CliqueClack

Sitcom Superlatives – The Saddest Goodbyes

When I first heard that Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23 was cancelled, I thought that was the saddest news I would hear this week. While Don’t Trust the B was not perfect, it was enjoyable, with undeniable chemistry between June (Dreama Walker) and Chloe (Krysten Ritter), and my weekly recommended allowance of James van der Beek. But Don’t Trust the B was not the only sitcom or even the saddest sitcom winding up towards a finale or cancelled, and so for this week we have a special Sitcom Superlatives where we bid adieu to two very special friends.

Ben and Kate
It’s rare a comedy as warm and unrepentantly sunshine-y as Ben and Kate comes along. And despite my constant gushing over Go On, Ben and Kate was my pick for best new show of the season. It was effortlessly delightful, sweet, and… cancelled?

I don’t pretend to understand FOX’s internal decision-making on this one. I’m sure it had something to do with ratings (which I maintain are bullshit), or maybe no FOX executive had ever had a sibling, because if they did, I’m not sure how they ever could have said no to this show, which portrays family and especially sibling relationships so perfectly and tenderly. I can only hope that this is a stepping point for all of the lead actors to bigger and better things – specifically Dakota Johnson and Nat Faxon. Call me, you guys. I have ideas. Continue reading 'Sitcom Superlatives — The Saddest Goodbyes' »

You should know about Front of the Class

I should open this column with a disclaimer: I’m not a fan of Hallmark TV-movies. In my past experience, I’ve found them to be flicks that beat me over the head with their intended message, while the actual film itself leaves something to be desired. I say that, however, to prove how great Front of the Class is; not only do I enjoy this movie, but I would venture to put it amongst my favorite films of all time. And it drives me just a little bit crazy when someone tells me they’ve never heard of it.

Originally aired in 2008 and based on the book of the same name, Front of the Class tells the true story of Brad Cohen (played perfectly by James Wolk, who went on to his breakout role in FOX’s Lone Star the next year), a man with Tourette’s Syndrome who was determined to become the supportive teacher he never had, no matter how much adversity was placed in his way. As strictly a piece of entertainment, it’s a good one. While there’s no doubt that Brad is going to succeed – this is still a Hallmark movie, after all – the flick holds the audience’s interest because it’s not about whether or not he becomes a teacher. It’s about how he is a remarkable person with, not in spite of, his Tourette’s. That’s something bigger than the usual Character A achieving Goal B.

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James Purefoy is deliciously evil in FOX’s The Following

James Purefoy is absolutely delicious. He’s like butter, a cashmere sweater and warm liquid scotch all rolled into one. Slinking into the New York Comic Con press room interview dressed like the serial killer he is, I miraculously restrained myself from dropping trou for him. However, I enjoyed a mini-tete-a-tete as he slipped into the persona of his Joe Carroll serial killer. James Purefoy is the human embodiment of sin. He’s pure seduction on a stick. If I could order him off a menu at a restaurant, I’d have two plates to go for life.

James is definitely a theatre actor who can improv the hell out of things. Having just seen his serial killer Joe Carroll portrayed in the pilot minutes earlier, I couldn’t stop blurting out my utter fear of sitting beside him. And, he couldn’t not take advantage of that. Luckily, one of the other interviewers stopped our delectable serial killer meets shrinking violet comedy act to start the interview round. Like Kevin Bacon, Purefoy clearly channeled parts of himself into the role of charismatic English professor Joe Carroll. Part of me wanted to cry bull when I initially saw the pilot. Academic types aren’t exactly that dexterous or believably violent. But, then I remembered the utter charisma of a couple college instructors and remembered in the 1970s Cornell had its own serial killer. One of the undergraduates, stalked, assaulted and killed his fellow students and continued the pattern long after graduation.

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Return to Downton Abbey with this week’s TV on DVD releases

The third season of the wildly popular Downton Abbey comes to DVD and Blu-ray this week, along with the complete series of last season’s hotly anticipated, but ultimately disappointing Pan Am. Another Brit series, Misfits, sees its second season come to home video on January 29 as well as two seasons of The Young Riders, and the first season of the new series Femme Fatales. For anyone who remembers Martin Short’s Ed Grimley character, well, his complete animated adventures are also coming to DVD! To see what else is coming, check out our shopper’s guide and click on a link to get more information about a title or to make a purchase.

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Psychos, vampires and ghosts haunt this week’s DVD releases

This week’s new home video releases feature psychopaths — seven, to be exact — vampires and other monsters, and another house full of paranormal activity. There’s also a celebration of Warner Brothers’ 90th anniversary with a 50 film box set, a collection of Die Hard movies to tie in with the upcoming fifth film in the series, and more classics on Blu-ray including Ridley Scott’s feature film debut, The Duellists. You can find out more about these and other titles released on January 29 in our handy shopper’s guide. To make a purchase, simply click on the appropriate link and we’ll whisk you over to Amazon.com. You’ll get a great deal, and you’ll be showing your support for CliqueClack at the same time!

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An interesting moment in time on American Idol

More of the same old same old on this week’s double dose of “everyone’s” favorite singing competition. (And *whew* … weren’t all of us glad Thursday’s episode got trimmed to a single hour? Thanks, Idol Powers That Be!) That is … until after the much ballyhoo’d Nicki Minaj exit during the Charlotte auditions.

You read that right: After that exit … not the exit itself. Minaj’s ruckusy departure was rather anti-climactic in that it was the result of her being “dogpiled” by the other judges, not as a result of a solitary spat with Carey as we’ve been led to believe by the world-wide publicity machine. It was hokey, it was dumb and it was empty. (I could go on, but I’ll stop now.)

The “interesting moment” I refer to in the title of this post came post-Brandy Hamilton audition. It came after Minaj was placated and she had returned to the group and been party to the hopeful’s audition: “Please don’t fight. It makes me sad,” Hamilton told the group. That was the kicker for me, better than the scene earlier between the four of them that caused Minaj’s walkout in the beginning.

That was the moment which made you stop to see if there would be any reaction from anyone.  As it turned out, barely. It did cause Minaj to think for all of a few seconds, but what thoughts might have rattled around in her Reflex blue-covered head is anybody’s guess. There was a glimmer of consideration (remorse?) going on there, however … you could tell. But could it have also made her colleagues reflect on the consequences of their actions going forward? Wouldn’t that be nice? (Don’t hold your breath.)

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My night with Jay Black: Part 2

Last year, our own Katie Schenkel met our comedy writer extraordinaire Jay Black. As with Katie, Jay noticed one of his shows occurred in my area and invited me along for the ride. As it took place in my old stomping grounds, of course, I had to attend.

But, I was a little afraid. I’m not going to lie. In fact, I had several pre-show fears all lined up:

#1) What if I’m offended?
If you haven’t guessed by reading even ONE of my posts, I’m a card-carrying member of the feminist brigade. I still believe Wonder Woman should wear straps and Superman should rock heels. I totally expected to absolutely hate it, bristle in umbrage, flying tackle him and fist punch him to the ground halfway through his set.

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Kevin Bacon makes FOX’s The Following awesome

So, I’m currently crushing on Kevin Bacon and his portrayal of the rangy Ryan Hardy in Fox’s The Following. If you haven’t checked out Ivey’s preview post or watched the premiere this week, The Following follows English professor turned serial killer, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy). Kevin Bacon plays Ryan Hardy, the FBI agent who eventually captures him, but deals with Carroll’s continuing presence in his life and ongoing menace to the world through his cult-like following.

When I initially watched the preview I absolutely fell in love with Kevin Bacon’s portrayal from minute one. The writing, his acting and the directing all collaborated to construct a believable hero figure through his anti-heroics. Even without speaking, watching his character gulp from the water-less water bottle and shower more in shame than water itself, I fell in total love with both the character and the actor. When I interviewed Kevin Bacon at NYCC in the Fall, I saw the modern day man who gave life to Ryan Hardy’s frame. He’s incredibly genial with intense blue eyes that made me blush when trapped beneath their gaze. I said this before, but most of the actors at NYCC proved incredibly chivalrous. Every time I asked Bacon a question, he moved his water bottle out of the way and turned to face me fully. While I didn’t have a crush on Bacon during his Footlose days, I now have a full-fledged crush on him after spending ten minutes beneath his unrelenting gaze and, of course, watching his on-screen portrayal. Some actors, like a vintage wine, just get better. If you’re my age, you have to see Kevin Bacon’s portrayal. Ryan Hardy isn’t the man-child inspiring a town to dance.

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Quartet is the charming antidote to the depressing holiday season

In a world of all sorts of people, one thing that is often forgotten is that everyone gets old — unless you die young. Cheery start, right? It could be argued that the mark of a truly enlightened and advanced society is one that provides housing for the elderly — those that cannot be a part of the workforce anymore. In more utilitarian perspective, they would be discarded. But whether or not we live in such a society, we like to think we do. And one thing that has connected humanity throughout the ages is the memory of music.

In Quartet, the directorial debut of Dustin Hoffman, himself of advanced age, we visit the quaint manor of Beecham House, a home for retired musicians of all stripes (meaning artists and composers). Irascible and arrogant Cedric (Michael Gambon, dressed like Dumbledore — which he played — except without the beard) is trying to ensure that the annual fundraising concert makes enough to keep the house open. And the concert is only weeks away! Meanwhile, three friends and old singing partners, dotty Reg (Tom Courtenay), rascally perverted Will (Billy Connolly), and dotty Cecily (Pauline Collins) gossip and enjoy each other’s company. When a new arrival is scheduled, they all wonder who it might be — they don’t send a private car for just anyone! But it turns out to be Jean Horton (Maggie Smith, who’s been doing this sort of thing a lot lately), the one who broke up the group and went solo. And she broke Reg’s heart too. Will they be able to mend their friendships? Will Jean agree to join them at the concert for the titular quartet (“Bella figlia dell’amore”) from Verdi’s “Rigoletto”? Will we have a happy ending?

Well, gee whiz, what do you think?

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Parker is a bloody fun time

A man’s gotta to have a code. Even hardened criminals who steal or murder. Or something like that. Is there such a thing as honor among thieves, or is that a load of crap?

In Parker, highly intelligent and clever thief Parker (Jason Statham) is going on yet another big score, planning everything down to the last detail. What could possibly go wrong? A bunch, but it’s not too bad — until he declines fellow thief Melander’s (Michael Chiklis) offer for another job. Then it’s being left for dead and fuming for vengeance. So far, it’s the perfect setup for a Statham thrill-ride  and we’ve already had punches, kicks, guns, explosions, and blood already in the first twenty minutes. Decent start. And I was personally a bit surprised at how vulnerable Parker’s character ended up, actually acknowledging pain and damage. Although he’s fairly invincible when the story requires it.

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