers strike! See what you make me do? SUPERNATURAL is the story of two brothers whose mother was murdered twenty-two years ago by supernatural means. Their father sort of snaps, I guess, and spends the ensuing twenty-two years training his sons to hunt and eliminate supernatural beasties while on a quest to find the THING responsible for mom's death. As the series opens, their father has gone missing, and it's up to the two brothers to FIND him as well as take over the "family business" for him while he's away. Lots of chaos ensues. Now, I realize this show is currently in its third season, so I'm really behind the times, but I just watched the first four episodes in a row and I'm digging it. It's definitely MOTW (monster of the week) material, but it's creepy enough and cool enough (so far) to hold my interest. One of the things I like about it is that it is a rare show that features two MALES in the leads. Think about it... when was the last time you've seen a show with two men as partners? LAW & ORDER started that way, but now, every single L&O has the same M/F partnerships (hell, even X-FILES did). Looking at their webpage, I see there are two "hot chicks" now on the team, so that might be out the window, but I guess I'll deal with that when I come to it. Highly recommended if you've ever been a fan of those shows mentioned in the first paragraph.
Category:general
-- posted at: 11:41pm EDT
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Sat, 1 December 2007
With the strike in full effect, I've been rather desperate for alternatives (see thread below). This weekend, I finally fired up all the MY NAME IS EARL episodes I've had sitting on my DVR since the new season began.
As I've said before, I was a fan of MY NAME IS EARL before I started watching THE OFFICE. In fact, the only reason I started watching season two of THE OFFICE was because it came on right after MNIE, and I was too lazy to change the channel ("The Dundies" did the rest). I started losing interest in season two of MNIE because they went with a season-long plot arc where Earl's ex-wife Joy was arrested for committing a kidnapping/ robbery and was looking at being sent to prison. I thought the Joy stuff was boring, felt the show had lost the edge it had in season one, and didn't bother to see the last half of the episodes last year. Season three started with another gimmick -- Earl is now in jail, serving the time for his ex-wife. Seemed lame, but now that I've caught up with all the third season episodes, I admit the error of my ways. The prison thing adds a whole new level to the show's insanity, and I find myself remembering why I liked the show in the first place. NBC's Video Rewind has the last 6 episodes online.
Category:general
-- posted at: 4:56pm EDT
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