Name: JPRoscoe
Email:
Bio: Follow me on Twitter @JPRoscoe76! Loves all things pop-culture especially if it has a bit of a counter-culture twist. Plays video games (basically from the start when a neighbor brought home an Atari 2600), comic loving (for almost 30 years), and a true critic of movies. Enjoys the art house but also isn't afraid to let in one or two popular movies at the same time.
Posts by JPRoscoe:
Warzones!: Where Monsters Dwell
June 18th, 2018|
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Comic Info
Comic Name: Where Monsters Dwell
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Russ Braun
# of Issues: 5
Release Date: 2015
Where Monsters Dwell #1 Variant
Reprints Where Monsters Dwell #1-5 (July 2015-December 2015). Karl Kaufmann is a rogue. Naming himself the Phantom Eagle, he travels the skies, romances women, and leaves them for more adventure. When on the run from his latest adventure, Karl finds himself hired by a woman named Clementine Franklin-Cox who has her own agenda. A strange lightning storm sends Karl and Clemmie into a tropical world inhabited by dinosaurs, Amazons, and pygmies…Karl might have finally bitten off more than he can chew!
Written by Garth Ennis, Warzones!: Where Monsters Dwell is a Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars spinoff title. The series comes with an Adults rating and is a sequel to Ennis’s War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle from 2008. The comic features art by Russ Braun.
I can’t say that I’m a big fan of Garth Ennis. Ennis’s definition of adult is just adding swear words and sexual innuendoes (or overt sexual moments). It is kind of his M.O., and it generally feels like a kid is trying to write a book that his parents would disapprove of…it doesn’t come off as clever or intelligent, it just comes off as stupid. Warzones!: Where Monsters Dwell doesn’t fall far from the Ennis tree in that sense.
Where Monsters Dwell #4
The Phantom Eagle as portrayed by Ennis is almost a picaresque hero who is supposed to be a lovable rogue who sees wrong choices and makes them (a modern take on this would be Jack Sparrow). He is a romancer and the star of the series, but that doesn’t mean you entirely like him. Ennis works so hard to make him unlikable (and the other characters in the story unlikable) that you question why you are reading it because the payoff can’t equal what it should be.
Unlike a lot of the Secret Wars spinoff series, Where Monsters Dwell feels like it is the right length. The story sets up the world and establishes the characters. Ennis made the backstory of Clemmie unnecessarily convoluted (which doesn’t help the overall story) and it feels a bit unbalanced in the action sense with large sections of dialogue and flashbacks (all juvenile).
Comic books for adult can be funny, smart, and well written. Ennis never seems to get that, but he’s found a niche with his readers. I read Ennis and want more…something like Preacher has the potential for being much better than it is because of decent plotting and grander plans. This is true of this outing by Garth Ennis…I’d advise skipping it, but fans of Ennis might enjoy it.
Related Links:
Battleworld: Master of Kung Fu
Warzones!: Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars
Warzones!: M.O.D.O.K. Assassin
Daredevil Noir
June 17th, 2018|
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Comic Info
Comic Name: Daredevil Noir
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Alexander Irvine
Artist: Tom Coker
# of Issues: 4
Release Date: 2010
Daredevil Noir #3
Reprints Daredevil Noir #1-4 (June 2009-September 2009). Matt Murdock realizes his dreams of being a lawyer aren’t realistic as a blind man but continues to fight the fight as an associate of Foggy Nelson. Using his enhanced abilities as Daredevil, Matt prowls the streets, but the appearance of a woman named Eliza harkens the danger of a turf war between the mob bosses Halloran and Fisk…and Matt could learn the truth about his father’s death.
Written by Alexander Irvine, Daredevil Noir was part of Marvel’s limited series Noir line. The issues feature art by Alexander Irvine and were also collected as part of Marvel Noir: Daredevil/Cage/Iron Man.
Marvel and DC Comics always try gimmicky things with their characters. Be it manga versions, English superheroes, or in this case 1930s crime versions, comics have always tried to expand and market their characters in different way. In some ways Daredevil Noir works, but in many ways it just feels like a What If? story that ran long.
The funny thing about Daredevil Noir is that it essentially reads like a Brian Michael Bendis Daredevil storyline. This means that its setting is almost pointless and if you didn’t know you were reading a Noir story, you might just think you are reading a highly stylized telling of a regular DD story. This isn’t necessarily a criticism, but it also makes the novelty of the Noir setting rather pointless.
Daredevil Noir #4
The story also runs long while being extremely short. Not much happens in it. Matt Murdock makes the wrong decision about a woman (like he does in every Daredevil story) and he squares off against the Kingpin (like most Daredevil stories). It doesn’t feel original, and it is also is stretched out.
Tomm Coker’s art for the series does work and fits the Noir style that Marvel is seeking with the line…but once again, this is negated by the actual Daredevil comic which features similar art in a similar setting. It might be the Great Depression, but Bendis and Brubaker’s stories look and feel like this story already.
Daredevil Noir is an ok entry in an ok experiment. It isn’t revolutionary and it isn’t that innovative. The character feels like it should be more extreme and the story feels like it needs tightening up some points while expanding other points to be a better, rounded, and more importantly original Daredevil story instead of a regular Daredevil story that just happens to be set in the ’30s.
Related Links:
Warzones!: Planet Hulk
June 16th, 2018|
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Comic Info
Comic Name: Planet Hulk
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Sam Humphries/Greg Pak
Artist: Marc Laming/Takeshi Miyazawa
# of Issues: 5
Release Date: 2015
Planet Hulk #3
Reprints Planet Hulk #1-5 (July 2015-November 2015). The Captain has a new mission. He and his dinosaur Devil have been sent to Greenland by Emperor Doom to unseat the rogue Red King. The Captain finds himself teamed with a Hulk calling himself Doc Hulk who is helping fight his way through the dangerous land to rescue his friend Bucky. All is not as it seems in Greenland, and the Captain is about to learn the horrifying truth.
Written by Sam Humphries, Warzones!: Planet Hulk is part of Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars tie-ins. The collection features art by Marc Laming and a short “origin” story written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Takeshi Miyazawa.
Secret Wars was massive. The series spawned tons of short mini-series with comics ranging from good to bad. With so many tie-ins, it is hard to read them all…but I did find Warzones!: Planet Hulk to be one of the better entries. A ******Spoiler Alert****** is in effect for the rest of the review.
The first aspect that made the story work slightly better is that it is five issues. Many of the stories were four issues and felt rather abrupt and quick. While Planet Hulk still feels somewhat truncated, it doesn’t feel as bad as some of the limited series. You get a decent feeling for why the Captain is headed to Greenland, what Greenland is like (somewhat), and it has a pretty strong resolution that wasn’t entirely predictable…which is about all you can ask from one of the Secret Wars series. I will say that it always feels like there are areas for expansion and that the comic in plot and character development, but there is enough to be enjoyable.
Planet Hulk #5
The basic set-up of Secret Wars is hard to follow with Battleworld being composed of different planets and parts. This really comes into play in this story in that the Captain and Doc Hulk are both Steve Rogers. If you aren’t clear on how Battleworld works, this would be a rather confusing and disappointing reveal. It also seems like in other Secret Wars titles that the characters don’t interact with their alternate version much…so this is more confusing in that you question if they realize there are other versions of themselves.
I liked Pak’s original Planet Hulk storyline and a return to Planet Hulk is worth checking out. With all of the Secret Wars stories, you can always do more and write more about the worlds that were created, and it is kind of a shame that the rich worlds weren’t able to be explored thoroughly due to the end of Secret Wars. I could see a “Return to Secret Wars” someday, but I don’t know if the series as popular enough to carry it…I’d love to see Battleworld again and wouldn’t mind seeing Greenland.
Related Links:
Battleworld: Master of Kung Fu
Warzones!: Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars
Warzones!: M.O.D.O.K. Assassin
Time Out for Rhythm (1941)
June 14th, 2018|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: Time Out for Rhythm
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Genre(s): Comedy/Musical
Release Date(s): June 5, 1941
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
I bet I’m the worse actor!
Danny Collins (Rudy Vallée) hopes to create a big musical career with his new partner Richard Lane). As their fame rises, trouble strikes when Mike learns Frances Lewis (Rosemary Lane) is single again. Danny questions Frances’ motives which creates a wedge between Mike and Danny. A young songstress named Kitty Brown (Ann Miller) might have the talent that Danny needs…but to get Mike to get it done!
Directed by Sidney Salkow, Time Out for Rhythm is a musical comedy. The film features the Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard) and was produced by Columbia Pictures.
The Three Stooges were always on TV growing up. The short skits seemed to play a lot along with Little Rascals, but I don’t remember seeing many feature films. With the Three Stooges really as supporting comic relief roles, the movie largely falls on the rest of the cast to carry the movie.
Boogie Woogie Man!
The Three Stooges do a nice job in their sketches, but the movie is largely a weird, romantic musical. The story is a bit unusual in that you expect the characters of Mike and Danny to pair up with Kitty and Frances (almost like White Christmas), but the Frances storyline goes another way and the movie largely becomes about the partnership between Mike and Danny (with Mike being a bit of a jerk about it).
Rudy Vallée, Richard Lane, Ann Miller, and Rosemary Lane aren’t very good actors. They seem very wooden and just deliver their lines. The movie (obviously) really comes down to the Three Stooges and Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard are the classic Stooges. The sequences like the dance at the end and the Stooges’ classic Maharaja skit are high points of the film.
Village People…the Early Years
Visually, the movie is rather typical. The physical stunts of the Stooges are slick, but most of the sets and visuals are rather dull. I do like the “Boogie Woogie Man” musical number which does some experimentation with light and music which raises it above some of the other numbers.
Time Out for Rhythm is pretty much what you’d expect from a musical comedy from this period. You get the bonus of having the Three Stooges in it instead of a really bad comic relief character and that does raise the film slightly. The movie is also short (a definite plus), but primarily, the movie is for fans of the period’s genre or the Three Stooges…expect no more, expect no less.
Laverne & Shirley—Season 2
June 13th, 2018|
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Still doing it their way!
Laverne (Penny Marshall) and Shirley (Penny Marshall) continue to try to warm up Milwaukee their own way. Spending their days at Shotz Brewery, Shirley and Laverne try to find dates and hopefully nice husbands. With Lenny (Michael McKean) and Squiggy (David L. Lander) always busting in and visits from Laverne’s father (Phil Foster), the “Big Ragu” Carmine (Eddie Mekka), and their landlord Edna (Betty Garrett), Laverne just hopes to keep from busting the face of her nemesis Rosie Greenbaum (Carole White).
Laverne & Shirley—Season 2 aired from March 28, 1976 to April 5, 1977 on ABC. The Happy Days spinoff continued to gain popularity and surged in ratings.
Laverne & Shirley was part of childhood. Watching the show was fun and funny and it was the type of show the whole family could watch and laugh at. There were jokes for kids and adults, and physical pratfalls that fell in line with I Love Lucy. Laverne & Shirley—Season 2 keeps up the tradition.
Gotta love a Christmas episode
This season has Laverne and Shirley really find their groove. The set-up of the first season and the evolution of the cast is complete and the story falls into basic sitcom storytelling. The stories are “wacky” and typical sitcom fodder (like Laverne & Shirley signing up to be test subjects leading to problems at a party or Laverne being thrown in jail for shoplifting). That doesn’t mean that they can be entirely dismissed, but viewers probably have seen versions of many of these stories before.
What saves Laverne & Shirley from being just a standard sitcom is the cast. Penny Marshall’s more promiscuous and opinionated Laverne gets trouble brewing while Cindy Williams belief that she is more sophisticated and calm leads to just as many problems. David L. Lander and Michael McKeon’s Lenny & Squiggy are fully recognized this season as exacerbators of problems while Eddie Mekka, Phil Foster, and Betty Garrett play nice supporting roles. This season also tries to introduce Laverne’s foil Rosie Greenbaum played by Carole White who never quite fit in the core group (but was always a fun cameo).
You’ve got to put that L on everything
The show has a standard sitcom look. It is almost always set based except the obviously prerecorded sequences at the brewery that they probably shot in one day when the show was initially picked up. Occasionally the show goes onto the Paramount backlots for episodes like “Drive! She Said”.
Laverne & Shirley is classic fun. It isn’t revolutionary, but it does hold up due to the spirit and commitment of the characters. Setting the story in the 1950s has given it a bit of timeless feel because it was already “old” when it aired the first time. Unlike a lot of sitcoms, kids and adults can still enjoy it. Revisit Laverne & Shirley and have fun!
Laverne & Shirley—Season 2 Complete Episode Guide:
“Drive, She Said”
2.1 Drive! She Said Airdate: 03/28/76
Shirley (Cindy Williams) has her eye on a car owned by a friend of Carmine (Eddie Mekka). Unfortunately, Shirley needs Laverne (Penny Marshalls) to pay for half of the car…and Laverne must face her fear of driving.
“Angels of Mercy”
2.2 Angels of Mercy Airdate: 10/05/76
Laverne has her eye on her neighbor Jerry Callihan (Charles Frank) while Shirley volunteers at a local hospital to meet doctors. When Jerry heads to the hospital for knee surgery, Laverne joins Shirley at the hospital to try to win Jerry’s heart.
“Bachelor Mothers”
2.3 Bachelor Mothers Airdate: 10/19/76
Stuck at home on a Saturday night, Laverne & Shirley find Fonzie (Henry Winkler) has stopped by with an assignment to watch his godson. When Shirley is forced to leave the baby with Lenny (Michael McKean) and Squiggy (David L. Lander), disaster strikes!
“Excuse Me, May I Cut In?”
2.4 Excuse Me, May I Cut In? Airdate: 10/26/76
Laverne and Shirley’s TV has died, and the prize of a TV at a school dance has Laverne and Shirley on a date with Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) and Potsie Webber (Anson Williams).
“Bridal Shower”
2.5 Bridal Shower Airdate: 11/09/76
Laverne and Shirley learn that their old friend Elinor Stefanick (Abbe Kanter) is getting married…before them. A bridal party at the home of Laverne’s nemesis Rosie Greenbaum (Carole White) brings out the worst in Laverne & Shirley.
“Look Before You Leap”
2.6 Look Before You Leap Airdate: 11/16/76
Laverne’s got a problem when she thinks she’s pregnant a month after a wild night. As rumors circulate, Lenny has an offer, and Laverne must tell her father (Phil Foster).
“Dear Future Model”
2.7 Dear Future Model Airdate: 11/23/76
Laverne and Shirley hope to reach the big leagues and give up the jobs at Shotz…and becoming models might be the key!
“Good Time Girls”
2.8 Good Time Girls Airdate: 11/30/76
Hector (Greg Antonacci) has been rejected over and over again by Shirley and Laverne. Hector writes Laverne and Shirley’s number on the bathroom wall of a pool hall making them suddenly very popular.
“Two of Our Weirdos Are Missing”
2.9 Two of Our Weirdos Are Missing Airdate: 12/07/76
Lenny and Squiggy have hit a bad patch of luck. When they run away to join the circus, Laverne & Shirley must get them back.
“Oh, Hear the Angel Voices”
2.10 Christmas at the Booby Hatch/Oh, Hear the Angel Voices Airdate: 12/21/76
It’s Christmas, and Carmine (Eddie Mekka) has set up a holiday concert at the local hospital…but Shirley has second thoughts when she learns it is a psychiatric hospital.
“Guilty Until Proven Not Innocent”
2.11 Guilty Until Proven Not Innocent Airdate: 01/04/77
An accident has Laverne arrested for shoplifting from an expensive department store. Shirley must try to convince the store clerk (Louis Nye) to release Laverne from prison.
“Anniversary Show”
2.12 Anniversary Show/The Laverne & Shirley Birthday Show Airdate: 01/10/77
Laverne and Shirley’s friends are throwing a party for Laverne and Shirley…but when Laverne and Shirley accidentally end up in Canada, the party could be over.
“Playing Hooky”
2.13 Playing Hooky Airdate: 01/11/77
Laverne & Shirley decide to skip work and have a fun day out. When they meet two men (Victor Holchak and Arnie Hahn), it could mean for a fun date…with jail!
“Guinea Pigs”
2.14 Guinea Pigs Airdate: 01/18/77
Edna (Betty Garrett) gives Shirley an invitation to a cocktail party at an upscale hotel…but Laverne and Shirley realize they don’t have the money for the cover charge. When Lenny and Squiggy reveal their secret for fast cash is by volunteering for science experiments, Laverne and Shirley find themselves in diet and sleep studies.
“Call Me a Taxi”
2.15 Call Me a Taxi Airdate: 02/01/77
Shotz has laid off the bottle cappers for three weeks leaving Laverne and Shirley scrambling for jobs. Carmine’s suggestion of a dance parlor has Laverne and Shirley dancing for money.
“Steppin’ Out”
2.16 Steppin’ Out Airdate: 02/08/77
Laverne and Shirley are running late for a date, but a fire, a lack of water, and a clothing crisis could make it even worse.
“Buddy, Can You Spare a Father?”
2.17 Buddy, Can You Spare a Father? Airdate: 02/15/77
Shirley’s father (Scott Brady) is in town, and Laverne is tired of him hurting Shirley. When he stands Shirley up again, Shirley seeks him out to try to bond with him.
“Honeymoon Hotel”
2.18 Honeymoon Hotel Airdate: 2/22/77
Shirley wins a big weekend at a luxury hotel…unfortunately, it is a honeymoon package and Laverne and Shirley have to find a way to sneak Laverne in.
“Hi, Neighbors: Book 2”
2.19 Hi, Neighbors: Book 2 Airdate: 03/01/77
Squiggy has found love…but when his potential girlfriend stands him up on their big date, Laverne and Shirley find themselves on a date with Lenny and Squiggy to an exclusive French restaurant.
“Frank’s Fling”
2.20 Frank’s Fling Airdate: 03/08/77
Frank returns from a bowling convention with a new girlfriend named Veronica (Maureen Arthur). Shirley, Laverne, Lenny, Squiggy, Edna, and Carmine realize that Veronica is a grifter and set out to scare her off.
“Haunted House”
2.21 Haunted House Airdate: 03/22/77
Laverne and Shirley’s couch is on its last leg (literally). When Carmine reveals there is an estate sale at the Ramsdale Manor, Shirley and Laverne must decide if they are willing to brave the haunted house for a deal.
“Lonely in the Middle”
2.22 Lonely at the Middle Airdate: 03/29/77
Lenny and Squiggy are going on strike, and Laverne recalls the time Shirley was made the team boss to prevent a strike.
“Citizen Crane”
2.23 Citizen Crane Airdate: 04/05/77
Laverne and Shirley might have hit the big time when they meet Charles Pfister Krane (Severn Darden)…the celebrity maker of Milwaukee! However, Laverne might have to make a big decision.
Related Links:
Laverne & Shirley—Season 1 Review and Complete Episode Guide
South Park—Season 21
June 12th, 2018|
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The saga of Cartman and Heidi!
The danger is growing as President Garrison has thrown the world into turmoil. In South Park, the more shocking news is that Cartman still has a girlfriend in Heidi. As Cartman has an on-and-off again relationship with Heidi, Kyle finds himself questioning his own feelings for Heidi. While people struggle for jobs as Alexa booms, Tweek feels targeted by North Korea, and the NFL struggles with a ratings crash…and it could only happen in South Park.
South Park—Season 21 aired from September 13, 2017 to December 6, 2017. The show continues to have critical acclaim and strong ratings. The episode “Franchise Prequel” served as a lead in to the video game South Park: Fractured but Whole.
The last few seasons of South Park really was serialized. The stories linked together and culminated in a big blow-up. While this season still has a big finish, the season is much less serialized and I can’t decide if it is better or worse.
Cue up the Hootie and the Blowfish!!!
The series does keep primarily one aspect of serialization and that is the Cartman-Heidi relationship. Many of the episodes deal with a veiled idea of the battle for a soul of the U.S. Last season was more overt and this season is more subtle which makes it a bit more “thinky” than previous seasons, but they take a very classic South Park (aka juvenile) approach to a lot the ideas (like an actual witch for a witch-hunt…which was really more about Harvey Weinstein than Trump). Heidi kind of represents the common person who is swayed to darkness because everyone is telling her how bad Cartman is…and she must decide her own fate in the end (and takes partial blame).
The lack of serialization for almost two decades never bothered me, and the first year of serializing was jarring. Taking the serialized stories away is jarring again, and it feels a bit lacking. I like being able to just sit and watch an episode or two without being sucked into a South Park void, but sometimes the void is nice. I also felt watching the serialized seasons that the stories were so tight and planned that it would be hard to maintain as writers.
Will Canada have it’s day of reckoning?
The series hasn’t changed that much over the years visually other than incorporating more computer visuals and becoming a bit more stylized by emulating other art styles, movie, and TV shows. While South Park was revolutionary when it started, it is kind of a nice basic animated series that feels very comforting (ironically).
South Park continues to be fun and thoughtful. The show has a tricky balance and could be considered a bit more “fair” to moderate conservatives and liberals by taking multiple sides. The change in format of the season is another thing that fans can debate, but I don’t know if there is a right or wrong answer on it either. One thing is for certain is that South Park remains topical and memorable and even if you don’t like an episode or two, overall, the series stands strong.
South Park—Season 21 Complete Episode Guide:
“White People Renovating Houses”
21.1 White People Renovating Houses Airdate: 09/13/17
Randy’s started a show called White People Renovating Houses, but the rise of the racist extreme Alt-Right has threatened to destroy his dreams. When Randy gets a solution to what the Alt-Right fears, it could cost Cartman his relationship with Alexa.
“Put It Down”
21.2 Put It Down Airdate: 09/20/17
Cartman’s struggles to “help” Heidi has led him to declare he intends to commit suicide…unfortunately for Cartman, it is “Distracted Driving” week in South Park. Tweek’s fears about North Korea are augmented when the President provokes North Korea using Tweek as his example.
“Holiday Special”
21.3 Holiday Special Airdate: 09/27/17
Randy has a new mission to bring down Christopher Columbus, but when he gets the holiday taken away, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny set out to stop him. Randy has a secret, and his secret could be his undoing unless he can get help from a DNA test.
“Franchise Prequel”
21.4 Franchise Prequel Airdate: 10/11/17
Coon and Friends has big plans for a multiphase movie, TV, and video game franchise, but Chaos’s attempt to stop them through Facebook could ruin their reputations and threaten the chance at a Netflix contract. Fearing the rumors being spread by Facebook, the parents of South Park invite Mark Zuckerberg to town for help…but getting him to leave could be harder.
“Hummels and Heroin”
21.5 Hummels & Heroin Airdate: 10/18/17
Stan learns his grandfather is involved in a Hummel trading ring in his nursing home with far larger implications. After the death of Chuck E. Cheese at his birthday party, Marcus seeks vengeance.
“Sons a Witches”
21.6 Sons a Witches Airdate: 10/25/17
The men of South Park plan for their Halloween week “Jack and Crack” Witches party, but accidentally release a real witch which preys on children. Cartman grows tired of Heidi’s lack of planning ruining his fun and decides a plot to break-up once and for all. President Garrison realizes he might have to step in when a “witch pursuit thing” begins.
“Doubling Down”
21.7 Doubling Down Airdate: 11/08/17
Cartman and Heidi’s relationship continues to be on the rocks, but Kyle discovers as he defends her that he might have his own feelings for her…leading to wrath from Cartman! Plus, Mike Pence, Paul Ryan, and Mitch McConnell realize that they might have a bigger problem with President Garrison.
“Moss Piglets”
21.8 Moss Piglets Airdate: 11/15/17
It is the special education science fair and Timmy and Jimmy have an experiment that Nathan and Mimsy plan to sabotage. Heidi has gone full Cartman and the science fair could be her next victim!
“Super Hard PCness”
21.9 Super Hard PCness Airdate: 11/29/17
South Park has a new vice principal in Vice Principal Strong Woman, but Strong Woman has a strange effect on Principal PC. A relaunch of Terrance and Phillip on Netflix has Kyle questioning if Terrance and Phillip are right for today’s audience…with tragic results.
“Splatty Tomato”
21.10 Splatty Tomato Airdate: 12/06/17
Canada has been bombed by President Garrison and his approval rating has dropped. Travelling to South Park for support, Garrison finds only the White family supports him. Ike’s attempts to avenge his people has the children teaming up and heading into the woods to find him while Heidi discovers herself in a struggle for her own soul!
Preceded By:
South Park—Season 20 Review and Complete Episode Guide
The Wire—Season 2
June 12th, 2018|
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Listen in again!
Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) has been bumped down to harbor patrol for his behavior on the wire. When he pulls the body of a woman out of the harbor, he discovers it tie to the discovery of dead women in a carrier transport by a dock officer named Beadie Russell (Amy Ryan). Meanwhile, Major Valchek (Al Brown) has tasked his son-in-law “Prez” Pryzbylewski (Jim True-Frost) to bring down the head of the dockworker’s union Frank Sobotka (Chris Bauer) who has his own illegal dealings with a mysterious man named the Greek (Bill Raymond). Frank’s son Ziggy (James Ransone) and Frank’s nephew Nick (Pablo Schreiber) have their own plans for money that could lead them into trouble. As the events at the docks ramp up, Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) and Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) deal with their own setbacks, and changes at the towers.
Welcome to the harbor, McNulty
The Wire—Season 2 aired from June 1, 2003 to August 24, 2003 on HBO. The series continued critical acclaim and is often listed as one of the best shows of all time.
The first season of The Wire showed the strength of The Wire. Though the second season builds on these strength, it is often cited as one of the weaker seasons of the run. Despite the criticism, The Wire—Season 2 is still worlds above most TV series.
The plots for each season of The Wire are so twisting and winding. It highly benefits from a second watching to get the characters and the storyline down. There are points in the story that could be skipped (like the irritating Ziggy storyline could be toned down), and there are parts I wish they expanded (like more Stringer and more Beadie). It isn’t perfect, but it is really good. While the season is rather independent of the first season, you can’t really skip around in this series…plus, once you start you won’t be able to stop.
One of the best scenes of the season! (and series)
The cast continues to be its greatness. Almost everyone is solid. As mentioned, I think James Ransone’s Ziggy is quite annoying and a little unbelievable in his attitude. The cast is a little more shattered this season with the teams taking longer to form. The additions of all new characters at the docks kind of hurt the overall story (in a bigger sense) and it didn’t always make sense when they went back to Stringer and his crew since the characters were focusing on another case. Despite this, the series still works.
Visually, The Wire changes up the location of the first season and that is kind of a good thing. The docks of Baltimore look so radically different than the projects and it is good to see another aspect of the city (though once again, it doesn’t paint Baltimore in a good light). It still captures that grittiness that makes the series great.
One of the worst characters…
The Wire—Season 2 might not have the punch of the first season, but it still presents a great series filled with great characters and stories. You have the wide range of the irritating Ziggy hanging out with a duck (and doing the worst blind acting since Ben Affleck in Daredevil) to the scene stealing Omar in court sparring with the jerky drug lawyer. The show never got the glory of some of HBO’s other shows due to huge popularity of The Sorpanos, but it thankfully has been recognized (largely after it aired) as one of the great shows…you might not love Season 2, but you still respect it.
The Wire—Season 2 Complete Episode Guide:
“Ebb Tide”
2.1 Ebb Tide Airdate: 06/01/03
Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) finds himself teamed with a new partner named Claude Diggins (Jeffrey Fugitt) on harbor patrol…but things at the docks could be hiding secrets too. Roland “Prez” Pryzbylewski (Jim True-Frost) tries to get back to working drug cases but faces off against his father-in-law Major Valchek (Al Brown). Frank Sobotka (Chris Bauer) deals with problems at the docks including his son Ziggy (James Ransone) and makes deals with the mysterious Greek (Bill Raymond). Bunk Moreland (Wendell Pierce) and Lieutenant Cedric Daniels (Lance Reddick) prepare for the trial but learns that the evidence is missing…along with Omar Little (Michael K. Williams). Kima Greggs (Sonja Sohn) adjust to desk life and is criticized by Thomas “Herc” Haulk (Domenick Lombardozzi) for not doing what she wants. Bodie Broadus (J.D. Williams) and Shamrock (Richard Burton) make a delivery to Philadelphia but discovers the drugs are missing…but Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) has questions for Bodie. The discovery of a body in the water leads McNulty to push the case on Colonel Rawls (John Doman). When the Russians don’t pick up a carrier from the docks, a dock officer named Beadie Russell (Amy Ryan) makes a shocking discovery.
“Collateral Damage”
2.2 Collateral Damage Airdate: 06/08/03
The discovery of the bodies leaves Russell with the problem of what to do about it…but the case attracts McNulty’s interest. The Union’s purchase of a stained-glass window puts Sobotka at war with Valchek which leads him to asking Deputy Commissioner Burrell (Frankie Faison) for a special investigation into the docks. Ziggy gets the lead on drugs from White Mike (Brook Yeaton) but learns his reputation could cost him. Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) deals with prison and is charged by Brianna (Michael Hyatt) to get D’Angelo (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) in a better mental place in prison while Wee-Bey Brice (Hassan Johnson) realized he is targeted. Bunk and Lester Freamon (Clarke Peters) find themselves saddled with fourteen Jane Does due to McNulty. Prez finds himself charged with finding dirt on Valchek with a new surveillance team. The Greek and his men find out what happened to the girls.
“Hot Shots”
2.3 Hot Shots Airdate: 06/15/03
Bunk and Lester try to question the crew of the ship who brought in the container with the dead girls but finds no one will speak. Omar sets out to reclaim his turf. Valchek learns that his surveillance van has disappeared as Sobotka has it sent around the world. McNulty learns that his wife (Calllie Thorne) is planning an official separation as Nick Sobotka (Pablo Schreiber) worries that he isn’t making enough money at the docks. Stringer goes to D’Angelo’s girlfriend Donette (Shamyl Brown) and tries to “remind” her that she needs to keep D’Angelo happy. With Buck, Lester, and Russell on the trail of how the girls ended up dead, Jimmy sets out to put a name to his girl. Slow work at the docks has Frank struggling to keep men. Valchek vows to get his detail by facing off against Burrell. D’Angelo learns that prison and drugs don’t always mix.
“Hard Cases”
2.4 Hard Cases Airdate: 06/22/03
Nick reveals his money problems to his uncle Frank and Frank learns that Ziggy was part of the camera deal. Burrell comes to Daniels with a deal he might not be able to refuse. The officers at the prison question how the bad drugs got into the prison, and Avon tries to convince D’Angelo to take advantage of it. McNulty is pressured to bring in Omar and turns to Bubbles (Andre Royo) and Johnny (Leo Fitzpatrick) for help in finding him. Kima continues to struggle with getting off of the streets, but Daniels comes to Kima with an offer.
“Undertow”
2.5 Undertow Airdate: 06/22/03
Ziggy’s money problems are catching up to him and his dealers demand payment. Daniels decide to give Ellis Carver (Seth Gilliam) a second chance despite his betrayal. Bubbles gets a contact for Omar to McNulty and criticizes McNulty for taking his help for granted. Daniels gathers his team and plans their detail to bring down Sobotka. Bunk starts serving subpoenas at the docks over the deaths of the girls and worries Frank. Russell goes to her former boyfriend Maui (Lance Irwin) to try to get him to be an informant. Herc goes undercover as a buyer for the detail. Ziggy and Nick set out to get the chemicals for the Greek after they learn their potential use…but Nick tries to convince Frank the danger of not doing the Greek’s work.
“All Prologue”
2.6 All Prologue Airdate: 07/06/03
Omar gets his day in court and has a few words for Maurice Levy (Michael Kostroff). Nick tries to get Ziggy’s “problem” fixed by the Greek’s men and works to get the chemicals. Daniels looks at Sobotka’s records and finds that everything appears legitimate on the outside. Greggs goes to Shardene Innes (Wendy Grantham) for trying to find where the girls were being sent and goes to a club for information. Stringer hires a man to carry out business for him…and a hit that cannot be traced back to him. Russell and Freamon go through the container records and finds Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa (Charley Scalies) could know more about what is going on at the docks. Brianna (Michael Hyatt) tries to convince D’Angelo to try to get out of prison early, but D’Angelo vows to fight his own way.
“Backwash”
2.7 Backwash Airdate: 07/13/03
Stringer meets with his contact and learns that his man killed D’Angelo. Daniels tries to deal with Rawls over the wire and if the unsolved murdered women would fall under it. Herc and Carver have their plans for their stakeout with borrowed surveillance equipment…but it doesn’t go as planned. Frank learns that the future for the docks could mean less employees and tries to force more ships to come in. Stringer attends D’Angelo’s funeral and gets an offer from Proposition Joe (Robert F. Chew). Bunk, Kima, Freamon, and Russell stake out the shipyard, and see a shipment transported out. An accident at the docks has Nat (Luray Cooper) questioning where the money is coming from.
“Duck and Cover”
2.8 Duck and Cover Airdate: 07/27/03
Daniels goes to Assistant State’s Attorney Rhonda Pearlman (Deirdre Lovejoy) with their evidence and get permission for their wiretaps with evidence of potential drug deals. Ziggy goes up against Maui for revenge but finds it doesn’t work out well. An accident involving his cellphone leads Frank to realize that something might be happening with the police. McNulty tries to deal with his marriage’s failure but gets a windfall when Bunk sets out to help him. Herc and Carver try to find a way to pay back the damaged microphone. Bodie and Poot Carr (Tracy Chaney) find that the sales are slow and that a new gang is encroaching on their territory.
“Stray Rounds”
2.9 Stray Rounds Airdate: 08/03/03
The battle for the drug turn leads to a gunfight in the streets…and the death of an innocent. The wiretap has been exposed, and Daniels teams realize they might have to wait it out. Stringer tells his men that the death will mean a temporary shutdown and that it will cost him money. The Greek debates restarting trade with the docks after test runs. McNulty goes undercover to find the prostitution ring. Ziggy sets up a new deal with George “Double G” Glekas (Teddy Cañez) and goes solo. The Greek turns over a drug smuggler to the FBI. Stringer sets to deal with Proposition Joe over the towers, but Avon has different plans with Brother Mouzone (Michael Potts).
“Storm Warnings”
2.10 Storm Warnings Airdate: 08/10/03
Frank debates running as Valchek makes a jump by going to the FBI to seek his revenge on Frank Sobotka. Kima and Cheryl (Melanie Nicholls-King) prepare for a baby, and Kima questions how she will handle work with a child. Bodie goes up against Proposition Joe’s man Melvin “Cheese” Wagstaff (Method Man) but the arrival of Brother Mouzone for Avon could mean a war. Ziggy thinks up a fool proof way to steal cars with Johnny “Fifty” Spamanto (Jeffrey Pratt Gordon) for George “Double G” Glekas, but things go sideways…leading to action for the Greeks, the docks, and the investigation.
“Bad Dreams”
2.11 Bad Dreams Airdate: 08/17/03
Ziggy’s killing of Double G has forced the hand of the FBI and the police to bring in the case. The Greeks go into clean-up mode and the case could be put in jeopardy. Valchek gets his revenge on Frank by bringing him in, but Nick goes on the run. Stringer has a plan for Mouzone, and a meeting with Omar could solve both problems. Bunk, McNulty, Kima, and Russell seek to find out the head of the Greeks, but the Greek seems to be one step ahead. Frank finds himself locked out by the union, but an offer on the table could mean a clear head.
“Port in a Storm”
2.12 Port in a Storm Airdate: 08/24/03
Frank has been killed by the Greek, and Nick doesn’t know where to go next. Stringer learns his plans to put Omar against Mouzone has failed, and Mouzone seems to know more than he’s saying while Omar is wondering what Stringer is up to. Bubbles and Johnny attempt to rob a truck goes the wrong way, but Kima and McNulty get valuable information from it. Herc and Carver question their next move and whether they are being left behind. Proposition Joe meets with Spiros and learns that the drug traffic will need a new direction. The FBI goes after the union, and Daniels learns how the Greek managed to stay a step ahead of them.
Related Links:
The Wire—Season 1 Review and Episode Guide
South Park—Season 20
June 10th, 2018|
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Member with South Park was funny? Answer: It still is
Something is happening all over the United States. Mr. Garrison is in the race for President against Hillary Clinton and people are sitting for the anthem. Internet trolls are attacking people left and right and forcing people to sever their ties to the internet and social media. The world is in greater danger than ever and the boys of South Park could be the only ones who can save it…as long as they don’t eat the Member Berries.
South Park—Season 20 aired from September 14, 2016 to December 7, 2016 on Cartoon Network. The season featured an overall story arc theme which was introduced in South Park—Season 18. It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program (“Member Berries”).
Cartman gets the girl?!?!
The South Park serialized stories has been an interesting trip. While South Park generally had some continuity (minus Kenny and other big events), the episodes continuing to episode to episode would have been something that could have ended the series…instead, South Park continues to be ahead of things.
This season really feels to be capturing the mood in America. There is this odd desire for throwbacks (as presented in the Member Berries) and this unattainable desire to go back in time. This is encapsulated with the vindictiveness of internet trolls who feel that freedom of speech means a freedom of consequences and Mr. Garrison preying on everyone’s desires and fears (even if he is doing everything he can to lose the election).
Glad we got this whole Bill Cosby/Bill Clinton thing behind us (sarcasm)
It is that old idea that “simpler times” are better times, but there is a lot that is forgotten by the phrase including the number of people who weren’t having “better times” during the simpler times. The Member Berries are a great reminder that everything in the past looks better…even Star Wars prequel movies.
It is easy to forget while watching this season in 2017 that this season came out before Trump was elected and ended before his inauguration. Things in the season with tweeting and Mr. Garrison’s actions in office aren’t that far off from real events…even down to the idea of women’s rights and controversy over sitting during the National Anthem (which exploded even more in 2017). It is the forethought of Matt Parker and Trey Stone’s writing that makes this series still amazingly topical and it still manages to be funny.
South Park—Season 20 Complete Episode Guide:
“Member Berries”
20.1 Member Berries Airdate: 09/14/16
In South Park, athletes are sitting down during the National Anthem due to Skankhunt42’s trolling of women…leading the leaders of the United States to turn to J.J. Abrams to reboot the National Anthem. The choice between the Turd Sandwich and the Giant Douche has everyone debating which is better and Mr. Garrison and Caitlyn Jenner realize that they will look like fools if they win as the polls predict. Kyle suspects Cartman is Skanthunt42 but doesn’t know where the real danger lurks.
“Skank Hunt”
20.2 Skank Hunt Airdate: 09/21/16
Skankhunt42 continues to divide South Park but no one suspects Gerald Broflovski is the real attacker. When Heidi Turner quits social media, the students of South Park realize the danger is real…leading the boys to take drastic measures against Cartman. The girls of South Park plot their next move if Skankhunter42 is not stopped.
“The Damned”
20.3 The Damned Airdate: 09/28/16
Gerald learn his actions have consequences when a Danish gold medalist named Freja Ollegard commits suicide and puts the target on internet trolls. Mr. Garrison begins to get desperate in his attempts to lose the election…only making his campaign stronger. Cartman finds an ally in Heidi Turner as they cope with not being online. Gerald discovers his online anonymity might be threatened by someone.
“Weiners Out”
20.4 Wieners Out Airdate: 10/12/16
As Kyle tries to mend the rift between the girls and the boys, Butters starts a new moment when his girlfriend Charlotte dumps him. Gerald finds himself allied with other internet trolls and learns that their secret might soon be exposed with new technology. Cartman develops a relationship with Heidi and forges ahead on his own path.
“Douche and a Danish”
20.5 Douche and a Danish Airdate: 10/19/16
Cartman and Heidi try to use their love to mend the rift in South Park by organizing donations for Denmark’s Troll Trace program, but when Gerald and the trolls target Denmark, the plans might fall through. Mr. Garrison continues to try to throw the election and resorts to hiding in South Park…where he learns that Member Berries and J.J. Abrams could be a more sinister force than originally believed.
“Fort Collins”
20.6 Fort Collins Airdate: 10/26/16
The Danish grow closer to unlocking the means to track trolls, and Cartman’s new girlfriend Heidi might hold the key. Mr. Garrison and Randy seek to find a way to destroy the Member Berries…but the Member Berries realize they must fight to survive. Gerald tries to get rid of his new “friend” but learns that he might need him if the identities of the trolls are uncovered. Cartman realizes that the exposing of everyone’s internet experience could destroy his relationship with Heidi.
“Oh Jeez”
20.7 Oh, Jeez Airdate: 11/09/16
Mr. Garrison is elected, and Randy learns the power of Member Berries. Gerald is sent to Denmark on a top secret spy mission by Hillary Clinton. Bill Clinton and Bill Cosby begin touring school promoting their Gentlemen’s Club…but Butters learns the truth behind the actions. Cartman realizes the only hope of saving his relationship with Heidi is travelling to Mars.
“Members Only”
20.8 Members Only Airdate: 11/16/16
World tensions are rising as the Danish prepare to release their troll program, and Mr. Garrison learns being President of the United States is hard. Gerald is trapped with the other trolls by the Danish and sets out to clear his name by framing Ike as Skankhunt42. Eric finds a new challenge from Butters as Butters, Cartman, and Heidi try to get aboard Elon Musk’s Space X to Mars. The Member Berries continues to raise problems as the older Member Berries try to reclaim their world. Kyle uncovers the truth about what is going on in his family.
“Not Funny”
20.9 Not Funny Airdate: 11/30/16
Kyle tries to break the stalemate over Troll Tracker by forcing President Garrison into starting nuclear with the Danish, but runs into a problem when he learns his father’s location. Cartman begins to question if Heidi is as great as he believed when she stops saying funny things to try to solve the Space X problem. Gerald learns the secret mission of the Danish President.
“The End of Serialization as We Know It”
20.10 The End of Serialization as We Know It Airdate: 12/07/16
With the world on the brink of nuclear war, Gerald must prove that he is a satirist and that the Danish President is a nihilist. Kyle and Ike formulate a plan to knock out the internet but getting rid of their mother could be the first problem. Cartman questions if his relationship with Heidi is made up of lies, and Butters and Cartman learn that Space X could be the key to ending the danger once and for all!
Preceded By:
South Park—Season 19 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Followed By:
South Park—Season 21 Review and Complete Episode Guide
UHF (1989)
June 10th, 2018|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: UHF
Studio: Orion Pictures
Genre(s): Comedy/B-Movie
Release Date(s): July 21, 1989
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where’s Jerry?
Harvey Bilchik (Stanley Brock) wins a small UHF station on the outside of town. Convinced by his wife, Harvey gives the station to her nephew George Newman (“Weird Al” Yankovic) and his friend Bob (David Bowe) to manage. Competing with the big network mogul R.J. Fletcher (Kevin McCarthy), George begins to make a dent in the market with his weird programming choices like Wheel of Fish, Conan the Library, Gandhi II, and a surprise hit from their janitor Stanley Spadowski (Michael Richards). When Harvey mistakenly gambles away the UHF station, the crew must come together to find the money to save it.
Directed by Jay Levey, UHF is a campy comedy movie. The film was written by Weird Al Yankovic and Jay Levey. The movie was met with mixed reviews and did pretty poorly in the theaters but later became a cult on video and late night and cable television.
I have a real soft spot for this movie. My friends and I would quote and joke about it often and my old VHS tape was pretty worn before it was finally released on DVD. I concede that UHF isn’t a good movie, but it is entertaining.
Road Maps!!!
The movie movies fast and does not dwell on jokes (so if they fail, they fail and the film moves on). In this fast movement, the movie jumps from skit-to-skit quick enough to keep a viewer interested. If you don’t like a portion of the movie, it quickly switches to another one. The parodies are pretty clever and the Spatula City commercial is possibly the one of the best parody commercials of all time (it even ranks up there with some of SNL’s best commercials).
The movie also benefits from a strong cast of B-actors and character actors that ended up being bigger after the movie. Not only did Michael Richards play an essentially toned down version of Kramer, but also has a great character in Stanley Spadowski with a ton of one-liners. Famed little person Billy Barty plays cameraman Noodles MacIntosh with his reporter Pamela Finklestein played by Fran Drescher. Gedde Watanabe who went on to be a minor player on ER was Kuni (the host of Wheel of Fish), SNL alum Victoria Jackson played Weird Al Yankovic’s girlfriend Teri and Invasion of the Body Snatchers star Kevin McCarthy plays the over-the-top R.J. Fletcher. Other cameos include Dr. Demento and Emo Philips. You get all of that, plus Weird Al Yankovic…what a deal!
You found the marble in the oatmeal…you get to drink from the fire hose!!!
The story is pretty typical fluff for ’80s and feels like a Revenge of the Nerds or one of the Police Academy movies. It isn’t going to hold you to your seat, but it is more about the jokes instead of the plot. The jokes and parodies are very typical of Weird Al Yankovic, and many are included in the soundtrack he did for the movie. The movie also incorporates the music video for “Money for Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies” which parodied Dire Strait’s song and video.
UHF is a goofy B-Movie classic. It isn’t great, it isn’t awful, but it is fun. If you’ve never seen it, you’d probably watch it and think nothing of it, but it is the type of movie that is better with a group of friends making fun of it and just not taking it seriously. So crank up the volume, yank off the knob…we have it all on UHF!
Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation (2015)
June 9th, 2018|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation
Studio: Bad Robot Productions
Genre(s): Action/Adventure
Release Date(s): July 23, 2015 (Premiere)/July 31, 2015 (US)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Hang on! We’re just taking off (literally)
IMF might have just done its last mission. When Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) demands IMF be absorbed into the CIA due to their reckless nature, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) must go rogue to uncover the ties to rumored Syndicate. With Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), and William Brandt (Jeremy Renner) secretly backing him, Hunt finds an unlikely and possibly dangerous ally in Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson)…but Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) has need of something that only Hunt may be able to capture!
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation is the fifth film in the Mission: Impossible series following Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol in 2011. The action film was released to positive reviews and a big box office return.
I never much was that into Mission: Impossible. The original series (and the ’80s relaunch) seemed pretty stodgy, but the 1990s movie rebirth has been fun (minus Mission: Impossible 2). With Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol boosting the series to the next level, Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation had a lot to live up to.
Well this is going easy…I’m sure nothing will go wrong
Like the other Mission: Impossible films, the movie is loaded with the appropriate twists and turns. I think that the series has done a solid job mixing (unbelievable) espionage with a decent story for movies that become enjoyable rides. I don’t see any of this playing out as it does in the movie, and everything works out too perfect (planning etc.), but you come to expect it due to the format set up in the other films. Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation is no different.
Tom Cruise continues to be an action star despite being in his 50s (!?!?). Like him or not outside of his films, he is good at what he does and puts others to shame in his level of physical fitness (he also does what stunts he can like the great opening scene). Simon Pegg takes the co-lead in this outing by having a more active role and Jeremy Renner plays the suit man to try to keep things in control. I wish that Ving Rhames had been in the film more since other entries have felt like more of a buddy-buddy relationship between Luther and Ethan. I also welcome the arrival of Rebecca Ferguson because the team really feels like it needs a female member (even just on a practical espionage level). Alec Baldwin plays the Alec Baldwin character (again) and Sean Harris is a creepy villain (who has the potential to return).
I just want to point out to you, don’t have feelings for me…I love a girl I left two movies ago…
The stunts of Mission: Impossible continue to grow. They are unrealistic, but they are done with such panache that it doesn’t necessarily matter. As long as the danger is intense, the locations are great, and Ethan Hunt wins, the series manages to nail their action, but of course Hunt only has a little trickle of blood and can defeat death (literally in this movie) while pulling off the stunts.
Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation is another fun entry in a fun series. If you liked previous Mission: Impossible films, you’ll like Rogue Nation…if you didn’t, the movie offers nothing new or revolutionary. Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation is followed by Mission: Impossible—Fallout in 2018.
Related Links:
