The Weekend in Movies.

IMPORT-I was trying to figure out what the last movie I've seen in the theater was and I couldn't figure out what it was. Then I thought what was the last satisfying comedy I've seen. STEP BROTHERS,TROPIC THUNDER,and PINEAPPLE EXPRESS all disapointed. So hearing the good reviews for GHOST TOWN  was exciting, and having Ricky Gervais who I find fascinating to watch in anything he's in was also good. Sadly for this movie the box office has been not so good, but the good thing is that the movie is really terrific. Sweet story brought to life visually, through script, and great cast. There you are Alan Ruck. I recommend seeing this flic for anyone at any age, and I really hope if it doesn't get a chance on the big screen that people pick it up on dvd.

Danny McBride is a comedic actor that has been getting all the softballs in the recent couple years. Getting to play these great scene stealing secondary characters to the big stars. His road came via a movie he made called THE FOOT FIST WAY about a tak kwon doe instructor. This little movie got in the hands of the Stiller's and Ferrell's of the world and bingo bango bongo. The movie got a theatrical and dvd release, and a career for the dudes who made it. Watching it I really don't know why. Maybe the landscape of what can be done has changed so much in the last four years that at that time it stuck out more. But the movie was really not that good, and suprisingly not that funny. I really don't suggest unless curiosity gets you, or for research purposes that you watch this.

LEATHERHEADS was a movie of good inent with a good direction and idea that missed the mark. It's just under two hours long, but feels just under three. Trying to figure out why I sight to many changes back in forth in tone of story, not fixed enough storylines, and not enough conflict. It operates well as a 30's era Thin Man pic, but the backdrop of the emergence of pro football doesn't fit. I think they both could enjoy better movies if done apart. I really did enjoy 95% of the Clooney/Zellwegger back and forths but they would have hit better in a different backdrop. Preferably a serious one. Sadly you can probably skip this one even on dvd.

THE WIRE is a highly regarded show that I have never seen. So finally with the netflix time being right I got the first disc in the mail and watched the two first episodes. I have not ever gotten into one hour cop or hospital shows. I only have seen one Law and Order. It was the one with Robin Williams in case your wondering. I think The Wire is a great show, and really real which makes it resonate even more. I am trying to figure out if it's for me, and if I have the time for 5 seasons worth of it. Just when I thought I made my decision the last scene of episode two pulls me in. I think I know where this is headed.

EXPORT-

Met and saw the new cut of BROTHERDOM with the new scenes added in. They help alot. I think we knew they would, but it's still great to see. Now we are set to go forth with narration, and cutting probably a few more minutes out of it.

Weekend Dvr Catzup.

John Noble from FRINGE

IMPORT-Watched this weeks ALWAYS SUNNY episodes and I'm noticing a nice pairing of Charlie and Dee which leaves the other two guys the weaker and less interesting pair. I'm also noticing a less focused/absurd piece that the episode is about. Maybe I'm just being too critical, but it's worrying.

Also caught the season opener of THE OFFICE which was less than fantastic. Nice summer recap episode, but I thought they learned from last years hour longs that it just doesn't work for that long. Funny bits, and induvidual stories, but it's hard to remain that high level of interest for that long. Just give us two regular episodes back to back. And of course next week SUNNY is having an hour long episode.

HEROES was also a two hour block of catching up, introducing yet more characters and story lines. I may be cooling on this show a bit. Of course it has time to turn around and the late intro of the villians angle may help. I think the thing that bothers me the most is the hoping back and forth from the future. They opened something they can't close now, and I think it's for the worse. I will stick around for this season, and see where I'm at.

I am officially announcing myself as a FRINGE watcher. It's not perfect because of it's murkiness concerning the Pattern. It's setting itself of for a X-files type story telling. Being that it has this huge story hanging above it and yet it still can have really interesting episode stories which most of the time have a connection with the Pattern. Now if I had some clue what the hell it was, or who is involved. It's not the carrot being dangled that's bothering me, but the fact that I don't think they have explained what they are trying to explain well enough.

Caught SNL this week with Anna Faris, or most of it cuz I was tired and dozed for bits. Great opening, and had the much desired Debate sketch. Which wasn't all that great because I think we have in mind the ole '00 faceoff with Ferrell and Hammond as Bush and Gore. I think I'm going to have to catch up with things i missed. I am noticing some cast members really being in a lot with others not so much. For instance it seemed like Keenan was in a ton, and Forte was only in the last one as a waiter. On the top of my head my fav moment was the end of the first sketch when they drive off the cliff and bounce back up only to explode. Odd ball endings that I hope they continue.

EXPORT-

Having trouble what to work on for the sketch. Just trying to figure what would work best, and what has best chance so I use my time with the utmost wiseness. Also configuring time to work on two new pilot ideas, finish up first spec script, write new one, and patch up writing packet. I need a big commercial campaign so i can lessen the day job folks.

R.I.P. Paul Newman

Don't know what to say. It's very sad day that someone of this magnitude personally or as a part of society leaves. He will be missed.

October Film Anticipation

This season is hard to have you anticipation match the feeling of when the screen turns black after the movie. You get excited about casts getting together, a stellar directors new film, or just a really interesting story (often times trailer). So I tried to narrow it down with anticipation that is justified with something behind it...

RELIGULOUS-Bill Maher's documentary. Nothing puzzles me quite like religion, and Bill Maher is good at making light about heavy subjects and being the Devil's Advocate even though at times he can be a bit of a dickbag. BODY OF LIE-Dir. by Ridley Scott staring Leo Dicaprio and Russell Crowe. This smells like a bit of summer left over, but this trio sure seems to be able to cook up something cool. W.-How big are Oliver Stone's balls? Seriously, the guy is still the president. This movie may have nothing to do with anything, but it should be interested how fair his take is. He is a moron for a president, but probably smarter than most people anyway. Smart, manipulative same thing. ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO-Kevin Smith, new take on a old rom com genre, sign me up. CHANGELING-dir by Clint Eastwood staring Angelina Jolie as a mother who's son goes missing and they give her another boy saying it's hers when it's not. I've seen the trailer and this 'based on a true story' is tough to swallow.

Oh and I don't think I've seen any of the September movies I listed. To be fair three of them I don't think have been fully released or released at all.

Gary Unmarried, Old Christine, I'm still younger than CBS' demographic!

IMPORT-

Snuck in a couple shows from the dvr this evening. Watched the pilot of GARY UNMARRIED with Jay Mohr. I was very doubtful about this one, but I do like Jay Mohr although I'm not sure where he would be best suited. The old fox show ACTION was one of those shows taken from us too soon. This has a typical premise that I think for the pilot went too far or they have to much going on. Guess what? Gary is divorced and he bickers with his ex-wife who he shares two kids with. And both kids actually have character into them rather than just being there as kids. The boy is especially funny. The first act was hot out of the gates, lots going on, spiffy/quick dialouge then it sort of ate itself. It seemed the every annoying laugh track was turned up extra loud. Can you imagine how horrible it is to sit and determine how loud your canned laughter is going to be. Gary and his ex both said they wouldn't start new relationships, but guess what again, they both did behind eachothers back. Which I was fine for the ex wife cuz it gives more for Gary to deal with and added on was the fact she was with a 50 something in the form of the great Ed Begley Jr. But Gary also got a oh so sudden steady girlfriend. Which instincts say leave him hanging for a while cuz it would be much more interesting. I give this a so so. 

NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE has been remarked previously as my fav for the studio, three camera sitcom. Much of the kudos goes to the writing, and consistent direction of former Seinfeld writer/director Andy Ackerman. And Julia and the dude who plays her brother really carry the weight of the cast. This show was close to getting canned, but really deserves to stick around for your attention.

VEN DIAGRAM was referenced early today in a article I was ready online. The basic picture is above. The article referenced a quote from Greg Daniels co-creator of King of the Hill, developer on american Office,and also a former snl writer. He said the goal of comedy overall should be to hit where the two circles intersect. If one circle stands for truly innovative and creative comedy then the other is what people like. It's the portion where the two intersect that is the goal and where something can truly make a dent. A sentiment I agree with and very well stated.

EXPORT-

Had a meeting for HANDS today and our potential involvement in SKETCHFEST this year. So we are trying to see if we can get our schedules to mesh as well as find a coach and start a show from scratch to be ready for the holiday year. Time will tell I guess. Took chicken scratch notes for some sketches for Gift show. We've got some heavy stuff we are working on in terms of religion and holiday relationship stuff so I'm trying to work on some more goofy ideas, and more political stuff that can be done in late November/December no matter who wins the election.

How I Met a Gift.

This is downtown Negaunee, the town I lived in from the age of 7 and up. Huge right?

IMPORT-Dvr is still working overtime recording new shows and holding onto the ones I haven't got a chance to watch. Did manage to watch HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER season opening while winding down before bed. Well started to watch it and stopped halfway through. This show has been operating on 'it's not bad' for quite a while, or 'i kinda like it' for a while with people who I exchange opinionated sitcom dicussions with. Well I may be done with it I think. I like NPH, he's funny, but that schtick is getting old, and I think they are for the most part wasting the talents of Jason Segal. The rest of the cast I find horrible. Allyson Hannigan I cannot describe how much at times she annoys me, and the other girl barely has a purpose in the show now that the male lead is no longer after her like in season one. And the entire premise of the future dad telling his kids the story of how he met their mom hampers more than helps. It's intended to clearly tell you what's happening and keep you coming back so you don't miss anything. Well here is my problem with lots of sitcoms, they get too plotty. Mostly they are dealing with plot. I don't really care who the mother is, or at least not as much as I don't want to see bad comedy. And the lead actor is not a comedian. He is a 'actor' who is following the dance/comedy steps he learned from watching comedians and thus cannont bring anything else to it other than the basic sitcom dancing steps. Maybe it's just because it was the season opening and that is why it was so plotty and had no diversions. But it just reminds me of funny shows like FRIENDS (come on it was funny) that got bogged down in babies, secret relationships, marriage, and moving or not moving plot. That show was at it's best when it was Chandler getting stuck in a atm, or them all getting ready for the party.

I also did not record THE BIG BANG THEORY. I think it's going to miss my cut of shows to watch. It's plain, ordinary, and done by the guy who does THREE AND A HALF MEN. Nerds, really nerds, all of them. 22 episodes of Revenge of the Nerds?

EXPORT-

Had a Gift Sketch show rehearsal last night to sort of kick off our more intense schedule. Got to see the space we will be performing, did some exercises, and had a table read for stuff we wrote. I brought 3 sketches, one monolougue, and one song parody I wanted to set on fire. The sketches went over well, and just hearing them found where things can be cut, added, or injected to make premise clear. I'm really excited to work on all three of those. The monolougue as well is something I hope can be played around with and promises to be so much fun to perform. We have a Oct 1 deadline for pitches before we start really working over stuff. So I got to get more ideas and more political/thanksgiving type of stuff. I think I've covered most of the xmas and religious stuff. I look forward so much to finding some interesting characters and really create those and put up this show to which hopefully we can get lots of people to come and watch. The Gift Theatre gets great turnout in the neighborhood it's in, Jefferson Park. But I look forward to getting other improvisors and sketch people to come out and see it. Working outside of the normal sketch/improv system so far is freeing. It makes me think that there is no reason that I should not be involved with 2 sketch shows a year at least.

A Shout Out for Sam Rockwell...

IMPORT/EXPORT-Sam Rockwell has a career that I would like to have. Find fun and interesting roles, have the respect of the people you work with, people want to work with you, finds lots of work, and can walk the street and steer clear of the us weekly bullshit. Besides that I find him amazing to watch on screen. Not only can he play very different characters and types of film, but he really does take chances and follows his instincts. You may not know his name, but you probably should. And here is a wish as to why...

GREEN MILE(breakthrough role that was funny,disturbing,calculating crazy), GALAXY QUEST(great comedy,and plays goofy),CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND(havent seen this in a while so not sure if it holds up,but shows he can play two sides of one coin.) MATCHSTICK MEN,HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY/CHARLIES ANGELS (both turds,but especially in Hitch he was a scene stealer), JOSHUA,SNOW ANGELS,and upcoming CHOKE.

If you look at his upcoming slate he has about 6 projects in some facet of production. Sam seems to be a actor that would have turned down big Hollywood type starring roles and has come out of it for the better.

Sketching Snow Angels in my Worst Week.

IMPORT-Sunday I watched SNOW ANGELS written and directed by the surging David Gordon Green. He previously wrote ALL THE REAL GIRLS,UNDERTOW, and just recently directed PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. It was a very honest,tragic movie that draws you into the story and place. The place in fact reminds me much of home (U.P. of Michigan) That being said I think most would find it boring and not simple enough to process. The town itself plays a big part of the story and theme which up until the finish is a bit murky. Kate Beckinsale and the always superb Sam Rockwell star. I would not say this is for everyone, but if you like indie movies check this one out.

My dvr was working overtime last night with the fall now kicking off with new shows. I did give it a break by myself taking a writing break and watching the pilot of WORST WEEK. I am rooting for this show as I know someone who is related to the writer and producer of this British import, and I also had a audition for the lead. I was really impressed by it. The look and tone of it were perfect. The reality was brought through thus making us buy into the tragedy of the awkward and horrific comedic moments brought into it. Was quick and to the point with characters and story and suprisingly had a lot of physical gags and over the top circumstances. As with reviews I read the only question is can it keep it up at this pace, or will they find their stride and still will it be as satisfying to watch. I think it will because past the gags it was plenty funny in it's awkwardness and everyone will like and root for this lead actor making it that much funnier when he blows it. The best part was when Sam and Mel were talking alone and the in-laws walk in just as Sam jokingly says to their daughter, 'im going to punch you in the face.' I wish for more of those, or well balanced hi-jinks like him going to door in makeshift garbage bag diaper and less of him peeing on the soon to be cooked goose. Even though that bit led to Mel saying it's fine cuz she sometimes poops in the laundry room. Check this out as I'm guessing it may be the best sitcom pilot this year, and we need to back what sitcoms are out there especially if they are good like this one.

EXPORT-

Took the night and hammered out scripts from my notes for sketches for the Gift show. One long one in the form of Nativity Product Placement, grandkids cursing out grandma for shit gifts,politician monolougue, young boy wanting a bike, and direct parody song of here comes santa claus. Which i now know why second city generally does not do direct parodies. Cuz they are hard to do, and they really are not that funny. Not coincedentally MadTV does a lot of direct parody songs. I had ideas for other direct parodies, but kabutzed those now. Hopefully we can do some original songs because I can't imagine a Holidayish show with no songs.

From the Collection: KISS KISS BANG BANG

My once proud dvd collection has had a very dramatic stunt its growth thanks to Netflix (how i love thee), and lessening of disposable income. Still the number resides over 200, but in the last 5 years the consisetentcy of purchase has dwindled. I remember in college I used to go and buy a dvd when bored and wanting something to watch. Now to the point. I am picky somewhat to what goes in the collection. When it was tapes I through destroyed a tape and threw it in the trash because it did not belong. So it must fit, and in the last 5 years or so it must really impress and give me desire to have repeat viewings. I bring you to the point after saying 'now to the point' about three sentences ago. KISS KISS BANG BANG by writer and director Shane Black is a under the radar, genre and gut busting movie that I have seen three times at least. And remember I'm not 12 anymore so repeat viewings mean something. For the record I've probably seen Ghostbusters 30+ times thanks to a old BETA machine we had when I was a kid.

Kiss Kiss staring Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr, who are both hilarious, is a action/comedy hybrid that really makes you wish Hollywood didn't stick to the 'rules' as much. It also is a semi comeback film for Shane Black the once go to action script writer who was once the highest paid screenwriter with films such as LETHAL WEAPON(S) (also some of my favs though dwindled w/each sequel), LAST BOY SCOUT,AND THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT)

If you havent yet, check it out, I highly recommend it.

Love Guru, Snl, Shooting Pilot Stuff

IMPORT-Got the LOVE GURU from netflix knowing well that in all avenues it has been regarded as poo. And even by the trailer it was easy to tell why, too many of the same old gags from Austin Power's series. This movie took on the bad thing of having a movie serve a bunch of jokes rathe than having jokes serve the movie. Myers bits and jokes he came up with were first and foremost and whatever story he had was barely there. Honestly with comedy it mostly is, but still some story has to be the bones of it or it's hard to sustain interest. It was until 45 minutes in that the Guru came through with his personal want. There were parts that were hilarious, but then some stupid name joke would take it two steps back. Think Alauda Fagina from Powers, there was about 50 of those in this. I think if those were taken out it would have made this movie better. A lot of the roles went to unfunny people; Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake (he is not un-funny, but I dont think can make things on the page funnier), and Verne Troyer were all distractions. The most solid funny bits came from Stephen Colbert and Jim Gaffigan along with the graphics department during the broadcasting portion of the hockey games. And the funniest overall is on the dvd extras with the two of them. 'how to do draw throbbing' made me laugh for four minutes and 34 seconds. Mike Myers is most likely a genius, a genius that does not work enough, and when he does throws himself to what he's doing. This sadly was far to close to a retread of Austin Powers, and every time a joke really hit is was followed by something punny which almost erased the funny parts from your mind.

SNL was hosted by James Franco this week,and I thought it would interesting because he seems to be able to do a lot as a actor. Well maybe the writers from SNL for the most part hadn't heard of him. A very lame pot sketch, did no one realize he just did a movie like that and your only changing it slightly. Agent 420? How did that slip through? I did like the Willem Dafoe sketch, it was funny weird and ended in a way sort of untypical. Also the Penny Marshall (but how many people 25 or under know who she is),and OJ trial sketch were funny. Franco did bring some acting chops to his characters ie the cougars sketch and the reporters sketch. Do they feel compelled to do a digital short every week now even if they don't have anything funny to show. And has the short portion been Bogarted by Sandberg, Akiva, and the other guy. I remember Forte,and Armesin being involved more before. Armesin was great as the American apparel guy on Weekend Update. And as for the Update portion I hope that with the transition of Poehler leaving they take a chance to change up the tone a bit. For too long it's been the anchors laughing at their own jokes, basically reading with no performance, and not holding any characters with their anchor people. I think the best Updates have been with Dennis Miller,Kevin Nealon, Ackroyd/Curtain and all of them kept straight faces and delivered the jokes. Maybe Dennis Miller smiled a bit, but I think Nealon did it best and the relationship of Ackroyd/Curtain brought so much more to the segment. I'm not Lorne in case you didn't notice though, or whoever is slowly taking over for him. One other large thing I noticed is that they don't have anything for Mcain yet. Darrell Hammond does a great impression but they don't have anything for the comedic character yet. Thankfully they are staying off the 'old' bandwagon. I'm guessing with the debates coming up something will present itself, and I expect SNL to find it first and best because that is what they should be doing. With great power, comes great responsibility. See what I did there--snl--franco--spiderman dialougue--back to snl. Grab a paper bag if your breath is taken away, and drink a glass of water. If you just shit your pants just go buy new pants.

EXPORT-

Spent the morning and day shooting some more scenes for the pilot. Working to fix exposition and certain jokes that needed to be set up. We had Matt Young, and Cate Friedman come out and spend part of their Saturdays for filming. I could write a whole seperate pilot or short just from those two characters. You don't know what I'm talking about so just trust me. Going from page to shooting then to editing has really been and educatinal experience in having an idea of how things on paper can work. Finding room for a bit of improv after doing what's on script, and really how much energy is needed for sitcom performance. Minimalistic really doesn't work all that well unless the material is that rich. I think we plugged up some holes, and found some more funny bits that we didn't even have on the page. And my hopes are now much higher for one bit we re-shot that wasn't working in our edit. It was probably the most fun to shoot yesterday and hopefully in fits in with the story and delivers. Hopefully soon we will have a teaser to show.

Welcome back Sunny.

IMPORT-In a very tight day I chose my short down time to be used to eat,and watch IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA,and SONS OF ANARCHY.

I'll start with Sons, again the same thing where it's just not taking off for me, and they are still adding storylines with barely secondary characters. They have a bad biker/super good cop face off but there is no direct chase. In every episode it is another circumstance they are going after. With the preview of next weeks and the arrival of the feds brings a 'now it's getting good feel', but I'm skeptical of this show. The Jax actor is beginning to bother me, and his inner struggle after finding his real fathers writings is mostly coming up as him asking if people have heard his old pop talk about it. That is where the interesting struggle is, in the biker gang. I'm sure it's going to happen in the last few episodes where the feds are on their case and it seems like they are going to split apart in a war, but until then they may lose my set recording on the heavenly dvr.

I was so happy to have SUNNY on last night with some new episodes. The episodes overall were good, but with most of them they get better watching them again. I think the best person on there is Charlie Day. The episode with him as the wild card last night was perfect for him, and the cannibal episode had a great duo with Kaitlin Olsen. And I just read that it got picked up for 53 more episodes.! Which is unheard of really. FX rules. I hope the trio of dudes can keep up the funny, and that the new writers they have all fit in together and who knows maybe even make it better. Also for those of you who don't know, Fred Savage is a producer on the show now, and has directed,and is directing many of the episodes.

EXPORT-

Met for the pilot, which now seems to be changing titles to BROTHERDUM/BROTHERDUMB, which it was actually originally titled. Met with that went over what the plan is for this weekend and wrote some more stuff for it. We also came up with some game shows...Cat or Dog, Kill a Hobo, and the third which is really the prize if you win the other two, Fuck a Huxtable.

And in un-rad news I got dropped from the Comcast commercial, they decided to cast two younger guys. I don't really understand, but since they booked me I still get payed a days SAG work. Ah,unions.

SNL's Best Cast Members.

This is not a list of favorites or who I think is the funniest in SNL's history. This is a list of the cast who best fit SNL, the sketch universe, and the ensembles of the show. This has nothing to do with career afterwards, just strictly time and impact on SNL. Realizing that there are so many to pick from and that I'm putting them in rank order I expect heavy disagreement.

HONORABLE MENTION-Gilda Radnor,Eddie Murphy,Kevin Nealon,Cheri Oteri,Darrell Hammond,Tim Meadows

10-Amy Poehler-hard to see it now, but I think time will tell.

9-Dana Carvey-a semi one man show, but impressions and cultural impact were huge

8-Bill Murray-seemed like his span was too short, but hard to find a better comedy miner.

7-Molly Shannon-prob wouldn't be a top of the head pick, but is one of the best sketch character comedians.

6-Dan Ackroyd-true emsemble member,took backseat a lot of the time,but he could play any character and with a huge amount of integrity.He is so serious selling the Bass-o-matic.

5.Chris Farley-his energy and the shows were a perfect marriage.

4.Mike Myers-like Carvey sometimes a one man show,but showed a range of comic stylings and characters.

3.Will Ferrell-carried SNL out from duldrums on the turn of the century, and was just insane funny.a cast member that the writers just loved to write for and u can tell in the amount of things he was in. not many cast members have two volumes of best of.

2.John Belushi-was almost overshadowed in the first year, but impact on that show,and years following in terms of what he created and influence will go on for a long time. So involved in whatever he was doing. I really thought he wanted to feed fingertips to wolverines.

1.Phil Hartman-the everyman. everystyle of comedy,genres,character,voices,he could do anything. didn't have the catchphrase or posters on bedroom wall characters,but i think he is the best cast member of SNL.

A Shout Out for Greg Kinnear.

Some actors have a quality that in whatever they are in has some credibility, and honestness just for them being there. Not star wattage, or magazine covers that will bring people out the opening weekend, but just building a list of movies that until put together you really don't notice or realize. I think Greg Kinnear is one of those. I remember him from Talk Soup years ago, I really watched that show because he was funny and people were drawn to his personality and ability to make fun of things. He then went on to do a late night talk show before starting a movie career that I'm sure few guessed would have made this far, or have been this successfull. DEAR GOD was a early one, and not great, but I enjoyed it. SABRINA, AS GOOD AS IT GETS, MYSTERY MEN (again not great, but notable for a shift in roles/goofballness), NURSE BETTY, OUT OF FOCUS,THE MATADOR (underated movie w/ pierce brosnan), LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, INVINCIBLE, and BABY MAMA.

From comedy to dramatic, and even two films with Best Pic Oscar nods. Greg is also in GHOST TOWN which is released this week, and the falls FLASH OF GENIUS where he plays the inventor of the intermitten windshield wiper. Which from what I hear was considered crazy back in the day.

***note*** i do not work for any movie studio in any way, so such promotion as it seems mentioning upcoming releases benefits me monetarily in no way

***second note***i just like movies and would like to see that establishment continue

***third note***i am however not saying no, in fact i would say yes to most studio jobs be it tv or film. i would be the crossiant chef if they needed one.

***crossiant chef note***im sure they have one, its hollywood. and no i have never made a crossiant, but most people there don't know what they are doing and learn on the fly.

Anywho, Kudos to Greg Kinnear and his excellent agent/management team who if they are looking for actors in late twenties with a certain albino quality can call me anytime.

Sons of Men on the Fringe, Extras, Comcastic

IMPORT-I really have not had much to import i don't think and the things I think of I may be repeating. Saw the second episode of SONS OF ANARCHY and it didn't further it as much as i thought it would. They need to push the antagonist within the biker gang more and I'm sure they will get there. Right now it just seems like a bunch of bad asses doing crazy biker crime stuff. Where as shows that used that also had magnetic characters like Vic Mackey (the shield) or Tony Soprano. And those furthered the setting of it all because the character made it so much more. Also just watched MAD MEN and it's not the locomotive that season one was. It's so obvious they are working the womens movement and just semi got interesting domestically for Don Draper. It's getting so far away from the ad agency which they used for story telling so well in season one and incorporated what lives outside where symbolically thru products they were pitching and society. Also saw the second episode of FRINGE which was more style than substance. Cool bad guy twist and motive and still fuzzy on the 'pattern' And the female lead seems to act in the same place in every seen. Maybe they are giving no place for who to go from, motivation and such, cuz the ex story line is not totally vibing. I would like to see a shift more to Joshua Jackson's character and his dad walter. Props to the shrink staying doctor, funny, endearing, and believable. This was my first week just erasing TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW. I think the awkward funny trend is about two years out from being the dominant comedy styling. It will never die, but so much of shows are funny pauses and awkward shy, not confident, can have sex characters. The cocksure idiot may come back or something totally different possibly. Also been seeing lots of RICKY GERVAIS on talk shows like regis and conan. I really enjoy him, so funny in anything he does and could not care less about Hollywood. If you haven't watch EXTRAS yet you should be ashamed of yourselves. Also it's a shame we can't watch his theatrical one man show/stand-up shows. I've seen one while in Ireland, and thus far haven't been able to find the others here. He also has a podcast that is supposed to be hi-larious.

EXPORT-

Lots of moving and shaking here which is making it fuzzy to remember. Re worked much of pilot, style makeover, and filming additional scenes this weekend. Also caught myself writing stand up again. Not really writing but the funny thought translated itself to stand up form. Also writing sketches for the GIFT SKETCH show. Have a deadline for pitching cuz we got to get polishing and stuff. My current fav or one I'm high on is a nativity scene with heavy product placement. And got word today that Centennial Wireless was 'going in a different direction' such pc garbage to say they found someone they liked better. Why they can't say that I don't know. But kept plugging away and got word tonight that I booked a sag Comcast commercial! Hooray I can buy X-mas presents now!

Sam Jackson Fav 5 (yes we are that close that i can call him Sam)

Not many actors can have the career Sam Jackson has had. Roles here and there to stay consistently working until you get your big break at the age of 46. This year he turns 60, and this week he has a new movie called LAKEVIEW TERRACE coming out. It looks like not a very good 'film', but in the same sentence (or breath if you are saying it) fun as hell. This list is compromised of films that he starred in and do not include some of his early roles that he was exceptional in and were good movies. Let it begin...

5. A TIME TO KILL- semi forgotten movie i think, and a good one to catch up on.

4. CHANGING LANES-this one prob goes in the overlooked categorie. from script a typical hollywood movie, but really shows well on the screen.

3. DIE HARD W/A VENGEANCE-not even the best in the series, but jackson and willis play well off eachother. my second fav of the series.

2. JACKIE BROWN-i would never watch this movie over and over again, but still has a place at #2

1. PULP FICTION-this is not my fav movie on this list. i'm not gaga about it like some. but i can see what greatness was in this role for him and i put it number one for that reason. and for me something i should probably watch again.

HONORABLE MENTION-THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, UNBREAKABLE, SHAFT (i really wish this movie was better cuz i wanted a new 'Dirty Harry' series with Shaft.)

Fringe,Snl,Web series.

IMPORT-

Watched the pilot episode of FRINGE from fox with Joshua Jackson. For some reason I was anticipating this, but I dont generally get into one hour dramas. Maybe it was the supernatural, mystery subject matter or jj abrhams names that was attached, but I was looking forward to this one. I was impressed by the casting, all seemed like plausible people who fit the role that they are for. Even the female lead who is really the focus of the series, she was not a model, or vj before this. She was in fact from the looks of it a real actress, and hold for this, she actually had wrinkles that a woman her age would have. I like Joshua Jackson, I think he has this wise ass character down, and his minimalistic style really keeps you interested because you know there is more there underneath ready to come out. The show itself was far too long at a hour and a half. But I heard they spent 10 million on the pilot so I guess they wanted to get their monies worth. Also the pilot was very confusing as it tried to sum up this larger picture that they will be going after the entire season. The science of it all was confusing, and it was never super clear on what the antagonist was doing. Obviously so I guess so we would come back and watch more.

Caught the premiere of SNL last night with Michael Phelps. It was alright, but as with many you hit the hour point and it slows down a bit. Lil Wayne sucks, I havent listened to any of his stuff, but heard good things. But his songs were lame, used reverb or something on his vocals that were about money and going to the club. Whatever. The cold opening was funny as they introduced Tina Fey as Palin countered by Poehler as Hilary. They left Michael Phelps to do as little as possible which was a good choice, but still gave him things to have fun with. And he had a great live moment coughing thinking he wasn't being cut to, but he was. A couple weird choices bringing back old sketch that I'm surprised they did. Had a great game show with some home school kids. Digital short was lame. The new guy was in a load of sketches and even got his own sketch basically which was very surprising. Had loads of funny lines in it, but the character was a bit 'been down that road before'. But i've seen him at ucb and he was very funny, as he did a good job in his first show as well. congrats to him. I look forward to next week with Kings of Leon and the underated James Franco.

Also watched a web series called BRING IT IN which was done by local Chicago comedians. I think it was directed by Dina Facklis and featured a great cast of improv ladies with Andy St.Clair thrown in as their basketball coach. Obviously with a talented cast like they have the characters are very fun and each have their own bits to play with, but I was really impressed with the direction (story, but especially shooting),and editing of the project. 

EXPORT-

Tried to work on some holiday parody songs for the Gift sketch show. Direct parodies are hard and even harder to make funny. Respect to Weird Al not cuz he's great, but because once and a while he does make something that's hilarious. Also in my being stuck in the DARK DOMESTICATION trilogy I've worked on it and changed the idea to a webisode of 3 minutes a piece and using Batman as a narrator to speed things along. I'm still not sold on where I have him ending up.

Catching Up

IMPORT-Haven't been able to watch all that much as seen by my dvr, but I have caught some stuff in the last week. JOHN OLIVER stand up special on comedy central, he's the english guy on the daily show. Was a very funny one hour special, very wordy,very satirical british humor, and also very topical. I can't watch most of the stand up specials on there, but i was quite impressed by this one. Watched a documentary on JONESTOWN with it's insane leader Jim Jones. I knew of the 'religion/cult' and it's sad end, but I didn't know the story and the 900 people mass suicide that ended it. Quite amazing that something like that got that far with a wack job like that tricking that many people. Watched the pilot for DO NOT DISTURB with Niecy Nash(reno 911) and Jerry O'Connell. I was expecting this to be horrible, but I just like to check out the new sitcoms. My expectations were right.

Also watched the second episode of SONS OF ANARCHY and it didnt take the leap that I thought it would. My jury is still out on this one, I have it set to record the new ones, but I'm not sure if I'll keep going if it doesnt step it up.

Oh just remembered I watched MAD MEN this week, and it's still in it's lull. Also stopped mid episode of TIM AND ERIC. Started to watch the first disc of  ENTOURAGE season 4. Hated the docu style season opener. I do not like this show really, I don't dislike it either. The main characters are officially boring to me, and i think the best part is the guest stars who keep it interesting. I think it's somewhat attractive to see the journey of this actor, but in a way the whole playboy thing I find stupid. Smart cuz that's why most dudes like it, and it's hbo so they can throw some boobies on the screen. Turtle usually has nothing to do, the manager character is boring or maybe that's just the acting, Drama is a characture, and ari tho still funny is wearing old. Yes the second disc is on the way. 

Just watched some new trailers for movies coming out this fall. I'm so excited. So many great movies this time of year, and it's much better than the summer movie season. I watched QUANTOM OF SOLACE (i dont like bond movies, ive only seen two, but this trailer makes it look amazing),THE SOLOIST(j.fox,downey jr),CHANGELING(jolie,directed by eastwood) All of them look great, and I can't wait for the many more set to come out.

EXPORT-

Had the last HOWIE show of our run for Rad Fest Yes! Had a meeting for the pilot which is a work in progress. Got to writing for the Gift Theatre sketch show in which I think I have a couple funny ideas which are partially translated in the first draft. Also wrote a couple of shorts. And for fun have started writing some stand up, this bit about Bowflex. It's not funny in the least, but it's fun to write. One of the reasons cuz u are the writer, actor,director,producer,and editor. This also makes it one reason why it's not fun, but I enjoy it for now. Also started infant stages for a sketch show framed around the idea of history we don't read about or see. It also may never see the light of day, but I'm told it's on a stove somewhere.

Carlos Mencia,Sons of Anarchy,Fun Audition.

IMPORT-

I do not like Carlos Mencia, I do not think he's funny, I think he is obvious and not doing anything that hasn't been done many times before. Thankfully it seems his once sucessful show Mind of Mencia is done. The other day I came across a video by Joe Rogan (Newsradio,Fear Factor) of him confronting Mencia on stage saying he is a joke stealing. This is the most hideous crime in stand-up comedy. You could probably actually kill a kitten on stage and someone would say, 'at least he doesnt steal anyones jokes' He had examples and confessions from other comics who said they had their own stuff stolen. This is well known apparently, and know the whole Carlos Mencia thing makes more sense.

Watched the pilot for SONS OF ANARCHY on fx. It's like most pilots totally crammed with info and it couldnt really let u settle. I've already set record for the next one as i think it has set up some good story lines. Work a look see, and u probably don't need to watch the pilot to know whats going on, or fx is good with doing 3 minute recap of episodes online.

EXPORT-

Had the most fun audition I've every had on Monday,and of course didn't hear back today. It was for healthy choice meals, and the series of spots are being directed by the director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. So in the audition the casting agent said to keep it very loose and play around. It was a thirty second spot, and the guy I was auditioning with who i knew a bit did two three minute takes. We had them both laughing in the office and was just really fun. Didn't worry about forgetting lines, and just went for it. I was going for the tech guy role which im not sure i fight stereotypically, but the shirt I was wearing did. And i had to take the train,and walk downtown like that. I was rather coolish.

George Clooney Fav 5.

Another Burn After Reading actor...

5.PERFECT STORM-this was a tough one to decide. Still the image of this face going into the dark when he decides to go down with his boat is etched in my movie memory banks.

4.OCEANS 11-so much fun to watch.

3.THREE KINGS-really if u think about it one of, if not the best Desert Storm movie. Good on many different levels.

2.OUT OF SIGHT-super underated and semi unforgotten. Watch this Elmore Leonard book adapted greatly by Stephen Sodebergh.

1.MICHAEL CLAYTON-fav movie of last year, maybe one of my all time favs. The last scene with the venomness line of 'Your Fucked' is superfantasticawesome. I love that scene.

HONORABLE MENTION-O'BROTHER WHERE ART THOU, GOOD NIGHT, GOOD LUCK.