Wendy and I had a good time watching "Monster House" this weekend. Don't be fooled by its PG-rating, the "family movie" is quite a bit scarier than most other recent CG movies. It's also a refreshing change from the recent infestation of cheery, goofy, talking-animal comedies. Though occasionally creepy in tone, this adventure/comedy has more in common with "The Goonies" than "Poltergeist." The dialogue is clever and fast, the characters transcend (if only barely) simple caricatures, and the visuals are moody and atmospheric. While the movie takes a somewhat morbid turn in its final third, it is still so clever and engaging that you probably won't mind in the end. It's a perfect movie for Halloween-time if you want to have a mild scare without the nightmares--just think twice before letting your younger kids watch it.... (*** out of four)
In other news, I've really been enjoying the new TV season so far. Most of my shows have come back in top form, and our new DVR has been the best thing to come into our lives since the cell phone. My favorite show, "Lost," has been fast-paced and fascinating, correcting the occasional season 2 error of not moving the story forward. My other vice, "The Amazing Race," has been thrilling and fun, as usual (I'm rooting for the Cho brothers, though I think it will likely be Team Barbie to win...).
I've somewhat reluctantly rejoined "Gilmore Girls," although I've been bothered not only by the Luke-less Lorelei, but by the new showrunner's inability to correctly capture the lightning-fast dialogue that made the show's first six seasons so entertaining. Plus, I can't see what the writers are thinking by putting the otherwise intelligent and strong Lorelei and Rory with such shallow, brainless men. In other words, this show is on my endangered list.
I've also casually watched "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" with Matthew Perry. While I like Perry and most of the rest of the cast, there's something uneven about the drama, which at times feels preachy and condescending, traits that seem completely out of place for a show that details the ins-and-outs of a "SNL"-type sketch hour. There's no doubt that creator/writer Aaron Sorkin has a terrific ability to create interesting discussion (used to great advantage on the early years of "The West Wing"), but I think the show may just be a little too self-important to catch on with mainstream audiences. Plus, the romance between Sarah Polley's and Matthew Perry's characters just feels too forced; they have zero chemistry, and don't even look good together (where's Courtney Cox when you need her?).
Finally, "The Office." I have to admit, there have been some big laughs in the four new episodes that have aired so far this season (the boardroom movie-reciting exercise was classic). But deep down, I really think that Jim's absence in the old office has been a great big disappointment; a shameless ploy by producers to prolong the inevitable. The romantic in me would be happier to see Jim and Pam interact uncomfortably in their old environment than see them move on with life as if they had never been friends. For crying out loud, bring Jim back to Scranton!!!
How have you liked the TV season so far this year? What's on your endangered list?
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2 comments:
Jay--you've been so prolific lately! Very impressive indeed.
Ok, so, I just want to say that I miss Jim too.
Hi Jay! It's been awhile. Anyway I agree with you regarding the Office but I would add that apart from the Jim and Pat separation, Michael is becoming more annoying than funny. The Office is on my endangered list.
As far as Lost - I love watching it, but don't like thinking about it. There are still way too many unsolved mysteries with the Island that the directors will have a hard time explaining if it only involves the Others. Furthermore, Ben's mystic is a little overbearing. Ok, he is smart, clever, can whoop on Sawyer, is not to be trusted, manipulative etc etc - I get the point. What I don't get is what the heck is he doing. All the tortue, killing, kidnapping, psychological games, etc cannot be explained by the need for back surgery. Now that there won't be any new episodes for awhile that answer will have to wait.
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