Trash Talkin' TV (and a movie) *additions*

First off, I just need to say this--why didn't anyone ever tell me that "croup" sounds like your baby is * choking to death? Cause it would have been helpful to know that before we went to the emergency room last night at midnight. Ahem. (Tori is pretty much fine, but has that awful cough at night. Yikes.)

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So, before I discuss the new fall TV season, let's talk about a movie. Heh.

Every few weeks, Charlie lets me sneak away and catch a movie by myself. It's something I enjoy (what, I'm weird), and this week I went to see Across The Universe. If you haven't heard of it yet, it's Julie Taymor's musical masterpiece using all Beatles songs.

It was AWESOME. No, really. AMAZING. LOVED IT.

I will say the following; in order to enjoy this movie you have to a) like musicals; b) like the Beatles (not for you, Dave); and c) not find it offensive to have Beatles songs sung by other people and be minorly re-arranged. This is critical. I used to be someone who couldn't stand altered Beatles songs. AT ALL. But in the last five or ten years there have been so many tribute albums that I've grown to like some of the covers, and it's more tolerable. And I really like the Love CD, which is all re-arranged Beatles songs (still sung by the actual guys, though).

They did NOT, thank god, pull a Moulin Rouge on us: every actor in the movie can really sing, and sing very well (I still can't watch Ewan McGregor sing in Moulin Rouge; he clamps his throat so tight while he sings that it hurts me). It also helps that the male lead looks like he could have been a Beatle; it makes it go down much more smoothly.

Everyone is just wonderful, and visually, it is simply stunning. It's very cleverly done; the songs track the trajectory of the 1960s nicely, with the sweeter songs early in the movie and the more complex songs coming during the protest era. I never knew how absolutely perfectly some of the songs would work in a musical context; of course, I shouldn't have been surprised since the Beatles really were storytellers.

Each character is named after a song; there's Lucy, and Jude, and Prudence, and Jo-Jo, and Max, among others. Every actor is delightful, and each time they burst into song it just feels right.

But for me, the biggest gift of the movie is the way it made me re-examine some of my favorite songs. I never knew that Let it Be could be so compelling and moving (just add a gospel choir), or that Revolution could be so personal.

I'm hoping to see this again on the big screen at least once. I might even try taking Tori (other than some tough war imagery, it really is kid safe--there is no nudity or bad language; there is implied sex and some kissing, though), because Tori does like a musical (she love Rent, which is running on cable a lot lately).

Anyway, go see it. It's wonderful.

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So. The new fall television season. Sigh.

Sucks, right? Sigh. Well, it's not all bad.

So far I'm enjoying Chuck ( although it's basically Jake 2.0 again); Journeyman, and Bionic Woman. Notice a theme? All sci-fi type shows. I knew I'd like Journeyman (stars that hot guy from Rome, after all) since I totally LOVED Quantum Leap back in the day. Bionic Woman has been mildly disappointing, but I love women kicking ass, so I'll stay with it until it's canceled.

I'm not enjoying Cane, particularly, even though the entire cast is smokin' hot (even Rita Moreno is hot in this show, and she's how old?), but I never liked soaps about rich people. Of course, that's not quite true: I am enjoying Dirty Sexy Money.  Private Practice is both compelling and irritating as shit--I can't figure out the problem there; it feels sexist and contrived, I guess. But that baby swapping storyline? Me. Crying. Hard.

Other than that, I'm sticking with my old favorites. Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, ER (dammit--I'm watching this until the bitter end), Heroes (more Hiro! please!), the original CSI. The only show I used to love that I think I'm going to give up is Law & Order SVU (did you see that episode with the avatars? God, that was HORRIBLE. Man).

Oh, and my guilty pleasure? Moonlight. Oh, be quiet. I have a thing for vampires.

What are you watching? Anything standing out for you this year? If you are wondering how I have time to watch all these shows, well, I have about 12 shows currently on my DVR to watch. So I'm, um, not actually watching all of them these days. Heh. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

*additions!*

I totally forgot to mention Pushing Daisies; totally love it. The dandelion car thing? Hilarious. Also, Friday Night Lights, yes, yes, yes--still love that show beyond reason, since I don't like Texas or football particularly. Californication still love, love, love. Mad Men, love. I'm sure there is something else I'm missing. And don't ask me why, but I never got into The Office. Dunno why.

 

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Voting is closed on the blog naming contest. I'm going to have an independent review of the votes (you know, make Sarah count them) and then you'll know when the new design is launched! Yee ha.

Comments

[Joy]

You're not watching The Office? I can't live without that show. I had withdrawels over the summer. It's excellent this season (it's always excellent).

[Diane]

You need to lower your tv standards. Tuesday nights = Beauty and the Geek. This is high quality bad reality tv at its best.
On Fridays I also watch Men In Trees; it's like a cute new romantic comedy each week. I also loooovvee Ugly Betty & Grey's.
Are 30 minute shows just too short for you? you didn't name any! How can you live without The Office? and on Monday How I Met Your Mother is pretty funny as well. Doogie Howser is awesome on that show.

Clearly I'm not looking for anything that is too thought provoking. (I'm not even mentioning how I am sadly becoming addicted to Gossip Girl, it'd be way too embarrassing if you found that out!)

[Tina]

You didn't mention Pushing Daisies. My husband and I love it. It's got a bit of Scifi premise to it and it's really very creative. Of course it won't last, but we heart it.

[carmie]

I have my dvr set to record Ugly Betty and My Name is Earl. Looking forward to the Scrubs premiere. Other than that....trying to cut back on my TV. Homework good!

Little guy just came down with croup this past week, along with pinkeye and an ear infection. Small world. Croup is sucky, huh? What did they give you to treat her? He had a single dose of a steroid, and doesn't seem to be getting better. Am wondering if we need to go back to the doctor.

[MsPrufrock]

As we have to wait eight years for most American programming to come here, I'm afraid I can't comment on the new shows.

We are currently not missing Scrubs, My Name is Earl, America's Next Top Model (that's all me), Grey's Anatomy, Project Runway (all me again). We are greatly anticipating Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Wire (we are currently trying to find a US-based supplier as we WILL NOT WAIT for it to come here), and Brotherhood.

We love TV, it's so naughty.

[Mary]

I think you mentioned it in another post, and I didn't see it here--- have you watched Californication?

[Michele]

I have to echo The Office as an absolute FAVE at our house. I also DVR Mad Man. I really, REALLY like that show.

[Ellen]

For new shows, Chuck, Moonlight, Life and Pushing Daisies. Tried Bionic Woman but was really let down - perhaps I'll try again (love the woman kicking ass theme, but I wish Michelle Ryan was half as interesting as Katee Sackhoff) as my husband is still watching it, but I don't know. Tried Reaper, too; I was initially intrigued but it just hasn't sustained my interest.

For the old, Heroes, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. (So numerically, the new season is working out pretty well for me.) You'll have to tell me if you agree with my theory that Chuck is the straight man's Ugly Betty; it has the same sort of bright overblown campiness which makes you dismiss it's implausibility, and a tender heart. Not to mention the dorky underdog eponymous main character.

[Lisa]

I don't have TV reception, but we just watched the first two seasons of "Weeds" on DVD -- really good. I also caught "Extras" on DVD and also incredibly funny. Any show that features Kate Winslet dressed as a nun pantomiming phone sex in the premiere episode is a winner in my eyes.

[Essie]

Old shows I'm watching - FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Why didn't you mention it? Thought you liked it?) Grey's, Ugly Betty, ER (last priority). New shows I'm liking - Pushing Daisies - adorable and charming. Private Practice - I also can't decide if I like it that much yet. Sticking with it for now but not fully committed to it. Dirty Sexy Money - terrific. Gossip Girl - guilty pleasure, we'll see if it lasts. I have Chuck on the DVR, as well, but have not had a chance to watch the pilot yet.

[siobhan]

Sorry to hear that your Tori has the croup & I hope she quickly regains her health. I took Timmy to see Across the Universe. I enjoyed it, the music & visuals were definitely entertaining, but the movie was long for me. Also, I missed the 1st 2 episodes of the Bionic Woman. Do you think I will catch on? I really hope that the UPPERCASE WOMAN wins & am anxiously awaiting the results. When will I find out? Love you Cec.

[Meegan]

LOVE The Office and Friday Night Lights. How I Met Your Mother is really freaking funny. Hate the Grey's spin-off (didn't even make it through the pilot), but also gave up on Grey's after Meredith's "death". Ugh. Totally guilty pleasures? Dirty Sexy Money & Gossip Girl (just like Essie, Hi Essie!). Watching Heroes but I missed last season so I'm a leetle bit lost. But it's good. I've heard Pushing Daisies is terrific but haven't seen it. All in all, I probably watch too much tv. But after I put my bear to bed I'm TIRED! Lordy! These toddlers can really suck the life out of a mama!

[akeeyu]

Yeah, Kevin McKidd is disturbingly hot, even though I can't shake the feeling that he should be wearing a dress and carrying a spear.

No America's Next Top Model? But it's FUN to watch superficial skinny bitches cry over hair!

Everybody Hates Chris? Everybody loves it over here.

We also love My Name is Earl and Mythbusters.

I have given up Law & Order SVU and ER. ER didn't just jump the shark, it jumped it, dropped a helicopter on it, ran it over with a bus, then gave the shark reconstructive surgery, a multiorgan transplant, a boob job and tried to jump the goddamned thing again. Gah.

[Heather]

Love Pushing Daisies, Chuck, and Dirty Sexy Money. I totally love Cane, but it has a certain "Godfather" like feel to me.
Speaking of musicals, when I was three months pregnant and they did the ultra sound to determine the sex, we then went to see "Chicago" which wasn't playing in our home town. All of the singing and dancing really turned little man on and he went wild. That was the first time I felt him kick or move.

[Julia]

Delurking to pimp the absolute best new show. As others have mentioned, Pushing Daisies is wonderful. And you can even catch up on the two episodes you've missed on ABC.com.

[Greta]

I agree with you about Private Practice.....it annoys the crap out of me - but there is a moment in each episode that makes me watch in the next week.

Pushing Daisies is fantastic! Love Chuck - and I am also watching Moonlight (I have a thing for vampires as well)

Croup sucks. Especially the first time when you realize your kid can't breathe--terrifying!!

I am addicted to Grey's, Dancing with the stars (yes,I admit it), and Tell me you Love Me (HBO)....waiting impatiently for Nip/tuck to start back up!

[Marsh]

Oh, croup. Right. Don't beat yourself up about it - the first time any parent hears that cough, well, let's just say that you're not the first to rush off to the ER and/or place repeated frantic calls to the after hours nursing line...and you won't be the last. Do they still recommend the cool night air thing? That was one thing that always helped my kids.

Luckily, it doesn't last long usually. I hope that she's back to her usual non-coughy self soon.

[Heather]

I am loving Chuck and Pushing Daisies.

I am with you in still watching ER. I feel like if I haven't stopped now, why bother?

[Nicole]

Croup: take her outside in the night air. Seriously, it calms everything down (I have irritable lung syndrome which is basically the same thing - cool air helps. I've been known to stand over the deep freeze and breathe in the cold).

Pushing daisies is hilarious. And I still watch Desperate Housewives, Heroes, and House.

I am a bit PO'd at having to wait for Lost and BSG though.

(and I've commented here before; I've just changed the email associated with my blog)

[Ann]

Can little tiny babies get croup? Because Ursula has developed this nasty cough... it only happens a few times a day, though. I'm crossing my fingers that it gets better soon, because, man, it sucks when your baby is sick! Here's hoping Tori turns the corner fast.

I *loved* Heroes last season, but so far this season has been less plausible (don't roll your eyes! last season WAS more plausible!) - I'm disappointed, and hoping it shapes up. Especially the thread following Peter. Why, exactly, is his shirt always off, anyway? And where's his adorable floppy haircut?!

[Julia]

Commenting again to let you in on a little secret. There's a very specific formula to getting into The Office. You have to start with season 2 and you have to watch at least four episodes before giving up.

But this season I'm not thrilled with yet, but it's probably just that they are doing one hour episodes that just don't quite work. At all. But when Scrubs comes back (gag me. I'll be watching but very reluctantly after the finale) it should go back to being great.

As for other shows you may be forgetting, this season of Weeds is a huge improvement over last season, even without Zooey Deschanel. And Curb Your Enthusiasm is also a big improvement. As someone who has a love-hate relationship with TV, this season is making me so incredibly happy all around.

Has no one mentioned 30 Rock? Yeah, I know Alec Baldwin is probably an asshole but I have such a girl crush on Tina Fey. Love her! It is nice to see some female humor on television since I feel like most comedies are very male driven.

Gonna have to try Pushing Daisies after all these endorsements. Heroes hasn't hit it's groove yet this season but I have an acquaintance who is a writer on it and he swears it is going to get really good. And I'm waiting for Lost to come back. I gave up on Greys this year. It just started to make me angry last year with the ER formula of one major crazy disaster after another. I have no patience for it anymore. And I'm disappointed with the current lineup of HBO shows. They are usually so reliable and I'm just not finding anything to love these days.

Hope Tori is feeling better soon!

[Anny]

Doctor Who and Torchwood. Yummy British shows:) Love the BBC!

[Hetty_Fauxvert]

Best new show I've seen: "Life" (about a cop who gets sprung from prison after doing 12 years for a crime he didn't commit -- he spent the 12 years studying Zen, amongst other things). Really fresh & new, funny Buddhist jokes (no, really -- in the first episode, he keeps repeating "I am not attached to this car," regarding his sleek new black Bentley -- very funny!), and it goes places I never expected. Highly recommend trying it, at least.

And I've been taping "Journeyman" (since it does indeed feature that hot blond guy from Rome! LOL! Didn't tell my husband that was why I was recording it, though! :). Looking forward to actually trying it.