What is that? The Alabama of Europe?

“Archer”
Day/Time: Thursdays @ 10pm EST
Channel: FX
Rating: MA (NOT for children)

Finally “Archer” has returned! After having to wait so long for the second season of this critically hailed animated spy comedy, we were not let down. The show delivered in its usual way. There were plenty of jokes and one liners and just the right amount of suspected “unsuspected” happenings. So assuming that you read my last review of the first season and the show thus far I will continue to write this review as if you know who everybody is. If you haven’t read the aforementioned review then please do so and come back to this one so that you won’t be lost.

The second season brings us back to ISIS and we learn that Cyril and Lana have broken up and apparently Cyril has gone Tiger Woods on us went upstate to a rehab facility for a sex addiction. ISIS is still going down the tubes financially so they are trying to find an investor. That leads the whole crew to Switzerland to help guard a billionaire’s 17 year old daughter and try to sucker him into investing in ISIS. So of course hijinks ensue and, ever the ladies’ man, Sterling Archer has attracted the eye of the daughter, Anka, and is repeatedly molested by her. Of course no one believes that she is coming on to him. All this is happening while trying to fend off the bad guys who are trying to kidnap Anka. This is really hard for Archer. He is use to molesting the women but never being the victim. The more disturbing action takes place in the billionaire father’s suite with Archer’s mother, Malory, who is the head of ISIS and HR manager Pam. Pam actually has a lot in common with the man and they get involved in some hot tubbing and drinking of “green Russians.” Malory gets in the mix trying to get the financial backing and ends up in a most disgusting situation that I can’t detail here in this review.

This show had it all. There were inappropriate jokes, awkward threesomes, shooting, beating the bad guys, and a little underage coming of age realizations. Archer beats the bad guys once again and helps Anka realize why she acts out so much. There was many a good line. I’ll probably be asking if I have to supply my own lids for a little while. Well, at least until next week when another episode comes on.

If you didn’t catch this episode I’m sure you will be able to catch it on HULU in a day or two. If you weren’t watching it purposely because you still haven’t seen the first season yet then stop being stupid and watch the new season. True you will have to catch up so you can understand the dynamic between Lana and Cyril and some of the other characters, but why miss out on a sure to be great second season and put yourself further behind? That’s just nonsensical.

I definitely give this episode 4 1/2 frames. I'm taking off half just to leave room for growth. Kind of like how they do in figure skating competitions. Can't give out the 10's to the first skater.


P.S. If you like Archer you would probably like “Bob’s Burgers” on FOX. Now, it doesn’t have the cursing and kind of nudity but it is still an animated wonder. H. John Benjamin does the voice of the lead character Bob and he is just as great as he is on Archer. The comedy delivers and it is a perfect interlude between “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” Just a fun suggestion from me to you.

I'd add a clip of "Archer" but since it isn't for younger readers or viewers I supply you with a clip of "Bob's Burgers" just you can enjoy in the greatness of it.


Go on over to www.j1studios.com in the forum and join the discussion about "Archer." Or start a new one about "Bob's Burgers." Either way, go on over.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.

Tron Legacy (2010)

Tron Legacy (2010)
Rated: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Running Time: 127 Minutes
Director: Joseph Kosinski

A highly anticipated sequel to the original Tron (which was released in 1982), takes us to the digital world where its inhabitants battle for survival.

Some background of the original movie: Jeff Bridges plays and engineer/hacker, Kevin Flynn who aims to expose Ed Dillinger (David Warner) as the thief he is. Dillinger has stolen Flynn's program(s) thus advancing within his company, ENCOM, on the coattails of someone else's work. Flynn hacks into ENCOM's system and is assisted by friends (and ENCOM employees) Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) & Dr. Lora Baines (Cindy Morgan). Amidst the execution, Flynn gets transported into the digital world. In this realm, all programs take on the appearance of their user & The Master Control Program, which had previously prevented Flynn from accessing ENCOM's system, is controlled in the digital world by Sark. Sark manipulates programs who don't strictly abide by the mindset that you are to have no faith in their respective users. There is a struggle to defeat Sark & expose Dillinger, to which they are successful and, in conclusion, Flynn wins out and becomes CEO of ENCOM.

Tron Legacy continues this saga 20 years later with Flynn's son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund) who is doesn't take his inheritance (ownership of ENCOM) seriously and aims simply to periodically make fools of the board of directors. He is visited by Bradley, his fathers cohort 20 years ago, who pushes him to check out the former arcade, run by Flynn. Bradley received a page from Flynn's office at the arcade. Sam discovers a secret work area and accidentally gets transported into a digital world. There he discovers Clu; a program Flynn made to create a perfect world who has turned on Flynn. Sam also meets Quorra (Olivia Wilde) who is his path to finding his father and getting them out of there.

The visuals are absolutely stunning. If computer graphics continue down this path, there will be no need for human actors/actresses (although there still may be a desire for them)! Jeff Bridges' CGI equivalent is almost flawless. Aside from the somewhat awkward speeches which emphasize the imperfection, (and difficulty) of creating the perfect replica of human oral movement - the facial structure, the eyes, the small strand of hair that falls into his forehead - truly amazing. The neon-themed, contrasted world makes it hard to forget. Add in, as in the original, tons of spandex and you have a ocular winner!

Critics state that the movie lacks character development/connection. To some extent I agree - you desire to see Sam succeed but not enough to keep watching. What does keep your eyes glued to the screen are the vibrant, contrast-bearing, digital scenery AND (at least for me), the heartfelt desire to see Kevin Flynn through to the end (whatever that may be). Jeff Bridges has continued to impress me and even this somewhat unemotional world, has portrayed his earnestness, desire and amazement at all that has happened. Aside from the visual aspect, he makes this film. Kudos too to Olivia Wilde.

As in the original and now upgraded, you too cannot miss the Light Cycle races on a multi-layered board nor the disc battles.

It does seem though as though that the first Tron was smarter. While the original did focus on creating "digital" graphics, (likely considered current at the time) it more so was attentive to the framework and workings that make up Tron, ENCOM, The Grid etc... the world they are entrapped in and the programs that comprise the majority of said world. This is lacking in the sequel - while I was interested in the visuals, the "cool" factor of some of the situations Sam & Quorra fell into, I didn't feel the significance of what was said/done with the intention of having us distraught/disturbed.

A plus: Daft Punk completed the soundtrack. How can you beat this?! If you don't know of them btw, this French, electronica/house duo have done some amazing work and you NEED to find out more. The tracks need to grow on you a bit as they largely impress upon viewership of the film.

I give this a three out of five frames!



I battled with myself as I was tempted to give this a 2.5 rating; don't be dissuaded by this! It's not the top movie of 2010 nor a movie some will choose to purchase but CERTAINLY worth renting, watching, maybe watching twice AND if you can get on dvd inexpensively, I believe worth adding to your collection!

Trailer:



As The Fighter seems to be your next movie review choice - that shall be the next to follow!

Email me at pictureonawall@gmail.com, visit & chat on the forum at www.j1studios.com or go to J1 Studios Facebook page!

Danae signing off!

Archer: Codename Duchess

"Archer"
Day/Time: Thursdays @ 10pm est
Channel: FX
Rating: NR (Not for children)

If you haven’t seen the animated show “Archer” on FX then you are seriously missing out. But don’t worry, the full first season is now FINALLY out on DVD and just in time for the second season to start on 1/27/11 (Check your local listings for times). If you’re wondering why you should bother catching up on this cartoon then I will gladly tell you all about the first season. This is more than just a cartoon. It’s geared specifically for adults and the humor ranges from the ridiculous to the sublime. I haven’t met a person yet that has seen this show that hasn’t absolutely loved it.

While the first season was only a mere ten episodes long it set up plenty of back story and a plot that left you hanging and upset that you had to wait practically an entire year for the next season. As the season opens you are introduced to super spy Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) and his cohorts at ISIS. Lead by his mother Malory, who is brilliantly voiced by Jessica Walter, Archer is made to work with his ex-girlfriend Lana (Aisha Tyler), her new boyfriend and ISIS comptroller Cyril (Chris Parnell), a sexual fetishist receptionist Cheryl or Carol or whatever (Judy Greer), and the office whipping girl, HR leader Pam (Amber Nash). Together this crazy crew finds themselves in personal tangles and always seems to interfere with their espionage work.

As the season wore on you found that the work for ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service) was only just a mild distraction for these trained spies. It was their personal lives and dramas that were the real story. “Archer” keeps the story lines new and constant running jokes. You find yourself thinking that they won’t go there, but oh yes they do and much further.

This group of hilarious cohorts find themselves searching for moles inside of ISIS, dealing with a new spy in the group that seems too good to be true (and not just because he’s black and Jewish), going up against rival assassins, protecting a “luxury airship” from bomb threats, and trying to obtain new and lucrative contracts to keep ISIS afloat. All this happens while Malory is trying to keep the identity of Archer’s real father under wraps.

I strongly suggest that you go out and buy the first season or get it on Netflix or download it free somewhere on the internet. “Archer” isn’t just some half hour long cartoon. It is a hilarious comedy full of animated action. The critics love this show, it has a huge fan base, and the voice of Archer, H. Jon Benjamin, even won an Emmy for his voice work on the show. You really can’t get much better than this. So everyone lotion up your man hands, grab your ping pong paddles, and remember, it’s just the tip. Oh, and whatever you do, DON’T LIGHT THAT MATCH! THIS PLACE WILL BLOW AT ANY SECOND! (You have to watch the first season to understand any of that. So get to it.)

I would include a video but none of them are appropriate for all reading and viewing audiences as this show is not for children. But you can go to the official website where they have full episodes and clips up and just about anything else you would want to know about the show and it's cast.

I do give this show five full frames so you know I mean business.


Head on over to www.j1studios.com and discuss "Archer" in the forum. Tell me how much you love it and then how much you love me for getting you turned on to the show.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.