Saturday Night Live's 37th season began on 11:30 PM on Saturday 9/24/2011 as scheduled. One of my favorite actors, the talented, Alec Baldwin hosted for the 16th time, which he stated in his opening monologue, beating Steve Martin's record. After a few short moments, Steve Martin joined Alec on stage to question him on using any drugs to enhance his performance. An expert on drugs was consulted where actor Seth Rogen appeared on stage. Cast members also appeared as Steve's "medical team" to take a urine sample from Alec to test it. Steve stopped the cast and began to sip and recite what he tasted in the urine which resulted in audience laughter. The three actors announced that Radiohead was there to perform.
Overall, it was a pretty engaging monologue, yet I felt that Steve really overshadowed Alec, which was temporary acceptable as Alec was ultimately allowed to shine in other sketches.
Mini review of each sketch: (W - watch it, FF - fast forward it)
1st sketch - political (as always) - poking fun at the GOP debate featuring the 6 candidates running for president - FF
Opening Monologue - W
2nd sketch - Red Flag perfume commercial - FF
3rd sketch - Susan Lucci "All My Children" - W
4th sketch - Costa Rica news delay - FF
Radiohead 1st performance - FF
Weekend update - FF
5th sketch - "Who's on Top?" game show - W
6th sketch - "Top Gun" screen test - W
7th sketch - Home dinner date with annoying daughter - FF
Radiohead 2nd performance - FF
8th and final sketch - TCM "Angels in the Trenches" - W
In summary:
Wins
- Opening Monologue, "All My Children", "Who's on Top?", "Top Gun" and "Angels in the Trenches"
Fails
- Radiohead. I was hoping to be entertained and was disappointed. Song and performance was very vanilla. Maybe they should have went with a band with more showmanship for the premiere.
- News Update surprising disappointed as well. Seth Myers and Alec Baldwin as Tony Bennett did not entertain
- Every sketch mainly featuring Kristen Wiig
- No Digital Short
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Amongst my group of friends, Adam Sandler's albums has come up in lunch conversation a couple of times in the past two weeks so I thought I'd put together a little reference list of his 5 albums which can be found at the end of this blog to put his entire discography into perspective. Also, please see my quick opinion / mini review on each album.
Quick Opinion / Mini Review
a) They're All Gonna Laugh at You - awesome CD, loved all the tracks as a kid, some more than others, yet overall still listened to this cd countless times... my friends and I quoted this album a lot in 8th grade
b) What The Hell Happened To Me! - I don't recall or never listened to all the songs on this album but I do love the obvious classics: "The Goat", "The Chanukah Song", "Do It For Your Mama", and "Sex or Weight Lifting".
c) What's Your Name - I have no memory or recollection of listening to this album ever
d) Stan & Judy's Kid - I don't recall or never listened to all the songs on this album but I do love "The Peeper', and 'The Chanukah Song, Part II'. (If you google and watch the animated cartoon of "The Peeper", that is also enjoyable.)
e) Shh...Dont' Tell - I didn't know this album existed until today
Quick Opinion / Mini Review
a) They're All Gonna Laugh at You - awesome CD, loved all the tracks as a kid, some more than others, yet overall still listened to this cd countless times... my friends and I quoted this album a lot in 8th grade
b) What The Hell Happened To Me! - I don't recall or never listened to all the songs on this album but I do love the obvious classics: "The Goat", "The Chanukah Song", "Do It For Your Mama", and "Sex or Weight Lifting".
c) What's Your Name - I have no memory or recollection of listening to this album ever
d) Stan & Judy's Kid - I don't recall or never listened to all the songs on this album but I do love "The Peeper', and 'The Chanukah Song, Part II'. (If you google and watch the animated cartoon of "The Peeper", that is also enjoyable.)
e) Shh...Dont' Tell - I didn't know this album existed until today
***
Adam Sandler Discography
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Super 8 review
It sounds contrite, but true, that J.J. Abrams has written and directed a really great movie. Some have said it's the E.T. of our generation and I definitely agree, but that should not be viewed as a bad thing. Abrams has been quoted in saying that he makes movies that he would like to see and, in turn, he has created a movie that the world should also see.
"Super 8" has humor, intrigue, suspense, and is full of heart. The cast of children have great chemistry together and the viewer can easily believe that they all have been friends for their entire lives. It's a period piece where every detail has had that personal touch to take you to the world being presented to the viewer. While there were a few slow parts and predictable scenes that every movie cannot avoid, the rest is filled with fantastic action scenes filled with impeccable special effects and powerful emotional scenes that tear at the heart strings. 4 out of 5 stars.
"Super 8" has humor, intrigue, suspense, and is full of heart. The cast of children have great chemistry together and the viewer can easily believe that they all have been friends for their entire lives. It's a period piece where every detail has had that personal touch to take you to the world being presented to the viewer. While there were a few slow parts and predictable scenes that every movie cannot avoid, the rest is filled with fantastic action scenes filled with impeccable special effects and powerful emotional scenes that tear at the heart strings. 4 out of 5 stars.
Friday, June 3, 2011
X-men: First Class review
In a word, "X-men: First Class" was good. Erik and Charles really stole the show and they were a pleasure to watch on screen. There was some really good chemistry between these two characters and their actions personified their views concerning the existence and continued emergence of the mutant situation. They were truly good friends and seeing them work together in a common interest reminded the viewer that they aren't just mutants, they are humans, trying to fit in and contribute to society with their gifts. In the same token, both held different ideals which led them ultimately to the path that we all know they would choose to be on different sides.
Unfortunately, their "First Class" of mutants or students wasn't the best class they could assemble and were easily forgettable, yet Erik and Charles did their best with what they had to overcome the crisis at hand while still operating their own agendas. As teachers, they let their students grow by making mistakes, learning from them, and making their own decisions in life. Also, like any good teacher or parent, they hoped that their students would might the best moral decision, yet sometimes they wanted them to make the decision that best served them.
Overall, the viewer is treated with a very good back story and development of two very different characters that are Erik and Charles. They really shined while the minor characters didn't shine as bright. I give this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Unfortunately, their "First Class" of mutants or students wasn't the best class they could assemble and were easily forgettable, yet Erik and Charles did their best with what they had to overcome the crisis at hand while still operating their own agendas. As teachers, they let their students grow by making mistakes, learning from them, and making their own decisions in life. Also, like any good teacher or parent, they hoped that their students would might the best moral decision, yet sometimes they wanted them to make the decision that best served them.
Overall, the viewer is treated with a very good back story and development of two very different characters that are Erik and Charles. They really shined while the minor characters didn't shine as bright. I give this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I Am Number Four review
"I Am Number Four" tells the story of an alien who is 1 of 9 aliens that survived an extermination of their race on their home planet. Unfortunately, the remaining 9 that escaped to Earth, are being hunted down and killed in number order. The movie chronicles #4's fight to stay alive, as well as the discovery of his powers, true friends, true love, other aliens, and what to do next.
The action is pretty good, but the acting is pretty bad. An ex-boyfriend character of #4's love interest is introduced in an attempt to distract the viewer and attempt to trick us whether #4 is in imminent danger when he really not. The major conflict in the movie is resolved, but unfortunately, is obviously they are setting up for a sequel. (Note: The sequel comes out via book form this August so I'd expect a sequel a year or two from now, which I'll probably rent.)
In the end, the dog was a good addition and I found myself caring more about him than the aliens. I didn't hate the move, but I didn't love it either. I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
SNL Season 36 Finale review
Justin Timberlake episodes have a reputation of being great and this episode, which was also the season finale, did not disappoint.
Highlights:
JT's opening monologue was great. Obviously the writer's write the opening monologues for the hosts each week, but with the singing incorporated one wonders if Justin was sitting in the writer's room with them or if he wrote the melody and lyrics of his monologue himself. Normally opening monologues with music fall flat, but not only was Justin's singing fantastic as always, it was funny and entertaining.
Liquorville sketch was very well done. Following in the footsteps of "Omelette-ville" and others like it, Justin did not disappoint with his singing, dancing and plain old having fun in this sketch. Lady Gaga is creepy as hell, but thankfully didn't ruin the sketch and actually added a little bit of humor to it.
Digital short - "3 way" Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake team up once again and with the help of Lady Gaga created a song I assume is called "3 way" or at least that's what I'm referring to the short as since it features a song that points out the fact that if Andy and Justin have a 3-way with Lady Gaga it's not gay. The song was catchy and very well done as one would suspect.
What's That Name? sketch was very good. Obviously this sketch has been done before but it was funny doing it with a celebrity's playing themselves. I also didn't mind Lady Gaga's inclusion in this sketch and making her the opposite of Justin made for some humor.
Maryville Sketch was smile worthy but not as good as the Jim Carey version unfortunately.
Barry Gibb talk show sketch was great and I'm glad that Jimmy Fallon came on to make this sketch possible because I think it's great how he changes his voice from high to low. Jimmy and Justin have great chemistry. And Jimmy didn't break character! Wonders never cease!
Really great end to really good season of SNL! I look forward to Season 37!
Highlights:
JT's opening monologue was great. Obviously the writer's write the opening monologues for the hosts each week, but with the singing incorporated one wonders if Justin was sitting in the writer's room with them or if he wrote the melody and lyrics of his monologue himself. Normally opening monologues with music fall flat, but not only was Justin's singing fantastic as always, it was funny and entertaining.
Liquorville sketch was very well done. Following in the footsteps of "Omelette-ville" and others like it, Justin did not disappoint with his singing, dancing and plain old having fun in this sketch. Lady Gaga is creepy as hell, but thankfully didn't ruin the sketch and actually added a little bit of humor to it.
Digital short - "3 way" Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake team up once again and with the help of Lady Gaga created a song I assume is called "3 way" or at least that's what I'm referring to the short as since it features a song that points out the fact that if Andy and Justin have a 3-way with Lady Gaga it's not gay. The song was catchy and very well done as one would suspect.
What's That Name? sketch was very good. Obviously this sketch has been done before but it was funny doing it with a celebrity's playing themselves. I also didn't mind Lady Gaga's inclusion in this sketch and making her the opposite of Justin made for some humor.
Maryville Sketch was smile worthy but not as good as the Jim Carey version unfortunately.
Barry Gibb talk show sketch was great and I'm glad that Jimmy Fallon came on to make this sketch possible because I think it's great how he changes his voice from high to low. Jimmy and Justin have great chemistry. And Jimmy didn't break character! Wonders never cease!
Really great end to really good season of SNL! I look forward to Season 37!
Friday, May 20, 2011
CBS's Fall 2011-2012 schedule
Below is CBS's 2011-12 Fall Schedule. Shows that I have been watching and will continue to watch are in orange. Show(s) that I might watch are also in orange and in UPPER CASE.
CBS' Fall 2011-2012 schedule
(New programs in UPPER CASE and bold)
MONDAY
8-8:30 pm — How I Met Your Mother
8:30-9 pm — 2 BROKE GIRLS
9-9:30 pm — Two and a Half Men
9:30 - 10 pm — Mike & Molly
10-11 pm — Hawaii Five-0
TUESDAY
8-9 pm — NCIS
9-10 pm — NCIS: Los Angeles
10-11 pm — UNFORGETTABLE
WEDNESDAY
8-9 pm — Survivor
9-10 pm — Criminal Minds
10-11 pm — CSI
THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm — The Big Bang Theory
8:30-9 pm — HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN
9-10 pm — PERSON OF INTEREST
10-11 pm — The Mentalist
FRIDAY
8-9 pm — A GIFTED MAN
9-10 pm — CSI:NY
10-11 pm — Blue Bloods
SATURDAY
8-8:30 pm — Rules of Engagement
8:30-9 pm — Comedy repeat
9-10 pm — Drama repeat
10-11 pm — 48 Hours Mystery
SUNDAY
8-9 pm — The Amazing Race
9-10 pm — The Good Wife
10-11 pm — CSI: Miami
(New programs in UPPER CASE and bold)
MONDAY
8-8:30 pm — How I Met Your Mother
8:30-9 pm — 2 BROKE GIRLS
9-9:30 pm — Two and a Half Men
9:30 - 10 pm — Mike & Molly
10-11 pm — Hawaii Five-0
TUESDAY
8-9 pm — NCIS
9-10 pm — NCIS: Los Angeles
10-11 pm — UNFORGETTABLE
WEDNESDAY
8-9 pm — Survivor
9-10 pm — Criminal Minds
10-11 pm — CSI
THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm — The Big Bang Theory
8:30-9 pm — HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN
9-10 pm — PERSON OF INTEREST
10-11 pm — The Mentalist
FRIDAY
8-9 pm — A GIFTED MAN
9-10 pm — CSI:NY
10-11 pm — Blue Bloods
SATURDAY
8-8:30 pm — Rules of Engagement
8:30-9 pm — Comedy repeat
9-10 pm — Drama repeat
10-11 pm — 48 Hours Mystery
SUNDAY
8-9 pm — The Amazing Race
9-10 pm — The Good Wife
10-11 pm — CSI: Miami
ABC's Fall 2011-2012 schedule
Below is ABC's 2011-12 Fall Schedule. Shows that I have been watching and will continue to watch are in orange.
ABC's Fall 2011-2012 schedule
(New programs in UPPER CASE)
MONDAY
8-10 pm — Dancing With the Stars (performance show)
10-11 pm — Castle
TUESDAY
8-8:30 pm — LAST MAN STANDING
8:30-9 pm — MAN UP
9-10 pm — Dancing With the Stars (results show)
10-11 pm — Body of Proof
WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 pm — The Middle
8:30-9 pm — SUBURGATORY
9-9:30 pm — Modern Family
9:30-10 pm — Happy Endings
10-11 pm — REVENGE
THURSDAY
8-9 pm — CHARLIE'S ANGELS
9-10 pm — Grey's Anatomy
10-11 pm — Private Practice
FRIDAY
8-9 pm — Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
9-10 pm — Shark Tank
10-11 pm — 20/20
SUNDAY
8-9 pm — ONCE UPON A TIME
9-10 pm — Desperate Housewives
10-11 pm — PAN AM
Source: tv.com
Monday, May 16, 2011
FOX Fall 2011-12 schedule
Below is FOX's 2011-12 Fall Schedule. Shows that I have been watching and will continue to watch are in orange.
Fox Fall 2011-2012 schedule
(New programs in UPPER CASE)
MONDAY
8-9 pm — TERRA NOVA
9-10 pm — House
TUESDAY
8-9 pm — Glee
9-9:30 pm — NEW GIRL
9:30-10pm — Raising Hope
WEDNESDAY
8-9:30 pm — THE X FACTOR (performance show)
9:30-10 pm — I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER
THURSDAY
8-9 pm — THE X FACTOR (results show)
9-10 pm — Bones
FRIDAY
8-9 pm — Kitchen Nightmares
9-10 pm — Fringe
SUNDAY
7:30-8 pm — The Cleveland Show
8-8:30 pm — The Simpsons
8:30-9 pm — ALLEN GREGORY
9-9:30 pm — Family Guy
9:30-10 pm — American Dad
Fox Midseason 2011-2012 schedule
(New programs in UPPER CASE)
MONDAY
8-9 pm — House
9-10 pm — ALCATRAZ
TUESDAY
8-9 pm — Glee
9-9:30 pm — NEW GIRL
9:30-10pm — Raising Hope
WEDNESDAY
8-9:30 pm — THE X FACTOR (performance show)
9:30-10 pm — I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER
THURSDAY
8-9 pm — THE X FACTOR (results show)
9-10 pm — THE FINDER/Bones
FRIDAY
8-9 pm — Kitchen Nightmares
9-10 pm — Fringe
SUNDAY
7:30-8 pm — The Cleveland Show
8-8:30 pm – The Simpsons
8:30-9 pm — NAPOLEON DYNAMITE
9-9:30 pm — Family Guy
9:30-10 pm — Bob's Burgers
Source: tv.com
Sunday, May 15, 2011
NBC Fall 2011-12 schedule
Below is NBC's 2011-12 Fall Schedule. Looks like I'll only be watching 2 shows on this network and I couldn't be happier! I do hope "The Office" survives without Steve Carell.
NBC Fall 2011-12 schedule
(New programs in UPPER CASE)
MONDAY
8-10 pm – The Sing-Off
10-11 pm – THE PLAYBOY CLUB
TUESDAY
8-10 pm – The Biggest Loser
10-11 pm – Parenthood
WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 pm – UP ALL NIGHT
8:30-9 pm – FREE AGENTS
9-10 pm -- Harry’s Law
10-11 pm -- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm – Community
8:30-9 pm -- Parks and Recreation
9-9:30 pm – The Office
9:30-10 pm – WHITNEY
10-11 pm – PRIME SUSPECT
FRIDAY
8-9 pm – Chuck
9-10 pm – GRIMM
10-11 pm – Dateline NBC
SUNDAY
7- 8:15 pm -- Football Night in America
8:15-11:30 pm -- NBC Sunday Night Football
Source: TV.com
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Season Finales 2011
MONDAY, MAY 16
Hawaii Five-O (10pm, CBS)
THURSDAY, MAY 19
The Office (One-hour finale! 9pm, NBC)
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Saturday Night Live (11:30pm, NBC)
SUNDAY, MAY 22
American Dad! (7:30pm, FOX)
Bob's Burgers (8:30pm, FOX)
Family Guy (One-hour finale! 9pm, FOX)
Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC)
MONDAY, MAY 23
The Event (9pm, NBC)
TUESDAY, MAY 24
Glee (9pm, FOX)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Modern Family (9pm, ABC)
Hawaii Five-O (10pm, CBS)
THURSDAY, MAY 19
The Office (One-hour finale! 9pm, NBC)
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Saturday Night Live (11:30pm, NBC)
SUNDAY, MAY 22
American Dad! (7:30pm, FOX)
Bob's Burgers (8:30pm, FOX)
Family Guy (One-hour finale! 9pm, FOX)
Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC)
MONDAY, MAY 23
The Event (9pm, NBC)
TUESDAY, MAY 24
Glee (9pm, FOX)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Modern Family (9pm, ABC)
Already aired at the time of this post
THURSDAY, MAY 5
Community (Part 1 of a two-parter, 8pm, NBC)
30 Rock (10:00pm, NBC)
THURSDAY, MAY 12
Community (Part 2 of a two-parter, 8pm, NBC)
Outsourced (10:30pm, NBC)
FRIDAY, MAY 13
Shark Tank (8pm, ABC)
Smallville (Series Finale, 8pm, CW)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Arirang UPDATE
Arirang is now Oliran. The word on the street is that a company by the same name based in New Jersey sued Arirang (Bloomsburg) for rights to the name so they changed their name to Oliran.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Oscar's 2011 Best Picture nominees UPDATE
Rating from most enjoyed to least enjoyed:
Inception
Black Swan
Toy Story 3
True Grit
The King's Speech
127 Hours
The Fighter
The Social Network
The Kids Are All Right
Winter's Bone
"True Grit", "The King's Speech", "127 Hours", and "The Fighter" could probably be interchanged since they were all very well done and had their moments with attempting to move me. Both had chuckle worthy moments and all fun to watch.
Inception
Black Swan
Toy Story 3
True Grit
The King's Speech
127 Hours
The Fighter
The Social Network
The Kids Are All Right
Winter's Bone
"True Grit", "The King's Speech", "127 Hours", and "The Fighter" could probably be interchanged since they were all very well done and had their moments with attempting to move me. Both had chuckle worthy moments and all fun to watch.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Oscar's 2011 Best Picture nominees
There were 10 films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 2011.
Those films were:
"Black Swan", "The Fighter", "Inception", "The Kids Are All Right",
"The King's Speech", "127 Hours", "The Social Network",
"Toy Story 3", "True Grit", "Winter's Bone"
When I review a movie, I typically put a lot of emphasis on its ability to move me emotionally whether it be through tears and/or laugher. Sometimes a movie doesn't have to move me emotionally, but it can be just so damn entertaining that you forget about the outside world, and the only thing that exists at that very moment are the images and sounds being presented to you. With that in mind, this is how I rank the Oscar nom'ed movies. Note: I have not seen "The King's Speech" at the time of this post.
Those films were:
"Black Swan", "The Fighter", "Inception", "The Kids Are All Right",
"The King's Speech", "127 Hours", "The Social Network",
"Toy Story 3", "True Grit", "Winter's Bone"
When I review a movie, I typically put a lot of emphasis on its ability to move me emotionally whether it be through tears and/or laugher. Sometimes a movie doesn't have to move me emotionally, but it can be just so damn entertaining that you forget about the outside world, and the only thing that exists at that very moment are the images and sounds being presented to you. With that in mind, this is how I rank the Oscar nom'ed movies. Note: I have not seen "The King's Speech" at the time of this post.
- Inception
- Black Swan
- Toy Story 3
- True Grit
- 127 Hours
- The Fighter
- The Social Network
- The Kids Are All Right
- Winter's Bone
At a later date, I may devote a post to each of these movies, but I will say that "Inception" and "Black Swan" fell into the "so damn entertaining" category while "Toy Story 3", "True Grit", "127 Hours" and "The Fighter" fell into the "emotionally moving" category, ranked from "moving" me the most to least. "The Social Network" was a very good movie, and I plan on giving it a second watch. "The Kids Are All Right" and "Winter's Bone" shouldn't have been nominated and were pretty much a waste of time to watch. I plan on watching "The King's Speech" once it becomes available on Netflix on the 19th of April.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Bob's Burgers
What I like about the show is the way that Bob doesn't appear to be the primary focus all the time where usually Peter Griffin, Cleveland Brown, and Stan Smith are in their shows. I like it for two reasons: 1) it allows Bob's family to shine and grow in their own way on the show and with the audience, and 2) I've never been a huge fan of H. Jon Benjamin's voice.
As most would agree, I think Louise is great, but I think what helps that is her brother Gene. He sets her up a lot and also supports her eccentric behavior as if it was normal. I like how they both team up against their oldest sister. Where most kids look up to the elder sibling for guidance, none of that is happening which opens a lot of doors for comedy.
Bob Burger's currently airs on FOX on Sunday 8:30/7:30c
http://www.fox.com/bobsburgers/
Sunday, March 20, 2011
You rang? A-ri-rang!
There is not enough good things I can say about Arirang. The hibachi and the sushi are delicious. Chef Justin is fantastic and Chef Kent is great as well. I've never been to a hibachi place that has been this entertaining. "Ichiban" in Williamport, PA is also delicious as well as "desaki" in Swiftwater, PA, but Arirang blows them both out of the water! The prices are very reasonable and it is very affordable especially during lunch hours. Last, and certainly not least, Arirang is very generous with their sake. It's definitely dependent on the chef you get, but if you request the right one, then you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this place and it is most certainly a bright star in the black hole of Bloomsburg, PA.All ratings are out of 5 stars.
Hibachi: 5 stars.
Sushi: 5 stars.
Entertainment: 5 stars.
Service: 5 stars.
Price: 5 stars.
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