You Cheater, Rescue Me, and be my Witness.

IMPORT-

Watched WITNESS starring Harrison Ford and directed by Peter Weir (Gallipoli,Truman Show,Fearless,and Dead Poets Society. About a Philly cop going and living in Amish country as he figures out a consipiracy and protects a young witness. It was done in 1984,and if you havent seen it, it's one of Harrison Fords best movies. I'm not counting the Harrison Ford action movies. He is still Harrison Ford of which who can emote, but there is a everyday man quality and a stern yet vulnerable side to him that fits in this movie. I wonder if this movie could get made today, there is no sex scenes, no major shoot em ups, but just the putting together of two cultures. A very beautiful movie done while not taking any shots at the amish way of life. And keep an eye out for a young Viggo Mortensen on his first movie. Highly recommended to rent.

Also watched a late night RESCUE ME of which i basically missed all of last season. It's one of my favorite one hour dramas on tv even if at times it can get a bit soap opery. Denis Leary is very underated. Smoke em if ya got em rar rar!

EXPORT-

very light in this for the day. Tsk tsk. I did record and watch part of CHEATERS which is a highly entertaining show. It almost makes fun of its self with its highly vain host, and over the top couples. I am doing research on this show for a pilot idea I have, of which I'm hesitant to talk to much about now i realize cuz someone could steal the idea. But probably even saying that it could be done, or maybe has already. It certainly could have been done cuz it's so ripe.

Son of Ranbow, Redbelt, and Hands the semi-finale

IMPORT-Snuck in two movies this afternoon/evening thanks to me being lazy and not working out. The first was SON OF RANBOW which is a story of two english boys inspired by First Blood and set out to make a movie of their own. This movie reminds me of MILLIONS by Danny Boyle because both feature the imagination of kids in a way that is endearing and entertaining for any age. Featured two great actors in the leads,and even thought you mainly knew what was going to happen or what was probable the execution was on the money making it a totally satisfying movie. Give it a rent, and it's a good movie for many different types

The second film I watched was REDBELT written and directed by David Mamet. I enjoy Mamet, his words on the stage are always a pleasure to read. Some of his movies have been so so, and for a couple he seemed to be re-working the same story and idea. And his last movie I remember seeing with William H. Macy called EDISON was a waste of time. No offense. But this movie with its deeply satisfying ending, and hero's journey really left a imprint. A movie that I plan to suggest to many people. Found the Mamet way of laying out everything on the table which seems to have nothing to do with eachother, then twisting them all up in the second act, and in this case having the will of one person to have it unravel. The lead character is Chiwetel Ejlofor who is quickly growing to be one of my favorite actors. He has been in Inside Man, American Gangster, Children of Men, and the highly underated Talk to Me. This movie, and many of his others he carries himself with a quiet intensity never exposing his motions too much to over do. And in a interview Mamet compares him to Henry Fonda. Not bad, and doesn't make it surprising that he has six movies in post or pre-production. Check this out. Oh, and the subject manner is mixed martial arts which i am not a big fan of, but still this movie amplifies this subject matter and brings it to the heart and intention of the sport of jujitsu.

EXPORT

Gift Sketch rehearsal was cancelled tonight which I'm fine with cuz I was a bit exhausted today after a late night HANDS show last night. It was the last of our six show run at Donny's Skybox at Second City. I think this was our best show of the six, but i did miss number five so maybe that was the one. Even though we didn't do sketch we really worked well with our idea, and didnt worry about who was in the audience like i think we did some weeks. The story with the audience was that the shows opening for us were high school kids, so much of the audience was friends of theirs and parents. Which doesn't really bother me a bit cuz fuck em they are seeing a comedy show at Secondy City. If they want a clean show go to Comedy Sportz or stay home and watch According to Jim. So it went really well and I hope with our desire to do a show at Sketchfest (minus Derrick Shipman cuz he will be on a boat) we really can buckle down and give it the commitment it needs and put up a really great show we are capable of. So mark it in your calenders for January.

Come Again,Hello New Friend, Where Are You?

new adventures of old christine
little britain
rescue me
I remember in College saying that I never wanted to work in Television. Oh how you don't realize how willing you are for a job when you are older. I think most of it was knowing I wanted to be in comedy, and knowing that most of the sitcoms were not that good, and thus not creatively fulfilling. But at this time I could imagine no better job than working in TV, and the fall brings about a optimism for many reasons. Viewers get to find 'their new show', and catch up with the cliffhangers of last season, and the people in LA cross they're fingers for syndication, getting picked up, and high dvd sales. So without further adieu I bring you my list of intrigue, excitement, and intriment ( a combination of the two)

RETURNING SHOWS

PUSHING DAISIES-i did not get a chance to watch this show last year, and i don't think i would be a regular on this but defo want to check it out. NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE-after starting to watch this last year i got hooked and i think hands down this is the best traditional sitcom on tv right now, and of course it almost didnt come back. Julia  Louis Dreyfuss and the guy who plays her brother Hamish Linklater are hilarious. 30 ROCK-has only gotten better. THE OFFICE-i think really is showing it's age,but is still enjoyable. CHUCK-i saw prob half of the episodes last year and thought it was fun. Zach Levi and his best friend on the show Joshua Gomez are a great one two. Also Adam Baldwin who is a 'oh that guy' actor. HEROES-looks like season 3 is taking a dark turn. IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA-may be my favorite show on tv. many of these episodes i could watch over and over again. DEXTER-i have only watched the pilot episode, but with all the people saying that i should start watching it I might now.

NEW SHOWS-

GARY UNMARRIED-im interested in watching this, but i dont think this Jay Mohr show will last a whole season. WORST WEEK-i have personal ties to this show, and I hope it does well, and by the trailer it looks funny, but now will people watch? It's monday night time slot certainly will help. FRINGE-jj abrahms is the big draw. i know little what this show is about, but I do think Joshua Jackson has a good career ahead of him. KATH AND KIM-thursday time slot, again im interested, but dont think this Australian import will work. LITTLE BRITAIN USA-if you havent seen Little Britain go watch it now, its one of the best sketch shows in a long time. it does get repititious, but still stays funny. heavy on character work, and im excited to see how they work with American characters.

WHERE ARE YOU?

LOST-i know, i know not coming on till 2009 so they can run all the episodes one after another. RESCUE ME-screwed cuz of the writers strike, but i miss its FD drama mixed in with hilarity. FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS-yet again a writers strike booboo, and also the fact that it's very hard to write a whole batch of new songs after you burned through every song you've ever done in 10 episodes.

Do I Know You?

I have recently been told and not for the first time I look like Cary Elwes. This is interesting, and brings me to thinking of other people who I've told I look like...Jim Carrey by many a people, but mostly when I was younger and a little more manic, David Boreanz who I think it's only because of the forehead, Andy Roddick but my ears are not that big but our eyes are slightly closer together than they should be. I wonder if his Mom drank in the third trimester too. Don't worry my Mom doesnt have a computer. Tim Robbins which I see the least, but my college professor told me I share acting qualities with him and that I reminded her of him. And Christian Bale, now don't jump off your rockers on this one. Even a casting director said this to me, I think its our mouths and they way we talk.

Now do tell who people have said that you look like.

Guilty Pleasure, and Fuck Proofreading.

IMPORT-I was recently watching MATCHBOX 20 on storytellers and I forgot how good/bad they are. Semi-cheesy and popular which is the death for a lot of bands because 'music' fans drop them as being artists because 13 year olds in Omaha love them. So I really gave it a listen,and then listened to the cd's I had of theirs. I must say I like them, Rob Thomas is a talented song writer, and the do catchy songs that stick with you and probably mean something to you. I remember my freshman year in college was the year the first cd came out which featured the huge song 'Push'. So really give these guys a chance if you hadn't or listen to them again and realize how much better they are than they're one time rivals THIRD EYED BLIND.

EXPORT-

I just read one of my posts and it has numerous errors. I don't really have time to proofread, and to my knowledge my 4th grade teacher isn't reading this.(but if you are Mrs.Ghiardi i'm sorry) So for the time being, and for the most part in terms of this blog;fuck proofreading. I have no problem looking like a idiot because I am one. yeah for idiots!!

Norm being Norm,the Verve,and Nick Lachey

IMPORT-Quickly tried to watch some of the talk shows tonight, one was Norm Macdonald on Leno, and the other was Dave Attell on Conan. Norm was funny after Jay stopped setting him up for all his gags and Norm went on trying to sell his house. I get how people don't like him, but I think he is funny. DIRTY WORK is one of my favorite cult comedies. I'm still not sure what I think about Attell. Insomnia the show he had on Comedy Central I enjoyed, and I still have not checked in with THE GONG SHOW because it looks stupid. I had to stop watching the interview because it was just set up after set up and that bores me, and something I hope Conan doesn't get in the habit of doing.

I also bought the new VERVE cd today. I only listened to the first two songs thus far, but i will keep u posted. I'm still listening to CONOR OBERST.

EXPORT-

Had a short trip to callback hell today. Well maybe not hell, but strangeland in the least. I had a callback which was great, and it was a great paying non-union which is great. I had a quirky funny audition that I thought I did well in, and I had some additions that I was bringing in for the callback, but...My character was changed from a construction worker to a dad with two daughters. And mind you the commerical is for cell phones so these girls im getting gifts for must be 13ish. And all the guys there were my age, so we all were popping out kids at about the age of 15 or 16. And the 'funny' part is we go into a store to ask St.Nick what to get. So in the audition im picturing sitting on Santas lap, but in the call back they say St. Nick is not St. Nick, but rather Nick Lachey of marrying Jessica Simpson fame. So it was a bit weird, and I don't think I did that well. Oh and they had little people (midgets,dwarfs,height challenged whatever) there as elves which I'm sure made them excited. Bring on the next one I guess.

Had our second and final WHARBLING THRUSH show tonight. It went very well again, audience enjoyed and the cast had fun. Very enjoyable doing this scripted work, and considering how quickly we put it on it's feet it turned out great. In reality this was probably our 5 rehearsal, and I can only imagine where we could have taken it further. I'm tempted to urge Adam to develop this idea more and see what else can be done with it. Adding a third dimension to these already fun characters,and i little more story arc along with set and I see no reason why u couldn't do a run of a satirical Oscar Wilde type show. So if you still read this Adam...I'll be your Huckleberry(thats from TOMBSTONE, watch it if you havent yet

******COOL MOVIE NEWS*******

The Pipers Alley AMC this month is playing old movies up on the big screen which i always enjoy to see. And this week is ANNIE HALL so if you've never seen it, or love it like i do maybe ill see you there. 10pm i think it's showing.

Re-member my lines, Re-writes, and Recount.

IMPORT-

Watched a history channel show on Air Force One. Who knows maybe one day I'll get tapped to do the remake of the movie AIR FORCE ONE and it will come in handy. Other than that I was able to sneak in watching RECOUNT the hbo movie about the 2000 election between Al Gore and GW Bush. Done very well, quite suspensefull considering, and absolutely fascinating that it all really happened. Great cast lead by Kevin Spacey, and Tom Wilkinson (watch MICHAEL CLAYTON,one of my favs in recent years). Never really had an agenda behind this, and the story can be summed up by one of the last lines in the picture, 'did the best man win?' Makes you think beyond partisan lines, and beyond what you now feel about both of the candidates did we as a country do the right thing? It's worth watching, but only if you are interested in these types of movies. If you hold Transformers as the best movie of the decade nevermind.

EXPORT-

Ran lines for tomorrows WHARBLING THRUSH show so I don't forget them like last week. Also worked on some of the re-writes for LOST AND FIND which I'm feeling more and more comfortable with my scene ideas and how they could work. We also may have found someone to score the pilot which would be huge, but I'm not getting excited yet cuz it's not 100% yet. As is most of the things in this field.

Word to mothers.

Respect for PL Newman

IMPORT/EXPORT-Maybe this is stretching the idea behind this 'blog' thing I'm doing, but I think Mr. Paul Newman should receive a thank you from a lot of people. So the best I can do for now is give him one from me, and maybe some will take note and be inspired to take action. For quite a while now I have had a fondness and respect for Paul Newman. Not only for his acting/entertainment purposes, but for donating $250 million dollars to children charites, starting camps around the world for ill children, being himself, and carrying himself personally and professional in a character upholding manner. Without going on and on I just suggest learning about Newman's Own the company and how it's profits have gone to charity, how he gave a shoulder to much of the hollywood lifestyle, and how he kept his personal life private. Paul has been married to Joanne Woodward since 1958. This month's Vanity Fair has an excellent article documenting much of his life,or check out at biography, or even his movies...THE HUSTLER,CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF,HUD,HARPER,COOL HAND LUKE,BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID,THE STING,ABSENCE OFMALICE,COLOR OF MONEY,THE VERDICT,NOBODYS FOOL,ROAD TO PERDITION,AND EMPIRE FALLS  are my favorites.

So many of those early movies were about questioning authority as a outlaw or young man, and much of those as well as the later ones were about a person having character,morals,standing up,and doing what is right. I find that no coincedence as he often did the same in real life. I never made a list of things I wanted to do or accomplish in my life, but I often thought if I were to sit down and do one on that list was to shake Paul Newman's hand. No words needed just a handshake to say thanks. Old sayings often make truly don't make sense until you really experience them. And in this case the phrase, 'they don't make them like they used to' seems to fit.

Hey how are you dude/dudet.

the dude
steve brule on tim and eric awesome show
absolutely no connection to any content of this blog.just a crazy fucking picture

IMPORT-Wow it's been a long time. You all look good. What have I been importing you ask, well THE PLAYER which was a sound film, but didnt give me a movie boner at all. Watched MAD MEN again, and they have begun to show backstory in the two years between seasons one and two. TIM AND ERIC show I'm beginning to lose interest in again, except for Steve Brule who I could watch all day long. Watched the trailer for NEW YORK I LOVE U. Which probably will end up being garbage sitting on a sidewalk in the city it loves, but they do cut together a nice trailer. Or at least the music tells me so, man music is so important in film.I'd elaborate, but I don't want to bore anyone further than what this currently offers. Really I have imported a lot more in the last week, but fail to remember. I must keep a list, and really I promise we will stay in contact more. Maybe we can do a lunch import/export. I will see you around for sure.

EXPORT-

Let's see...started writing a couple extra scenes we are going to use for LOST AND FIND. It needs to be sped up in terms of pace,music,editing. We are cutting it down to prob about 19 mins,a nd not just to do so, but that is what we estimate it will be after we cut scenes we deem uneeded. Also we had our first WHARBLING THRUSH show at the annoyance. It went great which was the consensus. I totally blanked on a line,and was about two seconds away from panic, but then tried to use it as a character studder because I was put on the spot by another character. But it was funny, and extremely fun to do, and we have one more show left this wednesday August 27 at 8pm at the Annoyance. And sadly last night we had a HOWIE! show cancelled because we only had one person in the audience. Again leaving out things here I'm sure, but I will be a better blogger to you all. And you all may be no one. I'm not sure. Not of existence im some sort of Matrix way, but if anyone actually reads this...

Leroi Moore 1961-2008

IMPORT-

A band is never the same when a founding member is no longer with them. I'm glad to have seen DMB in concert eight times since 2001, but now know that even in the smallest bit it won't be the same.

EXPORT-

Condolensces to Leroi Moore's family, and the DMB family who will perform with a heavy heart this summer.

Tropic Thunder, Curbin Coogan, Olympics

IMPORT- Went and saw TROPIC THUNDER feeling very excited from good word of mouth and reviews. I couldn't help having the feeling through the first 30 mins or so, 'ok now it's gunna start getting funny.' It's not a bad movie, and maybe my expectations were a bit too high. But much of the funny was in the trailers, and the rest is exactly what you would expect. Even the put on trailers in the beginning were nothing beyond draft one of a goofy trailer. Sadly it is yet probably the best comedy so far of the summer, but I have not seen Pineapple express, or Meeting Sarah Marshall. (which may be more springtime) I really would say wait for this on the day it comes out on dvd, but see something else at the movies. And as always don't listen to what the mentally handicapped have to say about the movies. If we did all we would watch are reruns of Life Goes On, and The Other Sister 7.

Also finished my CURB season six. A spiral downward a bit, and I hope that this next and supposed to be last has it go out like it should. Steve Coogan was one of the better episodes. Watch Steve Coogan, he's a phenominal english comic who has yet to really become a wide name here in the states. But for any comedian, or enjoyer of comedy especially the awkward sides watch KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU WITH ALAN PARTRIDGE, and I'M ALAN PATRIDGE.

Also tried to watch WITNESS directed by Peter Weir and staring Harrison Ford, but those plans were intercepted by Michael Phelps and Dara Torres. But congrats to Phelps on breaking the record. Don't worry Mr. Spitz he will never have a mustache like that.

EXPORT-

Only thing I exported all day was about 5 viewings of LOST AND FIND and note taking. I must say the editing portion is quite enjoyable because so many discoveries are made. And making it better is that we have a very solid first cut along with many ideas and clear points to make it better. Also one more funny scene idea to punctuate it with. I'm very excited for the next month or so to have this in the final stages and be able to show this to audiences.

Rehearsal,Curb,Not This Dan Aho

This is a car someother Dan Aho was selling. Not nearly as classy/cool as my Saturn SL-1, and now it has new brake pads and routers!
This is a dude name Dan Aho, and his wife Lori Aho. Not me, I have no adult experience on horses, but would enjoy the fun of doing so. Still that Dan Aho is not this Dan Aho.
IMPORT-Long day ended on Friday with me sneaking in two episodes of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. This is the latest season I'm catching up on, and I still do love it but I kinda think like Seinfeld it's hanging about two seasons too long. I must say it helped big time this season with the addition of the Blacks. Which is the name of the family and the color of their skin. In the second half of the season they are used a bit less however. Major funny addition is Leon played by JB Smoove who was a writer on SNL for years and is now on a sitcom on fox with Brad Garrett. I think they planned on this being the last season, but I think have since decided to do one more.

EXPORT-

Had another rehearsal for the sketch show I'm doing at the Gift Theatre, and got to mix it up with another couple cast members. Even one more week we are honing in on what the show will be and how we can play around in the subject matter we are pursuing. 

Also took some more notes on our rough edit on the pilot. A not so glamourous stage, but a highly impactfull one. Our attention to detail and putting on correct final touches I think will make this even better.

September Film Anticipation.

So something that I'd thought I would start is a look into what is getting my film juices flowing. Here's a look at what is known as a slow month in releases, September...

HAMLET 2-great buzz,with Steve Coogan (watch Alan Partidge if u havent seen it yet)and has a song called 'rock me sexy jesus'...RIGHTGEOUS KILL-i think this may be a car wreck, but it's Deniro and Pacino. Oh and the thesbian known as 50 cent...GHOSTOWN-this may be a churned out piece of garbage, but it has Ricky Gervais to whom this point has done no wrong...TAKEN-great trailer, and has Liam Neeson staring in this dark looking movie...EAGLE EYE-shia lebouf, this has another great action packed trailer,and it doenst give away too much of the story...CHOKE-from the author who wrote Fight Club, and stars Sam Rockwell who if he wanted to could be a much bigger star by now. He is a great actor whose career I would take in a second.

All these trailers are available online, I recommend going to comingsoon.net.

The Line, A Jerk's Bday, and Dark Domestication.

IMPORT-

It has been rather light the last couple of days. Did get a chance to watch THE LINE a webisodes series written by SNL's Bill Hader and Simon Rich. It was also directed by Seth Meyers from SNL. It was worked on during the writers strike and one of the first web productions done by Broadway Production Studios. It wasn't hilarious, but a good idea where only one location is used, and it had a bit of style put into it. Again not hilarious, but in 7 parts and 22 minutes of your time it's worth checking out.

Also for the first time in about a month I finally watched the DAILY SHOW and COLBERT REPORT. Before I just had so much stuff to watch I didn't have time to watch, these, but with November getting closer and closer it's time I find the time. I need a seperate day to watch all these shows come fall with premieres of new shows as well.

EXPORT

Been going a bit audition crazy the last couple of days. The TNT movie which I havent heard back from yet, but with bigger projects it does take longer, and they were looking for about 30 roles to cast. Also have a commercial ad for Nashville Predators, and Sears in the next couple of days.

Lost and Find is still rolling along. Charley, Howie, and I will be showing it to three people each to gauge what it looks like through a virgin of Lost and Find's eyes.

Also did a bit of work on Dark Domestication last night. Having trouble with a couple of scenes, but overall I like the idea, and hope it doesn't balloon to too big of an idea.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE MARTIN #63!

As you get more developed(age), or at least myself can say that they people you look up to and hold in high regard tends to change. Michael Jordan I still respect, Jim Carrey I still enjoy, but Steve Martin in many fashions has been someone I, and I hate to use the word, but idolize. He writes brialliantly, plays(Picasso),novellas(shopgirl,pleasure of my company), and even his latest memior (Born Standing Up) was brilliant. He was the first comic to be a rock star and sell out Madison Square Garden, he is a accomplished banjo player, best selling comedy cd's, and has an Oscar nomination for his short film called The Absent Minded Waiter. He also has a degree in Psychology, and is just a smart and talented guy. Oh, and wait he does movies. Sure yes, I know what your thinking he did some not so great stuff in the 90's, but if you look overall at his highlights it's pretty amazing...The Jerk,All of Me,Three Amigos,Roxanne,Planes Trains and Automobiles,Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,Parenthood,LA Story,Spanish Prisioner,and Bowfinger. There is alot more, but I think those are the must sees, keep an eye out because many of those he also had written. He can play dumb, he can play smart, and he also is a great physical comedian. I feel like even after all of that I'm leaving something out. Salute to you Mr. Martin, and one day I hope to shake your hand.

Alzheiming, Some Things, I love Mashed Potatoes.

this is some dude named Daniel Aho from MA. I rather sure I'm a much better Dan Aho than him. If he disagrees I challenge his to one on one basketball. Eat it Daniel Aho(the one pictured above)
IMPORT-

Well since I waited too long I forgot much of what I imported on Monday. I did watch TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW! And it was the best one I've seen yet. More sketch, even though it's quick, and less just weird stuff that's not pushing as many envelopes as thought. Where did that term come from anyway, was there some bad ass who would just push envelopes against the catholic church's wishes back in the 1480's. Seriously, and airplane food, am I right?

And I did watch MAD MEN. Watch this fucking show already, it's great shit. I want to be on it, literally.

And today I have imported Jack and Shit. Madden came out today, I'm dying without it, but have to wait and see how much my brakes are to fix. blah blah blah.

EXPORT

Had a HOWIE! radfest show last night. Not as good as our recent shows, had a weird energy in the place. I think the audience enjoyed it even though we could see the holes in our work. I had five peeps come out and they said it was funny, and they would come back. So the proof is in the pudding they made and came out of their mouths in words. Regergatated pudding is the best way to register a audience's reaction at a show of comedy.

Also had the audition for the TNT Cuba Gooding Jr. movie called GIFTED HANDS. Really short audition, and they only had me do it once hopefully seeing how good of a Cardiothorasic Surgeon I am.

And saw the first edit of LOST AND FIND the pilot tonight!! Very excited and nervous to see it for the first time. Very happy with it and all who worked on it. I think it plays with integrity and the tone of the world where it exists. It is not over the top and sitcomy like a Three and a Half Men. It really operates by these characters and the story they are in. Which is much better than a bunch of disjointed jokes with a story that doesnt work. My biggest worry was that the story doesn't make sense, but gladly that is no longer a worry. Some more editing to do, music to find, some minor shots to do and that will take us to the next step. No timetable yet on premiere dates, but you can bet your bippy I will let you know when I know. If you do not have a bippy feel free to borrow the neighbors and bet on theirs. Or the Bippy store on Belmont and Broadway is open till 11 on weekdays.

Kenny v. Spenny, Sunny in Philly, Show Me the Part.

IMPORT-

I've heard of the show KENNY V.SPENNY,and I think it was recommended to me by someone, so when I saw the dvd was coming out I put it on my loved netflix 'q'. To my suprise Comedy Central was playing a bunch of episodes on it's secret stash, so I recorded them and watched 'em. The show was very funny at first,and is basically two canadian dudes competing in stupid shit like 'smelliest fart,and who's the first to get a boner'. And then the loser has to do a humiliation, for example a human bede on the other. Quickly you can see that much of the competition is staged which totally takes about 76.85% of the fun away. Check out one or two that look interesting to you,and just skip the rest.

Also watched HARD EIGHT which I mentioned before by Paul Thomas Anderson. It was his first film,and you can tell a bit by the heavy characters, possible over dialougue, and semi lack of production due to dough issues. Still it was alright, you could see somewhat where this was going, and I could have used a little more on Sam Jackson's character as well as Gwentyth Paltrow. These are some screwed up people and learning more about them and delving further I think could have made a more interesting movie. I really like his movies because he deals with screw ups so well, and visually he's interesting without over doing it. Put this on the rent list, but don't rush out to get it, but if you like his other films then you should check out his first.

Also watched some IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA which really may be my favorite show on tv at the moment. 30 Rock runs close, and I think The Office has lost much of it's steam, but this consistently makes me laugh out loud. I'm highly anticipating the season 3 dvd,and the new season starting in September. I watched the episode 'Swee Dee Dates a Retard' mostly because I wanted to hear the song "Day Man". These guys came out of no where with this show,and have been able to make it what they want, much thanks to fx i would say. Because this show would never make it to network, and if it did they would make it horse shit. Check out full episodes on hulu.com. I love hulu.com. Also on the site is footage of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog at ComicCon via Conan O'Brien.

EXPORT-

Spent a good chunk of time reading a script for a audition I have on Tuesday. It's for a TNT movie staring Cuba Gooding Jr who plays a inspiring childrens heart doctor. So i read it got to know the story and tone, and I'm glad I did. So now I feel better prepared to play the unnamed Cardiothoracic Surgeon and understand his motivation to give up his blood to save the siamese children. It sounds super corny, but the real life guy has a pretty amazing story. And if anyone knows what a 'torqula' is please let me know. Even google can't tell me.

Sketch On The Brain, Vantage NoPoint, and Exportless.

IMPORT-

With Friday nights sketch rehearsal on the brain, and a zeroing on what the show will be I wrote down some scene ideas, and then watched some old short lived shows. Thanks to the amazing hulu.com I watched some of the late 90's DANA CARVEY SHOW. It lasted only a year, and lost many of it's sponsors because of sketches like Bill Clinton breastfeeding cats, and skinheads from Maine. Much of the problem was that this show was on during the early evening hours if I'm correct. What's great is that it still holds up today, and makes you remember that Dana Carvey is a talented guy. Not only in performing, but finding talent as well. His core cast is made up of Chicago trained people, Robert Smigel, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert are the main trio. I also saw a very young Louis C.K. Check it out on hulu.com, or it's also available on netflix watch now.

Another sketch show that flows from the improv world was EXIT 57. It's much harder to find, but some scenes are available on youtube. As far as I know this is not available on dvd as of now. This show ran on comedy central for two years in the mid 90's, and really fits in with the best of sketch and the talent involved. Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, Mitch Rouse, and Stephen Colbert head the cast. Much of it was also directed by Mick Napier, and during it's run picked up some Cable Ace awards. These two shows along with Kids in the Hall, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Mr. Show really show the best of what the 90's had for sketch. Which makes me think, what has there been this decade? Besides SNL, and the barely mentionable MadTV. Makes me think with the cyclical entertainment world that we live in that sketch is due for another upswing. However by no means did these shows meet the masses, but they really showed what these comedians/actors could do, and gave them a chance to do it. Now who's next,and when?

I took in a movie as well, VANTAGE POINT. Really bad, don't see this at the movie, dont by it on dvd, dont rent it on dvd, dont buy on demand, i think all copies should be sent to Guantanamo Bay for torture purposes. I thought there would be more to this. The whole gimmick of vantage points is distracting to the story. Well if there was a story, they had chances and even mentioned possible points to any of this. They basically just gave each character one vague thing that motivates them and went off with their little idea. Really suprising that this script could float to whatever top it floated to. Too bad because they ruined a cast of William Hurt, Matthew Fox, and Dennis Quaid. I have no idea what Forest Whitaker was thinking besides paying off a mortgage. Goes with the trend that the first movie after a oscar nom is going to be a horrible reward for doing great work for no pay. I think I've said my peace on that.

EXPORT

Sadly none. Took some scene ideas, but that hardly counts for much. I'm slowly dying waiting to get Final Draft for my new computer. I suppose I could write on a pad of paper with a pen, but that just seems barbaric. I mean I'm a Mac owner now.

Can This Be Over Now?

Please someone second my motion to end Matthew McConaughey related jokes. The stoner, shirt off,bongo drums,shitty movies,and impressions have hit a all time level. This reminds me much of the Chuck Norris humor train. Which credit goes to Conan for showing old clips of Texas Ranger to which comics took note seeing comedy in dem der hills. Soon that hill was mined in shows,quotes, t-shirts, and then watered down by suburban white kids, and people of age who don't get out much thinking they've found a cool new pop culture thingy.

MM has hit the same level. Talk shows have him down, the Mm impression has been going for a while, and now the commoners on the street are cracking jokes.

So please dearest comics finish up with what you have in your MM gold pan and let's move on.

I know, I know, it is funny, but credit goes to the person who finds the next thing.

No, not David Hasselhoff either.

Late Night Look Overs, My Boys=Schlock,Sketchin It Up.

IMPORT

Watched BATMAN:MASK OF THE PHANTASM which has been billed by Netflix as the best Batman movie exluding the recent re-do's. I was skeptical, but excited to import this. It really backed it up I must say, especially since it was done in 93. Very good story, with some turns, compelling character issues going on, the animation i've seen, but the direction was done very well. I highly recommend checking this out. My envy grows with the gig of the guy who does the voice of Batman as he does the voice for all of the Batman cartoons. And for those who don't know Luke Skywalker/Mark Hamill is the voice of the Joker, and does a great cackle.

Also watched CRAIG FERGUSON and JIMMY KIMMEL who had some of the Tropic Thunder fellas on. These two guys I don't think get the credit they are due. Who would have really thought that they would have lasted this long. There is such a small audience who are up for these shows, and most of them watch the staples just because. Please skip Leno, and give these two a chance. Both along with writing staff are doing good stuff, and Ferguson is so entertaining as a host playing along with all of his guests. Dvr and give em a chance. Ferguson in some part of my mind would make a better 1130 slot guy than Conan would.

Watched this seasons last episode of MY BOYS last night as well, and it's turned me against it again. 1.Who didn't see the ending coming 2.Who really cares when it gets this plotty 3.Who is compelled by their relationship, if you trying to do a Ross and Rachel, build it up to it. Most of the times I could look past such things, but other issues compounded it. Whoever wrote this episode and/or who over sees the writing should get a stern talking to for lameness and joke stealing. First was a old joke where the red haired goofy guy says 'Who has two thumbs and got laid last night...(points to himself)...this guy. Lame shit, sure they could pawn it off saying it's not meant to be funny but to show about who this character is. Bullshit, it's just lame. Second was the same character trying to impress a girl saying he built his house in Breckenridge out of one piece of wood, this is from Meet the Parents! Owen Wilson's character claims he built the alter out of one piece of wood. Ridiculous, my head almost exploded when I heard it.

Also watched some trailers, one of which stuck out in my mind. APPALOOSA a western coming this fall directed and co-wrote by Ed Harris, starring himself, Viggo Mortensen,Renee Zellwegger, and Jeremy Irons. I'm not a western geek, but this in the same style and tone of The Unforgiven spark an interest. 

EXPORT

Had a packed in 4 hour rehearsal last night for a sketch show I'm involved in with THE GIFT THEATRE. It's artistic director Michael Patrick Thorton, and one of the original Compass Players Sheldon Patinkin are directing us. Only four of us there last night, but went over that the show is going to be holiday based, did some acting exercises, and got to play some scenes. Lots of comittment for this is needed, but I'm looking forward to working with this group and having this sketch show grow.