Thursday, September 29, 2011

TV Views, Hugh, Broadway Country

Huge Hugh Goes Solo on B'way
It's Showtime!  "Dexter" premieres and "Homeland" debuts on the cable net this Sunday.  "Homeland" stars Claire Danes (!) in what seems to be a heavy, CIA/war based drama.  Not really my fare, but I'll sample it....  TV so far: I'm diggin "New Girl," just picked up for a full season and "Up All Night," because Maya Rudolph is worth it all.  I've yet to watch "Terra Nova," which I read has uber-fake-looking dinosaurs and "Pan Am," which I hear I'll love.  I haven't sampled round 2 of "2 Broke Girls," which was just ok, but I'm excited for "Suburgatory," which shows more promise.  Are you not watching "Happy Endings"?  It's truly hysterical.  I caught the first "Playboy Club," and liked it!  But rumor has it, it'll be the first casualty of the year with "Free Agents" and "Charlie's Angels" to follow.... Notice the lighter segments on the Bev Hills Housewives?  Following the Maloof's to a basketball game proved to have no meat and was likely on the cutting room floor but added after Russell's death.  Other than Kim's apparent boozing-it-up, sadly, this season doesn't seem to foreshadow and real dramz....  Yes, I still watch "Grey's." Yes, it's still great....  Most films out there are getting "B" average grades - like "50/50," and "What's Your Number?," so I'll wait for PPV.  Getting raves: "Moneyball," which I hope to see next week....  Hugh Jackman is going to spend about 2 months on Broadway starting later this month.  Uhm, if I lived there, I'd go every night.  I hope they film it for TV....  Speaking of Broadway, why don't the stars of the Great White Way get it that they will not be pop stars... or country stars?!  The amazingly talented Kristin Chenoweth released a country album last week, which failed to even crack the top 40.  It's a painful collection of bland tunes with cringe worthy lyrics.  Overall, it's painful and like her sometimes "Glee" co-star, Matthew Morrison (also an extremely talented Broadway actor), who released a pop/soft rock album earlier this year, these performers don't get it that - whether they like it or not - we want a Broadway/standards/big band/jazz album from them not them trying to compete with Carrie Underwood or Jason Mraz - so misguided and ultimately an embarrassment of failures....  Gavin DeGraw's major pop-stardom time may have passed, but I'm likin' his current "Not Over You"....  Flashback: Brenda Russell's "Piano In The Dark," still holds up. It's primed for a re-make. Alica Key's please?...  Sting is 60. Just sayin'....  Face it!  I try, once a week, to apply a face mask.  My choice for years has been H20's Sea Mineral Mud Mask.  Extra tip (via Brett): use a small paint brush to paint your face, not your fingers....  So, reduce your pores and be Just Like Jerry!

Friday, September 23, 2011

TGIF - Moneyball, X-Host, RiRi

2 Besties Live in Concert (info at bottom)
Brad Brad Brad! "Moneyball" is getting raves. My review will pop up shortly. I mean, it's Brad. Duh.... As for Taylor Lautner's "Abduction," key syllable "Ab," it's getting killed.  But I don't think I can pass up seeing my TayTay on the big screen (as I avoid those Twilight flicks).  I caught "Drive" with Ryan Gosling and give it a "B+" - it's art-house meets action and I predict Ryan will be People's "Sexiest Man Alive" this year.  Mark it!... TV-WATCH: Well, I'm week two into "Ringer," and I'm on the fence; not in love but not ready to walk away....  As for the "X-Factor," it seems I'm ready to turn it off and return once they go "live."  The audition shows are laborious to watch and Simon still seems bored. Perhaps, Sy, you are so damn rich, nothing can satisfy you within the TV competition world.  As for that host, YUM.  UK's Steve Jones is dreamy.   I caught "2 Broke Girls." Cute enough, but cute ain't enough to hold my interest. I think I have a problem with these multi-cam sit-coms popping up after years of not having them....  TV tonite: Repeats of Up All Night, Modern Family and Revenge run, if you missed them this week.  Also debuting is, "A Gifted Man," on CBS.  Perhaps a bit too CBS for me, (IE Ghost Whisperer/Medium), but I love Patrick Wilson, so I'll try it.  Sunday brings returns of "Desperate Housewives," "The Good Wife," and the well-received "Pan-Am"....  Rihanna's dropping a new album November 21!?  This  exactly one year and 5 days after her current one, which still has a top 10 single out there, "Cheers."  At just 23, since 2005 she's released an album every year, except 2008.  In my opinion, she's yet to top the brilliant ear-candy that is her "Good Girl Gone Bad" album.  Her new single, "We Found Love," is out now....  From a 23 y.o. to an 85 y.o. legend: Yes, it seems Tony Bennett may have his 1st, FIRST, #1 album next week when "Duets II" likely pops into the top spot.  With Gaga, Mariah, Buble, Groban, Carrie - it's all A-Listers crooning classics with TB who can still hit those notes.  I'm just thrilled that these tunes are being heard, perhaps by newcomers - and that it can sit up there with Lil Wayne & Coldplay....  No, I don't have an iPhone.  I need buttons!  I have a Motorola Droid Pro through Verizon.  It does essentially everything an iPhone does. Yes, Greg, it does.  And I'm perfectly happy with it.  A couple fave apps: HeyTell (a walkie talkie messenger) and WhatsApp (a Blackberry Messenger-like i.m. communicator).  Basic texting is so '08.... Did you know I'm doing a show!  Yes, on Oct 30 in Studio City, I'm teaming with my friend of 30-years, Randall Phillips, for a night of duets, solos, stories and GREAT music!  Follow this link here and scroll down for info....  So, please, make your rezzies and be Just Like Jerry!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Emmy's, TV This Week, Warrior

Hot "Warrior," Tom Hardy
EMMY NOTES: Steve Carrell & Laura Linney are wondering, "What did I do wrong?" I'm thrilled Melissa McCarthy won but Jim Parson's again (?) for the most unfunny show on TV? Another shocker was Jon Hamm going home empty handed over the very worthy Kyle Chandler, my personal pick.  And really, "Amazing Race" again for Best Reality Competition? "Idol" has never won and certainly proved itself by bouncing back and reinventing itself a bit this past season.  And I guess I should watch "Downton Abbey," as it swept the movie/miniseries categories, save for Kate Winslet's win.  I think it's steaming for free on Netflix and season 2 of what is technically a miniseries doesn't start until January so there's time to catch up.  The supporting drama actor/actress were other upsets where the underdogs took 'em both.  Yet, Peter Dinklage and certainly Margo Martindale are character actors who have popped up on virtually every TV show imaginable.  And I thought Jane Lynch was perfectly fine.... TV THIS WEEK: "2 Broke Girls" is one comedy receiving raves, so I'll check it out tonight (9/19).  But "Playboy Club" is getting harsh reviews, so I'll pass.  For Tuesday, "Glee" is back and I've watched the pilot for "New Girl," and loved it.  Also for Tues is "Ringer."   Wednesday brings us the over-hyped "X Factor." Will I watch? Yes!  "The Middle" and "Modern Family" return on Weds as well, as does "Up All Night" on NBC, which I found damn funny last week.  No, I won't be sampling "Revenge" on ABC.  Thursday continues to be over-crowded. And this week brings us "X Factor" (again), Grey's Anatomy, Parks & Rec, the Office and the new, well-reviewed "Person of Interest," (CBS) which I'm excited for.  Also on Thursday is "Secret Circle," which seems a bit young, but Greg was into episode 1 last week.  "A Gifted Man" starts on CBS this Friday with Patrick Wilson - reason enough for me to sample it.  Sunday I'll be sticking with "Desperate Housewives," (yes I still love it) and the brilliant "Good Wife." New to Sunday is "Pan Am," receiving some good reviews and I love the setting, so I'm in!  And next week, even MORE debuts and returns.  My most excited newbie, "An American Horror Story" doesn't start on FX till 10/5.... MAGS I subscribe to: Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, GQ, Men's Health & Details....   FILM: I caught "Warrior" last week- a really damn good film.  I love fight films and this was done extremely well - very intense with uber hot actors!... So, fight on and be Just Like Jerry.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Emmy Predictions, Ringer Thoughts & ONJ

Mad Men's Hendricks with her Golden Globes
The Emmy's air this Sunday on Fox at 8PM!  Yes, we in LA get a tape delay. Urgh!  My thoughts: Best Comedy (Will win/Should Win) - Modern Family. I expect Parks & Rec to take it eventually though.  Best Comedy Actress (Will win) Laura Linney; (Should win) Amy Poehler - She's the only one here who really made me LOL. Comedy Actor (Will win/Should win) Steve Carell - Uhm, he never has. He's leaving. And he's deserved it over champ, Alec Baldwin, at least once before. Comedy Supporting Actress (Will win/Should win) - Sofia Vergara (Mod Fam). I would not be upset if "never-won" Jane Krakowski (30 Rock) won but she should have taken this 2 years ago already. If Betty White snags it, it'll be the evening's upset. I love her dearly but, she doesn't deserve it up against this competition.  Comedy Supporting Actor (Will win/Should win) -  Ed O'Neil, never nom'd, deserves it as the patriarch on Mod Fam.  Ty Burrell is very deserving too though.... Best Drama (Will win) Boardwalk Empire (which I don't watch). (Should win) Friday Night Lights, though it'll never happen.  Drama Best Actress - (Should win) Connie Britton for Friday Night Lights. If you've seen the show, I offer no explanation.  She is underrated, overlooked and overdue. (Will win) - Julianna Margulies will likely snatch it again - and she is indeed wonderful, but I heart Connie.  Drama Best Actor - (Should win) - Kyle Chandler for Friday Night Lights. Read what I said about Connie. Ditto here. (Will win) - Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk" will likely take it because the show swept the Creative Emmy's this week.  But Jon Hamm has yet to take one.  Drama Supporting Actor will be Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), but I think co-star Josh Charles should win, because his role was beefier this year. Drama Supporting Actress will likely be surprise Good Wife winner from last year, Archie Panjabi, though I'd like to see Man Men lady, Christina Hendricks nab it.  The "movie" categories don't interest me much, but expect Mildred Pierce and Oscar darling Kate Winslet to sweep 'em....  I watched RINGER.  It was pretty predictable and while it fits nicely on the CW, I only have my ongoing-love-affair with Gossip Girl there and I'm not sure if it'll last on my DVR must-sees.  If it picks up and becomes an ensemble night time soap, it may prove to be more interesting than the pilot which seemed focused on Miss Geller.... Flashback: Everyone thinks of Oliva Newton John and goes to Grease or Physical.  But remember this gem?  A Little More Love is so sexy - and just a purely perfect pop nugget.  It hit #3 in '78 and it seems edgy for then, right?...  Polish up: I'm lovin' Pledge Multi-Surface. I use it on my leather coffee table, mirrors and even my iPad screen.  It's safe for all!  So shine on and be Just like Jerry.

Friday, September 9, 2011

New Tunes, New TV, New Films, New Girl...

"New Girl" & Boys
Hot songs: Kelly Clarkson's Mr. Know It All, Beyonce's Love On Top, Fantasia's Collard Greens & Cornbread.  The 'Tasia tune includes the hook, "You (are) better than my mama's collard greens & cornbread," which I find hysterical and genius....  As for Baby-On-Board-Beyonce, I don't want to call her pregnancy calculated (as most are), but the lackluster "4" album seems timely for her to finally take a damn break, not tour and hide the failed CD behind the pending baby.  I say this because she is a power-house work-horse and with no hit single (after releasing four) and the album not being too Sasha Fierce on the charts, I'm glad she's preggers, happy and is having a "forced" vacay (though I really, personally wanted to see her in concert this time)....  I saw "The Debt." I give it a "B+."  It was a nice escape from the LA heat and the performances and twists are worth it.  And my new girl crush Jessica Chastain is in it. She joins Jennifer Garner and Claire Danes on my list.  I just love 'em!...  Another girl crush is Zooey Deschanel, coming soon to TV on Fox's "New Girl." I caught the pilot for free on iTunes. It shows promise and is pretty simple but hysterical with a great cast. It mirrors ABC's "Happy Endings," which is one of my instant faves (back 9/28), but Zooey and her character are TOO adorable....  Publications are issuing their Top New Shows. Two constants are CBS's "2 Broke Girls" and "Person of Interest."  They are both in the top 5 of USA Today, EW, & TV Guide.  I'll be watching and blogging my reviews.  Up first next week: "Ringer" (CW) debuts and "Parenthood" (NBC) returns on Tuesday. "Parenthood" is just a lil' underrated gem of a show - think "My So Called Life" meets "Once & Again" - a family soap with a killer cast robbed of Emmy nods. NBC's "Up All Night" with Christina Applegate is getting good buzz and starts on Weds.  Thursday brings "The Secret Circle" on CW.  From the Vamp Diaries crew, critics aren't embracing but it seems like a more viewer-friendly show anyway - and the only one Greg's interested in....  "Contagion" opens in theaters today (getting a B+ from EW), as does "Warriors," getting  a "B" and starring the hotter than hot Tom Hardy. I wanna see both!... Flashback: will anyone remember this tune?  Lee Ritenour's "Is It You" hit #15 on the pop charts in '81.  Lee plays guitar with vocals by Eric Tagg. It's a perfect pop-jazz ditty when pop radio played jazz-leaning acts like Anita Baker & Al Jarreau.... A moisturizing body scrub? Yup.  Bath & Body Works' Need A Margarita is a yumo blend of sugar-crystals with tropical oils. You'll be silky smooth and smell like a garden of earthly delights.... So scrub away and be Just Like Jerry!  

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Susan Boyle, the CW, Lady A...

SMG back on TV
Susan Boyle's back! I think I like her story - and the fact that she is selling TONS by recording Broadway and standards - than I do her voice, but overall, brava for her. She appeared on "AGT" last night singing a showtune from a musical by the Abba guys and I feel, in the hands of Betty Buckley or Patti LuPone, it'd be even more of a showstopper.  See, SuBo is still not a "performer" or "actress of songs" who should rise up to meet the material she's tackling.  And I've seen her 'do look better. Her new CD drops in November - expect HUGE holiday sales.  Her debut did 10 mill.... Good lord! It's September. which means new TV!  Let's look at the CW.  I don't watch much on here but my guilty pleasure "Gossip Girl," but I'm looking forward to "Ringer"with Sarah Michelle Gellar-Prinze as a twin, playing the sister she isn't, wrapped up in a murder mystery.  Here's a longer preview.  Greg is going to try to lure me into "The Secret Circle," because he feels like it's "Charmed."  I'll try it, but I ain't holdin' out hope.  It's about a young witches coven in a small town... think "Twilight" with witches....  The inescapable song of the moment is Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks." A fun lil ditty with a catchy chorus that, overall, sounds a bit too much like the Gorillaz to be as unique and original as critics are claiming.... I like Lady Antebellum but they are already 3 singles deep on an album that drops 9/13 and none have peaked my interest. I think this is a case of "take a break!" in order to have time to create stellar, not mediocre material....  I love me some Bath & Body Works!  Their anti-bac hand soaps are a steal (4 for $15) and they are smell-o-riffic. New fall scents just arrived though I heart the summer Island Margarita, now gone till next year....  A "Romancing the Stone" TV series? Hmmm? Get the soon-to-be unemployed Eva Longoria, make it a lil darker and you might have a hit....  Remember this hidden gem? A true one hit wonder, Jane Child's "Don't Wanna Fall In Love" still sounds fresh and kicks ass.... Movies? "The Debt" is getting raves across the board. Scary "Apollo 18" opens tomorrow, but with no buzz, so who knows? But if you missed some summer fare, try to find "Super 8."  Hey LA, the Prez will be here 9/26 for fundraisers. One of 'em at the House of Blues on Sunset. Be traffic-prepared and don't post gripes! Just stay away....  Hail to the Chief and be Just like Jerry!