MyTube: Nobody's Watching

Well, it finally happened. YouTube changes the course of network TV. Long story short, a pilot that was making the rounds at last year's "upfronts" (where networks look at pilots and decide whether a show is worth investing in) got onto YouTube, got some good buzz, and is now being put into production by NBC.

The show is called "Nobody's Watching". Bill Lawrence, the mastermind behind Scrubs and Boy Meets World, is one of the co-writers of the show. The concept is pretty fantastic. 2 life long sitcom fans are hired by the WB to write a sitcom, and while writing it they will live on a television set with a live audience watching as they try and write a sitcom. Unfortunately, I hate the 2 leads. I also wish that the show actually talked a little bit more about sitcoms. There are only 2-3 jokes about sitcoms themselves and their cliches. Although, one of the strongest points is Alan Thicke's appearance. Also, I love the network execs. They are great characters.

Either way, its a pretty fantastic precedent being set here. You can read the article in Variety explaining more about this whole thing.

Here is part 1 of the pilot. Links to part 2 and 3 will conveniently show themselves when done with part 1.

Vice Refresher

This is probably a bad sign. For the second entry in a row the accompanied photo has featured Don Johnson. This must break some type of blog rule and I'm sure we'll now be the laughing stock of the blogging community. I apologize for the trouble this may cause and I promise to do my best to make sure the next item I submit in no way features Don Johnson. Even if CBS announces a "Nash Bridges" retrospective is in the works I will resist the urge to use a photo of Johnson mugging it up with Cheech.

Now why would I use a photo of Johnson alongside the unemployable Philip Michael Thomas? Well NBC has decided to air the pilot episode of "Miami Vice" this Saturday at 8. Obviously this is in anticipation of the big screen VICE movie opening July 28th starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Farrell and Foxx will host the broadcast and since the 2 hour pilot is being stretched to 3 you can bet there will be a lot of footage of the new film throughout the evening. Probably not worth cancelling Saturday night activities such as dining, dancing, and fucking but if you're as hyped for the movie as I am this could be a great way to sample the old before embracing the new.

On the Brink of World War?

I've been in and out for most of the weekend. But when I've dialed around the channels looking for baseball scores I keep glancing at the news stations and it almost sounds like there is a bunch of unrest in the world. I don't know if North Korea threw a grenade at Israel or if Luxembourg has finally decided to break off a piece of France for itself but life as we know it could be coming to an end. With that in mind I hope everyone has taken it upon themselves to watch HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN.

The film is the (un)true story of 2 buddies who have spent their entire lives riding hogs and getting into barfights. Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson play the title characters. Originally the film was to be named HARLEY DAVIDSON, THE MARLBORO MAN, AND BAZOOKA JOE but that was scrapped when Sam Elliott pulled out due to strep throat.

The plot finds Harley and Marlboro butting heads with a banker portrayed by a slim Tom Sizemore, who also dabbles in dealing a new synthetic drug that's all the rage. Throughout this adventure you get Big John Studd, a Baldwin brother wearing a bulletproof leather trench coat, and Vanessa Williams long before the ravages of time and Rick Fox had taken their toll. This movie leaves no stone unturned.

Who knows how much longer we have until the nukes start knocking on our front doors? But I do know that if you see just one movie before the apocalypse begins, make sure it's HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN or one of the odd numbered POLICE ACADEMY flicks.

Amazing Screw-on Head: GREENLIGHT NOW!!!

What's this? An original program on Sci-Fi channel that isn't Battlestar Galactica that is actually good? And its an animated show?! I really don't know what the deal is with Sci-Fi. It clearly isn't run by people who understand the genre. 90% of the time they are showing 1 star z-grade schlock put out by some eastern European country that you wouldn't even find your local video store carrying...And they can't even show the copious amounts of nudity that are usually in those movies anyway.

Early on if I understand correctly they were still teetering on whether or not they were going to show BSG in its entirety (Kyle can correct this if I am wrong), until the show became a sensation in England and became sort of the unofficial mascot of Bit Torrent giving access to media that people normally wouldn't have due to network politics. They also had that one mildly amusing show "Tripping the Rift", a CGI animated show, but I don't know if it exists anymore. It wasn't that great anyway.

Anyway, I am posting this so we can get our small readership to voice their opinions on the pilot for "The Amazing Screw-on Head". It started as a comic book by uber-genius Mike Mignola (of Hellboy fame). I never actually got around to reading any of the comics, but I can say that the animated show LOOKS EXACTLY like what you think Mignola's comic work should look like if it were in motion.

Setting aside the art design, which is fantastic, the show itself is quite a riot. During the Civil War era, Abraham Lincoln turns to his number one spy guy "Screw-on Head", who literally is a head that screws himself into robotic bodies, to fight matters of the occult and generally weird things. The show's tongue is definitely in cheek at all times. The concepts that Mignola brings forth are wild and entertaining. I won't sit here and list off all the insane oddities that show up in this pilot, but I will just say you will be entertained.

Overall, the pilot is very strong. Its beautiful to look at. The characters are fun and original. The pacing of this episode feels a bit off the whole time, but its very much an introductory episode to this alternate universe of sorts. I highly recommend you guys watch it on Sci-fi's Pulse video network and then take the survey afterwards so we can get this show greenlighted. If this was Adult Swim, I would imagine this show would already be in production, but its Sci-Fi so keep that in mind when you take the survey.

Link: The pilot should be the Featured Video

Psych: Kind of not just another detective show

At this point, USA is even poking fun at its own programming lineup with its crossover commercials highlighting the leads from The Dead Zone, Monk, and Psych talking about their own powers and talents in solving mysteries. The formula has worked twice before, and you know what it works again with Psych.

The premise itself is quite an awesome one. A loser son of a cop has always had a sense of spotting "what's wrong with this picture", and it was a talent that his father would have him hone as a child. Now, the son Shawn Spencer falls into freelancing for the police department and quickly creates a cover that he is a psychic to explain how he is able to know so much about a crime scene.

The first two episodes have been amazingly well written. They are very funny, and the 2 leads (James Rhoday and Dule Hill) have a great chemistry together. I think that is what really carries the show. The banter between the two, Spencer's smug arrogance, and Gus' real world approach to the crimes is a nice change of pace from other shows. The plots themselves could have easily been plots for any episode of Monk, but they work well enough. One aspect of the show so far that I do like more than Monk is that they have made the choice to highlight the clues that Spencer picks up before making a deduction, while in Monk the deductions are all made in the characters head sort of keeping the audience clueless as far as "how he figures these things out".

One other main aspect to the show is Spencer's relationship with his estranged father. It's the typical "dad was tough on son through childhood, and then they had a falling out, and now they are working on fixing things slowly". It works though. Corbin Bernsen plays the dad pretty well. Once again, the chemistry between Spencer and his Father is also very good.

They made a smart choice of getting rid of the blonde cop in the pilot who was dating the doubting annoying cop and putting in another more attractive blonde cop with inklings of a future relationship with Shawn. Overall, all the supporting cast are pretty strong. Really at the end of the first two episodes, I thought "wow that was entertaining and hilarious stuff" and tend to forget the intricacies of the mystery. I think that's important because compared to the multiple CSI's where the mystery always takes the forefront, which becomes tiresome very quickly, you will return to this show for the characters. If you are a fan of Monk, I think you will definitely love this show because its almost like "anti-Monk" and a spoofing of other detective shows.

Psych airs on USA at Fridays at 10pm.

Superman Returns Thoughts

I know we have covered Superman Returns 1.5 times already on the blog, but seeing that I just saw it and liked it so much I wanted to post a few thoughts on it.

First and foremost, it felt a lot like Spiderman 1, which in itself borrowed a lot from Superman 1, which Superman Returns also borrows a lot from. Its kind of eerie how similar these 3 movies are. I guess its a testament to Richard Donner's work in kickstarting the comic book movie.

Secondly, Singer definitely knows how to shoot the "iconic" imagery people want when they think of Superman on film. There were a dozen shots in the movie that were just breathtaking and really embodied what Superman should look like. My favorite was his lifting of the car in the nod to the Action Comics #1 cover. The saving of the plane was easily the best sequence in the movie, but it was unfortunate it was in the beginning because the action quotient really tapered off quite a bit near the end. I enjoyed the montage of news coverage about Superman's exploits around the world, and his rush through Metropolis saving people as the crystals were causing havoc.

Thirdly, I can clearly see that Singer understands the character behind the comic book characters he has dealt with so far. He really makes it a point to nail the essence of each character whether its X-men or Superman. What I don't understand is why he can't manage to greenlight better super villain plots. The main scheme of each bad guy in X1, X2, and Superman are so comic booky that they are a bit laughable. I was able to buy Luthor's scheme relatively well in Superman though, but still it was all a bit too hokey.

Fourthly, ****SPOILER WARNING***


Superboy. I am not completely sold on it. The kid was as annoying as any other "cute kid" in other movies. But I liked the whole Father-son angle that was presented throughout the movie, and felt it all came together nicely with Supes giving the Jor-el speech to the kid as he slept. That was a nice bookend moment. As far as the kid having super powers...while it made sense in the realm of one movie, I think it creates a massive mine field for what is inevitably at least a 3 film franchise. What do you do with the kid? You have established he will have super powers. Now, the audience is going to expect some advancement on that with each subsequent movie. Will he become a super boy sidekick? What powers will he have? And countless other questions that could be distractions in future movies.

Finally, Singer has proven he can rise to the action occasion in each of his super hero films. I would like to see more super action in the sequel. The plane sequence was phenomenal, but I want it to be topped. Sam Raimi really knocked it out of the park in Spidey 2 with some of the best superhero action ever. I hope Singer is aiming to up the ante with Superman Returns again.

Overall, this was an excellent movie, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good everyone was in it. I still think Spidey 2 is the best superhero movie we have seen so far, but its clear that the competition is getting better and better.

Brotherhood

I read recently that Showtime just celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Wow, 30 years of being HBO's bitch. What a legacy! No matter what shows they've thrown on the air none of them have interested me. Some folks recommended "Huff" to me but in my mind it will always be the show that steals rightful Emmy nominations from "The Shield." But alas, Showtime has finally provided me with a show I'll give a fair chance, "Brotherhood."

It's the story of 2 brothers in Providence. Jason Clarke plays Michael, a politician who seems like a good man but is not above some dirty dealings to get his way. Jason Isaacs, who did a lovely over the top job opposite Mel Gibson in THE PATRIOT, plays Tommy who returns home after 7 years in hiding. Tommy was pretty high on the Rhode Island organized crime totem pole and after one epiosde he's already quite eager to reclaim the aspects of the "business" that are his.

It's obvious that this is Showtime's bid for a "Sopranoish" crime drama. While it may sometimes have the look and violence of David Chase's masterpiece it does not have the dark sense of humor which is so far its main flaw. Still the characters, especially Isaacs' Tommy, look as though they are full of interesting possibilities.

"Brotherhood" airs on Showtime at 10 PM and then is replayed at 11 PM before being made available On Demand. For some odd reason CBS is going to run the pilot tonight at 10. I guess it's a good way to get the show some exposure but on network TV this thing will be gutted.

MyTube: The Greatest Dunk EVER

Once again, I am bringing some of my favorites from YouTube.com (an idea that I think has become pretty hackneyed now across the internet. I am not saying I invented the idea...but I sort of did.)

So, we have the And1 Mixtape Tour. Flashy dribbling, complicated passing, and dunks galore. Its great fun watching not only the game but the massive egos these guys carry around as well. Finally, one member of the tour has stepped out and done something historic. Taurian Fontanette aka "The Air Up There" (great Kevin Bacon movie also) dunked the greatest dunk I have ever seen in my life: The 720. I will let you watch the video, its pretty self explanatory. Also, watch for a quick cameo from Grayson Boucher aka "Tha PROFESSAAAAAAAAA"

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

F/X has been setting the standard for television dramas the last few years between "The Shield," "Nip/Tuck," and "Rescue Me." Last summer they tested the comedy waters with 2 shows, "Starved" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." I liked "Starved." Few shows could find the humor in bulimia but that one did. I dismissed "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" as a generic "Friends" clone with cussing. Well "Starved" is now a stain on the road of the basic cable highway and "Philadelphia" has returned with a new addition to the cast in the form of Rhea Pealman-fucker Danny DeVito.

After 2 weeks of new "Philadelphia" episodes I think F/X made the right call. The show has grown on me in a big way. The network has been hyping it as a more edgy "Seinfeld" and while it has a long way to go to for that type of comparison it's not as outlandish a claim as it would have been a year ago. Like "Seinfeld" you have 4 principal characters who find themselves in all sorts of humerous self-centered situations. Of course I don't recall George ever sleeping with Jerry's mother (though she was hot!) which is the type of premise that is tame by "Philadelphia's" standards.

As for the addition of DeVito, he's tremendous. He's always been one of those guys who could appear in 10 shitty movies but then pop up in something like L.A. CONFIDENTIAL and remind you how talented he is. I'm sure he's appearing on "Philadelphia" for cab fare but he seems to enjoy what's he's doing. Half his scenes involve him hitting on strippers which must be a welcome change from what he sees when he wakes up in the morning.

This ain't dead yet

While it may have seemed like it for the past 2 months, this blog ain't dead yet. Justin has gone on to do his own thing and Sarah has decided to leave too. I will do my best to keep some content up on this site, but it will most likely be very inconsistent.

So, I would once again like to extend an invitation to any of our readers who might be interested in contributing to drop a line to fazermd@hotmail.com

Really, if you are reading this blog somewhat regularly I am sure you could add something to the site.

I am out.

I decided to follow in Justin's stride and leave stealingcable because I have my own blog now. I'll leave an open account if I feel like there is something extremely open to discuss. It's been fun.



P.S. here is the link...I am sure it won't interest most of you. Anyways, peace out.

ROCKY BALBOA

The minute the famous Bill Conti theme hits in the beginning of the trailer for "Rocky Balboa" aka Rocky 6, I knew my ticket was already as good as purchased. But actually, the movie looks halfway decent. Stallone knows how to make this character work, but what looks interesting is the style the movie seems to be shot in. It seems more gritty and workmanlike ala Rocky 1, and not so glitzy and glamorous like Rocky 2-4 were. I think my favorite part is when Tony Burton (glad to see he is back...and still alive...as Rocky's trainer (he was formerly apollo's trainer and then managed rocky to victory over Russian giant Ivan Drago)) says, "what you need to win is speed...you don't have that. You have calcium deposits in most of your joints, so sparring is out of the question. So what we have to rely on is blunt force trauma...lets build some HURTIN BOMBS."

Seems like Stallone is going back to the basics. I like what I am seeing. I think you guys will too. This Christmas...gonna fly now.

Trailer

Summer Movie Rundown

Well, I can only speak for the movies I have seen. Here is a basic rundown of what actually is worth watching in theaters right now and what isn't.

The Devil Wears Prada: Is it just me or does Anne Hathaway always seem to play the ugly girl who undergoes a makeover and becomes the girl who takes over. Well, this was no different. Girl graduates from college, moves in with the boyfriend in the Big City and tries to find her way. Ends up getting a job that "a million girls would want," but things aren't always that easy. I am sure many of you have read the book and if this movie was anything like the book than I am not reading it. It wasn't funny and it was so freaking long. The only pseudo entertaining part was Meryl Streep acting like a bitch.

Superman Returns: Really enjoyed it, read Justin's post below.

Click: Oh my gosh!! I cried. I mean not to get your hopes up because this was probably like any mediocre Bruce Almighty-type flick but it was still very touching. It is interesting to note that Adam Sandler is starting to pick projects that are all family-oriented where he gets to play dramatic roles as the good father trying to balance it all. (Spanglish and this one) But hey, it works. So his character in this movie is tired of his life even though he has great kids and a hot wife, but he cannot seem to get the promotion at work. So he finds a universal remote at Bed, Bath and Beyond which helps him fast forward through all the mundane crap in life. But then we see how big of a mistake this was.

Nacho Libre: Loved it, see post below.

The Break-Up: It was okay and see post below.

Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest- Seeing Johnny Depp in anything is quite entertaining. This was no different. I am not a huge Pirates fan but this was pretty good. A lot of the action scenes were fun, and there were a lot of funny moments because Captain Jack Sparrow is somewhat of a nut job. The imagery was great and the special effects were fun. That's probably the word of the day: fun. The giant octopus was sooo gross and the Dutch sailors made me want to vomit, all of which are good things because it was well done.

Emmy Nominees 2006...Disappointment continues

I have finally managed to make it through this past month alive. I just want to give my best to Justin and his future endeavors. From the podcast to the blog, it was all his brainchild. I basically came up with the name and shoehorned my way into the whole thing. Hopefully, the blog will maintain some regularity in content...which it never has. To all our contributors, FEEL FREE TO POST WHEN YOU WANT. To all our readers, continue to leave comments. Not only does it prove that people are reading, but it lets us know what you think. Anyway, onto the emmy's.

Every year it seems like the Emmy nominations take a step forward and then two steps back. I still applaud them for giving Michael Chiklis the best actor award for The Shield season 1. For whatever reason, whether its marketing, lack of "awards press" from FX, etc. The Emmy's pretty much TOTALLY overlooked the past season of The Shield, which just happened to be some of the best television ever filmed. No nod to Forest Whitaker, not even CCH Pounder got the obligatory "strong black character" nomination.

The head scratching continues with the seemingly random, yet very deserving nomination of Dennis Leary as best lead actor in a drama for Rescue Me. That whole cast deserves an award but not necessarily just Leary. But I guess its nice to see Leary getting some credit for doing something original instead of being accused of stealing Bill Hicks' routines.

Going down the list, there are some welcome surprises with Steve Carrell getting a nom for The Office. And for whatever reason, Lost is not a candidate for Best Drama. The emmy's continue to give far too much credit to 24. This last season was easily the worst one yet, but it continues to get nominated. Its like high class schlock. Entertaining at times, but everybody knows it isn't really good tv.

Finally, I saved the best for last. The Emmy's may be pulling an Andre Braugher on Arrested Development. With no hope of the show being revived, the academy NOW sees it fit to nominate the show for best comedy (which it should win by a mile) AND have FINALLY nominated Will Arnett for best supporting actor. Now, Arnett will be going up against Jeremy Piven and his role in Entourage so looks like fan support will be split. But honestly Entourage will go on for some time and AD is clearly done. If I don't see Will Arnett get up to give an acceptance speech the Emmy's are dead to me.

Any other notable absences or perplexing nominations? Let us know.

Signing out

I teased it a little last week, but now I'll go ahead and make it official..I will be leaving Stealing Cable along with Andrew, better known to readers as Darth Chocula, to work on our new script, a re-imagining of an 80s TV show known as Manimal, as well as a new website, Spot the Weasel(ill come back to add the link when it's there), where you will be able to find not only the posts you loved from us here, but updates on the production and news surrounding Manimal.

Manimal, a show about a man who can turn into an animal, shares nothing but a name with our story. Anything more would spoil the fun. I am currently working with an artist on a comic rendition of this, which will likely be distributed at Spot the Weasel, and Andrew and I are collaborating on a longform script as well.

With this news, I hope Faze does a better job here than I did.

Does this mean the end of the podcast? Yeah, in this form at least.
Is anyone else coming with you? If they are interested
Why leave? We'll I have had trouble as it is taking on a leadership role here with so much going on, so not only will I officially relinquish that, but I'll leave an active account here, just in case.

See you all soon!

Justin