Here are the links to my previous yearly music reviews:
1978
1997
If this post had been written in 1988, it would have had a few different albums on it - Al B Sure - In Effect Mode and Bobby Brown - Don't Be Cruel were in heavy rotation on my Walkman that year. 1988, which spanned the last half of my 8th grade year and the first half of my freshman year in high school, marked my transition away from hair metal to rap and R&B as my favorite style of music, which would continue through the rest of my high school years. The list below contains a few albums that I was actually into in 1988, but most are things that I didn't discover until much later...
10.) Jungle Brothers - Straight Out The Jungle
Surprisingly, this is a rap album that WOULDN'T have appeared on my list back in 1988. While I knew and liked "I'll House You" (their main single from this release), I never heard the the whole album until a few years ago. its a shame, as I was (and still remain) a big Tribe Called Quest fan, and Straight... holds up right along with the rest of the Native Tongues output. Jungle Brothers used the same jazz-influenced beats as Tribe and crafted them into smooth songs about positivity, while at the same time maintaining some of hip hop's trademarked bravado. I'd say it was a shame that I wasn't more into the Jungle Brothers back then, but I honestly had more than enough hip hop, good and bad, to occupy me back then.
9.) EPMD - Strictly Business
I was really surprised how well this album has held up over the years. When I first stared looking at the 1988 CD's in my collection to put this list together, I didn't think this one would have made the cut. I knew that I liked some of the songs at the time, but this wasn't a disc that I kept up with over the years like some of the other 1980's rap albums I liked at the time (I didn't even add this one to my collection again until about a year ago or so). However, there are some damn good songs on this disc. Great beats/samples (the use of Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff" on the title track was genius) and great lyrics (despite the fact that Erick Sermon always sounded like he had some sort of speech impediment, he always managed to make it work for him). Plus, they were the only black guys in the 80's rapping about Steve Martin,so they get extra points for originality.
8.) The Church - Starfish
My love of this CD is directly attributed to Andyman, the late DJ/Program Director of CD101 (the locally owned independent alternative radio station here in Columbus). Sometime after I moved to Columbus (and actually lived in a city that played real alternative music on the radio), I was listening to CD101 and Andy gave an intro to the next song he was playing that mentioned how much he loved it. This made me take notice as, by that point, I knew that he was a sincere fan of the music he played on the air. The song was "Under The Milky Way" from this album and I was blown away. I shortly thereafter sought this CD out to add to my collection and was not disappointed - while not all are as good as "Under The Milky Way", there are some fantastic songs on this disk, most notably "Destination" and "Reptile". A few years later, when I finally got around to watching the movie Donnie Darko, my love for that film was cemented when, in two consecutive pivotal scenes, the film used "Milky Way" and "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division.
7.) Dinosaur Jr - Bug
I finally got to see Dinosaur Jr on tour recently (although I think it was in 2009, so "recently" may not be accurate), and they were fantastic. J Mascis is the closest thing that indie rock has to a guitar god, and he certainly shreds live in concert. I think my ears were ringing for 3 days after that show.
Bug was the last album with Lou Barlow until 2007, and they never were really the same band without him (although Mascis claims this is his least favorite of their albums). I am glad they were able to work through their issues - Dinosaur Jr's 2 releases since their reformation have been excellent and they show no signs that they have lost any of their edge.
6.) Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
This disc is widely considered Sonic Youth's best album. It was highly ranked on "Best of the 80's" lists by Pitchfork, Spin and Rolling Stone, and has also been selected by the Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Recording Registry. Not bad for a band that, outside of the indie rock world (despite having released SEVENTEEN studio albums over their career), really isn't that well known.
If there was a separate Alternative Rock Hall of Fame, Sonic Youth would have to be a first ballot unanimous selection, and "Teen Age Riot", the lead track from this record, would be the song that plays at their induction. . They are a band that has been an influence on way too many bands to mention, and they have managed to make their music according to their terms for going on 30 years! They even made an appearance on The Simpsons.
Coming soon... Part 2.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday Night TV Roundup Quickie 2/24/11
I am heading to Erie for the Barstool Open first thing Friday morning, so I am not going to have time to write up the Thursday shows like I normally do ( I know this is disappointing to all 2 of you that read my blog). So, here are some quickie grades and comments:
Community
There was so much going on in the background, like all of the stats of the candidates, that I need at least a second viewing to catch them all. Still, a really funny episode.
Grade - A
The Office
Todd Packer is back! He is always over the top and really funny. Plus, I really liked the return of a Dwight-Jim "alliance"
Grade - B
Parks & Rec
I am glad they found a way to keep Chris on the show at least 1 more week - Rob Lowe really has a knack for playing this weirdly comedic character. Also, Andy and April continue to be awesome together.
Grade - A
30 Rock
Jack vs. a 9th grade student was gold. I was not as happy with the Liz subplot, although the way it ended up was pretty funny.
Grade - B+
Archer
I love that they keep referring to that kid as "the wee baby Seamus". Woodhouse's back story was great, as were Archer's reactions to each story.
Grade - B+
Another solid night of comedy.
Community
There was so much going on in the background, like all of the stats of the candidates, that I need at least a second viewing to catch them all. Still, a really funny episode.
Grade - A
The Office
Todd Packer is back! He is always over the top and really funny. Plus, I really liked the return of a Dwight-Jim "alliance"
Grade - B
Parks & Rec
I am glad they found a way to keep Chris on the show at least 1 more week - Rob Lowe really has a knack for playing this weirdly comedic character. Also, Andy and April continue to be awesome together.
Grade - A
30 Rock
Jack vs. a 9th grade student was gold. I was not as happy with the Liz subplot, although the way it ended up was pretty funny.
Grade - B+
Archer
I love that they keep referring to that kid as "the wee baby Seamus". Woodhouse's back story was great, as were Archer's reactions to each story.
Grade - B+
Another solid night of comedy.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
1972: Movies Pt. 3
Here are the links to Part 1 and Part 2 of the series.
Aguirre, The Wrath of God
The purpose of this series when I started it was to catch up on some of the more famous 70's movies that have slipped through my movie watching experience (and to have a chance to re-watch some of my favorite 70's films along the way). This movie does not really fit into the category of "famous" movies from the 1970's. Its really more of the "infamous" variety. I have seen references to it many times over the years in articles and documentaries about 70's films, but never had a chance to see it until now.
Aguirre... is the story of a group of Spanish conquistadors in 1560 who, led by Pizarro, come down from the Andes and set out in search of El Dorado, the famed lost city of gold. Pizarro sends part of his group, which includes Aguirre (Klaus Kinski) as the second in command, ahead on a scouting mission. As things get progressively worse on the journey, Aguirre stages a rebellion and installs a puppet as leader so he can lead from behind the scenes. Conditions continue to worsen (including the constant threat of death from Indian attack) and Aguirre becomes more brutal and unhinged.
The "infamous" tag comes from the relationship between the director (Werner Herzog) and the star (Kinski). Needless to say, it wasn't a pleasant one. Their relationship mostly consisted of Kinski being a giant pain in the ass and Herzog trying any means necessary (such as deliberately infuriating Kinski before each scene and, allegedly, pulling a gun on the actor to get him to come back to the set) to get Kinski to play the roll the way the director wanted. As volatile as it was, this crazy relationship worked. Kinski's portrayal of a man who starts out craving power but slowly descends into madness as his journey down the river continues with no end is brilliant. I have seen very few actors that can portray sheer insanity just with their eyes like Kinski does in this film (which is a necessity as there is very little dialog). He is very haunting.
The movie is beautifully shot as well. You get a great sense of the isolation that the crew is feeling as they move further and further down the river and their numbers (and supplies) dwindle. It was filmed on location in Peru on a very small budget, but it still looks great. Aguirre... was supposedly a very big influence on Apocalypse Now, and that's pretty apparent.
Pink Flamingos
WOW.
Just...
WOW.
Aguirre, The Wrath of God
The purpose of this series when I started it was to catch up on some of the more famous 70's movies that have slipped through my movie watching experience (and to have a chance to re-watch some of my favorite 70's films along the way). This movie does not really fit into the category of "famous" movies from the 1970's. Its really more of the "infamous" variety. I have seen references to it many times over the years in articles and documentaries about 70's films, but never had a chance to see it until now.
Aguirre... is the story of a group of Spanish conquistadors in 1560 who, led by Pizarro, come down from the Andes and set out in search of El Dorado, the famed lost city of gold. Pizarro sends part of his group, which includes Aguirre (Klaus Kinski) as the second in command, ahead on a scouting mission. As things get progressively worse on the journey, Aguirre stages a rebellion and installs a puppet as leader so he can lead from behind the scenes. Conditions continue to worsen (including the constant threat of death from Indian attack) and Aguirre becomes more brutal and unhinged.
The "infamous" tag comes from the relationship between the director (Werner Herzog) and the star (Kinski). Needless to say, it wasn't a pleasant one. Their relationship mostly consisted of Kinski being a giant pain in the ass and Herzog trying any means necessary (such as deliberately infuriating Kinski before each scene and, allegedly, pulling a gun on the actor to get him to come back to the set) to get Kinski to play the roll the way the director wanted. As volatile as it was, this crazy relationship worked. Kinski's portrayal of a man who starts out craving power but slowly descends into madness as his journey down the river continues with no end is brilliant. I have seen very few actors that can portray sheer insanity just with their eyes like Kinski does in this film (which is a necessity as there is very little dialog). He is very haunting.
The movie is beautifully shot as well. You get a great sense of the isolation that the crew is feeling as they move further and further down the river and their numbers (and supplies) dwindle. It was filmed on location in Peru on a very small budget, but it still looks great. Aguirre... was supposedly a very big influence on Apocalypse Now, and that's pretty apparent.
Pink Flamingos
WOW.
Just...
WOW.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday Night TV Roundup 2/17/11
Community
I thought this was a fantastic episode of Community. I loved how they set it up like the "mockumentary" style shows (like The Office and Modern Family) so it allowed them to gently poke fun at those type of shows and at the same time give Community a different look and storytelling dimension that it doesn't normally have.
Even though Pierce was just as, if not more, despicable in this episode as he was in the Dungeons and Dragons episode, but for some reason, it didn't bother me as much this time around (the D&D episode was my least favorite Community episode so far, but I suspect that I will like it better when I watch it a second time - just a feeling). This time, he was (at least in his warped mind) justified in acting this way - he almost dies and he feels like his so-called friends (the only ones he has) were not around for him. I loved the way he planted little seeds of cruelty or dissent and (other than his plan for Jeff, which required a more hands on approach, and as a result, led to a more hands on reaction from Jeff) let everyone inflict their own torture on themselves. Pretty diabolical (and hilarious).
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: Troy - "FINAL words? You're going to kill us?"; Pierce - "I am dying. I am not really dying"; Jeff - "Remember when he had the hiccups and pulled the fire alarm?"; Lavar Burton! Good to see him and to see him play so well into the role; Pretty much everything with Troy and Lavar Burton was AWESOME; Pierce - "Smell ya later"; Britta = sour face was such a perfect name for her; Great exchange: Pierce - Is that you Death?" Britta - "No its Britta." Pierce - "Oh."; As s big fan of Firefly, I loved the shout out from Troy (and Abed); The Jeff-Britta bad parent one-upmanship was rapid-fire comedy gold; Jeff's freak outs were all well done; Britta - "Its not that I am selfish, its just that I am really stupid with my money! Thank god he didn't take it - could you imagine bouncing a check to Kunta Kinte?"; Lavar - "Well, more fish for Kunta"; The amount of favorite scenes/quotes should show how much I loved this episode.
Grade - A
The Office
The return of Threat Level Midnight!; Like I said last week, The Office has long since stopped being a show that is based in any kind of realistic office setting. At least this week, devoting the majority of the episode to Michael's (very long in the making) movie gave them an excuse to be extra un-realistic. It was really good to see the return of a few characters that have been gone for a while, like Roy, Karen, Jan and Ryan's friend from NYC that Dwight thought was a hobbit. It was a dopey episode, but it was fairly humorous.
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: I enjoyed how Michael put the full address of every location (including zip code) in the movie; Daryl as president; Jim - "I am going to dig up Scarn's wife and hump her real good"; Michael's soloflex and Dave Barry calendar are typical Michael touches; Creed's fringe jacket; Jan trying to escape the camera, and also completely vamping it up during her lounge act in the film; OF COURSE Toby dies; Michael - " (about Toby's character) That man was a wanted animal rapist); WAS THAT PAM'S MOM? It was hard to tell and I will have to confirm upon further viewings; TODD PACKER!; (I can't remember who said this - Kevin?) "You should enter it in festivals! Or carnivals"; Michael - "I am a huge Woody Allen film, although I have only seen Ants".
Grade - B-
Parks & Rec
Another really, really funny episode of Parks & Rec. They finally gave Adam Scott's Ben more of a showcase than just playing straight man to Leslie (Scott was supposed to be fantastic in Party Down, which is in my Netflix Instant Queue and, after how excellent he was in this episode, it's going right to the top). The way he kept finding new ways to melt down when confronted with his past as mayor were fantastic. However, it was also a pretty stellar episode for the other characters too. I was very happy to see them continue the semi-friendship between Ron and Andy (even if Ron claimed he had ulterior motives, which I don't entirely believe - I think he sincerely likes Andy). Tom was at the height of his schmoozing powers, where he is at his best. Rob Lowe continued his great run as the goofily high-energy Chris, and he has brought out the best in Ann while he has been around (she has never been funnier). Lastly, finally - ANDY AND APRIL!!!!
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: Ron's typewriter overall was great stuff; Ron - "I bought it on Electronic Bay dot com"; "What has he been typing? 'If you sonsofbitches try to Move this typewriter, I'll kill you' ": Ron - "I am going to type all the words I know! Rectangle! America! Megaphone! Monday! Butthole!"; Crazy Ira and the Douche; Chris and Ann's back cracking; Andy at the permits desk once again gave an opportunity to showcase the loons that live in Pawnee; Ron - "and why was that child clubbing your nuggets"; "We're looking him up on Alta Vista" - glad to see that Pawnee is still stuck in 1997; Tom - "You embarassed me in front of the Douche!"; Tom - "Brooks Bros Boys doesn't make garbage"; "Ya Heard, with Perd"; Ron - "Boom. Sadness. That's the one"; Tom - "Sweetums might cancel the fat coaster!"; Ben - "More like Turd Crapley"
Grade -A
30 Rock
I am a sucker for mysteries and detective stories in general, and Murder On the Orient Express in particular, so I loved the elaborate mystery that Liz unravels (and then ignores in order to get herself back out there). It was also a pretty good Jack episode. He had some great lines (see below) and this was one of my favorite type of Jack episodes - he initially takes some hit to his ego, and then uses it to his advantage, becoming the uber-confident Jack that we all love by episode's end.
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: A fanny pack is almost always funny; Jack - "Meeting Magazine is already calling it the meeting of the decade"; Jack - "That's ok - you just keep watching Bridal Plasty"; Pete in Loverboy!;
Jenna - "They contain a little bit of meth - which my body needs anyway!" The return of the running joke about Jenna dating Eric Roberts and how crazy he is - always funny; Liz - 'I like my tampons to be cold"; Liz - "Is that ANOTHER magazine about meetings?"; Liz - " They're all mularkey" (a great word that doesn't get enough use); Jack - "And I haven't spoken to Joe Namath since that Mardi Gras"; Liz - "Nope! Hipster Nonsense - I'm out"; No woman loves SW like Liz Lemon does; Liz - "I see you opened that scotch NBC gave us when we came in 3rd"; Jack - "I see someone got to first base, which I consider sex with a stranger".
Grade - B+
Archer
This was another solid episode. Pretty much any pairing of Lana and Archer in the field results in some great comedy. It allows two of the 3 most dominant characters on the show (Archer's mom is the 3rd) to shine on their own, and at the same time let the other characters have their own storyline. While I also love when everyone is together and can play off each other, its good to mix it up once in a while. This was a very funny episode that didn't seem to be as quotable as the others, but still made me laugh out loud quite a bit.
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: Archer - "His name's Gandolf, and he's not a hippie?"; Archer vs the sky marshal; Archer - "It is an emergency - Of an awesome and ass-kicking nature"; Archer - "I'm pretty sure Tonto was a Jew"; Archer - "All of this wildlife can suck it"; Archer - "If you're hot, and also somewhat bitchy, have a beer"; Lana's flurry of beeps; Archer - "Yes, ruiner of explanations!"; Archer's gator stats;
Grade - B+
I thought this was a fantastic episode of Community. I loved how they set it up like the "mockumentary" style shows (like The Office and Modern Family) so it allowed them to gently poke fun at those type of shows and at the same time give Community a different look and storytelling dimension that it doesn't normally have.
Even though Pierce was just as, if not more, despicable in this episode as he was in the Dungeons and Dragons episode, but for some reason, it didn't bother me as much this time around (the D&D episode was my least favorite Community episode so far, but I suspect that I will like it better when I watch it a second time - just a feeling). This time, he was (at least in his warped mind) justified in acting this way - he almost dies and he feels like his so-called friends (the only ones he has) were not around for him. I loved the way he planted little seeds of cruelty or dissent and (other than his plan for Jeff, which required a more hands on approach, and as a result, led to a more hands on reaction from Jeff) let everyone inflict their own torture on themselves. Pretty diabolical (and hilarious).
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: Troy - "FINAL words? You're going to kill us?"; Pierce - "I am dying. I am not really dying"; Jeff - "Remember when he had the hiccups and pulled the fire alarm?"; Lavar Burton! Good to see him and to see him play so well into the role; Pretty much everything with Troy and Lavar Burton was AWESOME; Pierce - "Smell ya later"; Britta = sour face was such a perfect name for her; Great exchange: Pierce - Is that you Death?" Britta - "No its Britta." Pierce - "Oh."; As s big fan of Firefly, I loved the shout out from Troy (and Abed); The Jeff-Britta bad parent one-upmanship was rapid-fire comedy gold; Jeff's freak outs were all well done; Britta - "Its not that I am selfish, its just that I am really stupid with my money! Thank god he didn't take it - could you imagine bouncing a check to Kunta Kinte?"; Lavar - "Well, more fish for Kunta"; The amount of favorite scenes/quotes should show how much I loved this episode.
Grade - A
The Office
The return of Threat Level Midnight!; Like I said last week, The Office has long since stopped being a show that is based in any kind of realistic office setting. At least this week, devoting the majority of the episode to Michael's (very long in the making) movie gave them an excuse to be extra un-realistic. It was really good to see the return of a few characters that have been gone for a while, like Roy, Karen, Jan and Ryan's friend from NYC that Dwight thought was a hobbit. It was a dopey episode, but it was fairly humorous.
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: I enjoyed how Michael put the full address of every location (including zip code) in the movie; Daryl as president; Jim - "I am going to dig up Scarn's wife and hump her real good"; Michael's soloflex and Dave Barry calendar are typical Michael touches; Creed's fringe jacket; Jan trying to escape the camera, and also completely vamping it up during her lounge act in the film; OF COURSE Toby dies; Michael - " (about Toby's character) That man was a wanted animal rapist); WAS THAT PAM'S MOM? It was hard to tell and I will have to confirm upon further viewings; TODD PACKER!; (I can't remember who said this - Kevin?) "You should enter it in festivals! Or carnivals"; Michael - "I am a huge Woody Allen film, although I have only seen Ants".
Grade - B-
Parks & Rec
Another really, really funny episode of Parks & Rec. They finally gave Adam Scott's Ben more of a showcase than just playing straight man to Leslie (Scott was supposed to be fantastic in Party Down, which is in my Netflix Instant Queue and, after how excellent he was in this episode, it's going right to the top). The way he kept finding new ways to melt down when confronted with his past as mayor were fantastic. However, it was also a pretty stellar episode for the other characters too. I was very happy to see them continue the semi-friendship between Ron and Andy (even if Ron claimed he had ulterior motives, which I don't entirely believe - I think he sincerely likes Andy). Tom was at the height of his schmoozing powers, where he is at his best. Rob Lowe continued his great run as the goofily high-energy Chris, and he has brought out the best in Ann while he has been around (she has never been funnier). Lastly, finally - ANDY AND APRIL!!!!
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: Ron's typewriter overall was great stuff; Ron - "I bought it on Electronic Bay dot com"; "What has he been typing? 'If you sonsofbitches try to Move this typewriter, I'll kill you' ": Ron - "I am going to type all the words I know! Rectangle! America! Megaphone! Monday! Butthole!"; Crazy Ira and the Douche; Chris and Ann's back cracking; Andy at the permits desk once again gave an opportunity to showcase the loons that live in Pawnee; Ron - "and why was that child clubbing your nuggets"; "We're looking him up on Alta Vista" - glad to see that Pawnee is still stuck in 1997; Tom - "You embarassed me in front of the Douche!"; Tom - "Brooks Bros Boys doesn't make garbage"; "Ya Heard, with Perd"; Ron - "Boom. Sadness. That's the one"; Tom - "Sweetums might cancel the fat coaster!"; Ben - "More like Turd Crapley"
Grade -A
30 Rock
I am a sucker for mysteries and detective stories in general, and Murder On the Orient Express in particular, so I loved the elaborate mystery that Liz unravels (and then ignores in order to get herself back out there). It was also a pretty good Jack episode. He had some great lines (see below) and this was one of my favorite type of Jack episodes - he initially takes some hit to his ego, and then uses it to his advantage, becoming the uber-confident Jack that we all love by episode's end.
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: A fanny pack is almost always funny; Jack - "Meeting Magazine is already calling it the meeting of the decade"; Jack - "That's ok - you just keep watching Bridal Plasty"; Pete in Loverboy!;
Jenna - "They contain a little bit of meth - which my body needs anyway!" The return of the running joke about Jenna dating Eric Roberts and how crazy he is - always funny; Liz - 'I like my tampons to be cold"; Liz - "Is that ANOTHER magazine about meetings?"; Liz - " They're all mularkey" (a great word that doesn't get enough use); Jack - "And I haven't spoken to Joe Namath since that Mardi Gras"; Liz - "Nope! Hipster Nonsense - I'm out"; No woman loves SW like Liz Lemon does; Liz - "I see you opened that scotch NBC gave us when we came in 3rd"; Jack - "I see someone got to first base, which I consider sex with a stranger".
Grade - B+
Archer
This was another solid episode. Pretty much any pairing of Lana and Archer in the field results in some great comedy. It allows two of the 3 most dominant characters on the show (Archer's mom is the 3rd) to shine on their own, and at the same time let the other characters have their own storyline. While I also love when everyone is together and can play off each other, its good to mix it up once in a while. This was a very funny episode that didn't seem to be as quotable as the others, but still made me laugh out loud quite a bit.
Favorite Scenes/Quotes: Archer - "His name's Gandolf, and he's not a hippie?"; Archer vs the sky marshal; Archer - "It is an emergency - Of an awesome and ass-kicking nature"; Archer - "I'm pretty sure Tonto was a Jew"; Archer - "All of this wildlife can suck it"; Archer - "If you're hot, and also somewhat bitchy, have a beer"; Lana's flurry of beeps; Archer - "Yes, ruiner of explanations!"; Archer's gator stats;
Grade - B+
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
1972: Movies Pt. 2
(After a long layoff...)
Here is link to Part 1
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid To Ask)
I actually remember seeing this back in high school, when A&E was a MUCH different network than it is now (they actually tried to live up to their Arts and Entertainment name). I also remember not really caring for it at the time. However, since it was edited for television and I have a little more developed taste in movies now than I did then, I was hoping for a better experience this time around. However, my opinion was about the same upon this viewing. It really didn't do much for me.
It had some humorous isolated moments, but overall I didn't think it was all that funny. Maybe the subject matter was a little more shocking back in 1972, and that simple fact made the skits funnier. The movie is broken up into 7 parts, each dealing with a different sexual topic. The only real chuckles I got were from the skit on bestiality (because I love Gene Wilder and the way he played such an absurd story so straight) and the one on sex perverts (because they did it in the style of a 60s game show and it had Regis Philbin in it). However, the rest (dealing with aphrodisiacs, female orgasms, transvestites, sex research, and ejaculation) were just there. I have only ever seen two Woody Allen films (I know, what kind of movie fanatic am I?) - this one and Annie Hall (which I loved) - so I don't know if most of his films are like this or if this one is a fluke.
(I couldn't find a trailer on YouTube, but eh, no big loss)
Here is link to Part 1
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid To Ask)
I actually remember seeing this back in high school, when A&E was a MUCH different network than it is now (they actually tried to live up to their Arts and Entertainment name). I also remember not really caring for it at the time. However, since it was edited for television and I have a little more developed taste in movies now than I did then, I was hoping for a better experience this time around. However, my opinion was about the same upon this viewing. It really didn't do much for me.
It had some humorous isolated moments, but overall I didn't think it was all that funny. Maybe the subject matter was a little more shocking back in 1972, and that simple fact made the skits funnier. The movie is broken up into 7 parts, each dealing with a different sexual topic. The only real chuckles I got were from the skit on bestiality (because I love Gene Wilder and the way he played such an absurd story so straight) and the one on sex perverts (because they did it in the style of a 60s game show and it had Regis Philbin in it). However, the rest (dealing with aphrodisiacs, female orgasms, transvestites, sex research, and ejaculation) were just there. I have only ever seen two Woody Allen films (I know, what kind of movie fanatic am I?) - this one and Annie Hall (which I loved) - so I don't know if most of his films are like this or if this one is a fluke.
(I couldn't find a trailer on YouTube, but eh, no big loss)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday Night TV Roundup 2/10/11
Community
That's the Community I have been looking for the last few weeks. After 2 weeks of really good but not great episodes, and 1 week that rubbed me the wrong way (last week's episode, due to Pierce's behavior, although I suspect I might like it more upon a second viewing), Community is back to top form this week. Because the characters are so well defined by this point, they have the luxury of highlighting a few of the group instead of the whole and it can carry an episode. This week, its Jeff, Abed/Troy and, especially, Britta who are highlighted. Britta has a particularly strong episode as her hipster beliefs that she is better and cooler than everyone else comes back to bite her in the ass, so much so that she ends up making out with another straight woman before she would even think of asking if that woman is a lesbian in fear of seeming (in her opinion) homophobic. The results were awkward comedy at its best.
Favorite Scenes: Troy - "and make sure no one draws weiners in me"; Jeff - "I don't believe in dibs. Or Love at first sight. or love. Or best friends. Or doing things";" The looks on everyone's faces after Pierce reads his statement; The whole Bare Naked Ladies thing aregument; Jeff: "I've been forcing myself to be into soccer since 2004"; The return of "streets ahead" (even if it was only in Pierce's head); "What's in the briefcase?" "Tacos. Want one?"; Chang's nunchuks and the fact that Jeff made him clean up; "
Grade - A-
The Office
The Office long ago stopped being a show about the type of office that is relatable for normal people. The realism train has long since sailed. I am sure that has turned some people off, bur I am able to just accept that is the direction the show took, and I accept it. This was the type of episode that never would have fit in the early seasons, but it was very funny. Michael and Holly's increasing levels of PDA were ludicrous, but had me laughing out loud several times. The Holly-Michael relationship is one that most people have been rooting for during Steve Carell's final season, and this episode had some nice milestones for them. Even Jim and Pam were enjoyable this week. This was a really solid episode and probably the best of the season so far.
Favorite Scenes: "Birthday Punches!"; "I DOMINATE Valentines Day!"; Oscar's increasing coughing to try and get Michael and Holly to behave; Kevin - "I enjoy watching them, because it makes me horny"; Gabe - "I get it - Andy's slamming my girlfriend"; Gabe again - " Yep, all the honkings";; this exchange: Dwight - "What is the policy on masturbation?" Michael - "Mmm.. pro" ; and my favorite line of the episode - "Hurl your feces!"
Grade - B+
Park & Rec
The roll in season 3 continues. Any Ron Swanson-centric episode is pretty much guaranteed a B+, but this one definitely delivered above even that. Hopefully this show will be on for several more years, so that the return of Tammy can be an annual tradition. Just the sight of Ron Swanson in cornrows and a kimono was enough to send me into hysterical laughter. I also liked how they continue to show Ben learning that Leslie is a special person both professionally and personally. If they end up getting together, I will be all for it - I think they have great chemistry.
Favorite Scenes: Ron's alleged overdue library book - "Its not the size of the boat: Living life with a micro-penis"; Leslie - "whale tail! ABORT!"; "Don't be such a Jerry, Ben!"; Ron - "I am off to have a mid-morning pre-lunch with my lady friend, but I'll be back for lunch"; I loved the new work relationship with April and Chris; I love the way Chris speaks - "I would like a local beer. I would like it in a bottle. And I would like the bottle to be cold"; Tom and Tammy's dancing; The cops all describing the altercation in the bar in the same way; "I wouldn't want him within 500 feet of the library." "That's good advice for all of us"; Andy at the intervention; Ron's warning video, to himself; the return of Andy's alias, Bert Macklin, FBI; Jerry at the bridal shower; the way Tom runs; Ron - "Women like scars. It shows you survived an attack. And they'll assume that attack was from a man."
Grade - A
30 Rock
My internet conked out during this episode, and since I was using this blog template to record my favorite quotes as I watched, I was distracted somewhat from this episode. I know is was pretty funny, but I need to rewatch it to really appreciate it. I will edit this post and give it a final grade after I view it again.
Favorite Lines (what I was able to catch): Jack - "I don't sleep on planes. I don't want to be Incepted"; Jcak to Liz - "Not only is your fly open, there is a pencil sticking out of it"; "Your milk comes in bags. BAGS!"
(Preliminary) Grade - B+
Archer
My internet was still out, so I don't have any quotes for this one. However, I gave up on trying to get the internet to connect again during this one, so I was able to pay closer attention. This was another really good episode. If the Wee Baby Seamus sticks around the rest of the season, it will add another comedy wrinkle to what is already a zany spy workplace show. It already has one dysfunctional family relationship in Mallory and Archer that they can mine for comedy gold, and fatherhood for Archer is full of potential. Even if this is a one time only plot, at least it resulted in a really good episode (the highlight was the revelation that Woodhouse the butler is a smack addict).
Grade - B+
That's the Community I have been looking for the last few weeks. After 2 weeks of really good but not great episodes, and 1 week that rubbed me the wrong way (last week's episode, due to Pierce's behavior, although I suspect I might like it more upon a second viewing), Community is back to top form this week. Because the characters are so well defined by this point, they have the luxury of highlighting a few of the group instead of the whole and it can carry an episode. This week, its Jeff, Abed/Troy and, especially, Britta who are highlighted. Britta has a particularly strong episode as her hipster beliefs that she is better and cooler than everyone else comes back to bite her in the ass, so much so that she ends up making out with another straight woman before she would even think of asking if that woman is a lesbian in fear of seeming (in her opinion) homophobic. The results were awkward comedy at its best.
Favorite Scenes: Troy - "and make sure no one draws weiners in me"; Jeff - "I don't believe in dibs. Or Love at first sight. or love. Or best friends. Or doing things";" The looks on everyone's faces after Pierce reads his statement; The whole Bare Naked Ladies thing aregument; Jeff: "I've been forcing myself to be into soccer since 2004"; The return of "streets ahead" (even if it was only in Pierce's head); "What's in the briefcase?" "Tacos. Want one?"; Chang's nunchuks and the fact that Jeff made him clean up; "
Grade - A-
The Office
The Office long ago stopped being a show about the type of office that is relatable for normal people. The realism train has long since sailed. I am sure that has turned some people off, bur I am able to just accept that is the direction the show took, and I accept it. This was the type of episode that never would have fit in the early seasons, but it was very funny. Michael and Holly's increasing levels of PDA were ludicrous, but had me laughing out loud several times. The Holly-Michael relationship is one that most people have been rooting for during Steve Carell's final season, and this episode had some nice milestones for them. Even Jim and Pam were enjoyable this week. This was a really solid episode and probably the best of the season so far.
Favorite Scenes: "Birthday Punches!"; "I DOMINATE Valentines Day!"; Oscar's increasing coughing to try and get Michael and Holly to behave; Kevin - "I enjoy watching them, because it makes me horny"; Gabe - "I get it - Andy's slamming my girlfriend"; Gabe again - " Yep, all the honkings";; this exchange: Dwight - "What is the policy on masturbation?" Michael - "Mmm.. pro" ; and my favorite line of the episode - "Hurl your feces!"
Grade - B+
Park & Rec
The roll in season 3 continues. Any Ron Swanson-centric episode is pretty much guaranteed a B+, but this one definitely delivered above even that. Hopefully this show will be on for several more years, so that the return of Tammy can be an annual tradition. Just the sight of Ron Swanson in cornrows and a kimono was enough to send me into hysterical laughter. I also liked how they continue to show Ben learning that Leslie is a special person both professionally and personally. If they end up getting together, I will be all for it - I think they have great chemistry.
Favorite Scenes: Ron's alleged overdue library book - "Its not the size of the boat: Living life with a micro-penis"; Leslie - "whale tail! ABORT!"; "Don't be such a Jerry, Ben!"; Ron - "I am off to have a mid-morning pre-lunch with my lady friend, but I'll be back for lunch"; I loved the new work relationship with April and Chris; I love the way Chris speaks - "I would like a local beer. I would like it in a bottle. And I would like the bottle to be cold"; Tom and Tammy's dancing; The cops all describing the altercation in the bar in the same way; "I wouldn't want him within 500 feet of the library." "That's good advice for all of us"; Andy at the intervention; Ron's warning video, to himself; the return of Andy's alias, Bert Macklin, FBI; Jerry at the bridal shower; the way Tom runs; Ron - "Women like scars. It shows you survived an attack. And they'll assume that attack was from a man."
Grade - A
30 Rock
My internet conked out during this episode, and since I was using this blog template to record my favorite quotes as I watched, I was distracted somewhat from this episode. I know is was pretty funny, but I need to rewatch it to really appreciate it. I will edit this post and give it a final grade after I view it again.
Favorite Lines (what I was able to catch): Jack - "I don't sleep on planes. I don't want to be Incepted"; Jcak to Liz - "Not only is your fly open, there is a pencil sticking out of it"; "Your milk comes in bags. BAGS!"
(Preliminary) Grade - B+
Archer
My internet was still out, so I don't have any quotes for this one. However, I gave up on trying to get the internet to connect again during this one, so I was able to pay closer attention. This was another really good episode. If the Wee Baby Seamus sticks around the rest of the season, it will add another comedy wrinkle to what is already a zany spy workplace show. It already has one dysfunctional family relationship in Mallory and Archer that they can mine for comedy gold, and fatherhood for Archer is full of potential. Even if this is a one time only plot, at least it resulted in a really good episode (the highlight was the revelation that Woodhouse the butler is a smack addict).
Grade - B+
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