The Couch Potato Report - August 30th, 2008
This week The Couch Potato Report peels everything from fine to confessions and summer rain.
Well, if is Day One of a Looooooooooong Summer Weekend, and if the weather forecast holds out, Sunday and Monday could be a bit cloudy and wet...perfect weather to sit indoors at your house, apartment or cottage and watch DVDs in...so I just happen to have 6 new releases for you this morning, starting with the made in Quebec film EVERYTHING IS FINE.
Imagine if you had four friends, and they all committed suicide, seemingly as part of a pact....but they left no notes, no description as to why they did it.
Sure, you would obviously grieve them, but wouldn't you also wonder why they did it, and why you weren't included?! Wouldn't you need to know that?!?
Well, that is the premise of EVERYTHING IS FINE, and I admit it, the thought of this happening with my friends really creeped me out!!
As the sole survivor, Josh is constantly asked by those around him, including the parents of his friends, if he knows why they did it.
His own parents are also worried about his increasingly fragile mental state as he becomes more and more distanced from the world around him.
The only person Josh seems to have any connection to in the film is his dead best friend's girlfriend, but even she can't get any answers from him...if he has any.
EVERYTHING IS FINE possesess an admittedly morbid premise, and while there are some moments of levity, it is obviously a seriously dramatic film.
It is also about 20 minutes too long, it takes it's time getting to the conclusion, and there is one other issue that I have with it that I can't tell you about without giving away the ending...so I won't do that, but I do recommend the film.
I also think you should see this week's next release, and there is no death in this one, but there is sadness....sadness that you may feel for - and toward - the real life people we meet in the documentary CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO.
This movie is about the some of the people who portray costumed superheroes on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, specifically Superman, Wonder Woman, The Hulk, and Batman.
All four are aspiring actors, they all have very different backgrounds, and different reasons for posing with tourists in Hollywood and working for tips.
As a fan of movies, and someone who always likes to see documentaries about people, especially people who may be flawed in one way or another, I really liked CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO and found it very interesting. At times I was fascinated by what was going on, at other times I couldn't believe what I was seeing, but during it all, I enjoyed it and think you will too.
Yes, at times I was fascinated by what was going on, in CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO, and at other times I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
And, now that I have said that out loud, that was exactly the same feeling I had while watching SEASON TWO of the television show HEROES...a show that had such a spectacular SEASON ONE...but started off it's sophomore campaign with several episodes that were almost unwatchable.
And now that SECOND SEASON is available on DVD...so we can fast froward through the unwatchable scenes and new, useless characters, and just enjoy the good...because after series creator Tim Kring apologized to fans last fall after the first few episodes aired, the show did get really good again!
HEROES is a show about real people, living their lives, who "thought they were like everyone else... until they realized they have incredible abilities."
HEROES tells it's story like a comic books with short, multi-episode story arcs that build upon a larger, more encompassing storyline, and as the 11 episodes that made up SEASON TWO played out in front of me, I forgot how much I enjoyed the show...once it got better, that is.
If you like to wait for anthology shows like this to appear on DVD because you don't have the patience to watch them week to week on television, enjoy!!
Another TV show new on DVD this week is SEASON FOUR of HOUSE.
After four seasons, HOUSE - about a maverick medical genius who works with young diagnosticians at a Teaching Hospital set in New Jersey who go to extraordinary lengths to accomplish a common task: diagnosing and treating unusual ailments - after four seasons, the show is still very interesting, and very good.
If you enjoy unique medical shows with unique characters and situations, and you have never seen an episode of this show, then check out HOUSE.
It is a great show!
One movie that was not great this week, that really thought I would be, is the "documentary" WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN? is the latest release from filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, the guy who gave us the fast food expose that was SUPER SIZE ME.
This release sees Spurlock searches for Osama bin Laden by visiting countries associated with the Al-Qaeda leader, as well as others affected by Al-Qaeda.
Along the way he interviews people individuals about their views of various related topis, and tries to find the man who has a bounty on his head of 25 million dollars.
His search is also taking place during the latter stages of his wife's pregnancy and most of Spurlock's commentary is actually based on the concerns of becoming a father.
Now, I liked SUPER SIZE ME, and I am a fan of his TV show 30 DAYS and his style of filmmaking, so I thought I would like this movie as well.
Unfortunately there is too much Morgan Spurlock in this film, and he just isn't as funny, or entertaining as HE thinks he is, and the movie suffers for that.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN? isn't awful, but I would have liked to see more of the world, and less of Morgan Spurlock in it.
Oh, well, at least the FOREIGN FILM FESTIVAL ON DVD is letting me see the world - if only cinematically - and this week, we are off to Spain to dance in the SUMMER RAIN.
As the summer comes to an end this Labour Day weekend, SUMMER RAIN is our film this week.
It is a coming-of-age story about first loves, lusts and obsessions of friends on vacation at the end of the 1970s.
Usually I love these types of films, ones about friends just hanging out and spending time together, but - unfortunately - SUMMER RAIN has way too many characters, too many storylines, and it is way too artistic for it's own good.
So, SUMMER RAIN is not a great film, but that said...foreign films always seem to intrigue me, usually right up until the end, so I have no regrets about sitting through it.
If you enjoy seeing movies made in other countries, or done in languages that you don't necessarily speak every day, or if you just enjoy movies about friends hanging out...then you should check it out.
SUMMER RAIN is now available on DVD, along with the wants-to-be funny documentary WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?, the television shows HOUSE - SEASON FOUR and HEROES - SEASON TWO, the very entertaining CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO and the made-in-Quebec film EVERYTHING IS FINE.
Coming up on the next Couch Potato Report
THE FORGOTTEN WOMAN is a Canadian made documentary about some of the 20 million widows from India who are abandoned by their families and literally turned out into the streets when their husbands died.
And, there is also a new 2 DISC COLLECTOR'S EDITION of Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS new on DVD, and even though the action filled, very loud, check-your-brain-at-the-door summer movie season technically ends this weekend, The FOREIGN FILM FESTIVAL ON DVD will continue next week - since I still have some great films to tell you about, starting with the Bralilian film THE YEAR MY PARENTS WENT ON VACATION.
I'm Dan Reynish. I'll have more on those, and some other releases, in seven days.
For now, that's this week's COUCH POTATO REPORT.
Enjoy the movies and I'll see you back here next time on The Couch!
Springsteen to play 'Harley' bash
MILWAUKEE - Bruce Springsteen has long written lyrics about the struggles of working-class Americans. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have traditionally attracted blue-collar riders.
Springsteen seems like a good fit for a headlining act at the Milwaukee-based company's 105th anniversary celebration, right? It might depend on what the liberal leaning Springsteen says to the crowd.
Springsteen, who often makes political statements during performances, endorsed Barack Obama for president this month. But he will be performing to a crowd like the one that gave Republican presidential candidate John McCain a warm welcome Aug. 4 at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Many roared their motorcycles during his speech.
Martin Jack Rosenblum, author of 1989's "The Holy Ranger: Harley-Davidson Poems" and a featured poet in the new "Rubber Side Down: The Biker Poet Anthology," said he expected Springsteen's music to get a warm welcome, since he has successfully represented blue-collar workers over the years.
But when asked how the crowd might react to Springsteen's political statements, he said, "I have the same question, I don't know."
"You cannot find them easily on any kind of political spectrum," he said.
Springsteen's spokeswoman Marilyn Laverty said the longtime rocker from New Jersey wasn't giving interviews.
The Boss and the E Street Band were part of the Vote for Change tour, a coalition of musicians opposed to the re-election of President Bush in 2004. He wrote the anti-war ballad "Devils and Dust" about Iraq.
Bob Klein, Harley's director of corporate communications, said the anniversary is a nonpolitical event and the company does not endorse any candidate or party.
"The choice of entertainers, made many months ago, was based purely on entertainment value and on what would appeal to our customers," he said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. "We're confident that our thousands of friends and family from Milwaukee and around the world will have a great time at our event."
But the company's political action committee has given 57 per cent to Republicans and 43 per cent to Democrats in the 2008 election cycle, according to www.opensecrets.org. So far, the PAC has given a total of $14,550 to federal candidates, according to the site.
Springsteen's Saturday performance will be his last stop on the "Magic" tour, which started in October. Klein wouldn't say how many tickets have been sold, but said he expects the audience to be at or near the 125,000 person capacity.
The Harley crowd gathered near the new Harley-Davidson Museum earlier in this week had mixed reactions to Springsteen.
Jim Jacobs, a conservative from Clearwater, Fla., said he was a Springsteen fan until about five or 10 years ago, when Springsteen started becoming more vocal about his political views. The 63-year-old retired businessman said he won't go to the show because he doesn't want to hear about politics when he's listening to music.
"If he wasn't so adamant, you could overlook it," he said.
Jacobs said he thought most Harley riders leaned to the right.
But the more liberal Ray and Toni Kneen, from Denver, said they though the crowd was split down the middle. They plan to attend the concert.
"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion," said Ray Kneen, 55, a retired welder.
"I think they like his music, and that's why they are going to see him," said Toni Kneen, 52, who is retired from owning her own housekeeping business.
After McCain's stop at Sturgis this month, Obama invoked Harleys - the market-leading American motorcycle company - in a Wisconsin radio ad. It blasted the Arizona senator for his long opposition to provisions that require government agencies to buy goods made in the U.S.
Harley-Davidson expects more than 100,000 people from around the nation and world to participate in the four-day celebration that officially started Thursday in Milwaukee and its suburbs. It includes a parade through the city, a party along the lake, activities at the new Harley-Davidson Museum, a special exhibit at Discovery World and other big-name bands.
Kid Rock Living Large Without iTunes
Kid Rock's latest album "Rock'n'Roll Jesus" and its single "All Summer Long" have been two of the biggest hits of the summer. But it's happened without either being available for download via Apple's iTunes Music Store in the United States.
Rock has been an outspoken critic not only of track downloading but Internet piracy. In a "smartass" public service announcement he recently advised people to steal everything. Eschewing iTunes also proves a point, Rock adds.
"I tell people in my organization, 'Do not ever come up to me and say, "This is what everyone's doing and how they're doing it." Don't ever give me that lame-ass bullsh*t,'" he tells Billboard at a Nashville tequila bar. "As soon as someone says, 'You have to be on iTunes ... they're the No. 1 retailer' ... I don't have to. Because I remember being a kid when I heard a song that I liked, I would jump on the bus, ride to Detroit, get a $2.50 transfer and walk a mile to the hip-hop store to buy the new Eric B. & Rakim record. You're not going to stop people from obtaining what they want if it's available at some level."
However, Atlantic president Julie Greenwald says "Rock'N'Roll Jesus" will be available soon digitally in the States as an album via providers like Amazon, walmart.com, Rhapsody and bestbuy.com.
"We get so caught up in technology and ease [of downloading a single] ... there's nothing wrong with listening to a whole record from start to finish," Kid Rock co-manager Ken Levitan says.
In other news, Kid Rock and his Twisted Brown Trucker band recently cut a new song, "Warrior," for a National Guard commercial. It will be downloadable in its entirety on the National Guard's Web site once the commercial airs. He's also looking at launching signature beer and cigar products.
"I like [branding opportunities] when it's something I'm into, and I'm definitely into beer and cigars," Rock says. "You probably won't see me on the cover of a Wheaties box or selling Tide detergent, because it's irrelevant to me."
Michael Jackson at 50: `The best is yet to come'
NEW YORK - Michael Jackson marked a personal milestone Friday: his 50th birthday.
The 13-time Grammy winner, who has sold more than 750 million albums, told ABC News' "Good Morning America" that he's "looking forward to doing a lot of great things. ... I think the best is yet to come in my true humble opinion."
Jackson talked to ABC by phone Thursday.
"People see some of the things I do and they say, `Why don't you show this to the world? People don't know you do these things.' And maybe I will," he said.
Jackson said recording the blockbuster albums "Thriller" and "Off the Wall" were the happiest times of his life.
"That meant very much to me and seemed to be received so beautifully by the public and the world. You know, I enjoyed it very much," he said.
As for his birthday plans, "I'll just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons," he said.
Jackson, a twice-divorced father of three, said he aims to provide a normal life for his children.
"I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible. ... I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. I think that comes naturally. I want them to get to do things I didn't get to do," he said.
"I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time," he said.
Jackson was asked if he had received a membership card from AARP, which focuses on the needs and concerns of those 50 and older.
"Not that I know of!" he said, laughing.
Jennifer Aniston will make a return visit to NBC
NEW YORK - Jennifer Aniston will return home to NBC, the TV network where she became a breakout star on the hit sitcom "Friends."
She's currently filming a guest appearance on the network's "30 Rock," Aniston publicist Stephen Huvane confirmed Friday.
There were no immediate details on the role Aniston will play — as herself or a fictitious character — or the episode's planned air date.
The New York-based series, which begins its third season in October, stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin in a behind-the-scenes, sometimes self-directed spoof of a television network and the huge corporation that owns it. The show has won a modest but devoted following, and critical raves. Awards include Golden Globes, a Peabody and last year's Emmy for outstanding comedy series.
With its show-biz slant, it has become a haven for guest appearances by big names from entertainment — even politics, including Al Gore.
Another of the six-member "Friends" troupe, David Schwimmer, had a "30 Rock" guest shot last season.
Since "Friends" concluded its highly successful 10-year run in 2004, Aniston has concentrated on films, including "Friends with Money," "The Break-Up."