Funny Ladies of TV Take On Austin

Poster photo by Robyn Von Swank

I became a fan of Rachael Harris when she starred in the Kirstie Alley venture Fat Actress on Showtime back in 2005. The program itself was overwrought with Alley's over-the-top craziness, but Harris, who played Kevyn, the star's personal hairdresser and makeup artist alongside the funny Bryan Callen as Eddie, the live-in PA, were both so hilarious working off each other, it would have been fun to see them spin off into their own series. (They could be Kristie's assistants, but we never see her - like we never see adults in Peanuts specials but we hear the "wah wah wah" off camera.)

Rachael has since turned up in some favored alternative comedy shows such as Party Down, Funny or Die Presents, and Childrens Hospital. She is currently attached to the Mike O'Malley, Rob Huebel Fox pilot Family Album. (Fingers are crossed that this is ordered to series.)

Harris, usually cute and acerbic, takes a slightly dramatic and dowdy turn in the upcoming feature Natural Selection. She portrays Linda White, a woman who connects with her dieing husband's illegitimate son. The film premieres at the South by Southwest Film Festival which kicks off next week. Here's a peek:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

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Also showing at the SXSW Festival is Judd Apatow's latest film starring some funny ladies of television. Bridesmaids stars SNL's Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig, Mike and Molly's Melissa McCarthy, The Office's Ellie Kemper, and Reno 911's Wendy McLendon-Covey. It looks like the a ladies' version of The Hangover.

Away We Go...Trailer

What did John Krasinski during his summer break last year? He filmed a Sam Mendes film. At the time, it went under the working title Farlanders. Then it was called This Must Be The Place (a nice nod to a heart warming Talking Heads song). Now, the official title is Away We Go, a solid, sweet title if ever I heard one.

The film, written by Dave Eggers and his wife Vendela Vita, looks warm, funny, sentimental and worth a few dollars plunked down at the box office. It's about a couple in their thirties who are about to have their first child and decide to travel around the country to search for a place to live. It co-stars SNL's Maya Rudolph as the preggers girlfriend to her raffish boyfriend, played by Krasinski.

The film appears to transport John beyond the farcial comedies to which he's been associated. Mendes seems to have zoned in on the sensitivity and comedic timing that have made Krasinski compelling as Jim Halpert. Maya Rudolph, known more for sketch comedy and light fare, seems to take it down a notch, providing more warmth in her humor, appearing more human than cartoonish note required of her on SNL and Kath and Kim. At least that is what I've gleaned just by viewing the trailer.

This flick has a dark, indie feel to it. Krasinski always seemed better suited for independent work. Before The Office fame, he starred in indies such as Smiley Face and the very low budget, amateurish A New Wave - where he was the one shining factor in a very flawed film. Although John will most likely continue to work in those big ass Hollywood productions (he'll be in production on a Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin flick this summer), the grit of low fidelity movies feel like a comfortable fit. As for Rudolph (and to some extent - Krasinski himself - who played second fiddle to George Clooney and Robin Williams), this is her first time headlining a notable production, so it will be fun to see her step beyond the comedy box that put her on the map.

The film also stars Allison Janney, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeff Daniels, Catherine O'Hara and Jim "Hot Pockets" Gaffigan.

The trailer is out, using the music of the incredible Alexi Murdoch. I'm hoping his songs are used throughout this movie, and not just solely for promotional purpose.

SNL: Guest Host - Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm has established himself as a continuing future guest host of Saturday Night Live, along the lines of Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck and Carmen Diaz. He was on fire last night in a bevvy of political sketches as well as incredibly fun "Mad Men" spoofs that thrilled this MM fan to the marrow. Cameos by John Slattery and Elisabeth Moss playing their perspective MM characters was a surprise and fun to behold.

Hamm has always had the funny chops to carry off a guest starring stint on SNL. You can see the glimmer of humor in his eyes on Mad Men, and the guy hangs around Jimmy Kimmel for God sakes. For a program that tends to be serious with variable degrees of lighthearted moments, it was a blast to find Hamm portraying Don Draper in a comedic light. Highlight of the night:
"Don Draper's Guide to Picking Up Women".



So much more was in store. A funny Halloween bit involving Will Forte as a neighborhood sex predictor, a hilarious spoof of a Vincent Price fright hour, where Hamm showed his impressionist skills by nailing a perfect James Mason. A great reunion with Maya Rudolph flourished into the Michelle and Barack OBama variety hour, whereby Hamm showed his JFK imitation skills to perfection. Here's hoping that Hamm returns for more appearances. He ruled the show.

Amy Poehler was missing due to the very wonderful fact that she and her husband, comedian Will Arnett had their first child the day before - Archie Arnett. Amy will apparently be leaving SNL, but will be working on the new Greg Daniels (showrunner of "The Office") project for NBC. Go baby mama!

(Photo courtesy of NBC Universal Media)

SNL: Update Thursday and Election Brings Back More Cast from the Past

Will Farrell, perhaps the best George W. Bush impersonator ever, made an appearance on last night's SNL "Update Thursday". Joining him was Tina Fey, channeling Sarah Palin.



More good stuff on SNL. In the same spirit of Farrell and Fey, Maya Rudolph will be re-joining the SNL cast this Saturday to portray Michelle Obama.



Also, the happiness continues. "Mad Men's Jon Hamm will be hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend with musical guest Coldplay.