I've noticed through careful observation that several of television's most popular characters have distinct accents that either can help or hurt the credibility of the character. Below, I'm addressing some of the most iconic (in my opinion).
Brenda Lee Johnson, The Closer
Thank Yew. That's her trademark phrase. She's funny, she's brash, and she's unapologetic, but perhaps the first thing you notice about TV's favorite female cop is her southern drawl. As a southerner, it's too much at times to handle. Sometimes her tone is right in personal situations, but other times it sounds more comedic than realistic. Nevertheless, when I did hear Kyra Sedgwick talk in real life I was surprised to hear her, she's very distinct in real life. She really flips the switch quite well.
The Fonz, Happy Days
Ey. That's all he had to say before some girl would swoon with pleasure and delight. Arthur Fonzarelli may have been Milwaukee's favorite New York export but his tone sounded to heavy. Now there's obviously some things that New Yorkers say that are distinct like "you's guys" and "forgetaboudit" but for the most part they don't sound so harsh. But for The Fonz's cool factor, it worked for the most part. Henry Winkler, once again sounds very normal when he talks, but that's the sign of a good actor.
Robin Scherbatsky, How I Met Your Mother
What's this aboot? How's this possible that she made the list? Well, quite simple. She was very much a stereotype, but nonetheless provides great comic relief. Not to mention Cobie Smulders is really Canadian so bonus points for that. Robin doesn't always get too Canadian, but when she does it's funny. She not only says the word differently, but makes references to things Americans are clueless about and Barney's replies usually entail what many of us hate to say we think. I can personally relate to this because I once had a professor who said aboot and oot so many times that I was puzzled until at the end of the semester he finally confessed he was from the Great White North. Glad I figured it oot.
Steve Urkel, Family Matters
Nerds don't have accents. I say this with authority because I have self-identified as one since I was five. Steve Urkel, however, is not your average nerd. He's awkward, intruding, and lacking in social graces. His high-pitched tone served as one of the mitigating factors of why people got bothered with him so fast. But come on, it was one of the easiest voices to impersonate. Not only that, but he was very much identifiable by his whine. Stefan (one of the best alter egos ever), however, now that's a voice I'd like to hear more often.
Please let me know if there's any other accents, I forgot to mention.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Everywhere at Once
I recently was getting ready one morning and saw Lenny Kravitz's video for his new single "Stand". The video is a parody of 1960s talk shows where Lenny is the host, lead singer, and drummer. This concept has been done before, but I always enjoy it. So in this posting I will focus on videos with the same theme.
Phil Collins, "Two Hearts"
This song has a bouncy, Motown feel. There's good reason for that it was co-written by Lamont Dozier of the famous Holland Dozier Holland team that pioneered some of Motown's best hits. The video is the same with Phil Collins playing the drummer, singer, keyboardist, and guitarist in the video. It's interspersed with Collins' movie Buster. However, the result is an instant classic. You can tell he's having fun with this experience and it makes for a cool video.
Andre 3000, "Hey Ya!"
Now this video is awesome. Not only is Ryan Phillippe the host, but Andre 3000 really gets down with every character, even giving them names like Johnny Vulture. The crazed audience only adds to the atmosphere and the authenticity of the time in which it is set. The family watching and dancing along is wonderful as well. It still makes me want to shake it like a Polaroid picture everytime I see it.
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Lopez, "Get Right"
J. Lo does everything in real life, so why not in the video as well? Even though it's not the same talk/game show theme as the previous videos I discuss, but she plays every character central to the story. This is some of the best acting she's done. I mean, who thought J.Lo could be a nerd and a gangster girl in the same place?
Phil Collins, "Two Hearts"
This song has a bouncy, Motown feel. There's good reason for that it was co-written by Lamont Dozier of the famous Holland Dozier Holland team that pioneered some of Motown's best hits. The video is the same with Phil Collins playing the drummer, singer, keyboardist, and guitarist in the video. It's interspersed with Collins' movie Buster. However, the result is an instant classic. You can tell he's having fun with this experience and it makes for a cool video.
Andre 3000, "Hey Ya!"
Now this video is awesome. Not only is Ryan Phillippe the host, but Andre 3000 really gets down with every character, even giving them names like Johnny Vulture. The crazed audience only adds to the atmosphere and the authenticity of the time in which it is set. The family watching and dancing along is wonderful as well. It still makes me want to shake it like a Polaroid picture everytime I see it.
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Lopez, "Get Right"
J. Lo does everything in real life, so why not in the video as well? Even though it's not the same talk/game show theme as the previous videos I discuss, but she plays every character central to the story. This is some of the best acting she's done. I mean, who thought J.Lo could be a nerd and a gangster girl in the same place?
Friday, August 12, 2011
TV's Second Bananas
With the inaugural edition of the Second Banana is far behind us, I have a new edition of Second Banana for us all to ponder. These are some of television's greatest duos who really became a solo act with a pretty good backup. So I present Second Banana TV edition.
Major Tony Nelson and Major Roger Healy
For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of watching one of my all-time favorite classic shows, I Dream of Jeannie, please go and watch as soon as possible. Major Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) was the dreamboat and Jeannie's master. His best friend and co-worker Major Roger Healy (Bill Daly) as the comic relief who never really got the girl. He was a good friend in every situation and was Tony's best man at his wedding to Jeannie.
In real life, it went the same way. Larry Hagman became an instant icon as the scheming and devious JR Ewing on the classic soap, Dallas. Bill Daly had work here and there but only returned for various reunions.
Doogie Howser, M.D. and Vinnie Delpino
Doogie Howser (Neil Patrick Harris) is still used as a common term for those who are smarter than their years portray them to be. Vinnie Delpino (Max Casella), however, is not. Doogie was the success story as well as the title character of the show. Vinnie was smart in his own way, but not as refined or astute as Doogie.
NPH is a legend (wait for it) dary now thanks to How I Met Your Mother and appearances in the Harold and Kumar franchise. Max Casella, according to Wikipedia, is no longer acting.
Andy Griffith and Barney Fife
They both nipped crime in the bud in the 1960s Andy Griffith Show, but Barney (Don Knotts) got on your nerves. Andy (Andy Griffith) was the nice widower father with a heart of gold, but nobody questioned why Barney was single. Andy finally marries and Thelma Lou somehow deals with Barney.
In real life, Andy Griffith became one of television's most famous lawyers and Knotts one of his most famous guest stars. They remained lifelong friends until Knotts's death in 2006.
If there are any more bananas you want me to peel, shout me a holler.
In real life
Major Tony Nelson and Major Roger Healy
For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of watching one of my all-time favorite classic shows, I Dream of Jeannie, please go and watch as soon as possible. Major Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) was the dreamboat and Jeannie's master. His best friend and co-worker Major Roger Healy (Bill Daly) as the comic relief who never really got the girl. He was a good friend in every situation and was Tony's best man at his wedding to Jeannie.
In real life, it went the same way. Larry Hagman became an instant icon as the scheming and devious JR Ewing on the classic soap, Dallas. Bill Daly had work here and there but only returned for various reunions.
Doogie Howser, M.D. and Vinnie Delpino
Doogie Howser (Neil Patrick Harris) is still used as a common term for those who are smarter than their years portray them to be. Vinnie Delpino (Max Casella), however, is not. Doogie was the success story as well as the title character of the show. Vinnie was smart in his own way, but not as refined or astute as Doogie.
NPH is a legend (wait for it) dary now thanks to How I Met Your Mother and appearances in the Harold and Kumar franchise. Max Casella, according to Wikipedia, is no longer acting.
Andy Griffith and Barney Fife
They both nipped crime in the bud in the 1960s Andy Griffith Show, but Barney (Don Knotts) got on your nerves. Andy (Andy Griffith) was the nice widower father with a heart of gold, but nobody questioned why Barney was single. Andy finally marries and Thelma Lou somehow deals with Barney.
In real life, Andy Griffith became one of television's most famous lawyers and Knotts one of his most famous guest stars. They remained lifelong friends until Knotts's death in 2006.
If there are any more bananas you want me to peel, shout me a holler.
In real life
The Poor Man's...Music Edition
This is a new series that I'd like to call The Poor Man's. Now if you've heard this term before you know what I mean. But for those who don't know The Poor Man's means the artist, actor, show, etc. that is a ripoff or cheaper version of an established version of something. For instance, it can apply to anything such as Gumby's is The Poor Man's Pizza Hut. So that being said, I will give you the inaugural edition of The Poor Man's.
Color Me Badd is The Poor Man's Boyz II Men
Now let's face it Boyz II Men and Color Me Badd came out at the same time. The seemed to have the same vocal approach and everything, but there was a clear frontrunner and they happened to be the biggest selling R&B group of the entire 20th century. Boyz II Men's songs are timeless, romantic and passionate. That could be said about "I Wanna Sex You Up" by Color Me Badd, but really the best thing it's bought us is as one of the many inspirations for the Justin Timberlake/Andy Samberg SNL duo. However, that being said they broke up and we tuned out while Boyz II Men kept going. There have been lineup changes and such but they still sound as good as they did in 1992. (P.S. I did see them in concert a few years ago for $1!)
Reuben Studdard is The Poor Man's Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross is the silky voiced soul legend whose songs inspired a generation. And by a generation, I mean for people to listen to him and have a generation's worth of kids. But still, his voice is beautiful and ethereal, something that many artists don't possess. Reuben Studdard is gifted and though his voice is nice, he really hasn't gone beyond being the 2nd person to win American Idol. Even though Luther Vandross has been gone for some time, his influence and his legacy live on through his music.
Marc Anthony is The Poor Man's Jon Secada
Now for those of you not familiar with Jon Secada, please go to YouTube immediately and look at his videos. In the early 90's he did it all: ballads, up-tempos and Disney soundtracks. He isn't in the spotlight as much but once you hear his voice you don't forget it. Marc Anthony, on the other hand, has tried to capture the same type of attention and recognition world wide but has had to deal with the shadow of Secada and his soon to be ex-wife, J.Lo.
The Pussycat Dolls are The Poor Man's Spice Girls
Let's face it folks, nothing will ever top the Girl Power Revolution that was the late 1990s. No group or solo artist has had the kind of influence the Spice Girls have had. They had merchandising, movies, and much more. Not only that but years after their collective heyday, we're still following the exploits of them and their families. The Pussycat Dolls are trained dancers who look great, but how many people can sing "Don't Cha" the same way as "Wannabe?" Nonetheless, the lineup changes and poor choice in material has resulted as a constant are they or aren't they? But nobody's really waiting for them to come back.
Please, if you have any suggestions for the next edition of The Poor Man's, feel free to let me know. It'd be greatly appreciated.
Color Me Badd is The Poor Man's Boyz II Men
Now let's face it Boyz II Men and Color Me Badd came out at the same time. The seemed to have the same vocal approach and everything, but there was a clear frontrunner and they happened to be the biggest selling R&B group of the entire 20th century. Boyz II Men's songs are timeless, romantic and passionate. That could be said about "I Wanna Sex You Up" by Color Me Badd, but really the best thing it's bought us is as one of the many inspirations for the Justin Timberlake/Andy Samberg SNL duo. However, that being said they broke up and we tuned out while Boyz II Men kept going. There have been lineup changes and such but they still sound as good as they did in 1992. (P.S. I did see them in concert a few years ago for $1!)
Reuben Studdard is The Poor Man's Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross is the silky voiced soul legend whose songs inspired a generation. And by a generation, I mean for people to listen to him and have a generation's worth of kids. But still, his voice is beautiful and ethereal, something that many artists don't possess. Reuben Studdard is gifted and though his voice is nice, he really hasn't gone beyond being the 2nd person to win American Idol. Even though Luther Vandross has been gone for some time, his influence and his legacy live on through his music.
Marc Anthony is The Poor Man's Jon Secada
Now for those of you not familiar with Jon Secada, please go to YouTube immediately and look at his videos. In the early 90's he did it all: ballads, up-tempos and Disney soundtracks. He isn't in the spotlight as much but once you hear his voice you don't forget it. Marc Anthony, on the other hand, has tried to capture the same type of attention and recognition world wide but has had to deal with the shadow of Secada and his soon to be ex-wife, J.Lo.
The Pussycat Dolls are The Poor Man's Spice Girls
Let's face it folks, nothing will ever top the Girl Power Revolution that was the late 1990s. No group or solo artist has had the kind of influence the Spice Girls have had. They had merchandising, movies, and much more. Not only that but years after their collective heyday, we're still following the exploits of them and their families. The Pussycat Dolls are trained dancers who look great, but how many people can sing "Don't Cha" the same way as "Wannabe?" Nonetheless, the lineup changes and poor choice in material has resulted as a constant are they or aren't they? But nobody's really waiting for them to come back.
Please, if you have any suggestions for the next edition of The Poor Man's, feel free to let me know. It'd be greatly appreciated.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Once in A Lifetime Movie, Please!
There is news today that Jennifer Love Hewitt will be reprising her role as a working mom in a series version of the Lifetime movie, The Client List. This is a hot mess and a half waiting to happen. Why? Movies that become television shows have a sketchy track record and Lifetime movies are only good as a movie.
To be completely truthful, I didn't watch The Client List. A mom who turns to sex work for her children's sake is too predictable to remotely interest me. Lifetime movies are too predictable to remotely interest me. Why? There's no gritty underbelly, no character development, and too much melodrama.
On top of that Jennifer Love Hewitt is not what I'd call a compelling actress. I'm not insulting her talents because she's obviously had success on television for several years now, but she always seems to be playing a woman in need of something and never anyone on the edge. She's never really made a risky career choice. This is pilot no different.
I'm not saying that this can't give her a new edge, but to me if she wants to really grow as an actor, she needs to branch out. Lifetime needs to branch out. As a viewer, I demand better television shows that focus on something that you haven't done already. I demand a show with a woman who isn't always indebted to someone rather it be their parents, children, or spouse. I demand a realistic love story.
And most of all I demand that you not think I will be gullible enough to fall for the next assembly line show that you only have given two seconds of thought to.
http://www.tvline.com/2011/08/love-hewitt-client-list-lifetime-series/#more-239324
To be completely truthful, I didn't watch The Client List. A mom who turns to sex work for her children's sake is too predictable to remotely interest me. Lifetime movies are too predictable to remotely interest me. Why? There's no gritty underbelly, no character development, and too much melodrama.
On top of that Jennifer Love Hewitt is not what I'd call a compelling actress. I'm not insulting her talents because she's obviously had success on television for several years now, but she always seems to be playing a woman in need of something and never anyone on the edge. She's never really made a risky career choice. This is pilot no different.
I'm not saying that this can't give her a new edge, but to me if she wants to really grow as an actor, she needs to branch out. Lifetime needs to branch out. As a viewer, I demand better television shows that focus on something that you haven't done already. I demand a show with a woman who isn't always indebted to someone rather it be their parents, children, or spouse. I demand a realistic love story.
And most of all I demand that you not think I will be gullible enough to fall for the next assembly line show that you only have given two seconds of thought to.
http://www.tvline.com/2011/08/love-hewitt-client-list-lifetime-series/#more-239324
Is Tyler Perry Really Ready to be Out On His OWN?
There's buzz today saying that Tyler Perry is in talks with LionsGate to create a network solely of his own content. I think that's a real bad idea. Tyler Perry's successful, he has a very lucrative streak of films and television shows on the TBS network, but aside from that and his plays that still tour, he has nothing else in pop culture.
Yes, he's friends with Oprah. So is Gayle. But the question is, can he even come close to having Oprah's influence on pop culture. Oprah had one show, a magazine, and a book club. Along with that, she's a force because people listen when she talks and it's been that way for the past twenty five years. Tyler Perry has only been on the radar for seven years.
His movies are essentially similar in form. There's a bad circumstance with a broken person who needs transformation via family, love, or personal fulfillment in some way. The characters while somewhat realistic are one-dimensional.
His television shows work the same way. The diversity is lacking. He hasn't really dealt with issues beyond faith, family, and relationships. He doesn't talk about education or health or even pop culture in the black community.
Which brings me to something else, his network wouldn't focus beyond the African American community because that's who his target audience is. Unfortunately cable has enough demographic-centered networks that really aren't bringing anything new or dynamic to the table. A string of reruns and one decent show doesn't cut it. And even if he did follow Oprah's example, she's struggling for viewers too.
OWN has already fired the head cheese and Oprah's replaced her. Her original programming is too reality focused, too celebrity-oriented, and too one-dimensional. There's no depth or breadth to the outreach and the ratings are showing as a result.
Tyler Perry may be trying to be the next Oprah but it's not as easy as it looks.
Yes, he's friends with Oprah. So is Gayle. But the question is, can he even come close to having Oprah's influence on pop culture. Oprah had one show, a magazine, and a book club. Along with that, she's a force because people listen when she talks and it's been that way for the past twenty five years. Tyler Perry has only been on the radar for seven years.
His movies are essentially similar in form. There's a bad circumstance with a broken person who needs transformation via family, love, or personal fulfillment in some way. The characters while somewhat realistic are one-dimensional.
His television shows work the same way. The diversity is lacking. He hasn't really dealt with issues beyond faith, family, and relationships. He doesn't talk about education or health or even pop culture in the black community.
Which brings me to something else, his network wouldn't focus beyond the African American community because that's who his target audience is. Unfortunately cable has enough demographic-centered networks that really aren't bringing anything new or dynamic to the table. A string of reruns and one decent show doesn't cut it. And even if he did follow Oprah's example, she's struggling for viewers too.
OWN has already fired the head cheese and Oprah's replaced her. Her original programming is too reality focused, too celebrity-oriented, and too one-dimensional. There's no depth or breadth to the outreach and the ratings are showing as a result.
Tyler Perry may be trying to be the next Oprah but it's not as easy as it looks.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Lopez, Not Tonight
I feel bad for George Lopez, today officially marks the second time he's been unceremoniously cancelled by network brass. He's funny. He's kooky. And he's probably expensive too. But I digress.
Lopez Tonight was a great idea and was one of the ways late-night was becoming flavorful and diverse. However, with the cancellation of Lopez Tonight and The Mo'Nique Show, it's getting back to old hat. But it's not necessarily the color of the host holding things back.
Conan O'Brien is suffering from low-ratings despite a groundswell of internet support after last year's fiasco with Leno. However, it's proving not to be enough. Late night is cruel and if you don't hold the attention of the audience, they'll go to sleep on you. Literally.
I've seen Lopez Tonight a couple of times and it's funny. But I think the problem was Lopez's attention for the wrong thing. Instead of the funny videos and skits he composed, it focused on his jabs at Kirstie Alley and Jay Leno. I also think people get so used to looking at late night on network that they forget about cable.
We still have Jimmy Fallon. I just wish he didn't come on so late. Slow Jamming the news, Beer Pong with Betty White, and History of Rap with JT (pts. 1 and 2), are all instant classics. Not to mention he has the best band ever in The Roots as his house band.
But back to George Lopez. I hope the next time he gets a show and they decide to cancel it, he gets fair warning as well as a proper finale.
In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to wait for History of Rap part 3.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/10/lopez-tonight-cancelled/
Lopez Tonight was a great idea and was one of the ways late-night was becoming flavorful and diverse. However, with the cancellation of Lopez Tonight and The Mo'Nique Show, it's getting back to old hat. But it's not necessarily the color of the host holding things back.
Conan O'Brien is suffering from low-ratings despite a groundswell of internet support after last year's fiasco with Leno. However, it's proving not to be enough. Late night is cruel and if you don't hold the attention of the audience, they'll go to sleep on you. Literally.
I've seen Lopez Tonight a couple of times and it's funny. But I think the problem was Lopez's attention for the wrong thing. Instead of the funny videos and skits he composed, it focused on his jabs at Kirstie Alley and Jay Leno. I also think people get so used to looking at late night on network that they forget about cable.
We still have Jimmy Fallon. I just wish he didn't come on so late. Slow Jamming the news, Beer Pong with Betty White, and History of Rap with JT (pts. 1 and 2), are all instant classics. Not to mention he has the best band ever in The Roots as his house band.
But back to George Lopez. I hope the next time he gets a show and they decide to cancel it, he gets fair warning as well as a proper finale.
In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to wait for History of Rap part 3.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/10/lopez-tonight-cancelled/
The Debate That Knows No End
Every since 1998, I've engaged in one argument that seems to know no end. It's probably the one thing twenty-something women and (some) men would agree to disagree with. It's not Pepsi v. Coke or Pizza Hut v. Domino's it's not even McDonald's v. Burger King.
*NSYNC v. Backstreet Boys: who is the better boy band? Who carries the title? I just finished reading an article on EW's PopWatch Blog with an enlightening debate about whose better. I really believe now that the answer may never be justified.
I will be honest, I am an *NSYNC loyalist. Ever since I was ten and happened to fall on "I Want You Back" when MTV actually showed videos in the afternoon, I've loved Justin, JC, Joey, Lance, and Chris. And still I'm into what Justin Timberlake does. But when I went to college and had a few debates with Backstreet loyalists, I discovered how much I love their music.
Backstreet's harmonies are amazing. Their voices draw you into the song and don't let you go. *NSYNC, however, throws you into a song with a hook and then a voice. It depends on what mood you're in to determine who suits you better, but circa 2001, I would have said *NSYNC. Their songs were constantly upbeat and their videos were awesome.
I really enjoy even now talking to people who grew up arguing about JT versus Nick Carter or Brian Littrell versus JC Chasez. Like I said, it depends on who you follow and your mood.
*NSYNC will probably never reunite, but I think I'm ok with that. Did anyone really think Justin Timberlake would give up the money or the autonomy he's had for the past nine years? Lance is gay we know, but I think he probably's still trying to find a way to get back into space. And as for the others, well, they still have money somewhere right?
Backstreet Boys, in my opinion should take a real break. They haven't since AJ first went to rehab. And it's showing. Yes, they're successfully touring with New Kids, but they haven't really pulled what other boy bands have in making us miss them. And to be honest, I miss Kevin very much.
But I digress. I think that each group will live on in nostalgia countdowns on VH1 and iPods. Will *NSYNC replace JT on the reunion circuit? I would hope not. Will BSB completely disband? I doubt it. And while each group will only live on in memory, they're always still be the laugh us uber- fans will have over 98 degrees.
http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/08/09/backstreet-boys-vs-n-sync/
*NSYNC v. Backstreet Boys: who is the better boy band? Who carries the title? I just finished reading an article on EW's PopWatch Blog with an enlightening debate about whose better. I really believe now that the answer may never be justified.
I will be honest, I am an *NSYNC loyalist. Ever since I was ten and happened to fall on "I Want You Back" when MTV actually showed videos in the afternoon, I've loved Justin, JC, Joey, Lance, and Chris. And still I'm into what Justin Timberlake does. But when I went to college and had a few debates with Backstreet loyalists, I discovered how much I love their music.
Backstreet's harmonies are amazing. Their voices draw you into the song and don't let you go. *NSYNC, however, throws you into a song with a hook and then a voice. It depends on what mood you're in to determine who suits you better, but circa 2001, I would have said *NSYNC. Their songs were constantly upbeat and their videos were awesome.
I really enjoy even now talking to people who grew up arguing about JT versus Nick Carter or Brian Littrell versus JC Chasez. Like I said, it depends on who you follow and your mood.
*NSYNC will probably never reunite, but I think I'm ok with that. Did anyone really think Justin Timberlake would give up the money or the autonomy he's had for the past nine years? Lance is gay we know, but I think he probably's still trying to find a way to get back into space. And as for the others, well, they still have money somewhere right?
Backstreet Boys, in my opinion should take a real break. They haven't since AJ first went to rehab. And it's showing. Yes, they're successfully touring with New Kids, but they haven't really pulled what other boy bands have in making us miss them. And to be honest, I miss Kevin very much.
But I digress. I think that each group will live on in nostalgia countdowns on VH1 and iPods. Will *NSYNC replace JT on the reunion circuit? I would hope not. Will BSB completely disband? I doubt it. And while each group will only live on in memory, they're always still be the laugh us uber- fans will have over 98 degrees.
http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/08/09/backstreet-boys-vs-n-sync/
Sex, Drugs, and SportsCenter
One of the best books I've read this summer is ESPN: Those Guys Have All the Fun by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales. Now, mind you it isn't a technical guide about how sports works and it isn't some boring glossy. It traces the history of the network from birth to now. It's so juicy, there's even a movie in the works. Even if you don't watch ESPN, you'll be turning the pages.
The book features interviews with some of the network's most prominent personalities, such as DWTS failure Kenny Mayne, controversial pundit Keith Olbermann, and current Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts. It's honest; including everything from sex scandals to drug abuse.
I like it because you don't have to know anything about sports to appreciate it. Cable is a relatively new form of media compared to newspapers and books. Only in the past thirty years has it made an impact in popular culture. But it wasn't easy.
Miller and Shales detail the struggle to get funding, airtime, and an audience. Not only that, but how does a twenty-four hour network function with only one focus? How are all viewers reached? Is there a goal in programming? It's not all money and it's not all pretty.
As I said, this book gets pretty scandalous. The clash of egos was strong initially, especially since the corporate environment was mostly male. It deals with with how a corporate culture has to essentially struggle with itself to seem fun but responsible.
But the point I'm at in the book is probably my favorite so far. The Keith Olbermann drama is epic. Olbermann was coveted by ESPN for over ten years and then when he got there it was his way or else. It provides insight into Olbermann's more current clashes with MSNBC.
I'm hoping there are more expository books on other networks like CNN and MTV because it's about time we get to see the inside story to some of our favorite networks.
The book features interviews with some of the network's most prominent personalities, such as DWTS failure Kenny Mayne, controversial pundit Keith Olbermann, and current Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts. It's honest; including everything from sex scandals to drug abuse.
I like it because you don't have to know anything about sports to appreciate it. Cable is a relatively new form of media compared to newspapers and books. Only in the past thirty years has it made an impact in popular culture. But it wasn't easy.
Miller and Shales detail the struggle to get funding, airtime, and an audience. Not only that, but how does a twenty-four hour network function with only one focus? How are all viewers reached? Is there a goal in programming? It's not all money and it's not all pretty.
As I said, this book gets pretty scandalous. The clash of egos was strong initially, especially since the corporate environment was mostly male. It deals with with how a corporate culture has to essentially struggle with itself to seem fun but responsible.
But the point I'm at in the book is probably my favorite so far. The Keith Olbermann drama is epic. Olbermann was coveted by ESPN for over ten years and then when he got there it was his way or else. It provides insight into Olbermann's more current clashes with MSNBC.
I'm hoping there are more expository books on other networks like CNN and MTV because it's about time we get to see the inside story to some of our favorite networks.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Moves Like...(Not) Jagger
Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera's new video for the song "Moves Like Jagger" premiered yesterday. Unfortunately, it is not that exciting. It's become one of those songs I wish I never heard. It's maudlin and repetitive. The lyrics are ridiculous and oversimplified. The video is even worse.
The one redeeming quality about the video is that Christina Aguilera looks like herself and not the drag-queen version covered in red lipstick and pounds of liner and blush. That being said, the rest of the video is a strange combination between dizzying and boring.
The video begins with a clip of an interview with Mick Jagger as a young rock star just beginning his career. It then flashes between clips of Jagger on stage and some terrible moves by models. This is where I get angry because Maroon 5 and models in a video is like chicken and rice. They can't seem to separate.
Adam Levine is really the face and body of the band, but that doesn't mean someone shouldn't exercise veto power. How about a concept with an actual story line? How about a girl who actually looks like she eats more than once a day? I'm just saying.
But really this critique is a longstanding problem I've had with Maroon 5. Ever since the first album, it's been all downhill for me. The songs are too weak, Adam is the only person you see besides a model for long periods of time, and it's just not working.
What happened to the days of "She Will Be Loved" and a real video? Or even the idea of them writing a song about something other than models who end up rolling around in the videos with Adam like a confused pair of bugs trying to escape bug spray?
In the meantime, I'll just pretend it's 2005 and go listen to "Sweetest Goodbye".
The one redeeming quality about the video is that Christina Aguilera looks like herself and not the drag-queen version covered in red lipstick and pounds of liner and blush. That being said, the rest of the video is a strange combination between dizzying and boring.
The video begins with a clip of an interview with Mick Jagger as a young rock star just beginning his career. It then flashes between clips of Jagger on stage and some terrible moves by models. This is where I get angry because Maroon 5 and models in a video is like chicken and rice. They can't seem to separate.
Adam Levine is really the face and body of the band, but that doesn't mean someone shouldn't exercise veto power. How about a concept with an actual story line? How about a girl who actually looks like she eats more than once a day? I'm just saying.
But really this critique is a longstanding problem I've had with Maroon 5. Ever since the first album, it's been all downhill for me. The songs are too weak, Adam is the only person you see besides a model for long periods of time, and it's just not working.
What happened to the days of "She Will Be Loved" and a real video? Or even the idea of them writing a song about something other than models who end up rolling around in the videos with Adam like a confused pair of bugs trying to escape bug spray?
In the meantime, I'll just pretend it's 2005 and go listen to "Sweetest Goodbye".
The Help is Really Here
I'm sure several people have seen a trailer or heard about the buzz on the new movie, The Help based on a novel by Kathryn Sockett. It is a movie that doesn't really hold back about race relationships in the 1960s when Civil Rights was abuzz and equality was not entirely possible for women.
I want to see this movie because it doesn't sugar coat how race relations were. Maid and employer relationships haven't been documented beyond the fantastic notions that either they were great friends or great enemies. Race in general in pop culture has been so touch and go that most of the time you end up disappointed or angry or both.
Take for instance Crash. Some people probably couldn't watch it because it was so brutally honest while at the same time some probably thought it wasn't honest enough. It won Best Picture at the Oscars but so many people were afraid of the subject matter, it didn't get the kind of attention other movies before or since have. On the other end of the spectrum race relations are treated too delicately or stereotypically.
Like on Glee, the lone African-American lead, Mercedes is best friends with Kurt who is gay. It's almost as if it was easy for the creator to put these two characters together because they are the most oppressed. I'm not lamenting their friendship, but it would be nice to see something beyond the obvious taking place in terms of race and social relationships.
I think that The Help will open doors for insightful and inspiring movies that do more than just promote myths or cause controversy. Race is still omnipresent in this country as we can't even decide rather to call our president Black or Biracial. Let's hope this movie and other movies start turning a light on reality.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-help-marketing-20110809,0,3410225.story
I want to see this movie because it doesn't sugar coat how race relations were. Maid and employer relationships haven't been documented beyond the fantastic notions that either they were great friends or great enemies. Race in general in pop culture has been so touch and go that most of the time you end up disappointed or angry or both.
Take for instance Crash. Some people probably couldn't watch it because it was so brutally honest while at the same time some probably thought it wasn't honest enough. It won Best Picture at the Oscars but so many people were afraid of the subject matter, it didn't get the kind of attention other movies before or since have. On the other end of the spectrum race relations are treated too delicately or stereotypically.
Like on Glee, the lone African-American lead, Mercedes is best friends with Kurt who is gay. It's almost as if it was easy for the creator to put these two characters together because they are the most oppressed. I'm not lamenting their friendship, but it would be nice to see something beyond the obvious taking place in terms of race and social relationships.
I think that The Help will open doors for insightful and inspiring movies that do more than just promote myths or cause controversy. Race is still omnipresent in this country as we can't even decide rather to call our president Black or Biracial. Let's hope this movie and other movies start turning a light on reality.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-help-marketing-20110809,0,3410225.story
Monday, August 8, 2011
Murph's Picks Week 3
In this week's Murph's Picks, I picked an episode of one of my favorite shows, How I Met Your Mother. And while we still haven't met the mother, we've met all of Ted's friends. This episode centers on Marshall and Lily and they're struggle to conceive as well as a shocking tragedy at the end. While this is a rerun from last winter, it still stings with powerful emotion. "Bad News" has to be one of the best episodes of the series.
If you've seen the episode you know it deals with death. But what I appreciate is how it deals with death. Unlike other shows which kills off characters as a way to tighten budgets or deal with egos, this death serves a purpose in developing the characters' as adults and as real people we can relate to.
I know with all of the bad news this weekend, the last thing you want is to watch something sad, but it is funny. Barney's quips always provide a good anecdote to the heavier themes. To be honest, the worst part is the last 30 seconds.
It's sad, but it's real. I'm not saying watch it to watch it, but if you want a great half hour of television it'll move you in a new way.
If you've seen the episode you know it deals with death. But what I appreciate is how it deals with death. Unlike other shows which kills off characters as a way to tighten budgets or deal with egos, this death serves a purpose in developing the characters' as adults and as real people we can relate to.
I know with all of the bad news this weekend, the last thing you want is to watch something sad, but it is funny. Barney's quips always provide a good anecdote to the heavier themes. To be honest, the worst part is the last 30 seconds.
It's sad, but it's real. I'm not saying watch it to watch it, but if you want a great half hour of television it'll move you in a new way.
It's Always Kanye, Kanye, Kanye
Kanye West talks too much. He's an egomaniac. His music's brilliant, but does that give him the excuse to rant like he does? These are probably things you have heard at some point over the past few years. This attention has increased since his mother's death, but it seems like he's acting out.
This weekend at the Big Chill Music Festival he went on a rant about how people don't understand him. In turn he compared himself to Hitler. He thinks that as time passes, people'll understand. He also went on to say how he wants to change things like Michael Jordan. I think what Kanye needs to do is be him.
That's when we like him. It's like the cousin who always comes to the party and then gets too comfortable and blabbing about himself. Kanye has his place in pop culture. It might be an annoying place, but such is life. I think if he wasn't the way he was, he wouldn't be himself.
Which is probably why Jay-Z knows how to work with him. The trailer for their epic Watch the Throne EP was released and despite rumors of disagreements, it's obvious that Kanye knows Jay is his boss and without that, he wouldn't be where he is.
But is Jay-Z to blame for giving us the Don of Louis Vuitton? No. For all of Kanye's craziness, he is talented. And for that he probably will be crazy as long as we give him a space on our blog, newspaper, or assorted source of information. But hey, it's all entertainment right?
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/kanye-west-says-people-look-at-him-like-hitler.php
This weekend at the Big Chill Music Festival he went on a rant about how people don't understand him. In turn he compared himself to Hitler. He thinks that as time passes, people'll understand. He also went on to say how he wants to change things like Michael Jordan. I think what Kanye needs to do is be him.
That's when we like him. It's like the cousin who always comes to the party and then gets too comfortable and blabbing about himself. Kanye has his place in pop culture. It might be an annoying place, but such is life. I think if he wasn't the way he was, he wouldn't be himself.
Which is probably why Jay-Z knows how to work with him. The trailer for their epic Watch the Throne EP was released and despite rumors of disagreements, it's obvious that Kanye knows Jay is his boss and without that, he wouldn't be where he is.
But is Jay-Z to blame for giving us the Don of Louis Vuitton? No. For all of Kanye's craziness, he is talented. And for that he probably will be crazy as long as we give him a space on our blog, newspaper, or assorted source of information. But hey, it's all entertainment right?
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/kanye-west-says-people-look-at-him-like-hitler.php
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Our Girl Lucy
Lucille Ball is a comedy trailblazer. This weekend, TCM and Hallmark Channel were among those honoring the one hundredth anniversary of her birthday. Even more than 50 years after her show's finale, there's still no show like hers on television.
I first watched I Love Lucy when I was about eleven or twelve in reruns. I was mesmerized. Lucy was not only funny but charismatic. They way she was on screen is unparalleled to any other woman in television before or since. Sure Carol Burnett and Mary Tyler Moore were considered icons but not in the same way.
Carol Burnett was unique because she had a variety show and she called the shots in a way a woman hadn't before. But she didn't have one character that carried her legacy.
Mary Tyler Moore has two iconic characters that are awesome. But looking back she was the expected type of funny that prevailed in the Hepburn-Tracy movies of the golden era. She was beautiful, educated, and had a quick-wit but the way she got laughs was ladylike. It didn't offend anyone. It didn't defy conventions. Her character was single and independent but it wasn't in a way that people could get mad at.
Lucy is real. She's unapologetic. She's witty, but she still let her husband think he ruled the roost. I think that she wasn't afraid of comedy and how it can be used. In many ways she was a feminist comic. She didn't espouse equality, she just demanded that she have a chance to be heard, even if she couldn't sing. Lucy was bold and real. She got dirty, she got drunk on bad cough medicine, she had a baby on air when people thought it was inappropriate. She broke the rules and rewrote them.
I think Lucy's impact is seen in a show like Saturday Night Live where the women can be just as funny or funnier than the men. Or Bridesmaids where girls can be dirty and funny in a real way. Maybe we'll never see a woman as gifted as Lucy but at least we can thank her for paving the way for women to be funny any way they want.
I first watched I Love Lucy when I was about eleven or twelve in reruns. I was mesmerized. Lucy was not only funny but charismatic. They way she was on screen is unparalleled to any other woman in television before or since. Sure Carol Burnett and Mary Tyler Moore were considered icons but not in the same way.
Carol Burnett was unique because she had a variety show and she called the shots in a way a woman hadn't before. But she didn't have one character that carried her legacy.
Mary Tyler Moore has two iconic characters that are awesome. But looking back she was the expected type of funny that prevailed in the Hepburn-Tracy movies of the golden era. She was beautiful, educated, and had a quick-wit but the way she got laughs was ladylike. It didn't offend anyone. It didn't defy conventions. Her character was single and independent but it wasn't in a way that people could get mad at.
Lucy is real. She's unapologetic. She's witty, but she still let her husband think he ruled the roost. I think that she wasn't afraid of comedy and how it can be used. In many ways she was a feminist comic. She didn't espouse equality, she just demanded that she have a chance to be heard, even if she couldn't sing. Lucy was bold and real. She got dirty, she got drunk on bad cough medicine, she had a baby on air when people thought it was inappropriate. She broke the rules and rewrote them.
I think Lucy's impact is seen in a show like Saturday Night Live where the women can be just as funny or funnier than the men. Or Bridesmaids where girls can be dirty and funny in a real way. Maybe we'll never see a woman as gifted as Lucy but at least we can thank her for paving the way for women to be funny any way they want.
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