PopSnap

Favorite Scary Movies...

2010-10-27T23:02:00.000-05:00

Yes, dear readers, it's that time of year again...
Time for ghouls and goblins to haunt your neighborhood and demand candy!
As Halloween approaches, I wanted to talk about some of my favorite frightening films...
Personally, I tend to lean toward the more tame 'thrillers' rather than an all out gorefest. Those kinds of movies just aren't for me...
So here are some of my favorites:

"Psycho"--this 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and it still holds up well today. As scary as Norman Bates can be, I think people forget about the whole Marion Crane backstory that makes up the first half of the movie. Embezzlement! Scandal! A great score, a great cast, and a master of the genre--if you haven't seen "Psycho" in a while, check in to check it out...Mother would be proud...

"Poltergeist"--an early 80s scary story about a seemingly normal suburban family (led by the great Craig T. Nelson), whose house suddenly becomes the target of some not so friendly ghosts... Just remember to turn off the TV after you watch this one.

"The Omen"--I'm talking about the original here, not the recent travesty of a remake. This classic will make your heart pound for sure. Gregory Peck plays the father of a young boy who turns out to have a terrible secret. He's a real little devil...

"The Shining"--"Wendy, can't you see I'm...(pause for dramatic effect and creepy expression) working?" Jack Nicholson delivers a bone chilling performance as a man driven to insanity as a struggling writer who moves his family to a hotel in the middle of nowhere to serve as caretakers for the winter. The movie, directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on a Stephen King story, is just about as scary as they come. "What's up, Doc?"

"The Silence Of The Lambs"--"His first name is Louis." Anthony Hopkins leads an ensemble cast in this multiple Oscar-winning thriller. If you haven't seen this one in a long time, then it's been too long. Just remember to put it back in the basket when you're done.

Of course, the list could go on and on, but I'll stop there. What are some of your favorite scary movies? You've gotta have a favorite...

Happy Halloween!

"Back To The Future" 25 Years Later...

2010-10-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

I still can't believe it's been 25 years--25 years!!! since a movie called "Back to the Future" made its way into theaters across the country. Back then, I was a kid who had always loved movies, and had followed Michael J. Fox on one of my favorite '80s TV shows, NBC's "Family Ties."
Like most everyone else who saw it, I was simply blown away when I first watched this film. Everything about it just "clicked"--and it seemed to be flawless. All of the performances were spot on, and it was entertaining from beginning to end. The movie blended comedy with science fiction, a dash of drama, and yes, even a spark of romance--and folks, to be able to pull all of that off is very, very rare indeed. I was so taken with it that I saw "BTTF" 4 times at the movies that summer, and recommended it to everyone.
Great movie, great cast, great music--and today, you can see it for the first time on blu-ray. Although I liked the trilogy as a whole, the first one is still my favorite.
I was fortunate that on a trip to Los Angeles in the late '80s, I took the Universal backlot tour and the tram took us to the court square set. I got an up close and personal look at the courthouse, the gas station, and all of the shops along the square. They told us that the filmmakers were prepping to shoot the sequel, and it was quite a sight to see in person. I'm glad I got to see it before it was destroyed by fire. Since then, they've rebuilt the sets, but nothing can replace that memory. On another trip to L.A. a few years later, a couple of friends and I went to the movies, and Eric Stoltz, along with a couple of his pals, sat right behind us. Stoltz, of course, was first cast as Marty McFly before Fox. I hope you enjoyed the movie as much as I did, and if you haven't seen it in a while, now's a great time to go back to "Back to the Future."
Watch the cast reunion that happened this morning on the "Today" show below.

Gone, But Not Forgotten

2010-10-02T16:39:00.000-05:00

I've discussed this topic recently with friends, and this week, we've lost more very recognizable celebrities.

Among them, Arthur Penn, director of such films as "Bonnie and Clyde," and "Little Big Man," as well

as Tony Curtis, the Oscar-Nominated actor and who appeared in such classics as "Spartacus," and "Some Like It Hot," with Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, and directed by the great Billy Wilder. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Wilder several years ago at a restaurant out in L.A.

Now, word that one of Hollywood's most legendary TV writers and producers has left us. Stephen J. Cannell has died at the age of 69. I grew up watching the shows he created, and always loved his signature production company logo at the end of each one, with him typing furiously on a typewriter, then tearing the paper out of the machine and tossing it into the air where it animated and formed a "C."
Here it is:

Here's the obit from the AP:

NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen J. Cannell, the voracious writer-producer of dozens of series that included TV favorites The Rockford Files,The A-Team and The Commish, has died at age 69.

Cannell passed away at his home in Pasadena, Calif., on Thursday night from complications associated with melanoma, his family said in a statement on Friday.

During three decades as an independent producer, he distinguished himself as a rangy, outgoing chap with a trim beard who was generally identified with action dramas full of squealing tires and tough guys trading punches.

But his range was greater than for which he was given credit. Tenspeed and Brown Shoewas a clever detective drama starring Ben Vereen and a then-unknown Jeff Goldblumin 1980. Profit was a shocking saga of a psycho businessman that was unforgettable to the few viewers who saw it: Fox pulled the plug after just four episodes in 1996. WithWiseguy (1987-90), Cannell chilled viewers with a film-noir descent into the underworld that predated The Sopranos by more than a decade.

The Rockford Files, of course, became an Emmy-winning TV classic following the misadventures of its hapless ex-con private eye played by James Garner.

"People say, 'How can the guy who did "Wiseguy" do "The A-Team"?' I don't know," said Cannell in an interview with The Associated Press in 1993. "But I do know it's easier to think of me simply as the guy who wrote The A-Team. So they do."

During his TV heyday, Cannell became familiar to viewers from the ID that followed each of his shows: He was seen in his office typing on his Selectric before blithely ripping a sheet of paper from the typewriter carriage, whereupon it morphed into the C-shaped logo of Cannell Entertainment Inc.

That was all the idea of his wife, Marcia, he said, and it "appealed to my sense of hooey. ... I'm a ham."

He was also an occasional actor, most recently with a recurring role on ABC-TV's series, Castle.

A third-generation Californian, Cannell (rhymes with "channel") got into television writing scripts for It Takes a Thief,Ironside and Adam 12. It was a remarkable career choice for someone who had suffered since childhood from severe dyslexia (he became an advocate for children and adults with learning disabilities).

Cannell in recent years had focused his attention on writing books. His 16th novel, The Prostitute's Ball, will be released this month.

"I never thought of myself as being a brilliant writer, and still don't," he said in the AP interview. "I'm a populist. With Rockford, we were never trying to be important. And as thoroughly hated as it was by critics, I loved The A-Team. I thought it was really cool."

He was a producer of the feature film updating The A-Team, released earlier this year.

Cannell is survived by Marcia, his wife of 46 years, their three children, and three grandchildren.

See You, "At The Movies"

2010-08-26T10:04:00.000-05:00

This past week, the program "At The Movies" ended its very long run. It's tough to compete in this day and age when you can find movie reviews just about anywhere. I watched the show ever since it started on public television and was called "Sneak Previews."
I always got a kick out of seeing Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel have a heated disagreement then give those famous "Thumbs Up" or "Thumbs Down" recommendations for any given movie.
It later years, the name of the show changed many times. As I recall, it went from "Sneak Previews," to "Siskel & Ebert: At The Movies," to "Ebert & Roeper: At The Movies," then finally just "At The Movies."
Part of the change was because sadly, co-host Gene Siskel died of a brain tumor in 1999. After a number of fill-in guest hosts, Richard Roeper sat in to review movies with Roger Ebert. Ebert fought (and is still vigorously fighting) cancer himself, and he eventually had to leave the show, yet still maintains his own website where he reviews movies--a lot of movies. The guy won't be beaten down by disease even though he can no longer speak. The show's final two hosts were A.O. Scott and Michael Phillips. They were both watchable enough, but no pair can ever hold a candle to the team of Siskel and Ebert. I even modeled the opening of a movie review program I hosted in college after one of their early openings, where the two argue as they walk into a movie theatre. Roger Ebert, a longtime film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, won a Pulitzer Prize, and is the author of several books about film. I'm glad he's still around to give us his take on movies today, and I hope he stays around for many years to come. I have many fond memories of "At The Movies," which won't be forgotten (by me, anyway) for a long, long time (I hope).
As they used to say at the close of each program, it looks like "The balcony is closed," but this time, for good.

Who's Missing?

2010-07-26T06:17:00.005-05:00

BREAKING NEWS. I'm about to blog for the first time in months. That's right nerds and nerdettes, the closing ceremonies of Comic-Con brought the urge to share some geek thoughts. This year's festival was packed full of pop culture goodness. The unveiling of "The Avengers" cast on Saturday was the cherry on top for many fans, especially those hoping for a shot in the arm from Marvel Studios. Even with all the glitz, glamor, costumes, and screams, something was missing from this year's festival. Or maybe I should say someone....

Spider-Man. That's right, your friendly neighborhood movie franchise that's getting a reboot was nowhere to be found in San Diego. I was hoping for some casting announcements, villain choices, plot developments, anything, but all we got was a new Spider-Man video game teaser. Sony and Marvel want to keep this reboot at a low-budget price so maybe that was the plan all along? If I'm Sony and I'm throwing out one of the most popular superheros ever with a small budget and mostly unknown director, I'm using Comic-Con as a way of gaining some support.

Spider-Man is my favorite superhero of all-time. It's only natural that I want to see the new trilogy be successful, even if I am against a reboot (see earlier articles for more details). I just think that the team had the perfect opportunity to give us something over the weekend and bring us hope for the future. Maybe this is part of Marvel's master plan? Maybe they want "The Avengers" to take center stage and let Spidey stay under the radar.....

They have to give us something soon. My web is getting thick.

URGENT! Now Peter Jackson Negotiating With Studios To Direct 'The Hobbit' Films

2010-06-26T09:32:00.000-05:00

URGENT! Now Peter Jackson Negotiating With Studios To Direct 'The Hobbit' Films

So Long, Easy Rider...

2010-06-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

He was one of America's most well known actors with an edge. Dennis Hopper died over the weekend after a battle with prostate cancer. His last public appearance was just a few weeks ago as he received his star for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At his side, longtime friend and fellow actor, the legendary Jack Nicholson.
Dennis Hopper first hit it big starring alongside none other than James Dean in "Rebel Without A Cause," and "Giant" in the mid-1950s. He also co-starred with John Wayne in "The Sons of Katie Elder," and "True Grit."
He went on to direct and star in the 1969 classic "Easy Rider," with Nicholson and Peter Fonda. He was nominated for an Oscar as co-writer of that movie. Although he didn't win, "Easy Rider" did take home an award from the Cannes film festival that year.
Through the years, Dennis Hopper made a number of other movies, and frequently appeared on television shows. Some people may remember him as the psychotic Frank Booth in David Lynch's "Blue Velvet," or the Mad Bomber in "Speed."
He played a trippy photojournalist in Francis Ford Coppola's look at Vietnam in "Apocalypse Now" in 1979, and won praise for his work with Gene Hackman in the basketball film "Hoosiers."
Sure, he made some not so memorable movies too: "Waterworld" anyone? But what star hasn't?
Dennis Hopper is a name that is probably most closely associated with movies of the 60s and 70s, but he had a long, varied career, and will certainly be missed. He was 74 years old.

"Lost" Comes To A Close

2010-06-01T20:11:00.000-05:00

It's been a week and half now since fans around the world said their goodbyes to, in my opinion, one of the greatest shows in the history of television. ABC's "Lost" aired its series finale on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010.
I threw a small party and had a few friends over to mark the occasion. Much has already been written about the ending, so I'll be brief.
Everyone wondered how this mysterious show would come to a close. How would it all end? There were so many questions about different characters, etc. Without giving away the ending, I'll just say that I thought it was one of the best, if not the best, close to a show that I've ever had the pleasure to witness. Yes, it left some questions. I think I would have been mad had it not done so. It tied up ends in such a fashion so that everything made sense, and all the things these characters had spoken about for the past 6 seasons could be reflected upon and thought about in a way only "Lost" could have done it.
If you want to find out how it ended, there are certainly no shortages of places to find out for yourself on the internet. But I would encourage you to start at the very beginning. The first episode. Start watching, and I promise you that you will not be sorry. I've told a friend of mine now that "Lost" is over, I'm really not looking forward to television much anymore, and that's true. Sure, there are shows I watch, but not in the same way that it caused you to really use your brain, and think about what was happening. I even picked up the book "The Gospel According to 'Lost'" and look forward to reading it. I'll miss the characters, but I'm very glad a show like this came along--and I'm very grateful to have had many philosophical discussions with my friends about it. I'm sure those will continue. Namaste.

Saying Goodbye To "Lost"

2010-05-21T10:08:00.002-05:00

This won't be easy. I know it won't. I feel like I'm saying goodbye to an old friend as we approach the series finale, that's right, I said series finale of ABC's award winning "Lost." By now, I'm sure you've heard the show will take its final breath Sunday night during a 2 and a half hour spectacular. I won't kid you--that's impressive.
I remember in early 2004, reading an article in USAToday or maybe it was CNN, about "Lost," and the general excitement surrounding this show that would premiere that fall. It just sounded cool. A plane crashes on an island in the middle of nowhere, leaving dozens of passengers stranded. Then strange things start to happen. And as viewers know, there have been many strange things happening on the unnamed island we've all come to know and love.
Listen, I could go on and on about how rich the characters are, how good the writing is, how well the music compliments each episode, how the Cinematographer, Set Designer, and Director work so well to disguise Hawaii as multiple locations around the world, but you sorta get the point. It's a very, very well done show.
And as I've told friends and fellow fans, I feel like we've all been partaking in a delicious feast these last 6 seasons, and now we're about to get that last really fine meal.
That's what makes it so satisfying, at least for me, and also why I think it won't be too bad when it ends. Because, in much the same way you enjoy reading a good book, the show has played out in the very same fashion. There's really so much to appreciate about "Lost," that I will miss a show of its caliber, but I'm certainly very grateful to have been able to watch it from the beginning. And to everyone out there, fasten your seat belts, Sunday's going to be a bumpy ride...
Of course, this whole thing has caused me to reflect on other series finales. I remember some that weren't received so well, like the endings to "Seinfeld," and "St. Elsewhere." I still liked the ending to "St. Elsewhere," even if it was obscure. One of the finest endings to a show in TV history, in my opinion, remains the finale to "M*A*S*H*". Still an outstanding program. I'm also reminded of the end of my favorite sitcom of all time, "Frasier," and how well it was able to bookend the pilot episode. Love that show!
So get ready to raise a glass and say goodbye to "Lost." We've all been on a wonderful journey together, and it's not over yet!

The End Is Near

2010-05-17T06:36:00.003-05:00

4...8...15...16...23...42.... The countdown is underway for the final 2 episodes of ABC's "Lost." This time next Monday, there will be plenty of people circled around a water cooler talking about the series finale. It saddens me to even think about it. There's a brand new episode tomorrow night at 8 pm CST on ABC which will lead up to the finale Sunday night. The finale is 2.5 hours long! There's not many things that can offset the news, the Oscars comes to mind, but it's still exciting and flattering that ABC affiliates are pushing back their Sunday newscast for the "Lost" wrap-up. In honor of the end, there are all sorts of magazines, TV show appearances, podcasts, and such that will be happening this week with actors, writers, and creators of the show.

Jody, Katie, and I will have a special podcast this Wednesday night to talk all things "Lost." Be sure to tune in for that. You guys are welcome to call in to the podcast any week and discuss pop culture with us. I'm sure there will be a FEW more posts about the upcoming end. Until then, "Take care, Brotha."

The Villain

2010-05-05T20:58:00.004-05:00

The "Iron Man 2" series continues as we edge closer to the kick off of the Summer movie season. In the first article, we looked as some of the sequel formulas and how they might translate into this film. Having the formula is one thing, but you MUST get this part right or you're going to fail as a second act.

The Villain is what can make/or break the second step of any franchise. The first movie is all about establishing our hero, now the second one must turn it up a notch by introducing us to a sinister man who dreams of crushing our beloved hero. Villains don't necessarily have to be more sinister than the first film, but their presence must have a bigger part of the plot and story development. You can't have a good movie without a great protagonist and antagonist. Let's take a look at some of the ways to judge the perfect sequel villain.

First, the new bad guy must have a different character/story arc than the first one. Sequels tend to go darker sometimes, and the only way they can achieve that darkness is by throwing in a crazy guy/girl who's got nothing to lose. Even if you don't go darker, just throw us a curve ball to mix it up. With "Iron Man 2," we're on the right track. I was so excited to see Mickey Rourke cast as Tony Stark's opposite in the new chapter. Ivan Vanko or Whiplash is a man that's seen his family and friends torn about by the Stark Industries' weapons. He has a chip on his shoulder and is willing to do whatever it takes to show that Tony Stark can bleed.

Another great element with a new arch enemy is the back story. We know that Whiplash's family has been dealt a tragic blow, but any good sequel should spark our curiosity about his traits/gifts/abilities. I want to know why he is a talented engineer that's able to construct this new weapon and why Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) wants him to be the brains behind this new wave of soldiers.....did I give away too much??? I hope not, but I will stop right there....

Any good villain must have that "IT" moment. You're not going to believe he's the toughest guy in the Old West unless he does something to turn the storyline on its head. That something doesn't have to be a crazy fight scene or stunt, it can even be something as small as a couple lines of dialogue. Speaking of that "IT" moment, it should tie in somehow with his fighting abilities. Everyone in the theatre knows that this guy is the bad guy, but in order to take that character to another level you're going to have to prove it on the battlefront. You don't have use the biggest budget to create the greatest fight scene, but you have to SHOW the audience that this guy has tools and he knows how to punish people.

Finally, the villain MUST have a grand exit! I love finding out new casting notes about who is going to play the new bad guy and see how they translate that into a 2 hour show. I get more nervous at the end of the movie for the villain's exit than I do for anything else. We know that the hero is going to live, but we have no clue about his enemy. If he's going to die it has to be something great and not just a cheap end scene. The baddest guy on film should not die thanks to a cheap bullet, he needs to go out with a BANG! Now, I say die, but he doesn't always have to die. Yes, you can still send someone away to jail/hibernation/isolation with a fantastic finish.

Follow these foot notes and I guarantee you will find a great sequel villain waiting at the end every time. I haven't seen "Iron Man 2" so I don't know the ending, but Whiplash seems to be well on his way as being one of the great Tony Stark villains of all-time. Now, he MAY not be the only villain in the film, but he is the only villain that we KNOW about.....THERE'S YOUR TEASE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

Enjoy the show!

The Sequel Formula

2010-05-03T21:58:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not, the Summer movie season kicks off this weekend with "Iron Man 2." Tony Stark and the gang are back in the sequel to the 2008 smash hit. It's easily the most anticipated blockbuster of the Summer bunch. Sequels can be really good, but they can also get really ugly. In honor of this being the start of the Summer season, and "Iron Man" week, I'm compiling a list of thoughts/possibilties/expectations and putting them into a series of articles.

First up, the sequel formula. What goes into making a good sequel? Obviously, Movie studios are hoping to expand on the success of the first film, but you have to follow the right formula for that to work. To quote "Scream 2," "Sequels themselves are inferior films..." -- which means you have to expand on the characters' universe for the movie to stand next to the original. Now, expanding doesn't necessarily mean more explosions/fight scenes/characters/etc. Expanding can also mean taking their first world, and turning it upside down. New characters are always welcome, but they aren't a necessity. If Marvel follows their formula for two other sequels, fanboys like me will be happy with the product and coming back for more.

"Spider-Man 2" still stands as one of the greatest superhero sequels by Marvel Studios. The 2004 Summer hit kept the same, simple product from the first film and just turned it on itself. We didn't see a ton of new villains, characters, or storylines and that was perfectly fine. What made the movie so good was the fact that it kept things simple. Peter fights with the powers of Spidey and his love for Mary Jane. There's only one true nemesis in the film, Doc Ock. Too many times movies try to add too many bad guys and it just makes the sequel messy and irritating. When you have a character such as Dr. Octopus, who is one of the strongest villains in comic book history, he's all you need. Some sequels also try to make the new villian darker and more sinister, but that's not a must. The Doc wasn't darker than The Goblin, but he was still a great evil match to the Spidey Sense. Now, with "Iron Man 2," it's obvious that Whiplash is a darker villian than Iron Monger. Will it work?....only time will tell, but I'm super excited about seeing Mickey Rourke go bat crazy again the suit of armor.

Sometimes sequels can involve plenty of new characters and turn out really well. There's no question that "Iron Man 2" is adding a slew of people as the move towards "The Avengers," but will it work? "X2: X-Men United" worked to the tenth degree. In my mind, this film is one of (if not) the greatest underrated superhero movie of all-time. Bryan Singer did an excellent job of keeping the plot line simple, but throwing in these new and intricate characters that helped stir the pot. Night-Crawler was one of the most exciting and most welcomed people to X2. If you add someone, they must have a purpose. Don't just add bad guys, partners, and side characters just for the sake of a laugh or explosion. There's quite a few new characters in "Iron Man 2" so we shall see how well they all mash up not only in this film, but other movies to come....

That's right, I just ended that paragraph on an Avengers tease. Which I'm hoping is not the case with this weekend's movie. "Spider-Man 2" and "X2" were great, but they weren't building towards a universe like this film is. If Marvel uses the formulas that both Spidey and the X-Men banked on, we should be in for a fun ride for weeks to come. How will Tony Stark's second round compare with these other sequels....we wil find out soon enough.

There's much more "Iron Man 2" coverage to come this week. Also, be sure to check out our weekly podcast for the very latest.

Back In New Armor

2010-04-19T20:08:00.003-05:00

Everyone remembers the opening scene to "Iron Man." You see the Marvel logo and then you hear AC/DC's "Back in Black" blaring on the silver screen as the troops and Tony Stark are roaming through the desert. Music is the backbone of any movie. Sometimes you may not remember the song, but you remember how upbeat you felt hearing a certain score/tune while something was happening in a film.

We are just days away from one of the biggest movies of the year, "Iron Man 2." The marketing campaign is in full flight with ads, previews, and products. The "Iron Man 2" soundtrack is now in stores. No, you aren't getting a nice array of artists with up and down songs, you get one of the hardest rocking bands of all-time! AC/DC is teaming up with Stark Industries to release "Iron Man 2." They are polishing up 15 of their popular rock jams, giving them some new armor, and unleashing it for the world to enjoy. Most of the songs are the ones that everybody is familiar with. However, they are a few tracks that might catch your eye. Back in 2008, the band debut their "Black Ice" album with a track called "War Machine." They didn't know it then, but that track would fit perfectly with a certain character in the upcoming blockbuster film. These songs go great with the "Iron Man" world. What better music to listen to when you're beating up bad guys than "Thunderstruck" or "Highway to Hell?"

Soundtracks have come a long way over the past few years. Most of the time you are guaranteed maybe one or two good songs on a normal soundtrack with the rest of the songs just filling in the gaps. You don't have to worry about that with "Iron Man 2." You can turn up these jams, bang your head, and anxiously await Tony Stark to kick some butt!

Conan O'Brien To TBS...Hmmm....

2010-04-13T22:20:00.001-05:00

This whole Conan announcement has bothered me, so even though Grant already wrote a nice piece about Conan's new move, I decided to weigh in as well.
First off, let me say that I'm very glad to see Conan's returning to television in any fashion. In a recent podcast, I misspoke when I said he was going to make an announcement in May about a new show on Fox. I received some bad information. However, I do wish Fox could have given him a commitment. I think it would have been a better move in the long run. Fox has proven itself to be a growing network with solid programming.
I don't know why everyone's so thrilled that Conan is headed to TBS. Personally, I'm not. He's got a strong fan base, but there are a lot of strikes against him by going there. He'll start at 10p.m. Monday through Thursday. That's the time when most people will tune into their local news on NBC, ABC, or CBS. He also faces direct competition from "The Daily Show" and Jon Stewart on Comedy Central.
At 10:35, well-established late night talkers "The Tonight Show," and "Late Show With David Letterman" will hit the air, so it's not exactly a slam dunk for Conan.
I predict people will tune in initially to see what the fuss is all about--again, for the novelty effect, but again, it's my firm belief that established programming will overtake any challengers, and that includes O'Brien.
As I've mentioned in previous articles, I was fortunate enough to meet Conan at 30 Rock in New York, see his "Late Night" show in person, and just last year I was on hand to catch his 3rd "Tonight Show" live. He's a terrific talent, and a very nice person, and I wish him all the success in the world. But going to TBS, is I believe, a bad move. Time will tell.

Conan to TBS

2010-04-12T17:08:00.004-05:00

The network that airs some of the best comedies over the past 20 years just got an upgrade! For years TBS has been using the slogan: Very Funny. They just took that slogan to whole new level. Conan O'Brien is moving to TBS, ladies and gentlemen. The move is a surprise to many as most people were waiting for FOX to ink the popular late night talk show host. In the end, FOX could not guarantee that every affiliate would be clear for late night so Coco decided to move to cable. Here's a quote from O'Brien: “In three months I’ve gone from network television to Twitter to performing live in theaters, and now I’m headed to basic cable. My plan is working perfectly.”

TBS has been pushing for Conan from the beginning. Ted Turner and company were able to fork out enough dough, power, and even guarantee him his OWN show (which FOX wasn't). Conan's show will start in November. The network will air new episodes 4 out of 5 nights a week (like Jimmy Kimmel or John Stewart). TBS has already renewed "Lopez Tonight" for a second season. George Lopez is thrilled to have Coco as his lead-in every night. This new deal almost closes the book on the Coco saga that has fueled entertainment news over the past few months.

The book isn't finished yet. That's because Conan O'Brien presents "The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour" begins tonight in Eugene, Oregon. The tour is one of the hottest ticket items this Spring. I'm sure Conan will have plenty of jokes about his new gig as he runs across North America.

TBS is with Coco! Click here to see the ad that proves it!

Put These In, Coach!

2010-04-06T15:28:00.009-05:00

Major League Baseball season is underway. As sports fans close the book on college basketball and turn towards America's Pastime, I thought I would pass along some of my favorite baseball movies. Baseball can be a very up and down time for many fans across the country. As I watched the Cubs get smoked yesterday, I could at least take comfort knowing that these movies would never leave me with a sour taste in my mouth. Here's the lineup:

"The Natural" - This is probably my favorite sports movie of all-time. Robert Redford gives one of the best performances of his career in my opinion. Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, and Richard Farnsworth also are at the top of their game. The movie is actually being released on Blu-ray today. There's a ton of special features on the director's cut.

"Field of Dreams" - Everyone knows the line, "If you build it, they will will come." Well, this movie keeps me coming back for more every time. This film will tug at your heart and could even bring a tear or two to your eyes. Kevin Costner, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, and Burt Lancaster have the ability to take something simple and turn it into something that's truly spectacular.

"61*" - Fans can make great movies. There's no exception when it comes to baseball. Billy Crystal's made for TV movie gives us a look at the 1961 New York Yankees and how their stars would change the game forever. Crystal grew up going to Yankee games and he uses his childhood experience to give us a majestic movie about two heroes and their rise/fall from grace. Barry Pepper is Roger Maris, Thomas Jane plays Mickey Mantle, and look out for Anthony Michael Hall as the great pitcher, Whitey Ford.

"The Pride of The Yankees" - Speaking of the Yankees, you can't mention baseball movies and not throw in this one. Most people have heard the name Lou Gehrig, but don't really know much about him. Gary Cooper plays Gehrig in this 1943 Oscar winner. It still holds up.

"The Sandlot" - Baseball movies can be loads of fun. This movie is the story of a group of kids who spend an entire Summer living/breathing/sleeping/eating baseball. There's sure to be someone in the ensemble cast that you can relate with. Look out for a surprise performance by Denis Leary. James Earl Jones also has a great cameo appearance.

"Major League" - Another fun look at the daily lives of professional baseball players. Plus, who doesn't like a movie that has Bob Uecker as the narrator?

"A League of Their Own" - Who says females can't have their own fun? Also, "There's no crying in baseball." A very good movie with an outstanding cast -- including an appearance by a member of PopSnap! and a cameo of my favorite stadium, Wrigley Field.

These are just a few of my favorite baseball movies. There are so many to name that I'm positive I left a few of the good ones on the bench. Baseball is one of the great things that makes us Americans. Whether you like sports or not, these movies are guaranteed to entertain you in some shape or form and give you a little knowledge in the process.

I hope everyone can take some time this season to enjoy a great tradition. Just put these movies in your DVD or Blu-ray devices.....they're ready to play!

"3-Don't"???

2010-04-02T18:58:00.000-05:00

This weekend marks the release of "Clash Of The Titans" in 3D (And 2D). While it boasts an impressive cast list, and certainly a timeless storyline of ancient gods and goddesses, along with fantastical mythological creatures, there's an overriding issue that has cast a pall over the movie: it really wasn't meant to be in 3D.
The film was originally shot in standard 2D, then, wait for it, retrofitted to 3D in the hopes of raking in more dough from moviegoers. So, here's the deal, it was converted into a 3D movie at the last minute, following the success of, you guessed it, that money making machine known as "Avatar."
Now, "Avatar" is a completely different story. It was always meant to be in 3D, was shot specifically with those stereoscopic effects in mind, and meant to be released that way.
Unfortunately, the trend now is, if it isn't in 3D yet, let's do it after the fact. Personally, I think this is a mistake that will ultimately lead to lower film quality. Let's face it, not everything was made to be viewed in 3D. Thankfully, moviegoers will have an option to see these "conversions" in standard form.
Recently, "Alice In Wonderland" proved to be another 3D cash cow. But, again, the movie was not originally produced for 3D. Still, it made a ton of money. And that's obviously the key for studios. If it looks like 3D will pull in the crowds, then let's have more, please.
And that's exactly what you'll get. This year, there are more than a dozen movies scheduled to be released in the 3D format. Some, like "Toy Story 3," (which I'm really looking forward to) were shot for 3D. Others, like Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood," with Russell Crowe, were given the 3D treatment after production had already ended. Check out this article from The New York Times about the proliferation of 3D conversions. So, watch out--don't be fooled into thinking that every movie thrown at you with a nice "3D" marketing campaign is the real deal. And they definitely won't be marketed like this: "Come see the big blockbuster action movie converted to 3D in postproduction!" No. They'll be pushed at you just like a regular 3D movie. Clever, eh? Deceptive, methinks.
To be honest, I think despite the controversy, "Clash Of The Titans" will do well at the weekend box office. I think people will be curious, and that most of them will see it in the retrofitted 3D format. It's the "novelty effect." It's still up against that 3D juggernaut, "How To Train Your Dragon," though.
So, what's next for the 3D bandwagon? Television manufacturers have already released 3D TVs, and certain programming outlets, notably DirecTV, have said they'll begin providing 3D channels starting this summer.
In my opinion, this will go down as one of the biggest blunders in the history of home entertainment. People are just now turning loose of the cash for nice flatscreen LCD televisions. Why on earth would they want to spend money on an unproven electronic device with, for now, an extremely limited amount of programming??
We are, however, witnessing an important shift in the direction of home entertainment. And, even though we may scoff at the idea of 3D televisions in our living rooms, someday in the not too distant future, all of this will be pretty standard stuff. We'll be tuning into holograms for sports coverage, and immersing ourselves in the action of our favorite drama series or sitcom by "living the experience."
I have no doubt that will happen. The technology already exists. And you can bet somewhere in those research and development labs, manufacturers are hard at work to deliver this form of entertainment for your home.
So, while 3D TV may not immediately be a huge hit (even if it crashes and burns, it's still an important step), it will probably eventually take off--maybe not right away, though. I predict that we'll see it become more mainstream in around 5 years. That timeframe will also allow prices to drop, and manufacturers to develop competing technologies.
Kinda fun to think about what comes next, hm?

20 Years of Turtle Power

2010-03-31T07:45:00.005-05:00

The Heroes in the Half-Shell are almost old enough to drink! "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie" is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week. It's hard to believe that 20 years have gone by since our favorite turtles and a friendly rat appeared on the silver screen. The success of the movie was due to the growing popularity of the TV cartoon back in the early 90's. I still have episodes of the cartoon series on tape somewhere. I also have not one, but two copies of the movie (ON VHS OF COURSE).

When I was growing up, the "Turtles" were "IT" for young boys. You could venture to tons of schools across the country and find Turtle shirts, hats, lunch boxes, pencils, and even pajamas. I can still remember a kid in my kindergarten class wearing his Leonardo pajamas to school one day. It was enough to make Superman himself jealous. I can remember showing up with my Superman pj's and cape, and wishing my mom had gotten me a Michaelangelo outfit instead.

Media marketing has evolved today thanks to popularity of shows/movies like "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" back in the late 80's and early 90's. We've even seen the turtles themselves evolve with a new spin on the cartoon, video game, and a new live-action movie planned.

I will be in line to check out the latest installment of the "Turtles." If anything, it will give me a chance to take my nieces to something that was popular when I was their age. Thanks, "Ninja Turtles," for making my childhood "AWESOME." I still wish I had that pair of pajamas.

Why I Watch "Lost"

2010-03-30T16:14:00.001-05:00

USA Today's TV critic, Robert Bianco, wrote an excellent essay about the intricacies of ABC's "Lost." Much of what he had to say in this article are why I watch the show, which comes to an end in May. For those of you who haven't yet seen it, I encourage you to start from Season 1 (available now on blu-ray or DVD) and plow right on through those episodes. If you have been watching the show, don't forget a brand new episode tonight at 8p.m. C.S.T.

"At The Movies" Cancelled

2010-03-25T08:09:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess it had to happen sometime, the long running movie review program "At The Movies" has been cancelled.
As you'll see from the article in the above link, the show was made popular by the late Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, who continues to churn out regular film reviews of his own. I had watched it since its early days (before it was called "At The Movies,") and it inspired me to be a movie critic in college. That was where I launched "The Screening Room," which aired weekly on the college TV station.
That venue allowed me access to people like Today Show movie critic Gene Shalit, with whom I once spoke on the telephone. I also wrote to Roger Ebert, got his autograph and some advice about movie reviews. I later became Facebook friends with another of the show's hosts, movie critic Richard Roeper.
There are many places you can now go to get reviews of movies, but the real trend setters are becoming few and far between. Not too long ago, "Variety" dismissed its longtime film critic, and with the popularity of blogs and other forms of social networking websites, it's easy to follow the notion that, really, the only true opinion of a movie that really matters is your own.
Although, I still believe it's good to sample what critics have to say about a new film. You can do that a lot easier now by going to sites like rottentomatoes.com and others.
In any case, "At The Movies" was a groundbreaking show, and it will be missed.

"Butch Cassidy" Sequel... Huh?!?

2010-03-24T21:12:00.003-05:00

So, I'm sifting through some entertainment news when I come across this headline from USAToday.com:

'Butch Cassidy' sequel filming
in Bolivia with no 'Kid'

Here's the gist of the story from the Associated Press:

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — The 1969 movie classic Butch Cassidy and
The Sundance Kid ends with neither of the famous outlaws appearing
to survive a 1908 shootout with Bolivian soldiers.

But Butch at least will ride again in a film entitled Blackthorn that
begins shooting in Bolivia next month.

American actor and playwright Sam Shepard plays the real-life Robert LeRoy
Parker, who led the Hole in the Wall Gang.

Cesar Perez is the director of Bolivia's national cinema council.
He said Tuesday that Spaniard Mateo Gil
is directing the story of Cassidy's attempt to return to the United States.

Gil is known for his screenplay of The Sea Inside.

The new film plot has Cassidy feeling compelled to commit just one
more robbery before he can retire.

Ok, time to insert my opinion here. Is this movie really necessary??
Paul Newman and Robert Redford did such a wonderful

job with the original that, to me anyway, it seemed complete.
The story was, in effect, told. Done, finis, kaput.

I have a lot of faith in Sam Shepard, so the only thing I can say is "we'll see."
But, I think the best thing anyone can do is just go back and rewatch the original.
It still stands the test of time.

Don't forget to check out this week's podcast on the right hand side
of the page under "blogtalkradio"--this week, we cover everything from
a new Captain America to Conan O'Brien's North American tour.

Oscar "Thank You" Cam

2010-03-10T23:58:00.002-06:00

Enjoy this year's Academy Awards? The show had its moments, and you might have heard a mention or two of the backstage "Thank You" camera for Oscar winners to thank people they didn't have time to during their brief televised acceptance speech. It was something new this year, and you can watch all of the nominees thanking various people by clicking here.
Don't forget to check out our weekly PopSnap! Podcast by clicking on "blogtalkradio" on the right hand side of the blog.

PopSnap! 2010 Oscar Picks

2010-03-06T17:08:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year again. Oscar time! So, grab yourself a Barley Pop--if you're A Single Man, get an Avatar, take your Crazy Heart, and go Up to The Hurt Locker to take a look at our predictions for the winners of top prizes this year.
Before we get to the picks, in many ways this has been an easy year for Oscar, with favorites certain to win in many categories. But you never know what or who might pull an upset.
Here are our selections for the golden statue this year:

Best Supporting Actress:

We were united on this one. Grant, Katie, and I all selected Mo'Nique for her performance in the film "Precious." This would be her first Academy Award. Although my heart still goes out to Vera Farmiga for her work in "Up In The Air."

Best Supporting Actor:

Another unanimous decision, and a pretty easy choice here. We all chose Christoph Waltz for "Inglorious Basterds." He's already received the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for this one.

Best Actress:
Another great list of nominees:

Katie says she's pulling for Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side," but also feels like Gabourey Sadibe from "Precious" could win.
Grant's pick: Sandra Bullock.

My pick: Meryl Streep for "Julie & Julia," a charming, mesmerizing performance in my opinion.

Best Actor:

We all chose Jeff Bridges for his fine work in "Crazy Heart." Such a true to life portrayal of a broken man on a search for redemption, and some wonderful music featured here.

Best Director:
Many people say it all comes down to Kathryn Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker," and her ex, James Cameron for "Avatar."

Katie's pick: James Cameron.

Grant's pick: Kathryn Bigelow.
My pick: Kathryn Bigelow.

Overlooked director nominee: Jason Reitman for "Up In The Air."

Best Picture:
For the first time in many years, there are 10 Best Picture nominees this year.

Katie's pick: "The Blind Side"

Grant's pick: "Avatar"
My pick: "The Blind Side"

Congratulations to all of the nominees. Tune in Sunday night on ABC to watch co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, and find out who will take home the coveted statuette!

Be sure to listen to our Podcast on blogtalkradio for more discussion on this year's nominees. You'll find it on the right hand side of the page. We'll recap the show, and the winners next week.

Lights, Camera, Action Figures

2010-03-02T08:48:00.004-06:00

Action figures make a young boy's world go round. They can come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. A lot of my childhood was spent playing with Power Rangers on the stairs, swimming with Ninja Turtles, and even blowing up a few G.I. Joe's (Sorry guys...nothing personal). One of the best gifts I received for Christmas was an entire "Jurassic Park" set (complete with Velociraptor and Dr. Grant). You can find out a lot about a movie just by looking at the toys.

In the modern world we live in, every little detail about a popular movie is almost guaranteed to be blown out of proportion. From casting notes to cameos, you can find it all online. A toy franchise can be a big marketing campaign for a movie if it's done correctly. Recently, "Iron Man 2" released their lineup of toys to match one of this year's most anticipated movies. These figures are a sneak peek at what some of our favorite characters/villains/vehicles COULD look like on the silver screen. Being an 8-year-old boy once, every time these new figures are released I have to check them out! I remember getting my first glimpse of what Two Face would look like in "The Dark Knight" by checking out the toy. More recently, I laughed at the makeup of Cobra Commander from the "G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra" line.

These toys play a somewhat spoiler role in some of our favorite films. In case you were wondering, I have no plans to release any of the details I learned about "Iron Man 2." So if you're looking for spoilers in this article, you may want to try someone else's toy box. The verdict on Tony Stark and the gang is still up in the air thanks to a smart marketing campaign. I just find it fascinating that some of the biggest movies can use these tiny little figures to their advantage. Character descriptions, costume designs, and plot details can all be found by looking in your local toy store. Marketing is everything. Neat looking toys can excite your fan base and mundane toys can anger it. In a world where story lines are hunted for all over the internet...sometimes it just takes a glimpse at an action figure to solve the big mystery.

In case you are wondering....Yes, I still have PLENTY of my old action figures stored away at home. I must say, toy makers can try all they want, but they will never top my "Ghostbusters" and "Jurassic Park" set. :)

(Sh) Utterly Satisified

2010-02-26T11:40:00.004-06:00

Breaking news. Martin Scorsese has done it again. Since the first "Shutter Island" preview sparked in 2009, I've been excited to see this film. Director Martin Scorsese takes you to a creepy island full of crazies in a movie that will keep you guessing until the credits roll. By now, everyone knows that Paramount decided to push this movie back due to economy problems/marketing/budgets/etc. The Studios did a nice job of moving it into a weekend in February where nobody else would bother it. "Shutter" was the only mainstream release on its opening weekend, and with "Cop Out" and "The Crazies" opening up this weekend, I think it's a safe bet that it could win the box office again.

The movie is based on a novel by Dennis Lehane. In recent years, his books "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone" have been adapted to screenplays. I didn't read the book so I was went into the screening guessing from the very beginning. The film starts with an investigation after a high security patient escapes from the maximum security facility known as Shutter Island. The cast in the film fits like a perfectly round peg. Everyone knows Leonardo DiCaprio and Scorsese are a safe bet, but the other members are what makes the movie fulfilling. Sir Ben Kingsley plays the doctor that's in control of the island. What makes his character so great in this film is that he can take an average sentence/description/detail and make it creepy to the tenth degree! Mark Ruffalo also stars as Leo's partner, Chuck. Ruffalo does a great job of stirring the pot as the detectives continue to investigate the mystery. The rest of the cast includes Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow, Jackie Earle Haley, Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer, and Ted Levine.

"Shutter Island" grabs you from the opening scene and drags you (like a patient) through an unknown,dark, and frightening world. You find yourself paying attention to every little detail (Sorry, no spoilers here) which makes movies like these worth the price of admission. Scorsese does an excellent job of lighting the film with the perfect tint of eerie grey. When the credits hit, you find yourself going back through all the little pieces and making sure they fit correctly. The pieces DO fit....like a round wooden peg! Is this my favorite Scorsese film, probably not. It's hard to argue with "Goodfellas" and "The Departed," but in a world where we continue to see directors stay in their comfort zones, it's so refreshing to see Scorsese step behind the 3-point line and sink a winning shot.

Spring Film Preview

2010-02-25T15:17:00.000-06:00

While Winter weather seems to have a grip on our nation, it seems to have hit the theaters as well. Movies like The Crazies, Dear John, and Valentine's Day have kept movies lovers in a state of static while waiting for noteworthy movies to hit the big screen. Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes a slew of movies than can finally bring the heat.

March brings Alice in Wonderland in IMAX 3D. This film has the dynamic Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. As the stills from this movie show, Tim Burton doesn't disappoint visually. The art direction of what has been seen so far is very interesting and many movie lovers should be truly looking forward to seeing how this films play out. We all know how the story ends, but as with all Tim Burton films, it's the journey! This movies isn't for kids though, because it does hold a PG rating for the caterpillar smoking. So those with sensitive eyes should be warned (does sarcasm translate here successfully?). Check out some clips before tea time on March 5th.

With April showers, bring Clash of the Titans (that's how it goes, right?). Opening April 2nd, Sam Worthington stars in this reboot of the 1981 classic. The hype for this movie has been long lived and the original made some staggering advances on film making of the day, including the unique make-up and the stop motion techniques used to create the monsters in the film. With the remake, we can expect some great visual effects from director, Louis Leterrier, known for The Incredible Hulk and The Transporter and it's sequel. Leterrier knows how to create some great action sequences and if the trailer says anything about we have in store, we all might need to bring a change of pants to this one.

A Nightmare on Elm Street, also opening in April, has not only an original to live up to, but an entire franchise. Jackie Earle Haley starring as everyone's favorite boogieman should totally take over this film. His small stature shouldn't keep him from terrifying audience when this film opens on the 30th.

Also in April, comedy greats Tina Fay and Steve Carrell bring us Date Night. This film has a extremely exciting cast which includes James Franco, Mark Wahlberg, Kristen Wiig, Mark Ruffalo and Mila Kunis (along with many others). This movie should be yet another hilarious movie from Fay and Carrell.

There are many other movies opening during these fair weather months, but these films have me excited about Spring has in store. These movies should help us all defrost from the dreary, cold winter-weather movies and forget about enjoying the outdoors. Get to the theaters and spring for the extra large popcorn for twenty-five cents more, because this recession isn't going to fix itself.

What movies are you most excited about?

The PopSnap Review: "The Wolfman"

2010-02-14T22:35:00.000-06:00

Before I begin this review of the new movie "The Wolfman," let me first say that I like Benecio Del Toro. I think he's a very talented actor--but "The Wolfman" was a great disappointment for me.
So what was wrong you ask? It's a problem many movies face these days, you have a great idea, a solid cast, but the problem here, as is so often the case, is the script.
It's certainly no secret that "The Wolfman" had its share of production problems, and the opening date was pushed back at least 4 times (never a good sign). Still, I wanted to see it. I'm a big Anthony Hopkins fan, and I also think Hugo Weaving does good solid work. In the cast, it's Benecio Del Toro who is the weakest link. His delivery comes off as flat and wooden, providing a protagonist you really don't care about at all (And I didn't).
The makeup was great--The main problem here is the script (or lack of one). It seemed like entire chunks of backstory had been eliminated to 'hurry up and get to the scenes with the wolfman.' Adding insult to injury is Danny Elfman's awful score, which only serves to telegraph the audience that something scary is about to happen.

Here's a typical scene: Close up shot of Benecio Del Toro walking through a creepy location at night, carrying a lantern. Haunting music in the background, the music swells, and LOOK OUT!!! Music sting! The "gotcha" moment.
I kept waiting for a certain character (I won't say who) to transform into a wolf, but they never did, even though the ENTIRE FILM hinted that this would happen.
And the ending is just, well...terrible. Hints at a sequel, or does it?? Let's just hope that never happens.
Joe Johnston ("Jurassic Park III), directed this, so I just have to ask, what happened Joe???
I can't even recommend this one to watch on home video.

So, I came up with another variation on the same theme. One of my favorite movies in recent years with the same type of storyline (yet in a more modern setting) is the Jack Nicholson movie, "Wolf," with James Spader. Also starring Michelle Pfeiffer and directed by Mike Nichols, this film is a much better telling of the same sort of tale, and it also has some wicked funny scenes.
So, if you have to see a movie about a man turning into a wolf, go for "Wolf," instead of "The Wolfman."

Lala Gives Music Back to the People

2010-02-08T11:21:00.007-06:00

Since we talked about Bonaroo on our most recent podcast, it got me thinking about how great it is to find a new artist or a new song to obsess over.

Lala, a music sharing site that brags over eight million licensed songs available for play and download, allows users to upload their already existing music libraries (think iTunes and Windows Media Player) to their site, but why would someone want to do this? While studying at school or visiting grandma, users can access their music, advertisement free, just by logging on to lala. Along with uploading music to the site, a user can even bring along existing playlists that they've created. While iTunes can create playlists from music you already own, this site can let you explore new music.

Find a great song? Purchasing is less expensive than iTunes will ever be; get a web song for ten cents, or download the full song for around eighty-nine cents. I had already been using Lala after iTunes raised their some of their prices to an absurd one-dollar and twenty-nine cents in April of 2009 and I know this sounds like a commercial here, but this site has impressed me from the beginning.

Now awaiting approval from the Apple, Lala has an iPhone app waiting in the wings. I have tested the beta and it will prove to be an amazing app to those who take advantage of uploading their music to lala, because a users' entire music library can be access through the app using 3G or Wi-Fi.

Lala is a site made to be shared with friends. Many users link their Lala music profile to their facebook profile to share with their friends the new music are listening to and purchasing. New members even get fifty free web songs just for joining.

Give Lala a listen, enjoy the fifty free songs, and you can thank me later.

The Unofficial National Holiday

2010-02-05T21:17:00.006-06:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages...Super Bowl weekend is upon us all! It's no secret that I love football, music, and quality entertainment and the Super Bowl has plenty of that. It's one of the few times of the year that you will see actors, musicians, and other celebs come together to show their support for the most watched sporting event of the year. The Super Bowl is a mash up of our favorite athletes, music, movies, and TV shows all thrown into 5 hours of quality television programming. It's the ONLY time of the year that you will actually go to the bathroom during programming instead of the commercial break.

Over the past 15 years or so, the commercials have become as much a part of Super Sunday as the opening kickoff. Companies plan all year how they will market their product on Super Sunday. Sometimes a simple 30 second spot during the Super Bowl can turn into millions of dollars for future investments. On Monday morning, there will be as much buzz about the best commercial as there will be about the game winning touchdown. As for me, I can't wait to see what kind of movie teasers we will have Sunday night. Looking back through the years, I can remember blockbuster Summer movies being seen first during a Super Bowl spot. I'm hoping we get a little more taste of "Iron Man 2" this year!

Another great thing about Super Sunday is the music. Over the past five years, the networks have gone back to their roots by selecting some of the best artists of all-time. I'd much rather see Springsteen rocking out during a football game than Britney Spears. In recent years, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have helped give us a mini rock concert on the biggest Sunday of the year. Be sure to tune in Sunday night when The Who rock the stage at halftime in Miami.

You don't have to care about football to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday. I have many friends that aren't football fans, but they have just as much fun as anyone else. It's about a nation coming together for a few hours to forget their worries and enjoy something that makes us all an American. I hope you all are able to get together with family, friends, relatives, co-workers, whoever, and enjoy Super Bowl XLIV. As far as I'm concerned, the Super Bowl is the unofficial national holiday!

It's Yours!

2010-02-04T08:47:00.004-06:00

Super Bowl week is always packed full of pop culture goodness. The Super Bowl isn't just about football, it's a mashup of sports, music, and entertainment all thrown into one of the most watched spectacles in the world. More on the "Unofficial National Holiday" later this week. I'm excited to learn that Johnny Depp himself will be doing a documentary on Keith. Most avid Stones fans call him Keith, but he's known as Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.
The Rolling Stones are my favorite music group of all-time. Their songs have shaped my past, present, and hopefully my future. I get it from my Dad. He is the biggest Stones fan that I know. I've been "rocking out" to the Stones since before I stopped wearing a diaper. Martin Scorsese's "Shine A Light" was a great concert movie about the personal and professional side of being a Stone. I caught the film on the IMAX screen in Nashville (Yes, Keith Richard's head was huge), but it was worth every penny (and wrinkle).
Johnny Depp has gone on record a number of times saying how much he adores Keith. Most fans know that Keith played a big role is his motivation for Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of The Caribbean" films. So Depp already has plenty of Keith research under his belt. I'm excited to see what Depp can do with one of the greatest guitar players ever. As Keith Richards says to Buddy Guy in "Shine A Light,"..."It's yours!"

Kettle Corn

2010-02-02T08:24:00.003-06:00

Kettle Corn is what's popping in the world of pop culture. It's like someone just popped a fresh batch of popcorn -- and the smell is too good to pass up!

"The envelope, please." The 2010 Oscar Nominations have been released.

"LOST" is back with a bang tonight on ABC.

Speaking of "LOST," Matthew Fox says he is done with TV...again.

For a complete list of Grammy winners, click here.

Catch The Who during the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime show this Sunday on CBS.

"Lost" In Thought...

2010-01-31T23:48:00.001-06:00

My dear friends and TV lovers of all nations, we are now less than 48 hours away from the season premiere of the 6th and (gasp) final season of one of (in my humble opinion) the greatest TV shows in the history of the medium. I'm talking about, that's right, "Lost."
I remember first hearing about this show back in early 2004. I thought it was a very clever idea--something not seen on television before, and I was immediately hooked. I couldn't wait for the premiere, and when I saw it, I knew I was in for a real treat.
The show has sparked numerous discussions among friends and complete strangers, both in person, and through internet forums. I've been a contributor to one of my favorite forums, and you can read it on USAToday.com's Popcandy blog (look for it in the Life section).
Anyway, the show has everything you would want: a fantastic plot, great characters, and terrific writing. Like millions of others (no pun intended), I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Maureen Ryan over at The Chicago Tribune had a great 3 part interview with show creators and writers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. Click here to read the entire article(s). Here's an excerpt:

Ryan: So many people love different things about "Lost" that I'm prepared to say, "OK, you guys like that stuff, that's cool. I'll get a turn with the stuff I like soon."

Lindelof: We just hope you like Season 6. I think what’s cool about the show is that if you say to somebody who’s watched all five years, "What was your favorite season of the show?" -- there probably aren’t that many people out there saying Season 3 was their favorite, but they’ll say Season 3 was their favorite finale. You’ll get different answers. It's all over the place. And some people love Season 4 because of all the freighter stuff, some people love Season 5 because of the time-travel stuff. The purists just love Season 1 and nothing’s ever come up to [that standard], you know. That’s the way I was [i.e., debating which season was best] as a “Buffy” fan.

Cuse: Most people seem to like [Seasons] 1 or 5. Those are the two that people seemed to like the most.

Click the link below to catch the season 5 finale which leads up to Tuesday night's season 6 premiere (which, by the way, you can catch starting with a special hourlong recap episode at 7p.m.)

the-incident-part-1

The New Girl (and her inner thoughts)

2010-01-31T13:39:00.010-06:00

I'm going to treat this "get to know me" article like speed dating. (People do that right?) I think that will leave enough mystery to keep everyone coming back for more, yet give enough information for everyone to know what I am all about.

I'm the type of person who talks to themselves. So, for your reading pleasure I thought I would include many of the thoughts that pop into my head as I write this.

When Grant and Jody mentioned for me to starting writing on their blog, my first thought was,"I have a hard enough time keeping thoughts together, and they want me to write well organized, witty articles?!" Thanks to my degree in Communications from The University of Tennessee at Martin, I have been well trained enough to sound like I know what I am talking about (go Skyhawks!)

I truly enjoy what pop culture has to offer us! I have been a long time video game, movie, and music lover. I do not know where I get most of my information from (maybe from the depths of the interwebs), but now at 24, I find myself a plethora (one of my favorite words) of knowledge in all things pop culture that I am looking forward to sharing with you! I cannot being to convey my excitement and enthusiasm about writing for this blog. I hope you all enjoy reading what I have to say as much as I enjoy writing it.

Grant is going to be conducting a formal interview in a next days, so keep an eye (or two) out for that soon.

I also wanted to introduce a new series coming to Pop-Snap. This was inspired by a very good friend (thinking of clever aliases). Let's call her Beatrix. Well, as I was explaining to Beatrix what this blog was all about, I learned that she hasn't seen many of the movies that most people consider classics (many of these movies being the top grossing of their release year). So, over the next few weeks, Beatrix will be watching all of these movies and I'll be asking her questions about what took her so long to watch these movies;

1.) Back to The Future Series
2.) Indian Jones Series (Should I include The Crystal Skull?)
3.) The Princess Bride
4.) Top Gun
5.) Anchorman
6.) The Terminator Series
7.) Kill Bill 1+2 (two of my favorites)

Now, there is one series of movies she refuses to watch; Star Wars. I will hopefully convince her to watch them, but until then, I think we will keep her busy.

What do I get out of this (besides quasi-publicly embarrassing her)? Well, I am a chicken. While I feel that overall the horror genre is the weakest that it has been in years, I still don't like the basic startles that they offer. I agreed if she watched these movies and let me pick her brain that I would watch all of the Saw movies with her (mostly so she can laugh at me while I watch it with the blanket pulled up to my eyes.)

So stayed tuned folks! I hope to bring much to the popcorn box (but without the buttery fingers)!

James Cameron Sinks His Own Ship

2010-01-29T09:08:00.005-06:00

"Avatar" can’t be stopped. While the doe-eyed rainforest warriors have yet to overtake the Caped Crusader in “The Dark Knight,” (in domestic sales) the oversea box office has surpassed James Cameron’s other indie flick, Titanic. Raking in $1.859 billion in the process, "Avatar" offers more than just a pretty face and $13 ticket price.

Leaving the visuals out of the equation in a sea of remakes and wish-they-had-never-been-mades, the original idea of the Na'vi people created by Cameron is refreshing. I can’t agree with the people who say this movie is an old idea with new visuals; The film stands for more than that, and money speaks louder than words. Word–of-mouth from this film should happily keep people in their 3D glasses.

Much has changed since the movie “Titanic” debuted in 1997. Theatre-goers can experience "Avatar" in multiple formats including 2D, 3D, and IMAX.

I saw this movie in 3D, and the anticipation of what would be flying out of the screen was worth the extra dough!! I suggest seeing "Avatar" in 3D while you can. I don’t know about you, but I won’t be buying a 3D TV anytime soon. If you can appreciate the movie for what it is, an action blockbuster filled with creative creature and lush landscapes, you will enjoy the experience. In the end, isn’t that what movies are all about anyway?

Cameron’s "Avatar" set the standard for blockbusters from now on. This is the season where the Oscar indie-flicks reign supreme, and the winter months don’t usually see movies with huge budgets; "Avatar" maintained a rumored $300-500 million budget. I have a feeling “It’s no Avatar” will be a widely used phrase to characterize a movie that just doesn’t impress the way "Avatar" has for present audiences and critics. Until we can start tasting movies, I think "Avatar" has laid the map outlining the directions all new movies will ultimately have to follow. It looks like James Cameron has sunk the Titanic yet again, but either way, he wins.

Welcome, Katie Mercuri!

2010-01-29T08:02:00.003-06:00

PopSnap! is expanding and very excited to welcome a new member to the team! Jody and I have the distinct privilege of welcoming Katie Mercuri to the popcorn box. I've known Katie for some time and I must say she is an asset to any organization. She has background in Communications, Web Design, Theatre, and Photography. Her roots run deep in the world of pop culture and she will help provide us with the latest news and gossip.

Katie will join us frequently on our pop culture podcast on Blog Talk Radio. I know that she will do an outstanding job of keeping everyone informed. I just wanted to take this time to welcome our new member and say how excited and honored we are to have her join the crew. Expect to hear a lot more from Katie in the weeks ahead!

Count Me In!

2010-01-29T07:55:00.007-06:00

Welcome back, Mel Gibson. Box offices around the country are opening up today with "Edge of Darkness," Mel Gibson's first movie in years. He's one of the greastest leading men of our generation. His movies range from "Mad Max" to going 'mad' over women in "What Women Want" (Yes, I did just mention that movie). His performances in "Braveheart" and "The Patriot" are two of my all-time favorites. "Darkness" is his first leading role since 2002's "Signs," directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

The film tells the story of a man's quest for justice after his daughter is murdered. From the first time that I saw the preview, I've been so excited about Mel Gibson's revenge quest. This is definitely a film that I will be taking my Dad to see in theatres. "Taken" was a huge success this time last year and we could see of the same good numbers for "Darkness."

If the Winter months get you down, put your trust in the silver screen! With "Edge of Darkness," "From Paris With Love," "The Wolfman," and "Shutter Island," we have a great FOUR weeks of film ahead! Popcorn is a MUST with these movies...Enjoy, Everyone!

"Lost" Prepares For The Beginning Of The End...

2010-01-28T22:44:00.004-06:00

Attention "Lost" lovers: The critically acclaimed ABC show is drawing to a close. It will have the premiere of its 6th and final season Tuesday night. I found this article on USAToday.com. *Spoiler Alert* If you don't know want to know
which characters from past seasons will be making an appearance, do not read this article! For the rest, read and enjoy!
Click here to read the article.

Remembering Pernell Roberts

2010-01-26T09:35:00.001-06:00

"Bonanza" made him a star, but for many people, like me, Pernell Roberts will always be known as the guy who played "Trapper John, M.D."
Roberts, who died Sunday at the age of 81 from complications due to cancer, first made his mark in Hollywood in 1959, playing the eldest son of the Cartwright clan on the popular TV series, "Bonanza." But he got restless playing Adam Cartwright. Frustrated with lack of character development, he left the show after just six seasons.
He toured the country performing in regional theatre, and took occasional TV work after that, appearing in many popular shows including "Hawaii Five-O," "Mission Impossible," "Ironside," "Mannix," and "Marcus Welby, M.D."
In 1979, he landed the title role in the series "Trapper John, M.D." If that name sounds familiar, it was the same character that Wayne Rogers played in "MASH," both of which aired on CBS.
"Trapper John" aired until 1986.
Like "Bonanza," "Trapper John" has great theme music. Check them both out below:

Kettle Corn

2010-01-26T08:31:00.005-06:00

Kettle Corn is what's popping in the world of pop culture. It's like someone just popped a fresh batch of popcorn -- and the smell is too good to pass up!

Experts believe "Avatar" will surpass "Titanic" as the highest grossing film of all-time!

Head on over to hulu to check out the "A-Team" trailer.

One of the most anticipated games of the year, "Mass Effect 2" hits store shelves today.

Jay Leno will be appearing on "Oprah" Thursday.

Lady Antebellum's second album, "Need You Now" is out.

Go Conan.

2010-01-26T08:16:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to give a quick shout out to Conan's finale on "The Tonight Show" Friday night. He did an outstanding job of wrapping up his tenure with NBC. It was sad to see him go, but I'm sure we will see him back in the next few months. I hate to see you go, Conan, but you ended on a great "Free Bird" note!

If you thought the fiasco was over, think again. Jay Leno is scheduled to be on Oprah this week. People are speculating that this is a move by NBC and Jay to help gain back some of the "good guy" image. I'm surprised that he is even allowed to talk about the late night drama. Who knows what he will be allowed to say or not say. Be sure to check your local listings if you want to hear from Jay later this week.

For a complete wrap on Conan's finale -- Check out Jody's article below.

Conan's "Tonight Show" Farewell

2010-01-23T16:25:00.004-06:00

Watching Conan O'Brien's final "Tonight Show" was a bittersweet affair for me. There's no denying he got a raw deal from NBC with Jay Leno moving back in to take the host's chair. Much has been made of the dustup between Conan, Jay and the network, so I won't rehash the story that most everyone has already heard.
I'll admit I got a little misty eyed watching the show, but I thought Conan added a nice touch of class by thanking NBC after all his years of service there. He started out as a writer for "SNL," then hosted his "Late Night" show for 16 years before taking the "Tonight Show." Tom Hanks, Neil Young, Will Ferrell, and Steve Carell all made Conan's final show extra special.
I feel truly fortunate that I was able to meet Conan a few years ago in New York, and attend a taping of "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." (Ask me about how I chased him down in 30 Rock yelling "Conan! Conan!" True story) He couldn't have been nicer about personally getting me tickets to the show. Then last year, I had the privilege to attend his 3rd "Tonight Show" in Los Angeles and had a great time there as well. It's a shame it had to end this way, but Conan will bounce back and wherever he goes, I'll follow.
Go Team CoCo!

Way To Go, Conan!

2010-01-12T19:06:00.002-06:00

Conan O'Brien has rejected NBC's offer to push back his show after Leno. He wants the network to resolve this issue soon. The man was given only 7 months to establish a "Tonight Show" audience and you expect him to just lay down now?? I'm a fan of both Leno and Conan, but I really feel like Conan is getting slapped in the face over this whole mess. Click here to read Conan's statement he released late this afternoon. The wheels of change are already in motion, and for NBC, this is going to end sour for 1 of the 3 late night hosts (Sorry, Carson Daly, I wasn't counting you...).

"Godspeed, Spider-Man"

2010-01-12T18:33:00.004-06:00

Sony Pictures has announced that they have squashed "Spider-Man 4" and will now reboot the series with a new cast and director. This piece of shocking news has sent waves all across the pop culture spectrum. I'm terribly disappointed that we don't get a chance to see if Sam Raimi could erase "Spider-Man 3" from our minds and wrap up the series on a good note. Instead, Sony is taking Spidey back to his high school roots and is already working on two scripts with a 2011/2012 starting date.

Spider-Man is my favorite superhero of all time. Just ask my friends or come to my apartment and you will find plenty of Spidey memorabilia. We would NOT have comic book motion pictures as we know them today if it wasn't for "Spider-Man"'s success in 2002. To this day I don't think that I have never been more excited about a movie than I was back in 2002. The fact that Sony picked a director that was a passionate Spider-Man fan and cared about his product is what made the first two pictures a great success. There's no secret that the third film had problems. Sam Raimi admitted that and was looking forward to erasing it from our minds. I had hope for the guy, especially after he took a break and made the popular film, "Drag Me To Hell." Word is starting to leak out that Sony and Raimi have been debating over the script for number 4 for sometime now. Apparently, one of the main points was that Raimi wanted to stick with Vulture as the villian and Sony wanted someone/something else. Vulture is not my favorite villian, but the fact that John Malkovich was interested in the role was very exciting. As a Spidey fan, who wouldn't be excited to see Malkovich try to rip apart the Web-Crawler?? I think the studios were hoping for a darker picture and Vulture wasn't what they had in mind. With Vulture and the possibility of using Lizard, that sounds like a good movie to me. The most exciting scenario to me would have been using Kraven as the villian and implementing Lizard into the story since we've seen him in the first 3 movies. After working and reworking, Sony finally decided that it was best to move the franchise in another direction.

So, the "new" Spider-Man franchise already has part of a script, but no director, actors, or definite timetable. I wish I could say that the studio will realize that they are making a mistake, but they hardly ever do. For Sam Raimi and Tobey, I'm sure they are glad that they can move on with their careers. "Spider-Man" helped make comic book movies what they are today. Was Raimi really going to correct himself? What kind of picture would we have seen in "Spider-Man 4?" I guess we will never know....so as the Green Goblin says in "Spider-Man," "Godspeed, Spider-Man."

LOST characters explain how to make a sandwich

2010-01-11T18:28:00.000-06:00

This is hilarious! Be sure to read the comments after the article.

LOST characters explain how to make a sandwich

Posted using ShareThis

NBC's Late Night Mess

2010-01-10T18:08:00.001-06:00

I knew Jay Leno wasn't doing well in the ratings. That wasn't news. But then late last week came the revelation that the ratings had hurt NBC affiliates as the lead in to the 10pm news, and that NBC was taking action.
Now it's official--As of mid-February, "The Jay Leno Show" is toast. But wait, what's that? NBC still wants Jay on the air?
That's right. And what's more, although it's not set in stone quite yet, it looks like they'll be giving Jay 30 minutes Monday through Friday at 10:35pm, followed by Conan at 11:05pm, then Jimmy Fallon an hour later. Essentially, he's getting back "The Tonight Show" timeslot (at least the first half of it), and Conan and Jimmy Fallon are both getting the shaft.
What remains to be seen is whether or not the plan will work. What we do know is that NBC execs liked Leno in his old time slot. He consistently beat Letterman in the ratings, and it was working well. Conan did not fare as well against Letterman, who will probably extend his run on CBS beyond 2010.

It's conceivable that NBC could buy out the remainder of Conan's contract, then reinstall Leno at the helm of "Tonight." If that were to happen, Conan, now contract free, could hop to another network (FOX has already made overtures).

Personally, I just can't see Leno in a half hour program. Not to mention Conan *immediately* following Leno again--and poor Jimmy Fallon! NBC is said they're still working with all parties to keep them at the Peacock network, and have already ordered a bunch of new pilots to fill that hourlong spot that Leno will vacate in February.

By the way, if you're interested in the kind of drama this has created, I highly recommend the book "The Late Shift" by New York Times television writer Bill Carter. It chronicled exactly what happened when Johnny Carson left "The Tonight Show" in 1992, and how Jay Leno and David Letterman battled it out to see who would take the spot. An excellent read. Carter, by the way, continues to write for the "Times," and is now writing about this latest Leno situation.
So what will happen next for Leno, Conan, and Fallon?
Stay tuned.

Seinfeld Brings It For Another Paducah Audience

2010-01-10T17:34:00.001-06:00

What a show! Jerry Seinfeld came back to Paducah's Carson Center last Friday night, but he wasn't alone. His opening act was comedian Tom Papa, a very well known comic in his own right.
I was glad Tom came along for the ride. He and Jerry compliment each other very well.
I thought Grant and I would have pretty good seats--what I didn't realize is that they turned out to be front row center! The microphone was literally right in front of us.
It was amazing.
What a treat to have Jerry Seinfeld come out and say "Paduc-Ahhh," "Paduc-Ahhh!" He went on to joke about everything from the close relationship between the words "sucks," and "great," to prescription drug commercials, modern technology, and even his own family.
He took a break every few minutes to grab a sip of water.
After his set, the audience gave him a well-deserved standing ovation, then he came back out and took questions.
What did he think of the Tiger Woods situation? Would he take the Tonight Show? And Why does he still tour? To which he simply replied, "Did you have a good time tonight?" (The audience responded with thunderous applause) Then Tom Papa came back out, the two shook hands, took another bow in unison, and left the stage headed to their next stop, Peoria, Illinois.
A great evening for sure, and a performance both Grant and I agreed we would remember for many years to come.

Jerry Seinfeld Revisits Paducah, Kentucky

2010-01-06T22:47:00.001-06:00

In his first stop on his 2010 standup comedy tour, Jerry Seinfeld will return to Paducah's Carson Center this Friday night.
Seinfeld first came to Paducah a couple of years ago, where he performed two sold out shows. This time around, he's only got one show, and you can bet it's the hottest ticket in town.
But the famed comedian also has another connection to western Kentucky. About ten years ago, Seinfeld stayed overnight in Mayfield, Kentucky, stayed at the Super 8 Motel there, and even ate lunch at Hill's BBQ!
Both Grant and I have tickets to this Friday night's show, and we're looking forward to hearing some of his new material. Be sure to listen to our podcast on the right hand side of the page (under "Blogtalkradio") for a preview. I've seen Seinfeld perform before several years ago at TPAC in Nashville, again to a sold out crowd. It was a fantastic show, and I'm certain this Friday night's performance will be no exception.
Below, you can catch Jerry in an appearance on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" as he promotes his brand new upcoming series "The Seinfeld Chronicles," which a short time later, was shortened to just "Seinfeld." Enjoy!

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A Christmas Treasure

2009-12-18T11:28:00.000-06:00

Call it a Christmas tradition. Every year about this time, I always like to watch my copy of "It's A Wonderful Life."
Some people have called it too sappy, too corny, too...whatever. But this Jimmy Stewart classic is a rare treasure.
The Frank Capra directed film stars Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, and features a whole host of wonderful character actors you'll immediately recognize, and the story will tug at your heartstrings.
For me, the film is better than any filmed version of "A Christmas Carol." It has, essentially, the same central message. Don't take anything for granted, and live life to the fullest.
If you haven't seen it in a while, I strongly encourage you to make it a point to see it again this Christmas season. And if you've never seen it, what are you waiting for?? I can guarantee you won't be disappointed, and I'd also be willing to bet that you would even get a little misty eyed more than once.
Merry Christmas, everyone, and I want to echo Grant's sentiments in the previous post, we really do appreciate our readers, and podcast listeners. Thanks for taking time out to read our posts and listen to our podcasts. By the way, this week on the podcast we've got some great stuff just in time for Christmas, so be sure to check it out!
Jody

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Happy Holidays From PopSnap!

2009-12-18T06:23:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. I would like to thank all of you who have visited our blog, checked out our page on facebook, and listened to our podcast this year. It's great to know that there are plenty of people out there interested in pop culture. Jody and I are excited to have PopSnap going and look forward to bigger and better things in 2010! Our final podcast of the year is up and you can listen to it by clicking on the right side of this page or heading on over the facebook it checking it out there. Jody and I talk about all the movies being released over the next few weeks and we take an early look at the Golden Globe Nominees.

Speaking of the holidays -- this is one of the best times of the year! There's plenty of new films being released with awards season coming up. I finally caught "The Blindside" last weekend and it was a real treat. It's on my short list of the best movies of 2009.

Of all the movies being released around the holidays, I'm the most excited about "Up In The Air," starring George Clooney and directed by Jason Reitman. The movie looks like a great mix of comedy with a little food for thought thrown in between.

Don't forget about those stocking stuffers -- some of the most popular movies of the Summer are fresh on DVD and Blu-ray shelves. "The Hangover" is out in stores now. Be sure to check out "(500) Days of Summer" which hits stores next week!

Thanks again for helping us kick off the first year of PopSnap! Be sure to stay on the lookout for pop culture buzz over the holidays!

"Lost" Season 5 On DVD

2009-12-09T21:35:00.002-06:00

Need I say more?
For the "Lost" faithful, the headline is enough. The latest season of the popular, enigmatic ABC program has now made its way to DVD and Blu-Ray, just in time to watch before the final (gasp!) Season 6 premiere on February 2nd.
When last we saw the gang...
(*Warning, brief spoiler material--if you haven't seen Season 5, stop reading now!!)

Ok, you made it past my spoiler alert. I know some people who haven't seen the material, and you know who you are...
Anyway, last season brought us some spectacular images, and new puzzles to solve. We finally met Jacob, and oh, what a tangled web he weaved. The scene on the beach with the Man In Black, as he is affectionately known, is an all time classic.
I remember reading an interview with the two guys who played Jacob and MIB, and they both said they weren't given too much direction on how to play that scene--so there's still quite a bit of mystery there.
For me, Season 5 was my favorite since Season 2 and the revelations about the Hatch.

I just received my copy today, and am looking forward to viewing at least some of it this weekend.
All of this certainly whets fans' appetites for the final season, which ABC has been promoting heavily, although without any new clips--and they're doing a very effective job of it.
So, if you plan to review the latest season, enjoy it, and we'll be talking a lot more about "Lost" as we get closer to that all important Tuesday night in February... Can you feel the excitement?
Here's a Season 5 promo:
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Mr. Monk And The Big Goodbye

2009-12-05T14:35:00.001-06:00

It's sad to see a good television show come to an end.
And that's why I felt especially nostalgic while watching the series finale of "Monk" on USA Friday night. On the air for 8 seasons, the program broke the rules of a traditional cop show, blending in just the right amount of comedy along with tight storylines and characters that were a genuine pleasure to watch week after week.
I'm proud to say that from the beginning, this was a show I felt comfortable watching with my parents, and trust me, there are far too few of those left in the vast wasteland of TV.
I had the good fortune to meet Lee Goldberg, who wrote a couple of episodes of the show, and is the man behind the "Monk" books, which are still in print. I asked Lee why there weren't more shows like this one on these days, and his reply was simple. He said, "The show (aims) for an older audience," and it wasn't the demographic most advertisers were after.
That's a real shame, and it ought not to be that way. The show won multiple awards, and star Tony Shalhoub, a fine actor, was showered with acclaim for his portrayal of the obsessive compulsive detective.
He said he simply felt it was time to move on, and I certainly wish him well. He and his fellow cast members did a great job over these 8 seasons.
So, here's what happened: Friday night's episode managed to solve one the show's biggest mysteries: the cold case involving the murder of Adrian Monk's wife, Trudy.
I had long felt that this was an unnecessary subplot to the program, but am glad they managed to wrap it up so neatly, and everyone moved on. Monk wasn't cured of his problems, and his life as a police consultant continued.
The episode's end was a montage of clips from past shows, punctuated by a new song from Randy Newman, "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone." And, yes, it was enough to make me shed a tear or two. Indeed, Mr. Monk, you (and the rest of those characters that populate your life) will truly be missed.

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Kettle Corn

2009-12-03T21:21:00.004-06:00

Kettle Corn is a list of casting notes/news/tidbits going on in the world of pop culture. It's like someone just popped a fresh batch of popcorn -- and the smell is too good to pass up!

Empire is celebrating its 20th anniversary with photos of some of the most iconic characters/films over the last 20 years.

The new Iron Man 2 poster is here! (thanks to Superherohype)

Paul McCartney talks with "USA Today" about writing the original song for "Everybody's Fine."

Tobey Maguire tells "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" that "Spider-Man 4" will begin filming soon.

"Lost" Season 5 hits store shelves this Tuesday!

The Wonders Of "Fantastic Mr. Fox"

2009-12-02T22:33:00.002-06:00

This is one of the topics we'll be talking about on our weekly podcast tonight, so be sure to check it out by going to the link on the right hand side of the page.
Last night, Grant and I got a chance to see the new Wes Anderson film "Fantastic Mr. Fox," based on the story by the great Roald Dahl.
If you're not familiar with his work, perhaps these titles will ring a bell: "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory," and "The Witches" are just two more of the late author's stories.
We're lucky, because Anderson decided to bring this movie to life using a technique that has all but become extinct when it comes to motion pictures. He and his crew put it together using stop motion animation, meaning you take a picture, move the character a tiny bit, take another picture, and so on, until you get something that looks like it's actually moving in front of your eyes.
The results are, well, fantastic, and the behind the scenes work is truly fascinating.
Check out some of the work that went on to make this movie by watching below.
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Many "mini documentaries" have been put together on all of the work that went into the project.
As is true with his live action work, Anderson assembled an all star cast for the voices that includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and others to play Mr. Fox, his family and friends.
Over the last couple of days I watched an interview with Wes Anderson that appeared on Charlie Rose. You can see it on www.charlierose.com, just search for Wes Anderson.

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You might think that this movie is just for kids. Not so. I would recommend it for all ages--it holds up well, and there are plenty of laughs for the whole family. While I don't think it will suit everyone's taste, the visuals alone are enough to keep you asking, "how'd they do that?"
And while it might not be the CGI-fest that "2012" is, Wes Anderson and his team of experts have proven they don't need computer animation or even 3D to make this work, and work well.
He has expressed interest in doing another movie in the same way, and I hope he does in the not too distant future.
If you do miss it on the big screen, be sure to check out "Fantastic Mr. Fox" when it comes to DVD sometime next year.

Kettle Corn

2009-11-20T06:22:00.006-06:00

Kettle Corn is a list of casting notes/news/tidbits going on in the world of pop culture. It's like someone just popped a fresh batch of popcorn -- and the smell is too good to pass up!

The $550 million dollars made in the first 5 days for "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2"is the largest 24-hour launch in the history of entertainment.

An "Iron Man 2" trailer is coming soon!

Check out "Wired" for a review of "Super Mario Bros. Wii"

"GamerTell" says Target's Black Friday sales are some of the best around.

Head on over to "Slashfilm" for a preview of "Crazy Heart," starring Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

"New Moon" Fever!

2009-11-19T09:19:00.001-06:00

They're young, they're in love, and they're vampires and werewolves (well, at least some of them are).
I confess, other than that, I really don't know anything about the "Twilight" franchise, but plenty of people do, and they're very excited about the sequel, "New Moon," which opens on Friday.
Based on the series of best selling books, the movie version of "Twilight" launched the careers of some of these young actors, who will no doubt go on to appear in many more films.
As for an official opinion on the whole deal, it's really hard for me to say. I can't deny that it has whipped millions of fans into a frenzy, but fans alone do not a good film make.
My prediction: An $80 million opening weekend, and another strong weekend ahead with more people seeing it again over Thanksgiving. If you do plan to see it, or have seen it, we'd love to see your comments.
Meantime, enjoy this clip:

My Favorite "Trek" Films

2009-11-18T22:32:00.001-06:00

With the release of the new "Star Trek" film on DVD (which I very much enjoyed in theatres this year), I wanted to take a trip down memory lane and give a shout out to some other movies in the "Trek" franchise that I found great escapist fare.
It should come as no surprise that "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan" is my all time favorite of the "old school" "Trek" movies. Great storyline with Ricardo Montalban reprising his role from the TV series episode titled "Space Seed." This is a fine example of a cool concept blended with a fantastic score, and an excellent story that sets it up for what I thought was a disappointing sequel. Still, it's one of the best, and Kirk certainly has a worthy adversary in Khan.
See a clip from "Khan" and read more after the jump.

I also enjoyed the cheesy fun of "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." The crew heads back in time to present day San Francisco on a mission to save earth from disaster. Spock does a fine job of "blending in" with his headband.
I didn't care too much for the rest of the movies that followed, nor was I a big fan of any of the "Next Generation" movies. In my opinion, the best work of "TNG" was on the small screen.

J.J. Abrams did a brilliant job breathing new life into the franchise. I agree with everything Grant had to say about the new "Star Trek." See it, see it again, or get it as a gift for someone this Christmas.

Live Long...and Watch Many DVDs

2009-11-17T06:42:00.005-06:00

The best movie of the Summer, "Star Trek" is storming to stores nationwide today. This isn't your father's "Star Trek." The new movie introduces us to a younger crew of cadets as they embark on the first adventures in The Enterprise. Director J.J. Abrams continues to develop Grade-A projects. The script, special effects, and actors come together for the perfect popcorn adventure!

The film is being released on Blu-ray and DVD just in time for Thanksgiving next week. There are sure to be plenty of Trekkies that will pick this up for themselves and maybe even pick up an extra copy to stuff someone's stocking this holiday season. You can get the one disc that will just give you the basic film or the two disc comes with loads of special features including a blooper reel.

I've never been a big "Star Trek" fan, but this movie is what filmmaking is all about. It will take you on a non-stop adventure through the "final frontier." So, with temperatures cooling down and activites being limited outdoors...pick up The Starfleet Crew and give them a try. I promise you will not be disappointed!

To J.J. Abrams' films and the future "Star Trek" films --- "Live Long and Prosper."

Kettle Corn

2009-11-12T19:46:00.004-06:00

Kettle Corn is a list of casting notes/news/tidbits going on in the world of pop culture. It's like someone just popped a fresh batch of popcorn -- and the smell is too good to pass up!

Popsnap! would like to wish a Happy Birthday to one of our favorite readers, Katie Mercuri!

Fox Searchlight is offering FREE advanced screenings of "Fantastic Mr. Fox." Just click on the icon on the right side of the page.

MTV debates who should play Black Cat in "Spider-Man 4."

"V" was the biggest premiere for ABC since "Lost" debuted in 2004.

According to the AP, the future of Aerosmith is still up in the air.

Sesame Street Hits The Big 4-0

2009-11-10T18:03:00.003-06:00

The popular PBS children's show "Sesame Street" turns 40 this year, and there are celebrations aplenty.

A new book is out with lots of behind the scenes photos and articles about the program.
I have fond childhood memories of coming home from school, and spending time with Grover, Kermit, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and the gang.
Those were indeed precious times. It was learning disguised as fun, and it worked. And it's still working for millions of children not only in the United States, but around the world.
For me, Sesame Street was part of a block of educational television that included "The Electric Company" (featuring Morgan Freeman as the Easy Reader!) and "Mister Rogers Neighborhood."
I have many favorite moments from the show. I was, and still am, a big fan of Bert & Ernie, and the Cookie Monster is always a hit. The show featured animation as well, and I distinctly remember one animated bit where a mother is giving a grocery list as her daughter tries to memorize it: "A gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, and a stick of butter," or something to that effect. It's close. She repeats it over and over as she travels to the store.
I am so grateful to have had these programs in my life as a child. "Sesame Street" gave you the fundamentals--basic language and math skills, plus how to live your life as a decent person. And it's all done in a wonderful way kids can instantly relate to--puppets with funny voices.
Of course, you can't forget that classic opening theme song: "Sunny Day/Sweeping the clouds away/On my way to where the air is clear/Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?"
Jim Henson had already created commercials with some of his muppets in the years before he hit the "Street," (I'm sure you can still see them somewhere on the internet), but he struck gold when he paired his creation with education.
I wish he were still around to celebrate this milestone. He left an amazing legacy that has changed the lives of millions of children for the better.
Thanks, Jim, and let's raise a glass (of milk or juice) to 40 more years of this spectacular show.
Check out this video which combines another of my favorite shows "Mad Men" with "Sesame Street."

Alien Invasion

2009-11-02T18:32:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow night, Earth will once again be invaded by aliens. (I wonder if anybody keeps track of this kind of thing on a fictional basis...)
ABC has dusted off the old 80s NBC series "V" and given it a new look for the 21st century.
On Sunday, SyFy replayed the old version, and I just couldn't resist giving it another look. Marc Singer (remember "The Beastmaster"?) played a television news photographer who gets some up close and personal video of the "visitors" who promise all sorts of things in return for certain needs of their own.
Without spoiling anything here, I'll just say that the aliens are not what they seem, and the "V" doesn't really stand for "visitors."
It's a cool concept, and one that I'll surely be watching. The show has a slick look to it, and good casting.
Elizabeth Mitchell from ABC's "Lost" is one of the stars of the show, which features some other faces you might recognize, including Scott Wolf as an eager reporter (the new Marc Singer?) and many others.
Without a doubt, if visitors from another planet were to come here, it would be the most significant event in history, and I find it hard to believe people would be able to do anything at all to get back to "normal," since we would all be so curious to find out more about these beings.
You can watch the first few minutes of the show below. I've seen the clip, and trust me, there's nothing in it that isn't already covered by the many previews you've already seen.
So, what do you think? Will you be watching "V"? Did you see the original? Leave us a comment.

A Lot Of Activity

2009-10-29T06:15:00.005-05:00

"Paranormal Activity" has been tearing up the box office. The small budget film tells the story of a young couple living in California and how they deal with the presence of a demon. The movie was made for only $11,000 and has already passed the $60 million mark. I had a chance to see the movie recently and it does not disappoint. The theatre was packed and everyone in the crowd was on the edge of their seat. I'm a fan of scary movies, but a lot of the newer "slasher" films these days don't really appeal to me. "Paranormal" takes the most important element of horror, timing, and uses it utilize jumps and screams throughout the film. This movie sticks with you!! It will make you think twice about certain everyday things that happen (sorry, no spoilers here) and how they impact your routine.

These days it's simple to get caught up in the money and the special effects. It's nice to see that a simple, small budget movie can still have the impact of the million dollar action flick. I have seen a lot of horror films, and "Paranormal Activity" is one of the scariest movies I have ever seen!

Here's The Pitch: Baseball Movies That Score

2009-10-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

Tonight, the New York Yankees took on the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of the 2009 World Series. So, here are my picks for some of the best baseball movies ever made.

"The Natural" Robert Redford is perfect as a natural born baseball player with a mysterious past, who finally gets to play pro ball late in life.
One of the best casts ever assembled. Watch out for Wilford Brimley as the stubborn manager of the New York Knights, as well as the great Richard Farnsworth at his side. Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Robert Prosky, and Darren McGavin round out the cast.
The film also has a wonderful score by the truly gifted Randy Newman.

"Field Of Dreams" Kevin Costner leads another all star cast with this movie about a farmer (Costner) who risks everything after he hears a mysterious voice say "If you build it, they will come."
What he builds is a baseball field, and then he brings in James Earl Jones to help him solve the mystery. Also featuring Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe Jackson and the late, great Burt Lancaster, "Field Of Dreams" is indeed a wonderful film.

"The Pride Of The Yankees" Gary Cooper stars as baseball phenom Lou Gehrig in this heartfelt drama about a man who rose to baseball superstardom before he was cut down in the prime of his life by a terrible disease. Great story, great cast. Don't miss this classic baseball tale.

"A League Of Their Own" Penny Marshall directs Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Madonna in this story based on the real life women's baseball leagues of the 1940s. While most men were off fighting World War II, women came to the rescue of the great American pastime. Tom Hanks plays a baseball player just past his prime, who's given a second chance to coach one of the women's teams. Watch out for David Strathairn and Jon Lovitz as a baseball scout. And if you look closely, you'll also spot me in the stands. I was lucky enough to be one of the extras in this film, which was shot in Indiana. Tom Hanks very entertaining both off and on screen.

Countdown To Halloween--Movies Guaranteed To Give A Good Scare

2009-10-28T21:49:00.003-05:00

Ask anyone, and they'll tell you I'm definitely -not- a fan of modern day "slasher" films.
I hate all of them. I mean, seriously, who wants to pay money to watch someone get brutally murdered??
As it turns out, plenty of people do, and that's why Hollywood keeps turning out these things.
Since Halloween is just a couple of days away, I wanted to point out some other classic scary movies that will make you jump or grab the person next to you.

"Halloween" (The original) Still as creepy as it ever was, this movie succeeds where it should--the anticipation factor. The music is really what gets you here--that fabulous piano-rich score, telling the audience that, yes indeed, something very bad was about to happen. It's a simple construction of a movie, and the panic on the face of a young Jamie Lee Curtis is enough to keep your heart racing. Violent, yes, but not nearly as much as current movies.

"Poltergeist" From the '80s, this is a film that doesn't really start out terribly scary, but lulls you comfortably into the family home where Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams sleep soundly until those magic words: "They're heeeeeeerre!" from young daughter Carol Ann.
This should be good, as it was touched by the hand of Spielberg. As scary as they come. Be sure to put away any clown dolls before watching it.

Speaking of Spielberg, for sheer terror, check out his early effort called "Duel."
Originally made as a TV movie, it stars Dennis Weaver as a businessman on a road trip who finds himself in a showdown with a semi. It all starts when Weaver passes him... The cat and mouse game is guaranteed to make you squirm in your seat. Helpful hint: Don't watch it the night before any long trips.

"The Others" Nicole Kidman stars in this story of a woman and her two small children who stay at a remote house in the country. Then strange things start to happen at home. Curtains vanish, things go bump in the night, the housekeepers add a dash of extra creepy, you get the picture.
The music alone will make you want to turn away. I saw this in theatres, and opened my eyes at the wrong time. Ouch. It felt like I jumped 6 feet in the air. The usher says it was only 2.

"The Omen" Gregory Peck unwittingly becomes the adoptive father of the son of the Devil. Yee-ikes. The music alone is enough to unnerve you, and the story moves along at a breakneck pace. By the way, I'm talking about the original here, not the recent remake. As Peck finally uncovers the unspeakable truth about his son Damien, you'll find yourself reaching for the nearest nightlight. Its sequel, "Damien: Omen II" isn't bad, either. But you can skip the third one, even if it does have Sam Neill as the title character.

"Dial M For Murder" The list wouldn't be complete without something from Hitchcock. This clever plot will keep you guessing. Most any Hitchcock film will fill the bill this Halloween. You might also like "Rear Window," with Jimmy Stewart. A recent movie called "Disturbia" with Shia Lebeouf, that's loosely based on "Window" is also very good. David Morse is excellent as the creepy next door neighbor.

"Psycho" How could I possibly leave out this Hitchcock chiller? A great film that many only remember because of the infamous Bates Motel--people tend to forget that the first half showcases Janet Leigh with a hidden agenda. A great score and tense plot will leave you wanting more. Look for character actor Martin Balsam in a small role as a private detective.

Naturally, there are plenty of movies with a good scare or two out there, these were just a few of my favorites.
Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!

Overpriced Hollywood Stars

2009-10-27T22:27:00.006-05:00

I recently watched a documentary on the British comedy troupe "Monty Python" released to celebrate the team's 40th anniversary.

Although I was familiar with some of their stuff, the documentary provided unique insight to their beginnings, back stories of the three feature films, as well as what each one of them is currently working on.

Which brings me to the subject of this article. At the end of the documentary, we see that John Cleese has recorded his lines for the upcoming "Shrek 4," which comes out next year.
I didn't see the third "Shrek" movie, where he apparently also had a speaking part.
What astonished me was something I read a couple of days later--that he was paid the equivalent of $1 million dollars for 23 minutes work.
You read that right. He worked for less than half an hour, and was paid a million bucks.
Wow.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a John Cleese fan if there ever was one, but c'mon, folks--this falls under the "Are you serious??!?" department.
Nobody, and I mean nobody, deserves to be paid that much money.

A couple of years ago, news leaked that Tom Hanks was to become the highest paid actor in history after his deal for doing "Angels & Demons" that brought him a whopping $50 million dollar paycheck.
Think about that. Most of us will never see a million dollars, much less 50 times that.
It's completely mind-boggling.
Do I still like Tom Hanks? Of course! He's one of my favorite actors, and a tremendously talented individual. He's just not worth $50 million for one movie.
Most A-list actors don't need the money anymore, and chances are he donated a large portion of that money to charity and other worthy causes, but we'll probably never hear about that.
Still, in this economy, when studios like Paramount Pictures claim they don't have the money to market a film like Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," you gotta wonder how they can fork over hefty salaries to actors.
Excuse me, I need to call my agent...

Transforming To DVD

2009-10-21T21:10:00.004-05:00

"Transformers: Revenege of the Fallen" is now out on DVD and Blu-ray. It's the biggest film of the year. Through August, Optimus and the gang have grossed more then $800 million dollars worldwide. There's a bunch of different versions at many outlets throughout the country. I picked up the "Big Screen Edition" which includes the IMAX scenes from the film. No, I don't have an IMAX at my home, but the "Forest Battle" is my favorite scene in the movie and you can see more of the fight with the wide angle lens. There's even an Optimus Prime replica for blu-ray fans that are interested.

I'm a special features type of guy, and "Big Screen Edition" does not disappoint. There's over 3 hours of features, including deleted scenes, interviews with Michael Bay and Steven Speilberg, and loads of behind the scenes footage. The movie is one of the biggest spectacles ever put together, and you can certaintly see that in the special features.

I grew up with "Transformers" so I was excited when I heard about the possibility of a movie. The first movie was AWESOME and the sequel expands the world of gigantic robots by ten times! The original is still my favorite, but this film takes special effects to a whole new level. Pop some popcorn, call over a few friends, and sit down and enjoy the show!

In Which We Talk To Whitney Matheson

2009-10-12T18:33:00.004-05:00

She writes a daily blog for USAToday.com called "PopCandy," and a little while back, we got a chance to talk with Whitney Matheson about her experiences at this year's Comic Con in San Diego.
Yes, it's a little late, but she's an extremely busy person.
Check out the interview below:

PS: What do you think will be the biggest "sleeper" movie or TV show to come out of Comic Con?

WM: "I'm not really sure how to answer this, because these days Comic-Con is pretty much dominated by the big-budget movies and series. But the film I was most impressed with was "Kick-Ass," a movie that didn't have a distributor when it came to the convention. The filmmakers received a standing ovation, and, sure enough, it now has a distributor and a release date."

PS: What are you most looking forward to on TV this fall?

WM: "FlashForward" is interesting. I've also heard great things about "Stargate Universe," though the premiere is still on my DVR!

(*PS: In related news, ABC just picked up "FlashForward" for a full season!)

PS: What one thing from Comic Con (movie or TV show) can you just not
wait to see?

WM: "I hate to repeat myself, but it might be "Kick-Ass" - that movie looked so good! Also, I'm intrigued by "Avatar" ... who isn't?"

PS: What was one of the most revealing items from the "Lost" panel?

WM: "Ooh, there was so much I wrote a blow-by-blow description! I was happy to hear that Elizabeth Mitchell would be returning. And each video clip was extremely revealing (do a YouTube search to see them), even though I'm still not entirely sure what they all mean."

Our thanks to Whitney for taking time to answer a few questions! Be sure to check out her writing every day in PopCandy on USAToday.com

Take A Break?

2009-10-07T06:49:00.007-05:00

Paramount has recently announced that "Transformers 3" will be released in 2011. Director Michael Bay already has a few ideas rolling through his head and has already met with Hasbro to talk about adding some new robots to the mix. I love Transformers, but I'm on the other side of the fence on this one. Don't get me wrong I want a third installment, but I just don't want it rushed into my face...I mean Hollywood never does that right?? I had hoped that Bay would take a break from Optimus and focus on something else for a change. He had plans to make a small budget movie before completing the trilogy. This would help him get a new perspective on the things he has done so far and how he can supplement them.

I am THE biggest Transformers fan, but it's no secret that there are a few problems with "Fallen," -- you can find some of my complaints in an older post. I'm also one of those that stand behind Bay -- instead of the thousands that continue to bash him all the time over the web. I will still be first in line for the third movie, I just wish he would do something else first.

Can directors learn from their mistakes? We will find out soon enough. Sam Raimi says he has learned from "Spider-Man 3" and hopes to make the fourth installment much better -- he actually did another movie before jumping back on the wall crawler.

Optimus Prime is one of my favorite icons. Is there anything wrong with waiting an extra year before we see him slash up a few more Decepticons??

Patience is a virtue.

"The Twilight Zone" Turns 50

2009-10-02T21:39:00.005-05:00

Submitted for your approval...

50 years ago today, Rod Serling's classic series "The Twilight Zone" made its debut on CBS. The show featured not only the best writing around, but top notch talent and acting that made you think--really think about what you were seeing and the message of the story.

I have far too many favorite episodes to just pick out just one. Among those I really enjoyed, Burgess Meredith as the bookish bank teller who just wants to read, then when he does get all the time in the world, he breaks his glasses. I believe the title is "Time Enough At Last."

Of course, who can forget Earl Holliman in the very first episode, "Where Is Everybody," as the subject of a military experiment on isolation gone awry. There are big stars in just about every episode of the series. They were all really morality tales, and Rod Serling's prologue and epilogue was nothing short of poetry--the kind of writing English teachers dream of, and has no equal on TV today.

I'm so grateful (and you should be too), that this truly legendary series has been preserved on DVD so future generations can enjoy the iconic storytelling.

What's your favorite episode?

Theme from the Twilight Zone - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra/Erich Kunzel

You've Got A Friend In Pixar

2009-10-02T04:29:00.009-05:00

That's right ladies and gentlemen, Pixar is going back to its roots to release "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" in 3D! The move is the first of many as the company gets ready for "Toy Story 3" next Summer. It's actually a double feature -- you pay for one ticket and get to see both films, a preview of "Toy Story 3," and an intermission thrown in between. Many people argue that most movies these days aren't worth the $40 dollars you would spend at the theater -- with "Toy Story" you don't have to worry about that.

I know, I know, seeing Buzz and Woody fly around in 3D seems like a gimmick, but I'm a fan of the latest 3D films. "Monsters Vs Aliens" was great in 3D and last week i became really hungry all of a sudden during "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" thanks to my 3D glasses. Pixar did not originally create these two movies for a 3D release, but early reviews online say that the films look great on screen.

So, if you wondering what to see at the movies this weekend or if you just need a break from the real world -- check out "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" in 3D! They are only in theaters for 2 weeks, so grab your Woody shirt and get to the movies quick!

You can't go wrong with Pixar.

"FlashForward" Reviewed

2009-09-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

By now, most people have seen the new ABC show "FlashForward," which has been hyped as "the next Lost." So, as you may imagine, I was really looking forward, no pun intended, to its debut last week.

The storyline was intriguing--people all over the world black out for 2 minutes, 17 seconds, a time when many of them see a vision of the future. We learn that these futures, although different for every person, are in fact connected.

After everyone wakes up, we see that there has been some sort of global attack, and streets are in chaos. We're still working on that mystery.

Let me first say that I'm in. The show has a high "what happens next" factor, and I'll tune in for that reason alone. Having said that, the show is, by no means, another "Lost." The only way I can connect it to "Lost" is the big mystery, and a lot of characters. The minute you start comparing a TV show or movie to an already established hit, you're setting a near impossible goal. To both satisfy fans of the existing product, while also drawing in new ones. Very tough indeed.

I read a recent article with which I must agree. Whereas "Lost" immediately developed characters you cared about, loved, or hated, then added the "what's going on here" element, "FlashForward" has done just the opposite. First we get the "what's going on?" then the characters. The show has a fine cast of talented actors, notably Joseph Fiennes and John Cho, among many others, but really needs to work on character development.

Where "Lost" gave us an onion that's been slowly peeled week after week, "FlashForward" has chopped up the onion, and now we have to see how in the world it all fits back together.

You can watch "FlashForward" Thursday nights at 7 on ABC.

Another "Legendary" Season

2009-09-29T06:05:00.007-05:00

Season 4 of "How I Met Your Mother" arrives to store shelves today. The show is a love story in reverse, it's based on a true story that the creators actually lived through. In the future, Ted (Josh Radnor) sits down with his two kids and begins to tell the story of how he met their mother. He decides that it's time to find that special someone after his roomates Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) get engaged. With the help of Marshall, Lily, and his new best friends Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Robin (Cobie Smulders), Ted sets off on the journey to find Mrs. Right. The show is narrated by Bob Saget. It took on a few unexpected twists last season (sorry, not going to mention any spoilers here). I'm a big fan of HIMYM and own all the seasons on DVD. It may be the only sitcom ever to end a season in the middle of a word! This Spring's surprise hit, "I Love You, Man" helped get co-star Jason Segel on the map. Along with Segel, Neil Patrick Harris is back in the limelight and has put the days of "Harold and Kumar" behind him thanks to the CBS hit. In a world where "Reality" shows try to fight for every ounce of our viewing pleasure (or maybe it's displeasure), I'm glad that there are still a few sitcoms out there to help us laugh, but also give us some food for thought.

Welcome Back, Halo!

2009-09-22T08:40:00.005-05:00

As we speak, students and workers around the country are skipping their classes/jobs in order to dive back in the Halo world. Bungie's latest installment, Halo 3: ODST hits shelves today. The game is set between parts 2 and 3 of the Halo trilogy. Although gamers can't play as Master Chief, this installment has plenty to offer. The graphics look great and there's even a bonus disc that includes all the multiplayer maps from all the Halo games. The new "Firefight" mode is like Gears of War's horde mode where you can take on wave upon wave of bad guys. If there's one reason why the Halo series is so popular it's MULTIPLAYER. The great thing about Halo is that you and your friends can spend hours taking out each other through Xbox Live. I've spent hours upon hours of my life in the Halo world. The franchise has changed video gaming forever. The popularity of Halo: Combat Evolved went under the radar in 2001, but 2004's Halo 2 broke the record for most video games sold in one day! Bungie is always up to date with the latest graphics, soundtracks, and A.I. that help make their games feel like you're in an epic movie. For more on Halo 3: ODST, including Bungie's interview with "USA Today," click here.

The Jay Leno Show

2009-09-13T21:28:00.003-05:00

Here's Jay! (again)
Much has been made of NBC's decision to bring back Jay Leno at put him on at 9p.m. central time Monday through Friday.
And for good reason.
What we're witnessing with "The Jay Leno Show" is a fundamental change in the way television programs will be produced. If this succeeds, and by all accounts, it will, you can look for ABC, CBS, and FOX to counter program using similar strategies.
Leno is a juggernaut. He constantly beat Letterman in late night ratings, and Letterman has a contract with CBS through 2010. It's not inconceivable that CBS could easily bring good 'ol Dave into that 9 o'clock slot. I wouldn't look for that to happen anytime soon, since he's already giving a pretty good drubbing to Conan O'Brien at 10:35.
In any case, Leno himself says he doesn't expect to beat ratings winners like "CSI: Miami," or similar shows with a large following.
It doesn't really matter, because in the long run, NBC will still be the winner, turning out twice as many original programs with Leno, at a cheaper cost than producing hour long crime and/or medical dramas that would normally fit into that time period.
So, how will this affect the talk show guest situation? Leno's already scooped up some serious star power with Jerry Seinfeld set to be the first guest on the program. Let's just hope this won't mean Conan gets the leftovers. In public, O'Brien seems very supportive of Jay. But still, you gotta wonder.
I'm personally looking forward to the show, which debuts Monday night. It promises to be funny in a number of different ways, and putting Brian Williams in there (among other comedy "correspondents"), is a cool touch.
Will it work? Who knows? Time will tell. NBC says it's giving Jay 2 years to find an audience.
That's a looooong time in the land of television programming. Very long indeed.
We'll see what happens.

Dreamcast Day

2009-09-09T06:19:00.004-05:00

Today is special day for many folks due to the date being 09-09-09. There's sure to be plenty of weddings and parties in Vegas to celebrate the occasion. I want to give a shout out to a special anniversary on this lucky day. Happy Birthday Dreamcast! The Sega Dreamcast debuted on this date in 1999. I can still remember the old promos with the 9-9-99 numbers attached to them. In case you don't remember, the Dreamcast was relased before PlayStation 2, Nintendo's GameCube, and the Xbox. Crazy Taxi is still one of my all time favorite video games and the graphics hold up pretty well in today's world. The Offspring supplied Crazy's soundtrack, which also helped make the game more enjoyable for fans around the world. I spent hours upon hours playing NFL2K1 and College Football 2K2: Road to The Rose Bowl thanks to my investment in the Dreamcast system. Soul Calibur may have been the greatest achievement of the Dreamcast -- the game received a perfect score on many sites and the franchise still continues on other platforms. The Dreamcast was canceled in 2001, after struggles with the upcoming PlayStation 2. The system was ahead of its time when it comes to video games and the world wide web. It was the first console to include built-in internet support for online gaming. So, as you play your Xbox 360's and watch your Blu-ray's today...take a look back and you will appreciate all that Sega accomplished. Happy birthday Dreamcast!

Summer Smash Up

2009-09-04T08:51:00.008-05:00

Today is the official start of the Fall movie season. I'm really excited about checking out "Extract." In honor of the new movies kicking off the season today, I thought I would put a ribbon on the Summer. Roll out the red carpet...

Top 5 Movies of The Summer

1) "Star Trek" - A lot of anticipation and nervous geeks were scared to see what J.J. Abrams would do with their beloved franchise. He did not disappoint. It's hard to ask for anything more out of a Summer movie than what the "Enterprise" delivers.

2) "The Hangover" - One of the funniest movies I've seen in a long, long time. A nice original spin on the comedy genre. It's great to see how a simple cast (4 friends) and setting (Las Vegas) can come together to create a laugh it up roller coaster.

3) "(500) Days of Summer" - Zoey and Joseph combine for two of the best performances in recent memory. The film takes the relationship and puts a 21st Century spin on it. "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates will be making a few bucks on iTunes thanks to the soundtrack.

4) "Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen" - No doubt that my favorite sequence of the Summer is the forest battle scene in this film. There's just something about seeing a childhood hero (Optimus Prime) come alive on an IMAX screen that gives me chills every time. The film has flaws -- there's no such thing as a perfect movie, but delivers enough of my hero to satisfy my hunger.

5) "Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince" - It may be the best movie in the "Potter" franchise ("Prince" & "Azkaban" are tied...flip a coin and whatever it lands on is the winner for that day). Very satisfying to see one of the better books come to life while you're watching these actors grow.

Summer Disappointments

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" - The film is just one fight scene after another. Show me some character development and creative dialogue. The cast was fine..just show me Sabertooth, Deadpool, and Logan building up their characters toward something instead of throwing them into a blender.

"Terminator Salvation" - Show me the war that Sarah Connor talks about! Sam Worthingon is great as Marcus, but show me the friggin' war!

Pet Peeve Of The Summer

There are plenty of items I could add to this long list, but I only have one...

LEAVE MICHAEL BAY ALONE!

I'm the biggest "Transformers" fan and I know that the sequel was a letdown, but there's no need to keep the bashing party going. Maybe Bay set the bar too high? I'm finding that many people were so upset with Bay that they seem to lash out against his filmmaking in every movie review out there. Just last week I was reading an article on "Halloween II" and someone turns it around and throws in how "Fallen" sucked. We all get that many of you are upset with the film...you have made your point and now it's time to move on. I have problems with the film too -- the twins, the length, and the dream -- ,but I respect and appreciate Bay's vision as an action director and explosion master. The film did surpass the original in box office receipts, so whether you hated it or not Bay made his due.

Looking back, these are just a few of the things that I took from Summer '09 -- box office style. I hope everyone was able to at least catch one Summer movie. We didn't have a billion dollar movie this Summer, but we had some pretty memorable charaters and cameo appearances.

Beaming Back

2009-09-04T08:29:00.007-05:00

"Star Trek" is coming back to IMAX theatres starting today! Paramount is putting J.J. Abrams' Summer smash back into many box offices nationwide. The movie only enjoyed a two week run in many theatres, due to "Night At The Museum: Battle For The Smithsonian" taking over in late May. You can catch my favorite movie of the Summer starting today at 85 IMAX theatres in the U.S. and Canada. The film will stay in IMAX until "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" replaces it on September 18th. TrekMovie.com has a complete list of the 85 theatres. So, if you haven't seen it yet or want to catch it in IMAX for the first (or second, third, fourth) time...head to one the theatres and enjoy!

"Tonight Show" Takeover!

2009-09-01T22:16:00.002-05:00

Okay, so here's my question--what exactly happened Monday night on "The Tonight Show"?? Did anybody see that?
Comedian/Actor Norm MacDonald (who I must first say is one of my favorites), was the first guest, and although, at first it didn't seem like he was drunk or high, he clearly appeared to be under the influence of something.
First, he had a bit with jokes based on the news (typical Norm stuff--jokes taped into a newspaper), then he told this long, drawn out joke about a moth visiting a podiatrist.
Finally, when he had used up all of his time, Conan brings out his next guest, the very funny Thomas Haden Church, and Norm ended up interrupting him, until Church finally had to speak out. Norm was cursing, even suggesting that he didn't care, and that they should just bump the musical guest. Funny or just plain embarrassing? You decide.
Check out the show below.

DVDs To Look For

2009-09-01T08:14:00.006-05:00

The only good thing about the Summer movie season coming to an end is that some of the hits will be on DVD sooner rather than later. Before we get all depressed about the upcoming fall slate of films (there are sure to be a few hits here and there), let's check out some DVD and Blu-ray release dates...

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" - September 15th - The first movie of the Summer, but turned out to be a letdown for many mutant fans like myself.

"Star Trek" - November 17th - The BEST movie of the Summer PERIOD.

"Angels & Demons" - November 24th - I mean, Tom Hanks did get $50 million for something...right?

"Terminator Salvation" - November 23rd - Director McG says the DVD and Blu-ray will feature an additonal 30 minutes of footage. The movie has its flaws, but Sam Worthington delivers one of the breakout performances of the year.

"The Hangover" - December 1st - The funniest movie of the year. The biggest surprise of the Summer is also helping Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis land some major dough.

"Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen" - October 20th - Four words...OPTIMUS PRIME FOREST BATTLE.

"Up" - November 10th - You can't go wrong with Pixar.

These are just a few of the Summer movies and their upcoming release dates. Some of the hits are still playing at the box office, so certain dates haven't been set.

Make sure to tune in to this week's podcast where Jody and I will break down the Summer Movie season that was and have our picks for best and worst of the season.

Weekend In Pop

2009-08-31T20:51:00.012-05:00

So, at last, the Weekend In Pop returns. I know you've all been anxiously waiting for it.
There were really no new movies I wanted to see in theatres, but I did catch up on a John Hughes oldie at home: "Pretty in Pink" with Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McArthy, James Spader playing a great high school preppie jerk, and Harry Dean Stanton as Molly's out of work, but well-meaning Dad. And was that Andrew Dice Clay as a bouncer?? Wow. Great cast and sweet story (but weird opening song). I'd never seen the movie before, and was quite impressed. Teen angst at its finest.
On television, "Monk" had a nice surprise for me. They shot scenes at the hotel I visited in L.A. back in June, the Hyatt Regency Plaza. It was kind of weird to see from that perspective. A good episode.
Also watched "Eureka," "Defying Gravity," and "Mad Men," which had two or three "cringe" moments. Especially when that slimy Pete Campbell and his wife were dancing at Roger's party. Pete kept looking up at his boss like some sort of trained animal begging for approval. Pathetic. Don't get me wrong, it was a fine performance totally in keeping with the character. Another great scene--things got ice cold when Roger's new wife, Jane (a former secretary), bumped into Joan at the office. Yikes. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out this week on AMC.
Last, but certainly not least, I picked up an old "Calvin and Hobbes" collection and reread some of my favorite comics. Those are awesome! There's a new documentary about Calvin's now retired creator, Bill Watterson. You can check out a preview and find more information by clicking here.
Looking forward to seeing Mike Judge's new movie "Extract" this weekend!

Escaping Together

2009-08-31T19:42:00.006-05:00

This isn't your father's country music. I was lucky enough to attend the Keith Urban & Sugarland "Escape Together World Tour" Saturday night at the Sommet Center in Nashville. The house was packed and the stage was set for a rockin' night in the Music City. Sugarland opened the concert with their voice-powered song "Love." Jennifer Nettles' has one of the most recognizable voices in country music today. The expectations are always high when a popular band or group (especially country) plays in a Nashville venue. Keith and Sugarland had played in Knoxville the night before, so I expected to see some fatigue in their show...guess not! It had been 5 years since Jennifer and Kristian last played in Nashville. They recently added Brandon Bush, who played keyboard in the band Train. Sugarland isn't an opening act band. Normally, bands are jumping for the chance to open up for them, so I didn't view their set as an opening act and trust me, it wasn't. They exceeded my expectations. Their set included R.E.M's "Nightswimming" and Michael Jackson's "Rock With Me." Jennifer can sing anything she wants, and it was nice to see them implement different genres into their performance. They even covered "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves as their final encore. There's no doubt that the highlight of their show was "Stay." Using only one spotlight and an acoustic guitar, Jennifer's words brought the house down. There's just something special about turning the lights and the techno down for a few mintues and letting your voice and lyrics do the talking. Sugarland wrapped with a standing ovation by the crowd and the stage was set for Keith Urban.

Some people only think that Keith Urban is just a sidekick to Nicole Kidman who happens to have a few country songs...if they only knew! KEITH CAN PLAY. From the opening guitar riffs in "Hit The Ground Runnin'" to the sweet touch of "Tonight I Wanna Cry," Keith can do it all with a guitar. I've always heard that he can play, but have never seen it in person until now. Realize, this is coming from someone who sees Keith Richards and Joe Walsh as my "Guitar Heroes." Keith used at least 10 different guitars and played the "hello" out of all of them. There's plenty of ways to judge a concert. Crowd reaction and interaction is another key factor for me. During the middle of one of his hits, he ventures through the crowd to the back of the arena on a small box stage. There he finishes his song and plays a couple more from the "Stage B." The audience erupts as he opens "Making Memories Of Us" on the box stage with just one spotlight and an acoustic guitar. There's not many people that can bring 20 thousand on their feet by just using an acoustic guitar and vocals. "Only You Can Love Me This Way" wraps up the acoustic set on the box stage and he cranks up a faster tune and heads back to the main stage. From the moment he came down to the box stage the concert changed. The audience was already electric, but that volume and tone jumped 3 decibels after fans saw that Keith is all about fan interaction. One of the most impressive songs of the night was "You Look Good In My Shirt." The song itself is one of my Urban favorites, but the performance raised the song to a new level. Not only were the guitar riffs great, but Keith went back into the stands to "wail away." I was impressed the most at how Keith used the adrenaline of the audience to help power this tune. Plus, how many artists can actually stand on a seat in the stands (with thousands of screaming fans around you) and jam like it was your first time playing that song? Encores are a big part of concerts these days, and Keith nailed it. "Tonight I Wanna Cry" was the sweet opening that every artist needs for an encore. He ended the night with "Better Life" and confetti flew from the rafters.

After the confetti settled and the crowd scattered, I knew that this wasn't just any other concert. I wanted to make sure that I took some time to let things settle in before I gave my review....and my opinion is still as strong as ever! I've seen The Rolling Stones play Soldier Field in Chicago, The Eagles rock the streets of Memphis, and Dave Matthews Band pour out its heart at Vanderbilt University...Keith Urban and Sugarland are now on that list! I've seen tons of concerts...okay I'll admit I'm a concert junkie...and this one is up there near the top. From crowd interaction to song selection, you couldn't ask for a better show. These artists poured their heart out and left it all on the stage. They realize that times are tough, and made sure that they gave everyone an "escape" for a night. I'm not writing this to campaign for country music...there's plenty of people who are disgusted with it...I'm just saying that maybe you should give it a chance? This isn't your father's country music. These songs aren't about losing your dog, or your girl, or getting drunk...these songs are about living life. I can live my life a little bit easier now, thanks to one great "escape."

Check Out "Sweet Thing" from the concert below....Thanks YouTube....

A Little Horror

2009-08-27T08:25:00.005-05:00

In honor of Rob Zombie's "Halloween II" coming out tomorrow, I thought I would recommend a few horror flicks that might get you into the "suspense" mood.

Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is an American classic. Everyone has heard the "slasher" theme at some point in their life. Norman Bates is one of the most intriguing characters in movie history.

John Carpenter's "Halloween" is one of the best horror films ever made. You always hear that music makes a movie -- this film proves that fact is ever so true.

"Halloween II" is one of the better horror sequels. The film takes place right after the original as we follow certain characters to a certain hospital.

Wes Craven's "Scream" is my favorite horror/thriller movie of the late 90's. The opening sequence is one of the best in the horror/thriller genre.

These are just a few of the horror favorites that are out there on DVD. If you have plans to see Rob Zombie's film or if you just need a weekend "jump" these films are great popcorn material.

"Shutter" To Think It

2009-08-24T08:52:00.002-05:00

Word spread on Friday that Paramount Pictures has pushed back "Shutter Island" until February 2010. The movie was scheduled for a release this Fall. I was sad to hear that Paramount was moving the next project by one of my favorite directors,Martin Scorsese. "Shutter" features an all-star cast including Leonardo Dicaprio, Kim Williams, and Mark Ruffalo. Many critics and fans were looking forward to seeing this film and have already projected it would make a splash during awards season. Paramount says they don't have enough money to market the movie at this time....WHAT!!?? The company has enough to market "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," but not enough to market a movie featuring Leo and Scorsese? Movies move from Fall to Winter to die (in award season terms..that is). The only movie recently that moved back to February and did great in awards was "The Silence Of The Lambs." As a fan of Leo, Scorsese, great movies, and Paramount, I hope that the film still reaches its full potential next year...only time will tell. In the mean time, we can always go back and watch "Shine A Light" and "The Departed" by Martin Scorsese until "Shutter Island" comes out.

Happy "Avatar Day"

2009-08-21T07:54:00.004-05:00

Moviegoers, Fans, and Critics alike will gather at dozens of theatres across the country tonight. Scenes from James Cameron's "Avatar" will be screened for a select number of people. "Avatar Day" started on Monday when tickets for the screening went up (for free) over the web. Fox's server crashed thanks to the number of people licking their chops at the chance to see "the future of film." With a budget more than $240 million, "Avatar" is the most expensive movie ever made...every single shot in the film is in Digital IMAX 3-D. The film has been an idea of Cameron for years...he's even been tweaking this film for 4! The movie takes us to an alien planet in the future, with all kinds of alien races, weapons, and a few U.S. Marines thrown into the mix. Give props to Fox and Cameron for keeping this project hidden deep within their archives. The teaser trailer was released all over the internet yesterday. Today could mark a new beginning for films...could we see more movies screened in advance on a national scale? Only time (and critics) will tell if the screening process was worth the hype. I'm attending the screening tonight in Nashville. I have not seen the teaser yet...I wanted to wait and see a glimpse into this world in IMAX. For a full recap of the footage, be sure to tune in to next week's podcast!

Who Says "You Can't Always Get What You Want?"

2009-08-18T06:23:00.008-05:00

The Rolling Stones are all about welcoming the 21st century with open arms. Today the Stones are releasing their entire 2009 Remasters Collection digitally. Which means that you can now go to iTunes or wherever you get your music and get the remastered version of "Gimme Shelter" and all the other Stones' favorites. Earlier this year, the band released the "hard copies" of 13 albums. For a full list of albums click here . Blending evolving media with one of the greatest bands of all time is proof that..."if you try sometimes, you get what you need!"

Happy Birthday, Hitch!

2009-08-17T10:12:00.004-05:00

Okay, one more post before I hit the sack.
Last Thursday would have been Alfred Hitchcock's 110th birthday. What a masterful filmmaker, and surely one of the all time greats, no question about it.
My Mom never liked "horror" movies, but for her, Hitchcock was different--his thrillers could scare you, but also be very entertaining.
My favorite Hitchcock film would have to be "North By Northwest." Just look at that cast, the story, the score.. It's got everything--even Mount Rushmore!
But honestly, I love them all. He was truly a gifted artist, and I'm just glad we have his films with us today.
For a more comprehensive look at his work and life, check out this post.

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Weekend In Pop

2009-08-17T09:34:00.005-05:00

Good morning, everyone! Let's review the Weekend In Pop before I get too sleepy.
I saw "District 9," and within the first 15 minutes, I was thinking how cool a concept it was, and how I would encourage everyone I knew to see it--it was making some very good sociological and psychological comments. Unfortunately, the second half of the movie turned into an action-packed shoot 'em up, ruining what could have been something very special. I will give it an A for effort. We've seen the themes of alien life integrating with human society before, but this was a very original story, and the South African setting was perfect. I enjoyed the documentary style of filmmaking, as well as the special effects, but in the end, it's a rental.
On television, I watched "Monk," and thought it was better than the Season 8 premiere. There was a teaser for a web series on USA called "Little Monk," but I haven't seen that yet. Looks interesting.
I also saw "Eureka," "Defying Gravity," and the Season 3 premiere of "Mad Men." It was quite good, and promises to be another good season. A lot of stuff to digest in last night's episode. Quite a bit of symbolism.
As far as movies go, I also watched "I Love You, Man" again with my girlfriend who hadn't seen it yet. We both laughed a lot. It's my favorite comedy so far this year.
Got my toes stepped on with the local "48 Hour Film Project," but was actually relieved when I decided to end my involvement. Long story. Listen for more about that on this week's PopSnap! podcast.
A special note, thanks to everyone who takes the time to read these posts. That's why Grant and I write 'em. Please feel free to give us your comments about things we're doing, stuff you'd like to see, etc.
Alright, bedtime for me.

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"Sick" Day

2009-08-14T06:06:00.003-05:00

That's right. A few people will be calling in sick to work today because the most popular video game franchise of all time is back with bigger hits, better graphics, and a few new features. Madden NFL 2010 hit store shelves at midnight. Many game stores around the country threw parties to ring in the "new year" football style. Since it's inception in 1988, Madden has sold more than 70 million copies! I can remember playing Madden '94 for my SNES back in the day....I've purchased a copy of the game every year since 2003 ( I skipped a few years and a few consoles here and there). I spend hours upon hours every year being "king of the football world" thanks to a $60 dollar video game. Sports games aren't for everyone, but John Madden has never let his fans down. The game always has the latest in technology that is the next best thing to actually playing on Sunday's. John Madden may be retired from the broadcasting world, but as long as his video game continues to flourish he is doing gamers and fans a big favor. Thanks, John for your contributions to NFL and your AWESOME video game.

No Les, No More

2009-08-14T05:31:00.003-05:00

A shameful headline, but one I'm sure would elicit a chuckle from guitar legend Les Paul, who passed away at the age of 94 on Thursday.
I admit, I don't know too much about Mr. Paul. But anytime someone said his name, or I happened to see it, I knew immediately what it was associated with.
Here's an article about the man and his music.

"District 9" Arrives

2009-08-14T05:05:00.003-05:00

"District 9" arrives in theatres today. And even though most people just hear Peter Jackson's name when they talk about the movie, he didn't direct it. Click here to read the Time magazine interview with the director, Neill Blomkamp.

AMC Promotes Mad Men With Major PR

2009-08-14T02:49:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for a new season of "Mad Men"? The 3rd season premiere is this Sunday night, and the publicity bandwagon has been in high gear this past week. For a look at how the PR machine works for the popular show, check out this article from PRWeek.

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End Of An Era

2009-08-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

Brooks & Dunn, the number 1 country duo of all time, announced on Monday that they are giving it a rest. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn posted a message on their site saying they agreed to "call it a day" after 20 years of making music together. The pair broke through the country scene with their smash hit "Boot Scootin' Boogie" in the early 90's. Country music isn't for everyone, but I hope people will at least appreciate what the "dynamic duo" accomplished. Arista Nashville says the group has sold more than 30 million albums, 23 No. 1 hits, and been named Country Music Association's vocal duo of the year 15 times! Their song, "Only In America" became a Patriotic favorite in the events following September 11th. I know that saying you're "retiring" this day and age doesn't cause people to hold their breath, but country music will be missing a button on its shirt without these guys. I've been a big fan of the band since I was a child. I can remember dancing with my cowboy hat and boots to some of their tracks. A lot of people shrug their shoulders when you mention the phrase "country music," but these guys made country music popular again in the early 90's. Kix and Ronnie say they aren't done just yet. They plan to release a greatest hits album in September and tour one last time in 2010. Thanks guys, for making country music a little bit brighter over the last 20 years or so....your tunes still impact bars and clubs in towns all across America today.

Countdown To "District 9"--Some Other Good Sci-Fi

2009-08-10T21:13:00.000-05:00

The high profile low budget science fiction film "District 9" opens this Friday, and what better way to get ready than to watch some other great science fiction films with similar themes?
Here are some of my favorites, listed in no particular order.

"Alien"--the 1979 Ridley Scott classic about a group who stumbles upon an alien life form that makes, well, quite an entrance, may be 30 years old, but still holds its own. A great cast, and moments that will make you jump out of your chair are just two of the reasons to revisit this one. Don't watch it alone. Remember, in space, no one can hear you scream.

"Blade Runner"--now while we may not be dealing with extraterrestrials here, we are talking about an alien life form--robots that look so much like humans they could fool you. They sure got to Harrison Ford. Another excellent piece of work from, once again, director Ridley Scott. Another terrific cast here. Be sure to look out for Edward James Olmos as a detective with a penchant for oragami, along with the always fantastic M. Emmet Walsh.

"The Day The Earth Stood Still"--I'm talking about the original film from 1951 here, not the recent remake. A wonderful film with a powerful message that holds up very well even now.

"E.T."--okay, I'm a sucker for this one. But who doesn't love "E.T."?? Another tale of an alien who comes in peace, only to be manipulated by the government. Be sure to watch it with a box of tissues. You'll need 'em. Steven Spielberg brings out great performances by young Henry Thomas and an even younger Drew Barrymore.

"Close Encounters Of The Third Kind"--aliens spotted all around the globe. What's happening? Leave it to Richard Dreyfuss and company to find out. Spielberg strikes again. Featuring Teri Garr as Dreyfuss' wife, who just can't understand why he needs all those mashed potatoes... French filmmaker Francois Truffaut and the great Bob Balaban round out the cast as alien hunters.

"Starman"--Jeff Bridges comes to earth in the form of Karen Allen's dead husband in this one. A solid story with another top notch cast. Charles Martin Smith is one of the men trying to find Bridges to see just what he's up to.

Just a few recommendations for you. Enjoy! And remember to catch "District 9" in theatres this Friday.

No "Joe?"

2009-08-07T06:32:00.000-05:00

"G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra" hits theaters nationwide today. It's not a big secret that many fans and moviegoers have already stated the bad taste that the preview seems to leave in their mouth...Strike 1. It was revealed this week that Paramount Pictures was not screening the movie to film critics, but instead screening it for soldiers and a couple avid fans....Strike 2. That's already 2 strikes from a movie that has yet to touch solid ground. I'm not ready to give it the 3rd strike just yet. I'm a huge "G.I. Joe" fan. As a kid, my "Joes" would fight off dinosaurs from "Jurassic Park" and "Batman" villians as I played throughout the house. I was super excited when I first heard about the film. After seeing the previews and photos my expectations have lowered a bit. I plan on seeing the film with some fans over the weekend. Even with the "bad press," I'm going in with an open mind. That's what everyone should do with every movie. I know it sounds cliche, but I know people that won't see a movie unless the critics like it. The basic principle....go into a movie with an open mind. It may be a movie that you're forced to see....or a movie that you don't want your friends to know that you've watched. Just remember that everyone has their own opinion and there is no greater one that your own. You don't let people tell you how good their food is...you grab a slice yourself. As far as "G.I. Joe" goes right now....at least Snake Eyes looks pretty cool.

Another Goodbye

2009-08-07T06:10:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help but post my thoughts on the tragic passing of John Hughes. The movies that he created have had a big impact on my life. If I go back, I can pretty much trace my childhood with his movies. Every year I sit down and watch "Christmas Vacation" on Christmas Eve with my family. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is what every student (especially me) dreamed of during a high school daze. I still have my "Talkboy" as used by Kevin in "Home Alone 2: Lost In New York." In a time that bigger bangs equal bigger bucks in movies, sometimes it's the simple ones that can leave a big impression on where you're going or where you've been. So, the next time you sit down with a group of family/friends/neighbors to watch a movie, think about picking a John Hughes' title. It will definitely give you a few laughs and might even give you some perspective on things.

Farewell, John Hughes

2009-08-07T05:35:00.000-05:00

He was the king of 80s popcorn movies. "Vacation," "The Breakfast Club," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and my personal favorite "Planes, Traines, & Automobiles."
Writer/Director John Hughes died Thursday in New York City.
He was the man behind a ton of other movies, including "Home Alone."
You can read a more complete profile by clicking here.
I can remember going with my Dad to see "Planes, Trains, & Automobiles." The movie theatre was packed, and the crowd roared with laughter at some of the ridiculous scenes with Steve Martin and John Candy at the top of their form.
One scene (I can't remember exactly which) had my Dad laughing so hard that he literally said outloud "I can't breathe!" I knew I had picked a winner.
That was Hughes' style of comedy--ensuring the audience had a good time. He will be missed.

Memories Of "Monk"

2009-08-07T05:28:00.000-05:00

So, as we've mentioned before, tonight begins the final season of "Monk."
It's a bittersweet time of reflection for most viewers, as they see a rarity in television ride off into the sunset.
Check out this article from USAToday.com on the final season.
On a personal note, this was one of the rare shows I enjoyed watching with my Mom and Dad. We could all be entertained by good writing and acting, share a good laugh, and have something to talk about without mindless violence or streams of unncessary profanity.
I'll miss "Monk," but am hopeful other shows will be there that families can enjoy together.

"Warehouse 13" We Interview Saul Rubinek!

2009-08-05T17:35:00.000-05:00

We are on fire with interviews this week!
A special treat for you science fiction fans out there--SyFy has a new original show called "Warehouse 13," and we were lucky enough to be able to talk with one of the show's stars, Saul Rubinek. And don't forget about our interview with "Monk" writer Lee Goldberg, which can also be found below.
Here's what Saul had to say about his experience with "Warehouse 13."

JS: You just got back from Comic-Con in San Diego. What was that experience like?

SR: Comic-Con was a first for me. Overwhelming number of people -- I really had no idea how big an event it is. I was very pleased to see the turn-out at our "Claudia" screening, and at our panel -- almost everyone had seen all three episodes aired so far, that was awesome. I hope to come back next year with full season under our belt (and hopefully already having shot our second season!)

JS: You're a veteran of many different types of TV shows and movies. What drew you to this role in particular?

SR: I think SyFy is the most exciting network on television today. Their collaboration with Universal Cable Productions is energetic and creative. The combination of these two organizations that produce our show gives us the financial and creative depth so necessary to support the ups and downs of a long series run. SyFy want to expand their audience base, and they've chosen Warehouse 13 as their flagship show to coincide with the rebranding of their network.

What could be better? The role! A role like "Artie" only comes along for an actor once a decade or so. The great thing is the producers have allowed me to collaborate and put a lot of myself into the role, and they've reciprocated by finding elements of of Artie's background, rhythms and energy in the way they write and create his backstory and dialogue. Artie is both in love with the warehouse and loathes it... and that make him a little crazy -- all of which is delicious to play. And my colleagues, Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly and Allison Scagliotti are awesome -- that's a HUGE part of why I like going to work every day. We have a production team that is truly one of the most professional and expert I've ever had the honor to work with -- they set the bar high every day. One other important thing: Jack Kenny and David Simkins, our Executive Producers have put together a brilliant and enthusiastic writing team -- they are the powerful engine under the hood of this race car.

JS: For people who aren't familiar with it, how would you describe "Warehouse 13"?

SR: For people that aren't familiar with Warehouse 13 -- here's the answer: www.syfy.com/warehouse13 really! you'll get an earful and an EYEful.

JS: Any clues as to what we'll see in upcoming episodes?

SR: Here's some clues: Artie Nielson isn't really Artie NIELSON. Artie has a nemesis.. not only someone who can ruin his day, but someone who could destroy everything the warehouse stands for. Artie may get into trouble -- and there are people who control Mrs Frederick (Artie's boss) who Artie has to answer to -- namely, the Regents, the people who control and oversee the warehouse activities. The regents have done this for 3000 years.

JS: The show has the potential for a long run. Will we continue to see you in movies?

SR: Of course ---I have a mortgage!

Our thanks to Saul Rubinek for taking time to answer these questions, and a special thanks to our SyFy liason at NBCUniversal for helping us out.
Be sure to catch "Warehouse 13" on SyFy every Tuesday night at 8!

Mr. Monk Says Goodbye

2009-08-03T18:55:00.000-05:00

This Friday night marks the beginning of the end for the popular television show, "Monk" on the USA network.
This will mark the 8th and final season for the show, featuring Tony Shalhoub as the "defective detective." Shalhoub has won a number of awards for his performance of the character.
I know I won't be alone when the show wraps for good. It has great characters, an excellent cast, and some of the best writing I've seen on television.
It's also something of a rarity; a show you could sit down and watch with your family without fear of embarrassing anyone. You just don't see that anymore.
I had the good fortune to interview Lee Goldberg, a writer for some of the episodes of the show, and the man behind a series of books based on "Monk." You can see the interview below.

JS: This is it, the 8th and final season of "Monk" starts soon. As a writer of some episodes, why do you think viewers were drawn to these characters?

LG: They are drawn to the characters because they are fresh, original, and compelling. And although the characters behave comically, they have heart. And what gives them heart is the essential sadness in their lives. For Monk, it's the loss of his wife and not being able to fit in because of his OCD. For Natalie, it's the loss of her husband at a young age and having to raise a daughter as a single parent. That grounds the comedy is something we can all relate to.

JS: You've worked on some other shows as well, including "Diagnosis Murder," and "Nero Wolfe." How was working on "Monk" different from your other experiences?

LG: "Monk" is more of a comedy than any series I've worked on before. And Monk's character is a balancing act between the broad comedy and the tragedy. It's not easy to pull off.

JS: You're also the author of several novels based on characters from "Monk," and you have a new one out right now, "Mr. Monk And The Dirty Cop." Will the books continue when the series wraps?

LG: There will be at least two more books following the end of the TV series.

JS: What can people look for next from Lee Goldberg?

LG: More Monk! And, hopefully, more books, tv shows and movies.

Our thanks to Lee for answering these questions, and don't forget to tune in this Friday night for the "Monk" season premiere on USA.

Heavy Reading

2009-08-03T06:20:00.000-05:00

These past few weeks I've dived into some heavy reading. "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" was first on my list. I followed with "Order of The Phoenix" and "Half-Blood Prince." I wanted to make sure that I've read the books before I watched the latest installment on film. I mowed through the first two books in a matter of weeks. With some luck, I read the whole book of "Prince" in one day (As my roomate put it, I became a reading "Jedi"). People that know me know I'm the last person in the world to brag. I didn't write this blog to boast my reading skills. I just wanted to pass along the joy that I had reading. I know, I know...insert nerd joke here right?? I'm serious though, many people overlook how good books can be in this technology driven world. Many kids (I was one of them) were forced to read a handful of books every month in grade school for an "Accelerated Reader" program. This process has no doubt changed some of my closest friends' thoughts on reading. I'm just glad that I can still sit back in my favorite chair and enjoy "print" every now and then. So, if you find yourself bored one afternoon....or it's raining and your cable is out....try picking up a good book. In a world full of emails, text messages, and tweets, sometimes just a simple thing like a book can be all the entertainment you need. After all, books are about imagination...and imagination is one of the greatest tools you will ever use.

Issues With Apatow

2009-07-29T08:43:00.000-05:00

Monday night, I watched "Inside The Actors Studio," which sometimes features interesting actors and others affiliated with the entertainment industry. But this episode really made my blood boil.
I'll preface this by saying I strongly disagree with the practice of putting a star or well-known personality on the show around the same time their movie is about to open in theatres. This show used to be above such cheap Hollywood marketing tactics, but not even host James Lipton is above it now.
This week's guest was writer/director Judd Apatow, best known for resurrecting the teen sex & drug comedies that were popular 20 years ago. I'm not a big fan at all. It's just not my cup of tea. So, as they were discussing his work, which includes "The 40 Year Old Virgin," and his latest effort, "Funny People," one particular comment from Lipton made me cringe.
He was leading in to a clip from the movie "Knocked Up," with Seth Rogen, and was quoting from a highly resputable source (something like "Time" magazine, "Newsweek," or a major newspaper) about how that was the "summer that Apatow & (Seth) Rogen saved comedy," then spouted this stomach-turning phrase: "Let's take a look at a clip to see why (he named the publication) calls it "an instant classic."
Hang on a second. Back up a moment. Excuse me, whaaaaaaaat?!? "Knocked Up" an "instant classic"? I almost became instantly ill. Yes, I saw it, and I'm no prude, but in no way, shape or form should that, or any of Apatow's work be considered "classics." It's rude, crude humor that succeeds where it's meant to, and doesn't rise above the level of the lowest common denominator of moviegoers.
So, I take issue with Mr. Apatow, as well as James Lipton, for labeling such material (or at least repeating it) and addressing it as "classic."
These are movies that will never win Oscars. They're popcorn movies good for a few immature laughs and nothing more. And please, spare me the "well, it had a good message" argument. The only one of his movies I'll buy with that defense is "The 40 Year Old Virgin" which did wind up with a positive message (at the very end of the movie).
They just don't make movies like we used to, and unfortunately, most people, like sheep, will agree with whatever the Hollywood machine feeds them. They'll say it's good, even if it's garbage.
Take my advice, if you want to watch a classic comedy, dig deep and pick something like a Marx Brothers or Charlie Chaplin film. Trust me, there are hundreds of choices of real humor out there. Tickle your funny bone with something that won't make you squeamish and wish you had 90 minutes of your life back.