Monday, October 28, 2013

Marilyn Manson on 'Talking Dead'

You know something is up when one of the highest rated shows, 'The Walking Dead' on AMC, airs a new episode but all people can talk about is the episode of 'Talking Dead' that airs after it. Marilyn Manson was one of the guests...and he kept going off on a perplexing tangent throughout the program. It's just something you have to see to believe.

At one point he was trying to relate women burning their bras in the 1970s to Carol (Melissa McBride) burning the two bodies of the diseased characters at the prison. Okay then! He also said it may have been caused by Activia since she looks like Jamie Lee Curtis. Chris Hardwick was just as surprised as the rest of us and handled it in the best way possible with his sarcasm. His facial expressions were a thing of beauty as well. At one point he had to say, "You can't get zombies pregnant, Marilyn Manson." Jack Osbourne was on the panel as well. He tweeted, "Yep. I know how you all feel."

Manson must have been on a steady diet of NyQuil, Molly, and a side of Go-Go Juice before appearing on camera. At first his mic wasn't working, which as the show went on it made clear that this was probably no coincidence. I came away thinking that Marilyn Manson secretly worked as Mitt Romney's head speech writer last year. Oh, and 'The Walking Dead' kicked ass tonight as usual, particularly when Michonne (Dania Gurira), Daryl (Norman Reedus), Tyreese (Chad Coleman) & Bob (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) take a Dodge Charger into a horde.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Two New 'Anchorman 2' Trailers!

'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' is getting closer and now we have two brand new trailers with some very funny scenes that weren't seen in the previous ones. There is also some plot introduced, as the first trailer shows Meagan Good for the first time playing Linda Jackson, who is in charge of a new cable news network called GNN. Both trailers show we're in for a hilarious send up of the 24-hour cable news networks, which comes at a perfect time considering how ridiculous our current ones can be. We still haven't seen much of Kristen Wiig as Brick's lover yet, which gives us something awesome to look forward to when the film hits theaters on December 20th.



The second trailer (an international UK version) gives our first brief look at Harrison Ford, and shows a little bit of why Ron & Co (Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd & David Koechner) are off trying to get back in the game at a cable news station: Veronica (Christina Applegate) has seemingly become the only anchor at Channel 4 news. She was also seen on the couch possibly watching GNN with another man, so we can possibly assume there is trouble in paradise for Ron & Veronica. This trailer is the one that really pushes the parody of stupid cable news broadcasts, and you know there will be plenty more where that came from.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Best of TLC

The TLC biopic 'CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story' premiered last night on VH1 detailing the highs and lows of the girl group that rose to massive fame during the 90s. Keke Palmer, Lil' Mama and Drew Sidora all looked perfect for their roles as Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes & Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and all had the unique look of TLC down to a T. The big story from the film will be their issues with former manager Pebbles, who managed to buy them their first (used) cars...with their own money. Aw, how nice. TLC are currently recording a new studio album, and no they won't be replacing Left Eye, who died in a car crash in 2002 before the release of their last album, 3D. So before we hear some new material, let's take a look at their 10 best songs.

1. Waterfalls (CrazySexyCool, 1994) - Like there would be any other candidate for TLC's best song? The song spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Something people will always remember about the track is the accompanying music video (back when those were still a big deal on TV), which had one scene where the ladies we're transformed into water using the latest computer technology at the time. It also highlighted the dangers of HIV & drug use, continuing the groups message of safe sex that began with their earlier music videos. 

2. Damaged (3D, 2002) - "Damaged" benefits from having live instruments in the background, and the awesome guitar work meshes very well with Chilli & T-Boz's vocals to create possibly the strongest song in their catalogue. 

3. Unpretty (FanMail, 1999) - "Unpretty" continued the TLC trend of songs with a positive message. In this case is was all about self esteem and being proud of who you are regardless of what others think. The track blends Pop, R&B and Rock to create an all around well rounded song.

4. Baby-Baby-Baby (Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip, 1992) - TLC's first big ballad, the sultry and seductive sound would become a trademark of the group through all their other releases.

5. Creep (CrazySexyCool, 1994) - Well, this was a different kind of message. About a woman who knows her man is cheating on her, so she gets back at him by doing the exact same thing. The real reason this is one of their best is just the infectious nature of the song. Try listening to it without getting it stuck in your head.

6. Turntable (3D, 2002) - "Turntable" is their tribute to Left Eye, who died a few months before the album was released. Its a song that doubles as both a fitting tribute to Left Eye, as well as a song that everybody can relate to. 

7. Red Light Special (CrazySexyCool, 1994) - "Red Light Special" is perhaps the groups most seductive and sultry song. They amped up the maturity and sexuality on CrazySexyCool, and this soulful song is a perfect representation of that.

8. What About Your Friends (Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip, 1992) - TLC's first album is heavy on the new jack swing that was popular at the time, and this is one of the many songs that incorporates that into the pop & hip hop that permeates the track. The video showcases their fun and wild personalities, and you really can't beat the bright neon 90s style.

9. No Scrubs (FanMail, 1999) - Another infectious song with a beat that can't escape your head, the version featured in the music video is a bit better than the album version, as it includes an awesome rap by Left Eye that fits so well with the song. You couldn't escape this song in the spring and summer of 1999.

10. Meant To Be (20, 2013) - 20 is their greatest hits album that was released to coincide with the biopic, and "Meant To Be" represents the lone new track included. It stands fairly well with their hits, and continues the trend of a positive vibe as seen throughout their career. It's an enjoyable pop/R&B song that seems like a grower.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

'Toy Story of TERROR!' Thrills

Pixar is known for their outstanding feature films and award winning shorts, but they finally hit the realm of TV with 'Toy Story of TERROR' on ABC. The Halloween special, Pixar's first, was a nice Television debut for the studio and a great supplement to the 'Toy Story' film series. There were plenty of callbacks to the films throughout the half hour special to please fans, which helped form the basis of the story rather than just be throwaway moments.

The biggest of these callbacks was the addition of Combat Carl (voiced by Carl Weathers), who showed up to help Jessie save the day. If you forgot, a Combat Carl was blown up by that douche Sid in the first 'Toy Story' movie back in 1995. He was missing his hand for most of this special. Poor guy can't catch a break (until the end, of course!) 

Jessie (Joan Cusack) was the star here, facing her fear of being trapped inside an enclosed space in order to save Woody (Tom Hanks). The origin of her fear is referenced by Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles) from when she was abandoned in a box of old things by her original owner Emily in 'Toy Story 2'. No depressing Sarah McLachlan song this time around. 

Other characters featured were Rex (Wallace Shawn), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Trixie (Kristen Schaal), and Mr. Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton). The group get stuck at a motel after Bonnie's mom's car breaks down. They are then picked off one by one courtesy of an iguana, who brings them back to the motel owners office. He apparently is a creep who steals toys and sells them online. It seemed like a variation of the 'Toy Story 2' plot, but it works for this as well. My favorite scene was when the cat shaped Pex dispenser threw up a pez when Jessie stuck her hand in the Iguana's mouth to retrieve Potato Head's missing arm.

Here's to hoping Pixar gives us a Thanksgiving and/or Christmas special! And you can expect 'Toy Story of Terror' to air every year around Halloween just like 'It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown'. 

Monday, October 14, 2013

'The Walking Dead' Ratings Kill Everything Else on TV

Another season premiere, another record shattered by 'The Walking Dead'. 16.1 Million people tuned into the season 4 premiere of 'The Walking Dead' on AMC, becoming the highest rated show of the season. The previous record for the series was 12.4 Million. The Cable show is getting live ratings that the Broadcast networks could only dream of right now. It also seems like the walkers took a chunk out of the ratings for all the broadcast network shows, which were all down across the board in competition. 'The Walking Dead' is an event now, people want to watch it live so they can talk about it afterwards rather than DVR it and possibly get spoiled.

Another big milestone is that the show received 10.4 Million viewers in the 18-49 demographic, which makes it the most watched program of the season in that advertising coveted group, surpassing every NFL game. Before last night, all the highest rated programs among 18-49 year olds were all NFL games. The pigskin is no match for flesh eating zombies.

The new season is off to a solid start as well with a good first episode. Some clear storylines forming with Rick (Andrew Grimes) now taking on a role as farmer & having a new hatred of violence. Michonne (Danai Gurira) is leaving the prison for extended periods in search of the Governor (David Morrissey) to get her revenge on him for the death of Andrea (Laurie Holden). Glenn (Steven Yeun) & Maggie (Lauren Cohan) have a wedding to look forward to...and we have to wonder if it will be as insane as the Red Wedding on 'Game of Thrones'.

Carol (Melissa McBride) is teaching story-time to the children...with a fun twist of knife lessons to defend against walkers. Story-time during the zombie apocalypse is badass. Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) & Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) have acclimated well and are important members of the prison. Daryl (Norman Reedus) is still the Daryl we love. The survivors finally found a Big Lots! superstore after 4 years...and just their luck the roof caves in with zombies raining down. Dear superstores: please build stronger roofs.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Best Quotes From 'Hocus Pocus'

Its been 20 years since 'Hocus Pocus' entered our lives and became one of the greatest Halloween themed movies of all time. It didn't break any records at the box office, though it was released in July. Whose genius decision was that? Regardless, it became a monster hit on VHS, then DVD and eventually Blu Ray as well as a Television staple that gets shown multiple times every fall (and even sometimes throughout the year). This cult classic will forever be a Halloween staple now, even if those damn critics gave it mediocre reviews. They missed just how quotable and endearing this whimsical film is. Here are some of the best quotes:

1. Jay and Ernie aka ICE are possibly the greatest high school bullies of all time, and here is one scene chock full of their quotes when they run into Max (Omri Katz) in the graveyard.
                       
"Got any cash...Hollywoooooood?" "They're very health conscious in Los Angeles." "Check out the new cross trainers."

2. "I don't have any, what do you call them Max, yabbos? Max likes your yabbos. In fact, he loves them." -Dani (Thora Birch) to Allison (Vinessa Shaw)

3. "What are you supposed to be? A new kid on the block?" "For your information he's a Little Leaguer!" - Jay & Dani

4. "Thank you Max, for that mahhhhvelous introduction." -Winifred (Better Midler), because it is exactly how you'd imagine Bette Midler as a 17th century witch would say that.

5. "Aw man, how come it's the ugly chicks that always stay out late?" - Jay to Winifred, Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) & Mary (Kathy Najimy).

6. "We desire...Children." "Hey it may take me a couple tries but I don't think that would be a problem." - Winifred to the bus driver. Disney just loves to slip sexual innuendo's into family movies.

7. "Why was I cursed with such idiot sisters!" "Just lucky I guess." - Winifred & Sarah.

8. "Sisters look, it's the chocolate covered finger of a man named Clark." - Mary, about a Clark Bar.

9. Sarah yelling "Amok!" over and over before Winifred hits her.

10. "You wanna look in windows and watch babes undress?" "It's 3AM, they're undressed already." Ice & Jay before getting caught by the Sanderson Sisters.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

'Wonder Woman' Short Takes Web By Storm

Back in the 1970s, Lynda Carter donned the lasso and bullet destroying bracelets in the hit TV show 'Wonder Woman'. Since then all attempts at another live action Wonder Woman have gone into development hell, with animation being the only versions of the character.

A new short film was just released by Rainfall Films, and though it is only 2 minutes and 34 seconds long, it has gone viral to much applause around the web. The short film has a gritty look to it as we see Wonder Woman handle some gun toting baddies on Earth, while flashing back to when she was on her home planet doing battle with some large creature. The best scene of course is when one guy shoots at her and the bullet shatters into nothing on her impenetrable bracelet.
The video is a great representation of what the character should be, and its all in a slick package with pretty awesome visual effects considering the lack of a huge budget. Director Sam Balcomb wrote, "...it’s one hundred and fifty seconds of pure fantasy, where I get to consider the two sides of my favorite warrior: a crusader in man’s world, and a paragon of virtue told through Greek mythology.It’s a fun world to hang out in."

The company is the same one that made an April Fool's video for IGN in 2008, which was a trailer for a fake Legend of Zelda film. The Wonder Woman short is different in that it is just a passionate project which will hopefully spur Warner Bros and DC Comics into bringing the character back to life in live action form. There have been rumors that she will make her debut in the Superman-Batman film starring Ben Affleck & Henry Cavill, but those are just rumors for now. A Justice League movie is in the works that will feature Wonder Woman of course, but that is still at least four years away, maybe more.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

'Desolation of Smaug' Trailer; 'Gravity' Reviews Are In

We enter the next wave of big 2013 movies this week with the release of the Oscar contender 'Gravity' starring Sandra Bullock & George Clooney. Following the May-July onslaught of Summer movies, October-December always provides another wave of films just in time for both the holidays and awards season. 'Gravity' is getting a ton of positive buzz all across the board from the story, to the special effects and performance of Sandra Bullock, which could net her another Academy Award. It currently sits at 96% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Alfonso Cuaron has done it again, and shown how to properly make a film in 3D, which amounts to much more than just a cash grab.

The latest commercials have been enough to show that the film does a great job showing the desperation and panic of astronaut Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) as she floats away into deep space. The 3D will only amplify this as you feel like you're stuck in the vast blackness of outer space with her. Cuaron stated, "We didn't want it to be 3D for the sake of fake excitement."

Possibly the biggest release after 'Gravity' and during the Holidays will be 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'. The full trailer has been released [watch below], and it gives enough to hold people over until the December 13, 2013 release date. The most impactful was hearing Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug the dragon. You get a nice view of the precious ring, as well as the return of Legolas (Orlando Bloom) in action for his first time since 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.