TV Blogster

Les Jeunes Des Paris

2012-02-12T01:31:00.000-08:00

Jean Dujardin on 'Fallon'

2012-02-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

I love the film The Artist. And I adore Jean Dujardin. He appeared on Late Night a week or so ago. He so charming, I'd just like to have this on my blog.

Bret McKenzie in Rolling Stone

2012-02-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a lovely interview with Oscar Nominee Bret McKenzie. http://www.rollingstone.com/movies

Super Bowl "Brotherhood of Man"

2012-02-05T23:07:00.001-08:00

The Gate Show with Fred Stoller

2012-02-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

From beautiful downtown....um...Hollywood! Here's everyone's favorite security guard at Sunshine Studios...Fred Stoller, with special guest - Sarah Silverman!

Key and Peele

2012-02-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

Key and Peele

If you like funny things, you must watch Key and Peele on Comedy Central on Tuesdays at 10:30pm. They are hilarious and good looking. Plus, a line up of awesome comedians helped them write it, chief amongst them being Sean Conroy, Becky Drysdale (who taught me Improv 101 at UCBNY), Ian Roberts (I still have his improv notes) and Charlie Sander - to name a few I admire.

Pee Wee Herman on 'Top Chef'

2012-02-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

My love for Pee Wee Herman (and Paul Reubens) will never cease. The film Pee Wee's Big Adventure will forever live on in the warmest and fluffiest place in my heart. His television show Pee Wee's Playhouse ignited the smiles and imaginations of a generation of adults who wax lyrical over their Saturday afternoons eating pancakes and watching his show.

That's why last night episode of Top Chef: Texas was such a step out of norm in the realm of food competition. Although the Bravo series has seen it's fair share of famous guest judges, such as Charlize Theron, Jimmy Fallon or Christina Hendricks, who've used personal history and projects to inspire the competition of the day, Pee Wee may hold the most nostalgic, not just for fun of Miss Yvonne or Captain Carl, but for the memories of Saturday morning breakfast eaten while laughing at his colorful world as a child.

What breakfast food besides Count Chocula and Fruit Loops conjures childhood memories more than pancakes? For the first competition, known as "The Quickfire Challenge", chefs were asked by our hero to make the most delicious, unique pancakes ever. As each chef reminisced over their own childhood Saturday mornings with Pee Wee and a plate of dad's flapjacks, lovely displays of the stuff were produced: Confetti Pancakes, Mickey Mouse Pancakes, a Ricotta Pancake with Whipped Crème Fraiche, Marcona Almond with Anise Cookies, and the winning one, a plate of lovely Pancake Bits with Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Bacon and Bruleed Marshmallow. Yummo! Each dish was met with Pee Wee's exclamation of "That was the best pancake I've ever eaten!" no matter who won or lost.

But things got really nostalgic for "The Elimination Challenge", where chefs were told to make a family style breakfast at The Alamo. If you can recall from the movie, this dreaded location holds bad memories for Pee Wee, thanks to a psychic who erroneously told him his stolen bike was locked in the basement of this historic landmark, only to travel far and wide to find The Alamo has no basement!. The winning plate, it was claimed, would not only be the most delicious, but must be so good, it will wipe away the bad memory from Pee Wee's brain once and for all. The chefs were given bikes to cycle their way to the grocery for ingredients, and then hit The Alamo for the cook off. A chef named Lindsay won the challenge with a Stuffed Zucchini with Braised Beef Cheeks, Rice and Goat Cheese dish, but the winner is really Pee Wee and Paul Reubens himself - a man with a unique man-child character who's brought so much love to his art, and laughter to us all. It was evident in last night's Top Chef, that even mainstay judge Tom Colicchio's stern manner seemed to melt at little.

'New Girl': Jess Meets Someone Who Hates Her

2012-02-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

Record scratch! What? How can you NOT be a dessert person? In last night's episode of New Girl ('Jess & Julia'),Nick's new squeeze Julia, turned off by the adorkableness of Jess, turns down her offer of a cupcake. "I'm not a dessert person" she said. In one fell swoop, Jess had her number. How can you resist dessert?

It's like my neighbor. His girlfriend ignores my dog. She'll walk his dog, clacking around in her high heels; but unlike 99.9% of anyone I encounter who go nuts over my pup when I walk him, she ignores, and offers no compliment for this luscious, adorable hound dog. Come on. He's irresistible. If you are indifferent to my dog or not a dog lover, you may as well be a dessert hater.

You don't ignore this hound

So when Jess handed over the cupcake of friendship to Julia last night, all hopes of besties between two funny brunettes came crashing to a halt. Julia, played by Lizzy Caplan, terrific, snarky lady of Party Down (a moment of silence please...RIP) is Nick's new love interest. No, she does not want to know where Jess' secret tampon supply is hidden. No, as an attorney whose been there done that -she is not enamored with the bubbly Katy Perry doppleganger's loveable loopiness. No, Julia will not live in the land of 'Adorkable'. Seeing Jess hurt over this situation was so sad - like kicking a puppy - like ignoring a cute hound dog that people stop their cars and park so they can get out and hug him.

In the end, they saw eye to eye. Julia and Nick find common ground about their budding relationship, even using her lawyer skills try and help Jess argue a traffic violation in court; however, Adorkable wanted to plead her own case. $800 later, Jess and Julia unite in girlship. Julia accepts Jess' ribbon hat and flakey ways, and Jess forgives her dessert blindness. The boys? They use each others towels to dry off their junk. Sometimes Nick wears Schmidt's underwear which infuriates him. Gee, I don't know why.

There was a brunette trifecta last night. In addition to the highly likeable Deschannel and Caplan, the awesome June Diane Raphael joined in.

Puppy Bowl: Let the Betting Begin

2012-02-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

If you don't care about Football, or the Super Bowl, or Madonna - watch Puppy Bowl VIII on Animal Planet this Sunday. Dogs are better than sweaty humans anyway. Even Jimmy Fallon's puppy crew have already place their bets.

Puppy Bowl VIII airs on Sunday, February 5th at 3pm ET/PT on Animal Planet.My hound will be there. Will yours?

'Arrested Development' Developments!

2012-01-31T13:54:00.000-08:00

The year 2013 is going to bring plenty of Bluth love around these parts. News of an Arrested Development movie hit a few months back. Sweetening the deal will be the production of ten new episodes commissioned by and streamed via Netflix leading up to the feature film.

As per Arrested writer Dean Lorey's blog, they've set up offices, parking and are starting to write scripts; therefore, production on this joyous project has begun. As indicated above, episodes are expected to premiere on Netflix in 2013.

Righteous news, indeed! Can I get a COME ON?!

Here's more coverage on the new via MTV's site, where they caught up with Michael Cera at the Sundance Film Festival. http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/01/31/arrested-development-scripts/

Source: NYTimes.com

Dean Winters on 'Up All Night'

2012-01-31T13:38:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you've seen Dean Winters as Tommy Gavin's angry brother on Rescue Me, or as Liz Lemon's dummy boyfriend Dennis Duffy on 30 Rock. My first introduction to him was in the HBO series Oz as the terrifying O'Reilly. Now, he can be seen all the time as Mayhem in the ubiquitous AllState Insurance ads. But come Thursday, you'll find him on NBC's Up All Night, where he'll portray Will Arnett's older brother.

Elton John and Leon Russell: The Union

2012-01-31T11:21:00.000-08:00

"Respect the elders. Embrace the new. Encourage the impractical and improbable, Without bias." David Fricke

I've been thinking of the forgotten lately. The artists who've pioneered creations, inventions and music. Georges Méliès with his magic visual effects on film, Big Momma Thornton and her original, soulful Hound Dog made famous by Elvis, and Leon Russell, soul master of the keyboard and song, who inspired generations of piano driven rock stars.

Elton John idolized the long haired rock legend, who made it to the top of the pop charts in the early 70's with hits like Masquerade and A Song For You. His music has been covered by The Carpenters, Ray Charles, and Peggy Lee. His star rose to such great heights, George Harrison invited him to join the band for the legendary 1971 Concert For Bangladesh. Elton's star began to rise as Leon's made its descent into the shadows, yet he never forgot his idol.

In 2009, Elton brought Leon, fraught with health and money issues, out of retirement to collaborate on an album entitled The Union. To document this momentous project between Elton and his idol, award winning Director Cameron Crowe and Producer T. Bone Burnett were brought in to document the recording session and their performance at The Beacon Theater in New York City. The end result is the documentary of the same name - The Union - premiering this Thursday, February 2nd on HBO.

Bourdain's Grumbling Belly

2012-01-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

I've come a bit late to Bourdain. His first book Kitchen Confidential came out a decade ago, and I've just finished reading it from forward to afterward, diving into each page, hungry for words, craving food and starving for stories about food. Years ago, The Travel Channel gave Anthony Bourdain a platform to display his culinary chops and wanderlust in No Reservations and The Layover, the latter which just had its season finale last week. My DVR is groaning with the volume of episodes it has collected, waiting for my return home from work, where I can delve into my own crappy Lean Cuisine while watching Tony on his journey around the world, eating local goodies from the farms, rivers and streams of far away lands and many an ocean. Breaks bread with people of all economic class, race and religion lands mesmerizing results, as he tastes his way through an itinerary of multiple countries with collected recipes of local people - from Russia to Namibia, London to America's heartland - who've worked the land, raised their cattle, and fattened their pigs for sustenance.

If you're familiar with Bourdain, you know he's pretty badass when it comes to his life and food. He's open about his past drug addiction. He will drink many alcoholic beverages on camera, sometimes to the point where it's evident he's shit faced to the wind. In addition, he'll spar with Food Network stars Paula Deen, Rachael Ray and Kwanza Cake Queen Sandra Lee, criticizing them for steering viewers to quick fixes on simple recipes that deaden the palette and murder the soul.

I'm slightly obsessed with this show. After a decade of seeing Bourdain on the New York Times Best Seller list, or seeing him mentioned in Zagats, it's about time I put down my lazy Lean Cuisines and start looking a food in a whole new Bourdain new way.

Love Is All Around....

2012-01-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

The legendary, incomparable Mary Tyler Moore will be honored with a Lifetime Acheivement Award this Sunday at the Screen Actors Guild Award to be aired on TNT and TBS at 8pm. The New York Times has a lovely feature on Mary here---> NYTimes.com/arts

Dwight Schrute Spins Off. What Does it Mean for 'The Office'?

2012-01-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

Deadline Daily is reporting that NBC is developing a spin off show for The Office in the form of Dwight Schrute and his world of beets. The show will be co-Executive Produced by Rainn Wilson and Office Executive Producer Paul Lieberstein. This is an interesting turn up, indicating that The Office may either be on its last legs, or headed for an even deeper reboot.

As a former Office fanatic, I continue to tune into the show each Thursday night. Like a drug addict, I chase that wonderful high experienced when the show was at its peak. But all I see is a sitcom that's a shadow of its old self, with Robert California's strange, twisted vibe and Andy's woeful supervision of Dunder Mifflin stamping out my jones. The sweet Ed Helms continues at the 'helm' in the unremarkable and unenviable role of Andy Bernard, Michael Scott's bumbling predecessor. Unfortunately, Andy as GM hasn't jelled. In terms of the show itself, the story lines, once heart warming, relatable and smart, are now devoid of quality, believability and laughs. The absence of Michael Scott has sucked the air out of the room. Something's missing, like we went from color to black and white, "from major to minor" - or to get all Shakespearean - as if Prince Hal, the life of the party, left Falstaff and the old pals behind to be Henry V. The lights have been turned off, and we wallow in the dark with old memories and nothing to hold onto.

Also, prime characters are underused, such as Creed and Pam (out on Jenna Fischer's maternity leave). Characters we once knew have had personality transplants, characteristically unrecognizable from their former selves (I'm looking at you BJ Novack aka Ryan Howard). Jim and Pam are ghosts now that marital bliss has morphed into parental responsibilities - an aspect of their world in which I'd love to see more. That old Jim/Pam angst has been replaced with Andy and Erin's non-romantic arc, loosely mimicking the Halpert/Beesly pre-coitis relationship that will never touch the painful beauty of Jim and Pam's fractured and ultimately successful courtship.

Deadline Daily has fleshed out more details of NBC's move toward this potential spin off, and discusses how Dwight will be transitioned to the new show. Also, other cast members are not officially signed on for the 2012-2013 season as of this posting, so more developments will be on the horizon.

If all shakes down, perhaps a Dwight spin off spells a new beginning from an old concept that should have ended with Steve Carell's departure last season.

Bret McKenzie Nominated

2012-01-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

Today is abuzz with Oscar this and Oscar that. My favorite film this year has been The Artist, and I hope that lovely homage to silent film picks up lots of prizes; however, as a lover of all things Flight of the Conchords, I was thrilled to see that Bret McKenzie, Zoey Deschannel's other half in the land of "adorkable", has been nominated for Best Song with his lovely tune from The Muppets, "Man or Muppet". Hooray, Bret!

Paula Deen Will Never Die!

2012-01-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

And that's a good thing, Y'all!The terrific Betsy Sodaro, an up and coming star at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, is Paula Deen, master slayer of the sugar disease. She's packed with pharmaceuticals, ready to generate revenue for personal wealth, and to eradicate damage causing glucose levels. That silly 'ol diabetes won't know what hit it. From 'Funny or Die's' kitchen, to yours.

Paula Deen's Diabetes Ad - watch more funny videos

Tracy Jordan, Meet Tracy Morgan

2012-01-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

"He's not a homophobe. He's an idiot". Liz Lemon

Vote For Leslie Knope!

2012-01-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

Last night on Parks and Recreation, the very dishy and funny Mr. Paul Rudd premiered as Bobby Newport, Leslie Knope's opponent for City Council of Pawnee. He's an empty headed rich boy, who, on the silver platter of life, had the world handed to him while sucking on a silver spoon. Leslie, on the other hand, has worked her heart out for her beloved town, and now has to handle low popularity numbers to try and outshine the dashing and dumb Bobby. It makes a lovely combination. Especially when Leslie's camp tries to grapple over using negative ads to thwart him. But, being true to herself, she takes the high road with a very smart advertising spot.

As per Executive Producer Michael Schur, Rudd's role will be a three episode arc with the hope of having him on when his schedule allows.

"You Can Do Anything!"

2012-01-19T11:07:00.001-08:00

To the home schooled, and the coddled; to the losers who receive "esteem trophies", to the self entitled and the unearned; this is for you. (Because we need more singers and pop stars than doctors and engineers.)

'Mad Men' Season 5

2012-01-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

My Morgan Freeman Tribute

2012-01-16T12:39:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Morgan Freeman, legendary actor and humanitarian who received the 'Cecil B. DeMile Lifetime Achievement Award' at last night's Golden Globes. A very deserved honor for a distinguished performer. However, we all know his beginnings involved teaching children about words on The Electric Company. And for that, we children of the 70's thank him.

Tebowie

2012-01-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Let the children boogie. But Tim Tebow? Give Jesus a break.

30 Rock Returns Tonight!

2012-01-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

After a Fall season of Whitney filling in for Tina Fey as she rightly tended to maternity-hood, 30 Rock returns to the NBC schedule tonight in its new time - 8pm ET/PT. Okay, perhaps the show, now heading into its sixth season, is starting to get a little tired. Yet, seeing the TGS team and Alec Baldwin post-American Airlines brawl back in the lineup should be fun, and remains a good reason to tune in. Also, Parks and Recreation returns with a new episode. And if you're still into The Office as it gasps on its last fumes, that's new too.

However, we must bow our heads and hope for the return of Community, now off the NBC schedule and awaiting word on its fate.

Kenny Powers is Coming Back...

2012-01-10T22:29:00.001-08:00

The poster says it all....

'Robot Chicken' Hits 100

2012-01-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

Robot Chicken is stop action animation at its finest and most hilarious. Seth Green and his team at Stoopid Monkey productions have taken GI Joe, Barbie dolls and claymation figures to create Frankenstein-like actors posed in hilarious sketches to a whole funny, insane level. Plus, they invite the coolest celebrities to lend their voices, such as Diablo Cody, Lea Thompson, John Hamm and Bryan Cranston (to name a few - they're many more).

After five seasons on Adult Swim, Robot Chicken will be airing its 100th episode on January 15th 11:30pm ET/PT.

'Work It' Could Be a Sign of the Apocalypse

2012-01-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

I'm not of the Doomsday sect; however, when shows like Work It get green lit and placed on a television schedule when so many other pilots more worthy are ditched, well...it makes me wonder.

This cross dress comedy, where the premise revolves around two men who are unable to get work and find they're more likely to be hired dressed as women, has insulted everyone from GLAAD to the LBGT community to straight women to the entire universe. I'm not sure if this is ABC's twisted experiment in how much an audience can take. Can it be a cynical look into how females are elbowing men out of opportunities, thus emasculating them? Okay, but that could be done with a better concept and good writing.

Or is it a jadded commentary by television showmen who are tired of how suddenly the pretty ladies, i.e. Zoey Deschannel, Whitney Cummings, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler or Chelsea Handler are dominating in prime time. (Oh, damn those broads with their successful sitcoms and their pesky periods!) Perhaps it's just an ironic look at goofy, hacky comedy seen through the snarky vision of a television executive who's got...nothing?

With reality shows that bring out the worst in people in order to get ratings, this bizarre 30 minutes of canned laughs may be a sitcom that we, a passive, celebrity worshiping society, deserve.

Work It could be gone before February Sweeps, or might continue and end up being a cultural phenomenon like Seinfeld or American Idol. In that case, we can prepare for a post apocalyptic world - where non-transgender inclined men might have to go against their nature and dress as women, and women, who are being out-ladied by men, will have to dress like girls for survival.

So, if End of Days are near, word to the guys: enjoy wearing Spanks, and make sure you get fitted for the right bra.

Update: Work It has been canceled.

'Mad Men' Season 5

2012-01-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well hello, there Jon Hamm. There you were, being all funny on the Doug Loves Movies podcast and announcing season five of Mad Men will be premiere on AMC on March 25th.

Comedy in Photos

2012-01-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Photo by Liezl Estipona

There's something I've learned in the comedy world. Comedians are nervous of photographers taking snapshots of their shows. If you have a camera, and want to capture stills of a live performance or have the okay to photograph backstage antics of funny people about to perform, you have to earn their trust. So when photographer Liezl Estipona was given the green light to be the official photographer of the monthly Paul F. Tompkins Show at Largo in Los Angeles, plus have full access to highly popular, star studded shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade, you know she's seen as someone special.

From Zach Galifianakis to Louis CK, from Patton Oswalt to Maria Bamford, from Nick Kroll, to Jon Hamm, and from Adam Scott to Amy Poehler, Liezl brings her talent, sense of humor and love of comedy into every frame she shoots. For comedians, she's almost one of them, a tough chick who can take a joke and dish it right back at you, with a coupon for an Arby's sandwich as a bonus prize. For fans, she's the peep hole through the walls of the L.A. comedy scene, allowing those who live in other cities to join in on the excitement onstage and off via photo uploads on www.aspecialthing.com - a website for comedy nerds.

Liezl has published a book that showcases the highlights of her work around the L.A. alternative comedy world. Liezl Was Here (Vol. 1) beautifully lays out some of the most hilarious moments she's captured digitally. Each turn of the page provides insight into the famous and funny as they create magic on stage.

Go to www.blurb.com to purchase your own copy. It's a gorgeous addition to your coffee table book collection - and more hilarious & purposeful than that useless giant anthology on Shakespeare you're using as a door stop.

To view more of Liezl's photography, you can visit her Tumblr site, www. liezlwashere.com. Please do not post photos without permission.

And a side note - totally unrelated to Liezl: Don't video comedy shows, please. (See Patton Oswalt).

'Portlandia' Returns on IFC Tonight!

2012-01-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

Speaking of IFC (see below post), Portlandia is back! Check out the premiere of season 2 tonight on same channel at 10pm PT/9pm CT.

Show site: http://www.ifc.com/shows/portlandia

Comedy Bang Bang on IFC

2012-01-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

If you're familiar with the weekly podcast, or if you live in Los Angeles and are lucky to snatch a ticket to the weekly Tuesday stage show at UCB, this news will blow your socks off. It's being reported (although not officially announced yet) that Comedy Bang Bang (formerly known as Comedy Death Ray) is moving into television territory, and has been picked up on IFC. Lead by host and Producer Scott Aukerman, the show will be, as per an IFC insider (via ADweek)... "...a highly unrealistic version of a variety show - a mixture of Pee-Wee Herman and Dick Cavett that will feature celebrity guest, comedy sketches, animation and music." That's a pretty close description of the hilarity fans have enjoyed on CBB via Aukerman's Earwolf empire - the podcast platform where you can find comedy to delight your ears.

The house bandleader will Reggie Watts, the creator of the current CBB theme tune, and a frequent guest on the current show.

For more info on Comedy Bang Bang, a comedy nerd created a Wiki page where you can go to town on all things CBB. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comedy_Bang_Bang

Source: ADWeek

Sweetie Dahling...The Bitches Are Back!

2012-01-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Fabulous started out as a sketch on BBC's The French and Saunders Show. One spin off in 1992 and twenty years later, the world is celebrating one of Britain's most legendary and hilarious comedies of all time. The show is so influential, American television tried to emmulate the dynamics of the fashion crazed, hard partying, pop culture whores that are Patsy Stone and Edina Monsoon in sitcoms about women, or in a format optioned U.S. version of the series. All have failed. You cannot copy the terrific chemistry of Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Nor can you find anyone quite like Jane Horrocks who portrays Bubble, the pixie, air-headed wonderous yet useless assistant.

Saunders put the show to bed ten years ago when the last season of 'Ab Fab' aired on BBC America in 2001. But the beauty of putting something to bed is that it will eventually wake up. Beginning this Sunday, January 7th, the twentieth anniversary of Absolutely Fabulous will kick off with a new three part series, bringing back this brood of pill and booze soaked baby boomers, along with their mums and their spawn. The New York Times mentions that the comedy continues at the same pitch, but with menopause, weight issues and other ailments of the day thrown into the miasma of nuttiness that are Patsy and Eddie lives.

Absolutely Fabulous airs on BBC America, Sunday January 7th. Check your local listings.

I'm A Sucker For Dog Commercials

2012-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Travelers Insurance has wooed me with their series of commercial spots featuring that lovely, floppy Briard pooch. Now that the holiday season has passed, I'm a little late in posting this. Yet, I think the spirit of this gang of pups should live on throughout the year.

Woke Up This Morning....

2012-01-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

...and this happened in my head:

'Delocated' Back For Season 3

2012-01-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Our favorite member of the Witness Protection Program is back. Delocated returns on Adult Swim February 2nd at midnight. Seasons one and two comes out on DVD January 17th.

The Chris Gethard Show

2012-01-05T10:09:00.001-08:00

Maybe you watched Jimmy Fallon the other night. Perhaps you witnessed an appearance by the funny Chris Gethard who spoke enthusiastically about his public cable access show The Chris Gethard Show. Maybe you're interested in knowing what the hell that is. Well, here it is - a nine minute taste of the mayhem, insanity and disgusting behavior of young, funny comedians who somehow got loose from the UCB Theatre in New York. Check who's looking over your shoulder and mind your volume. This is NSFW.

For more on Chris on his show - check out his web page: http://thechrisgethardshow.com/

Then check out his book A Bad Idea I'm About to Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgement and Stunningly Awkward Adventures.

'Big Ange'

2012-01-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

Get More: TV Shows, Full Episode Video, Reality TV Shows

Mob Wives premiered on VH1 last week. So much agita! Renee almost died when her stitches popped after getting a drastic body lift and Drita almost killed the vicious Karen at a party. But I've found my favorite housewife of all.

Meet 'Big Ange' Raiola. I already adore her. She's like every New Jersey housewife and Good Fellas lady cast rolled into one big mega wife. She's the Island queen - the Island of Staten, that is. She's like fellow Mob wife Renee Graziano with more boobs and botox. Ange seems to be the wise woman of the mob femme fetales, the soothsayer to the enraged gangster wife with foaming rabid dogs on the brain and vendetta in her heart. I don't know what she's seen, done, heard or where she buried the bodies. I don't want to. She's here and she likes to par-tay!

VH1? More 'Big Ange' please. Because this is reality show love.

Funny or Die Presents: A Drunk Christmas Poem

2011-12-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

Drunk History Christmas with Ryan Gosling, Jim Carrey and Eva Mendes from Ryan Gosling

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a little history of the SNL Christmas song:
http://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/one-of-my-favorite-modern-christmas.html

Jimmy's show was stellar, but this particular sketch killed me.

'30 Rock' Is Coming...

2011-12-16T16:17:00.001-08:00

Christmas Comedy for Laughs and Charity: In L.A.

2011-12-06T11:56:00.001-08:00

The Christmas season begins as soon as you scrape off the leftovers from your Thanksgiving dinner plate; however, it's never 'Tis the Season in Los Angeles until the holiday comedy Christmas shows hit the theaters of Hollywood. My dance card will be full this week attending some of these events. If you're in the Los Angeles area, and love live comedy and the humans who create it, check these out. They are all hilariously fun, and they are all for charity:

Paul Scheer's (Human Giant, The League) 3rd Annual Sexy Christmas Spectacular is happening this Saturday, December 11th, 8:30pm at Largo in West Hollywood. In the tradition of the old boozy Hollywood television variety show, Paul transforms into J. Montgomery Scott, a Hollywood television legend whose mugful of Christmas cheer and total lack of self awareness makes this mock television holiday show feel like the outtakes of an old Andy Williams Christmas special, if those outtakes were dysfunctional and inappropriate. Come for Ed Helms, Melissa Rauch and Casey Wilson as they make their way up J. Montgomery's snowy driveway. Stay for the tales of J. Montgomery's dead wife. Leave with Rob Huebel's bottle of baby oil and tales of his drunken regrets.

All proceeds to go the USO.Tickets are available here: http://largo.laughstub.com/show.cfm?id=120685

If you're a listener of the Comedy Bang Bang podcast over at Earwolf.com, or attend the weekly Tuesday show at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, you've most likely waited all year for the Comedy Bang Bang Nativity Pageant to come down your chimney. Formerly known as Comedy Death Ray, this event usually sold out within minutes in past years, mostly due to it being held at UCB, a venue that seats about 100 people. This year it will be held at the more roomy Montelban Theater in Hollywood on Tuesday, December 13th at 7pm, and boasts a dream line up of comedians like Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt and Paul F. Tompkins to name a few. And I mean it. This jam packed marathon of sketch and stand up blissfully goes on all night. You will be wringing the sweat of a dozen or two comedians from your clothes for weeks. (Reminder: Change your clothes.)

All proceeds to to the L.A. Food Bank. Tickets are available here! http://www.ticketfly.com/event/80839

Paul F. Tompkins' monthly show at Largo is legendary. An intimate evening of comedy and music, Paul's followers always make sure they grab a ticket for a fun Saturday night of hilarity as the calendar page turns. But with the holidays come The Paul F. Tompkins' Christmas Show. It's Paul's monthly stage performance jacked up on Christmas steroids. Filled with a line up of surprise guests, the songs are Christmassy, the sketches are twinkly and the egg nog flows at the lobby snack stand. Get a rum buzz and join on Saturday, December 17th at 8:30pm. All proceeds to to Habitat for Humanity.

Tickets are actually sold out, but if you check on the link, some tickets could open up. Also, you can come to the window before the show in case there are cancellations: Go to - http://largo.laughstub.com/show.cfm?id=95668&cart

Cross Country via Google

2011-12-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

Address Is Approximate from The Theory on Vimeo.

What I'm Missing in New York City

2011-11-29T15:29:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I wondered why I moved. Godspell is one of my favorite musicals ever, and it's back on Broadway It looks terrific!

Bret McKenzie and Kermit...

2011-11-21T12:54:00.001-08:00

..sing a little song from the new Muppet movie - or attempt to. Happy Monday!

Just Because...

2011-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

SNL's Kardashian Promo

2011-11-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to say about the Kardashians that SNL hasn't already said for me on last night's parody.

'The Heart , She Holler"

2011-10-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! And to those comedy fans who want a taste of their own favorite funny people with a smidge of crazy balls, now is the perfect time to shout about Adult Swim's new weird series The Heart, She Holler, premiering this Sunday November 6th at 12:30am.

The series stars Patton Oswalt as a wild man-child who inherits the town of The Heart, She Holler from his insane father, much to the fuming despair of his freakish sisters played by Kirsten Schaal and Heather Lawless, who each want the town for themselves.

Huffington Post claims the show "sincerely may one of the most bizarre programs ever to air on Adult Swim", strong words indeed, considering the channel airs Childrens' Hospital and NTSC - both surreal comedies that defy logic, continuity and boredom. But holy bath water, this show is a whole lot of nuts.

See for yourself. (Apologies for any commercials).

'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' Tonight!

2011-10-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

On ABC-TV tonight at 8pm.

Flaming Lips to Cover The Beatles During Steve Jobs Tribute

2011-10-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

MTV's O Music Awards will be streaming live from Los Angeles via the the world wide web on Halloween night. During the festivities, a musical tribute will be paid to the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs via The Flaming Lips, who will be performing "Revolution", previously taped using only iPads.

But until Monday night, let's enjoy the real guys doing the real version of a very real song that could be the "Occupy" Movement's soundtrack. The Beatles - much like a good old fashioned revolution - kick down walls and open minds.

Source: The Wrap

The Clinton Foundation...

2011-10-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

...Changing the World One Cookie at a Time....

(Just don't steal Penn's lunch.)

Clinton Foundation: Celebrity Brainstorm from President Bill Clinton

Breaking Bad's Baddest Moment

2011-10-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

Red Band Trailer and TV Fall News That Makes Me Happy

2011-10-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Writer and hip bon vivant Diablo Cody has a new web talk show over at LStudio.com. Her interviews are done from her own Airstream RV and her upcoming guests will be Sarah Silverman, Jack Black, Amanda Seyfried and Zooey Deschannel to name a few.

Here's her interview with John Krasinski.

Speaking of Zooey Deschannel, there's some good news for her and fans of the spanking new "New Girl" on Fox (Tuesdays at 9pm).

After a taste of this sweet, new series, it's been given a full season order. Also on the girlie front, CBS's Whitney Cummings and Michael Patrick King creation 2 Broke Girls, another new show I'm liking very much, has also been given a full season order.

Source: Futon Critic

Andy Rooney Has the Last Word

2011-10-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Last night, Andy Rooney gave his final word on 60 Minutes.

Melissa McCarthy and 'SNL'

2011-10-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that Melissa McCarthy was fantastic on SNL last Saturday? Did I also mention that her comedy and characters were so pure and well developed that she didn't even need cue cards, and if she did, she was masterful in hiding it? I didn't? Well, through the magic of NBC.com source codes, let me show you:

After winning the Emmy, finding a fan base from her tour de force performance in Bridesmaids, and joining Judd Apatow in his next new flick, m'lady is having a year. Well deserved.

George Harrison on HBO

2011-10-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

From Martin Scorsese, a documentary on my favorite Beatle. Coming to HBO October 5th and 6th.

2011-09-28T10:38:00.001-07:00

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

More please....

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Community: "We're Gonna Be Less Weird...

2011-09-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

....and be more fun than the first two years combined!"

Sounds good! I do love weird. But with low ratings, I hope they find a bigger audience by cooling off on the gimmicks. As much as I adore this cast and the off the wall humor, the show veers off into the stratosphere with Tarrantino laced paint ball episodes and Claymation whismsies. Comedy fans will hate me for saying this - but 22 minutes of odd ball themed episodes disconnects me from the characters. It's the reason why Rob Corddry will not extend Childrens' Hospital beyond 11 minutes per episode despite fans crying for a full half hour show. You can only take kooky for so long.

But, the promos looks amazing, and I love the addition of John Goodman.

Amy Sedaris, Spokesperson

2011-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Amy Sedaris was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to promote her new book Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People. But she took some time to demonstrate a product she holds near and dear...to her crotch.

Jeff Goldblum...

2011-09-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

...on NTSF:SD: SUV. Need I say more?

Take that, David Caruso.

Tonight. 12:15am on Adult Swim.

'Dick Cavett and Mel Brooks Together Again'

2011-09-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

On December 7, 2010, Dick Cavett and Mel Brooks took the stage at the Saban Theater in Los Angeles for an evening of hilarious conversation. If you want to hear stories from one of our comedy forefathers, tune into HBO on Sunday, September 9th at 9pm to hear the "1000 Year Old Man" talk about the life of the man who created him. This might make Mel Brooks older than a 1000 years.

Oh, Hello Blog! I Forgot You Were There...

2011-08-25T14:55:00.001-07:00

Just on a brain vacation. In the meanwhile...feast your eyes on Conan's weird opening title graphics.

Childrens' Hospital Renewed for Season 4

2011-08-16T21:15:00.001-07:00

Photo by Robyn Von Swank

Adult Swim has renewed the Childrens' Hospital for a fourth season. Not a surprise since it's an insanely good show that has killed in the ratings, bringing in viewers within television's sweet spot - 18-49 year olds (and people of other age groups and sizes) who crave good comedy. Production will begin later this year, and the show will air in 2012, sending creator and star Rob Corddry, plus executive producers Jonathan Stern and David Wain back to work with their cast of regulars.

"I'm very pleased and honored by this announcement," said Corddry. "I'm also very surprised, given that I write this when I'm very, very drunk. Season four promises to be a cry for help."

"And people wonder why our economy is a mess," said Stern.

Source: FutonCritic.com

Del Close Marathon 13: "If You Didn't Make it to NYC, You Fucked Up"

2011-08-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

DCM #13 Day 1

Del Close Marathon 13 - Day One	UCBcomedy.com

Watch more comedy videos from the twisted minds of the UCB Theatre at UCBcomedy.com

Upright Citizens Brigade: Del Close Marathon Weekend

2011-08-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hello from the Del Close Marathon Part 13. Yes, thirteen years of celebrating the unique, twisted talent of Improv guru Del Close over at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. The event usually kicks off with a press conference with UCB founders Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Matt Besser , all on hand to discuss the future of the theatre, stories about Del, and to intermingle with press, comedy fans and students alike. Horatio Sanz joined them since he was there at the launch of the UCB, and to perhaps fill in Amy Poehler's absence.

Regarding UCB business, the topic of UCB East was broached. As you may remember from last year and various articles about the place, a new branch of the comedy theatre was (and is) due to open in Alphabet City on the Lower East Side earlier this year. Despite NYC building bureaucracy, and a pesky neighbor unhappy with the "Hot Chicks Room" signage outside, the UCB East (or UCBeast) is all decked out and ready for it's grand opening. Doors will open in early September and will be dedicated to stand up comedy - not strippers - as one vocal neighbor with her speed dial on 311 with complaints about it looking like a bordello proclaimed.

Also on the agenda was talk of a UCB book that will draw out improv techniques taught within the UCB training centers. Since the manuscript has been passed on to all instructors for input, it's been delayed. In addition, the UCB team has been trying to devise a chart to include in the book that breaks down the concept of "Yes, And...", which is the main component within the Harold "game" structure. Thanks to an artist in audience, who was kit out with markers and pens drawing the conference (like a court artist), Ian tried to draw the chart that deconstructs the "Yes, And..." vision, but he proved it difficult to harness on the printed page. With those factors swimming around, a UCB handbook might take some time to publish.

Of course, the man of the weekend, Del Close, was discussed. His difficult nature, his iconoclastic vision of comedy, and his own issues regarding contemporaries like Elaine May and Mike Nichols who moved onto the stratosphere of comedy success, while he stayed on the sidelines, was touched upon. Perhaps Del's own legacy was to bestow a method of "game" that would create the building blocks of organic, smart comedy as we know it today. With the theatre filled with UCB students and young performers from all the country, his resonance is perpetuated by Besser, Roberts, Poehler and Walsh, to the point where Del Close is more of a household name than May and Nichols to this new generation of funny people.

And speaking of new generation. Sadly, it feels like the original wave of UCB students who've grown through the years on the UCBNYC stage have moved on. The Los Angeles transplants were unable to make it due to production commitments. It's bittersweet. On one hand, it can feel as though they are turning their back to the past. On the other, it's like the seniors - the Scheers, Huebels, Poehler, Helms and the rest - have moved on to great careers, giving hope to the freshman with visions of pilot season and development deals in their heads. Still. It's a bummer they can't make it anymore.

Yet, the new class is moving up. Doppleganger - a lady threesome (Nicole Byer, Keisha Zollar and Sasheer Zamata) hit the stage after the conference. Comedy transcends race and gender, and in a world where Improv is dominated by white hipster dudes and chicks, Doppleganger's line up of three African American ladies was a refreshing force with a passionate flair. Using Harold techniques to transition from one funny, unique scene after the other, they are playful, hilarious, and heighten moments like crazy. They are a must see at UCBNYC or at various NYC venues on any given night. Doppleganger is proof that there are more fresh new faces on the rise, and talent with so much to offer. (And funny ladies rule!)

Doppleganger at Del Close Marathon UCBNYC stage.

More to come on DCM #13.

More to read on UCB and Del Close Marathons of the past:
Hot Chicks Room to Warm Chicks
Del Close Marathon 2009
Del Close Marathon 2010

Childrens' Hospital: Chief's Mole Watch

2011-08-06T15:41:00.001-07:00

This week, Chief's mole has migrated and now dwells on her right cheek.

Let's review. A few weeks ago, a mole was found hovering on top of Chief's face in the forehead region. Then the jaunty little brown speck was found living on her left cheek. Now it exists on the right.

This is dumb. Yet, so very important.

NTSF: SD: SUV

2011-08-04T17:11:00.001-07:00

If you dwell around the CBS network during any given weekday night, you'll stumble across a litter of cop dramas that, in recent years, have multiplied like bunnies. CSI: Criminal Scene Investigation, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and NCIS: Los Angeles. It's a veritable poo-poo platter of dead frat boys, gory autopsies, lady detectives in pant suits and acronyms. Yes, America: These are your prime time procedurals, and it's time for some spoofing to keep their heads on straight.

Much like Childrens Hospital, which is a send up of medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy, Adult Swim has taken an idea by comedian Paul Scheer and given the cop drama it's own hilarious punch in the gut. NTSF: SD: SUV originally aired as a spoof trailer after Childrens' last season, and was picked up by the network for full 15 minute episodes. It's currently in it's third week of broadcast, and has proven to be a pitch perfect procedural satire. Alongside Scheer as Trent, is June Raphael as Piper, Rebecca Romjin as the brainiac Jesse, whom everyone thinks is ugly but it gorgeous, Kate Mulligrew as Trent's ex-wife and commander Kove, Brandon Johnson as Alphonse (a UCB favorite of mine, who is incredibly funny and needs to be famous now), and Party Down's Martin Starr as Sam. There's a robot. There's sex. There's histrionics. And David Caruso's spirit lingers in the details.

NTSF:SD:SUV airs right after Childrens Hospital at 12:15am on Thursday nights. Watch it, and prepare your mind before it gets blown away.

Spot the Mole

2011-08-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

As Childrens' Hospital builds into a popular fringe comedy, gags are developing into fun, must see moments. Whether it's Cat's desire to perfect the perfect impersonation of a Puerto Rican woman, Michael Cera as the voice over the PA, or Nurse Dori walking around thinking she's really fat when she's really 8 months pregnant, this show fits in little "easter eggs" of fun filled details that only idiots like me notice.

Megan Mullally, who plays Chief, began the series during its webisode days as the lovely looking handicapped head of Childrens' ER. The day that Mullally found a man's wig in a shop on Hollywood Boulevard was the day Chief would evolve from lovely Mullally-like beauty, into an attractive short haired bridge troll.

Now, through the magic of show biz makeup, Chief has a new friend. A mole. It started on her forehead a few weeks ago....
...and it has now traveled to her cheek....

Where will it travel next? Will it evolve into a mustache? A goatee? Or will it find it's mojo, get bigger, catch charisma and have it's own TV show?

Two and a Half Men: The Kutcher Edition

2011-07-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

As we all know, season nine of Two and a Half Men will be Sheen-less. With Ashton Kutcher as the new Malibu housemate, there's plenty of curiosity on how this new dynamic will work. Also, how will Charlie's absence be explained? Will Chuck Lorre have him die in a fiery accident on the Pacific Coast Highway? Or will Charlie travel to Borneo on vacation and be kidnapped by hot native women in skimpy bikinis, making him their sex slave until he dies? We'll all find out on September 19th on CBS.

How To Write for (Fun and) Profit

2011-07-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Writing Movies For Fun and Profit from Thomas Lennon

I'm a little late in posting this because I've been busy reading how I can sell out and make millions writing screenplays in Hollywood. I now have the tools that will make me bucket loads of cash, walk red carpets and develop a $2000 a day coke habit. Ok, make that alcoholism. And you can too! Watch Ben Garant and Tom Lennon's commercial above. And remember - you can suffer through re-writes, firings, hirings and arbitration! Know the hierarchy in studio parking! Find the best In-N-Out! Learn how to say "YES!" to the dumbest ideas! Listen. Now Go Read the Book. And Learn!

Looking Ahead to Fall Season 2011-2012

2011-07-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely I'm getting on board with the new fall season. One show I'm looking forward to is 2 Broke Girls on CBS. Starring Cat Dennings and Beth Behrs as two waitresses, one working class, the other upper class and down on her luck, it was created by Sex and the City's Michael Patrick King and comedian and Co-Executive Producer Whitney Cummings. There is an edge to this three camera comedy that seems to fit the vibe of CBS' Monday night lineup. It will follow another three camera sitcom How I Met Your Mother. This show was also a hot commodity, having been the subject of a bidding war won out by the CBS.

Cummings also had her own sitcom picked up by NBC - Whitney. As per the NBC Fall previews there is a lot of "Oh, that Whitney!", and "What will Whitney do now?" and "Oh kooky Whitney always stealing the thunder - even in a wedding!" Your mileage may vary, but it feels like the show is bringing comedy back 30 years...and not in M.A.S.H or All in the Family way.

History of Rap, Part 2

2011-07-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

I couldn't love these two anymore than I already do.

Conan to Premiere "The Flaming C" at Comic Con

2011-07-19T17:42:00.001-07:00

...or will he? Word is that he might. More over at DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com.

'Breaking Bad' - Box Cutters Aren't Just For Boxes

2011-07-18T13:12:00.001-07:00

See? It's not real. Look at those crazy Breaking Bad boys laughing in that picture above. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman are just fictional characters Vincent Gilligan concocted. So, last night's incredible, horrific season premiere was not real. Jesse is really Aaron Paul, a guy who is not a street criminal turned murderer with a heart calloused over by the many violent, gut explosive situations he's been through. He's really a cool, talented, Emmy Award winning actor who made a character turn from sniveling little drug dealer with family issues, into a raving, fucked up killer. Walter is really Emmy Award winning Bryan Cranston, the cool dad from Malcolm in the Middle, a funny man who booked roles as a weirdo (see weirdo dentist in Seinfeld, and weirdo neighbor in King of Queens) with a loving daughter who fainted during the Breaking Bad premiere screening during THAT scene. Giancarlo Esposito is a nice man and incredibly fine actor who just joined ABC's Once Upon A Time in a major recurring role. See? He's not really a cold, steely, terrifying, placid maniac who is the most frightening monster on Earth. He's really cool. I'd wager a guess that he only uses box cutters to open boxes, or one of those blister packs when he buys a new set of earphones.

And David Costabile will always be the ever faithful and sweet Doug, husband to Mel on Flight of the Conchords. He's not dead. Those lab notes aren't real.

See? It's all a fevered dream. And Jess...um...Aaron isn't going to pop a bullet in Gilligan in that photo above, and Cranston isn't going to burn a hole in his chest with an evil stare, telling him it's time to make the meth. No. They're going to head over to Craft Services in a minute.

Breaking Bad premiered last night, and it didn't skirt away from it's reputation of being bad ass, explosive television. Watch it on Sundays at 10pm. And wear a diaper.

NTSF: SD: SUV

2011-07-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

NTSF: SD: SUV premieres on Thursday, July 21st at 12:15am on Adult Swim. (After Childrens' Hospital). Get ready to have your face blown off...ironically.

63rd Annual Emmy Awards: Nominations Announcment

2011-07-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

The 63rd Annual Emmy Awards will air on Sunday, September 18th at 8pm ET on Fox.

To All 'Mike & Molly' Naysayers...Mrs. Blankenship Kudos...Plimpton Nom...Parks & Rec...

2011-07-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

For everyone who makes fun of Mike & Molly, listen up: Melissa McCarthy is awesome, and she was just nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series - for a show everyone too-hip-for-the-room loves to make fun of. Congratulations to her!

Watch her find out about her nomination - as she announces her nomination! What?

And in other Emmy kudos, the incredible Martha Plimpton from the hilarious Fox series Raising Hope, also got a nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Very well deserved. She is truly funny, quirky and wonderfully snarky on this show (alongside Cloris Leachman - also nominated for Outstanding Guest Starring Appearance in a Comedy Series).

And in a surprising, yet not really surprising twist - Randee Heller, who gaves us the irrepressible, cranky and once "hell cat" Mrs. Blankenship on Mad Men was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. If she doesn't win, I will be disappointed. As much as I like fellow Mets fan Julia Stiles and the other ladies in this category - Loretta Devine, Alfre Woodard, Joan Cusak and Cara Buono (who portrayed Faye on Mad Men) - I don't think the competition can measure up to Heller's fantastic performance. Heller went from attractive, relatively young woman, to dowdy 60's matron convincingly. Blakenship wasn't just a character, she was a force who shuffled off this mortal coil the same way she shuffled into Don Draper's office.

But you know what sucks on this Emmy nomination day? The snubbing of Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson. As someone on Gawker said earlier today and I'm paraphrasing: "I can live with this knowing that Ron Swanson would have hated to have been nominated."

However, great news for his show Parks and Recreation, grabbing its first Emmy Nomination in Best Comedy Series category. Even though NATAS' darling comedy of the century - Modern Family - will probably kick ass on September 18th, it's so good to see not only the most refreshing show on television get recognized, but one of its' stars, Amy Poehler, get an Outstanding Actress in a Comedy nomination as well. (The outstanding funny ladies in a comedy series category is brimming with talent. Tina Fey, Laura Linney, Martha and Melissa....a tough category indeed).

Oh, and Community was robbed. They deserve at least top writing credit for some creativity. Perhaps their quirky approach leaned a bit on the gimmicky side, and turned off some NATAS voters?

And finally, Glee? Really?

Full listing of Emmy nominations on NYTimes. com.

Corky Speaks Up

2011-07-06T15:16:00.001-07:00

Zombies and Vampires Come to MTV

2011-06-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Tags: MTV Shows

Death Valley, a dark comedic zombie vampire cop show has been picked up by MTV.

Python Time!

2011-06-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Telegraph listed the best five Monty Python sketches of all time. You can find them here.

This is my top favorite Python Sketches:

1) Gumby Brain Surgery:

2) Military 'Swanning About'

3) 127th Upper Class Twit of the Year Competition:

4) The Spanish Inquisition

5) Take Your Pick/Gameshow

Nick Kroll Sketch Show Picked Up

2011-06-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Comedy Central has just picked up Nick Kroll's latest project -The Nick Show Kroll. It will be a sketch comedy produced and written by Kroll. John Levenstein and Jonathan Krisel will co-write the series.

If you only know Nick Kroll from the comedy The League, you don't know Kroll. Although funny on the FX series, Nick has a bag of funny outrageous characters that will blow you away. From the sound of it, he'll be giving us his hilarious Bobby Bottleservice. And can I hope for a little Fabrice Fabrice?

Also picked up alongside Kroll's show is a comedy starring Keegan-Michael Key, whom you might remember from Mad TV. I recently spotted him in an episode of Childrens' Hospital, so seeing more of his comedy is always a good thing.

More here: DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com

Saul's Back...

2011-06-27T10:38:00.001-07:00

Did your pet tiger maul the neighbor again? Did you have to murder a Mexican drug cartel king and his minions, and now your meth lab is in trouble? You need a lawyer. Better call Saul.

The new season of Breaking Bad starts on AMC July 17th.

Mob Wives: Lazy Summer Monday Comment

2011-06-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

See this screenshot above, taken from the big fight scene during the season finale of VH1's Mob Wives? That's all you need to know about this show. That's why I actually love it. The love. The history. The hate. The pitbull anger and growling of these women when they are pushed too far. It's a rage bubbling from the fallout of loving and being bred by mobsters. This show feeds on the festering old wounds of the wives' past. It's a bit overdone, heightening old tensions that really don't need to be prodded (such as an old love triangle involving Drita D'avanzo and Karen Gravano), but these ladies are fascinating to me.

Rene Graziano is my favorite because she kicks ass - and you can see her ass living inside her Spanx as her ass tries to break up a fight between Drita and Karen.

Mob Wives on VH1

So There's This...

2011-06-21T13:02:00.001-07:00

'The Green Lantern' Didn't Live Up To Expectations...

2011-06-21T09:41:00.001-07:00

Rest In Peace: Clarence Clemons

2011-06-19T01:21:00.000-07:00

Colbert Commencement Speech at Northwestern

2011-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Another terrific commencement speech made by one of our beloved late night comedians. Stephen Colbert is a Northwestern alumni (class of 86), and not only spoke of funny things, but used his experience with improv as a point about life.

Childrens' Hospital and Mass Transit

2011-06-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Photo on bus and all promotional photos of cast for season 3 by Robyn Von Swank.

Crappy iPhone photo of bus from a Prius on 3rd Street, Los Angeles by me.

Off Topic Department

2011-06-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Clarence "Big Man" Clemons, saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen's 'E Street Band' suffered a stroke this past Sunday. And it's serious. Having seen the damage the ravages of a stroke can cause up close, I know he has a difficult road ahead. Here's hoping he pulls through.

Springsteen was so apart of my childhood's musical landscape. Having left his music long ago, I'd like to revisit a memorable moment in tribute to Clarence. Here are parts 1 and 2 of a great performance. Sorry they're split up, but this is truly the "Big Man" and Springsteen at their best. This song never fails to make me hyperventilate and bring on heart palpitations.

Broadway Moment: 'Company'

2011-06-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Stephen Sondheim's classic 1970 hit Company is one of the most thrilling Broadway shows I've never seen live. It only exists to me as a YouTube clip, Great Performances revival on DVD or "Original Broadway Cast Recording" - with the forever wonderful Elaine Stritch as Joanne, and Dean Jones as Bobby, the man with the Peter Pan complex who realizes through the love of his married friends, that being singular isn't really "Being Alive".

If you watched the Tony Awards last Sunday, you probably enjoyed a performance of one of Company's show stoppers, "Side by Side"sung by television's and Broadway's best: Stephen Colbert, Jon Cryer, Christina Hendricks, Martha Plimpton, Patti LuPone, Craig Bierko and Neil Patrick Harris (perhaps my favorite person right now) as the aforementioned Bobby. Company was revived and performed at the New York Philharmonic earlier this year. It was filmed for limited theatrical release, and will be shown at various theaters with selected dates starting tomorrow - June 15, 16, 19 and 21st.

I cannot get enough of this incredible score. Here's a clip:

Source: New York Philharmonic - 'Company'

Conan O'Brien's Commencement Speech at Dartmouth

2011-06-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hilarious. Inspiring.

Behind the Rivalry

2011-06-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

If you're keeping score on the Alec Baldwin/John Krasinski baseball rivalry, here's a behind the scenes chat about their favorite teams.

NTSF:SD:SUV...

2011-06-09T17:30:00.001-07:00

Get ready. Later this summer, NTSF:SD:SUV premieres on Adult Swim. Take all those notions of procedural cop dramas and bury them, because this show looks more interesting than anything the CSI or NCIS or Law & Order spawns can cook up - or would even want to.

More to come...

Wet Hot American Summer

2011-06-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

This movie stars a list of super funny comedians, and it's celebrating its' 10th anniversary this year.

http://davidwain.com/site/WetHot.html

'Saturday Night Live' Japan

2011-06-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

Interesting...

'Million Dollar Decorators': The British Rule L.A.

2011-06-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

What is it with British people and Los Angeles? Is it the sunshine and big money that brings out what is already pretty terrific to levels of Absolutely Fabulous? Last week, Bravo premiered their latest reality series Million Dollar Decorators, and unleashed a pair of Brits that have given me new meaning in life. Kathryn Ireland and Martyn Lawrence-Bullard are interior designers to the Hollywood rich, and they take Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone to the 'Fabulous' cleaners. They are the real deal in terms of fascinating personalities that you would sell a pair of Laboutins to spend time with. If you had a pair of Laboutins. I don't.

Delicious. That's Martyn's word, and it never feels so true as it does when you see him on this show. The words "Delicious" and "Sumptuous" fall from his lips like melted chocolate, a vision that is real since he is addicted to the stuff. He lives in this beyond gorgeous house in the Hollywood Hills that held Hollywood royalty such as Valentino and Gloria Swanson. William Faulkner was also a past owner who used to write his scripts on the secluded terrace overlooking a garden that is probably a slice out of Nirvana's backyard. Martyn is like Morrissey as designer, and when he meets up with Kathryn Ireland, the fabulousness begins.

Kathryn is this ballsy British broad with a "body they don't make anymore". She not only designs the home of wealthy folk, but she creates beautiful textiles. We haven't seen much of her at work yet, but it doesn't matter. She's a pip. While lunching with Martyn at a swank L.A. restaurant, she discusses openly, histrionically, he size of her boobs - which are grand. In episode one, she held a birthday party for herself that barely happened, but when it did, she was the belle of the ball, flirting with guests, trying on hats, playing various shades of ingenue, and exuding a flaky hilarious vibe. She's not only the 'life of the party" she is the life of this show. Part Dorothy Parker, part....Edina Monsoon, I can't wait to see what she brings to the table. And just from a quick dose of her and Martyn breaking bread and sucking on wine while talking about hypnotists, it's my hope Bravo will let us peek deeper into that friendship.

Also on the show are designers Mary McDonald, Jeffrey Allen Marks, and Nathan Turner, who all stand on their own as interesting characters. But for me, the Brits have it going on.

As a final note, it was reality show boner time when Kathryn and Martyn were dining at La Villa Blanca, owned by none other that that other wonderful Brit from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Lisa Vanderpump. An appearance from her last night would have been a trifecta of British/Hollywood beauty. But sadly, not this time.

The show airs on Tuesdays. Check out clips over at Bravo.

Jon Benjamin Has A Van

2011-06-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Have van, will travel - along with cameraman, sound guy and writer Leo Allen. This new series from comedian Jon Benjamin (Bob's Burgers), premieres June 14th on Comedy Central.

Jon Benjamin Has a Van

'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Count Down...

2011-06-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

With a little over a month to go before the July 10th premiere of Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's never too early to get ready for some Larry David.

Here's the latest Curb trailer, filled with familiar faces in comedy, both alternative and mainstream. Coming up this season are appearances by Paul F. Tompkins, Brett Gelman, Michaela Watkins, Michael J. Fox, Anna Gasteyer, Mad Men's Rich Sommer and legendary SNL writer Alan Zweibel.

The new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm premieres on HBO on July 10th at 10pm.

This is How My Day is Going...

2011-06-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

From David Letterman's Holiday Film Festival of 1985.

9th Annual Improv Festival at IOWest

2011-06-06T13:12:00.001-07:00

IOWest (aka Improv Olympics) kicks off its' 9th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival today. Tonight features Celebrity with guest celeb Joel McHale of NBC's Community and E!'s The Soup. Other shows include sketch cage matches plus an Armando Show with long form improv initiated by Office stars Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey with monologist Kate Walsh. (Armando is the same template as UCB's Asssscat, whereby a guest monologist tells stories with elements/themes used to create improvised scenes). Saturday night will bring us a Conan Fest with the red headed comedian's bevvy of writers who will perform for your pleasure, followed by the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony. This year's recipient is Arrested Development's Jeffrey Tambor. It all wraps up later that night with the Del Close Award for Advancement in Improv.

The schedule for IOWest's Improv Comedy Festival can be found here.

Get on this, Los Angeles comedy fans!

"Attention Staff: It's Saturday...and It's NOT Alright For Fighting"...

2011-06-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

A boy arrives in a trough of quicksand in the middle of a Saturday - the day our heroes of the ER are off living their super human hero lives. Only one doctor can perform a life saving procedure to release the boy, but obstacles get in her way. Can Lola get to Childrens' to save little Scott before his organs get crushed? Or will he meet a certain sandy death when she's delayed while stopping for gas? Find out tonight at midnight on Childrens' Hospital's season 3 premiere episode "Run, Dr. Lola Spratt, Run!"

Don't just set your DVR - drink loads of caffeine and stay up to watch live, and follow @robcorddry (#ChildrensHospital) and cast as they live Tweet the hell out of this show.

Also - check out some cool press and video interviews with cast down here....

'Childrens' Hospital' Noteworthy PR:

ScreenJunkies.com - Interviews with Cast

EW.com - Childrens' Hospital is Back: Rob Corddry Offers Five Teases for Season 3

TheFutonCritic.com - A Few Minutes with the Cast of Childrens' Hospital

Vulture.com - A Day on the Childrens' Hospital Set with Power Hungry Henry Winkler

Examiner.com - 'Childrens' Hospital' Season 3 Will Feature Big Developments for Rob Huebel

TheDailyJournal.com - Childrens Hospital Returns This Week to Adult Swim

IndieWire.com - 'E.R' The Way It Should Have Been 'Childrens' Hospital' Adult Swim Website.

TVGuide.com - The Bin Laden Joke You Won't See

Official 'Childrens' Hospital' Page on AdultSwim.com

Sneak Peek: Blake Seeks Shelter at Valerie's Place