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.

Ugh

Hell's Kitchen
Channel: FOX
Day/Time: Wednesday at 9pm (Check your local listings)

Ugh. If you watched last night’s Hell’s Kitchen then you know why I said that. In case you didn’t see it I’ll let you know what happened. The season is coming to an end. Just one more episode left now. So you know this means that Gordon Ramsay narrowed the field down to his final two. My exclamation is due to who he chose for the coveted positions. But let me take you through the episode first to get you up to speed.

In the final four we were left with Trev, Jillian, Nona, and Russell. Now, none of these four were someone I originally wanted to win. But since that is all we are left with I’ve decided to pull for Nona. The whole season Trev has been picked on by the other contestants and he just keeps on whining about it. Man I can’t stand that guy. No one can. It is completely understandable. He keeps messing up the food, he can’t cook, and his attitude is grating. He lived up to all of his annoying habits tonight as well by failing at the challenge and then messing up over and over at the dinner service.

Jillian has fared better on this show. While her voice is a little annoying to me, I was never impressed with her. She just always went on in the middle of the pack. Tonight she did pretty well though. She won the challenge despite having no clue of how to fuse cuisine from Thailand and Spain. She impressed the judges quite a bit. At the dinner service she did wonderfully on the meat station but messed up a little while running the pass and got screwed by Trev who couldn’t cook a piece of Halibut to save his life.

Nona has always been good. She has personality and never really bothered me. She can also cook very well. While she has messed up from time to time she has deserved to make it this far. On tonight’s episode Nona didn’t impress during the challenge. At dinner service she was great on garnish, which is good since she has fallen apart on that station before. When running the pass she had just one slip up and everything else was great.

Finally we come to the obnoxious Russell. I can’t stand that guy. Before tonight I just disliked him because he was so cocky and had this attitude that he was better than Ramsay. Tonight my dislike for him turned to hate. Yes guys, I said hate. My hate stems from everything I already said and for the fact that in a flashback clip Russell was wearing an old school “white rapper” visor that was cocked to the side. Really Russell? Really? Well tonight he lived up to his (insert expletive here) behaviors. He failed on the challenge and did all right at dinner service.

Now we have come to the big decision. Easy enough Trev was sent home first. He definitely should have left a LONG time ago. Now my mother and I were both hoping to see both girls in the final. But of course we knew better. Russell was named as the first of the final two. Hence my “ugh.” So we then learned that Nona made it to the final two. Sorry Jillian, it just wasn’t meant to be. But be happy, Gordon let you keep your jacket, and he almost never does that. So next week is the final episode of this season. Clearly I am pulling for Nona to win. Russell cannot win this. Even if he does the best next week and really deserves it, I hope Ramsay gives it to Nona just because no one wants to hear that cocky jerk gloat about winning. Let’s get it right this season Gordon!

I give this episode a solid four frames. If you had chosen Jillian and Nona then you would have gotten five frames Gordon.


Head on over to the forum at www.j1studios.com and talk about how horrible it was that Russell made it to the final two. Or you could tell me I'm wrong for hating him. But that probably won't change my mind.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I) (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I (2010)
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Running Time: 146 minutes
Director: David Yates

Ahhhh, Harry Potter. Brings back memories of my nephew insisting upon replaying, just the first half and the first half ony (before getting distracted) of both Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone along with the Chamber of Secrets. A child's love for mystery and magic and also that, quite simply, they are watching a story about a child - something in an of itself, relatable! Ogers, ghouls, wizards, wands, all wrapped up in an edge-of-your-seat tale. We are now on the first half of a two-parter based off of the seventh novel in the series (whew!). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I) is quite dark. As I'm told though, it has stuck closely with what was first written, with minor alterations. (possibly done to prevent the likelihood of confusing things, leaving too many details open-ended or simply for time constraints). The author of the series, J. K. Rowling, intended to have Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) grow up with its readers. As many have, fans would now be a bit older and thus not dissuaded from the intense experiences older Harry Potter goes through - they are gloomy, dark and truly terrifying. At this point in time, Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) is gaining more and more control over all that muggles wizards have come to know. We are introduced to everyone amidst those who comprise the Order of the Phoenix (a society of those whose aim it is to prevent anything Voldemort) and cleverly plan a way to bring Harry to their designated safe spot. This group naturally contained Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). The goal is, well to live, but to defeat Voldemort, whose minions have taken over The Ministry of Magic and are attempting to rid the world of muggles (those who have neither any magical abilities or born into the magical world). Their only hope is to obtain all of the Horcruxes - magical items used to gain immortality; this is the only way to defeat the immortal Lord Voldemort.

The relationship between the trio is quite real; a reflection of the history of highs and lows that friends experience and, especially when they all have some sort of chemistry - the drama. There are a couple characters too who don't make it very far and with this you feel that this really could be the end! (I have not read any of the novels and do not know yet what is to happen - I'm an outsider!) I would advise though for parents to be cautioned. While there have been deaths mostly either spoken about, implied, led up to and one somewhat shown in previous Potter movies, the one at the beginning of this film is hard to watch. While it does not resort to being gruesome, the knowledge that this individual was likely roughed up and is then shown as a trophy is a little disturbing. While there are most certainly scenes in the first six films that some could attach the same warning too, this was striking as it could've been taken out of the magical, youth world and plopped righted into another movie. Ok, possibly just a portion of it. My point is more the effect to the viewer! In addition, there is a scene with Ron being injured that, I believe, is not for all eyes.

Indeed though, the heights at which we become immersed in the well being of all those who are attempting to defeat evil. There are resounding themes; good over evil, the pain of discrimination, friendship, resilience; all well-balanced throughout. The graphics too are great, as expected.

The only detrimental factors in my opinion were, the length of down time in the woods (yes we have to understand that time that was spent looking for a Holcrux yet do we really have to see Hermione & Harry dancing?), the length of the movie (although it may be just me bothered by this, I'm old) and some of the dark scenes (simply as a warning to those taking children along; I personally wouldn't advise or younger than 11).

All in all, a solid film. Something about it was quite amazing and yet still something a bit forgettable. A good indicator is if whether or not I can or cannot stop thinking or talking about it. It was right there amidst the in between! It definitely does wins points for heart, love of the characters and detail!

I give this a three and a half out of four frames!



As IF you haven't seen the trailer ;)



Go see it & post your opinions on the forum!

Danae signing off!

sources: traileraddict.com; wikipedia.org

Coco has returned!

Conan
Channel: TBS (check your local listings)
Day/Time: Monday-Thursday at 11pm

CO-NAN! CO-NAN! CO-NAN! CO-NAN! CO-NAN! I guess you can tell I’m excited that Conan O’Brien is back on late night. Millions of people have been anxiously anticipating his return since his untimely demise from the Tonight Show over on NBC. You can now find Conan’s new show, aptly named “Conan,” on TBS. They have been hyping up his return for months now so you know they had to deliver. Deliver they did.

Conan pretty much had to come back just as good, if not ridiculously better than when he was on NBC. He had to make them regret the day that they royally screwed him and all of his staff. Personally, I think that his five minute introduction video of what happened “last season on Conan” did just that. I was laughing from beginning to end. Along with Conan we get his signature self-deprecating monologue. He certainly poked a lot of fun at himself and his prior situation. One of the best jokes was that he named his show “Conan” so that no one else could host it but him. He is now backed up by the Basic Cable Band, who isn’t let by the usual Max Weinberg, but is now being led by Jimmy Vivino. It’s basically the old band minus Max.

The show lined up a pretty decent troop of guests for the first week. The first show featured a performance of Conan and Jack White from the White Stripes. Amazing! The second show had Academy Award winning Tom Hanks showing off his vast knowledge of whales. And they soaked him! Hilarious! Third show brought us Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame. Genius! The fourth show gave us Michael Cera and the comedic styling of Jon Dore. And that’s only one example from each show.

I have to say that I LOVED the first week. If I had any complaints it would be that it isn’t five nights a week. You only get Conan Monday-Thursday. And as my boyfriend pointed out, how is he really supposed to compete with the other late night shows if he is only on four nights a week while everyone else is on five. But his numbers weren’t bad. The first show brought in about 4.2 million viewers. While his numbers did slip as the week progressed (averaging about 2.7 million a night) I don’t think that is any indication that in another nine months he will be on another network. All in all I think Conan on TBS is a success. I look forward to watching him night after night and laughing my butt off.

I give Conan’s new late night show 5 frames out of 5. I love him and I love the new show and I know it can only get better from here.



Here is the clip of what happened "last season on Conan."



For any and all info regarding Conan's new show head on over to www.teamcoco.com

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.

What Is To Come...

I haven't been to the theater in awhile *tear falls down cheek* and that's due to both the fizzunds ($) and that there have been only a few movies I feel are worth those limited funds. I do still hope to soon see SAW 3D - The Final Chapter (because naturally you need to see those graphics in 3D ;)), The Town, Let Me In and The Social Network. Other than those selections, I'm not feeling that excited. I then decided that it's just wrong for me not to be excited about something in the movie realm and upon my quest for that which I hope to enthrall me, the following were chosen:

Tron Legacy (2010)

Maybe I'm wrong by not having seen the original yet (hey, I'm young!) but I am nonetheless looking forward to this. The pure aesthetics look so clean, beautiful and truly like real life meets the computer world. I'm going to Netflix the original film prior to seeing this, to not do so I believe would be wrong! Most of you likely know the premise but in summary, Kevin Flynn, who got caught in a computer program in the original film (Tron - 1982), tries to contact Sam Flynn, his son (who is now an adult). Sam, of course, gets pulled into the same world and will try to escape, maybe even with the hopes of bringing back his father. The film is being released December 17, 2010.



Unknown (2010)

This is the first I heard of this but Liam Neeson rarely disappoints. The premise is that of a man who post-accident, finds that his identity and his life, have been replaced! Someone, or ones, want him out of the picture; he embarks on a search to try to get his life back with the hope that amidst this struggle, he not only can he get back his stolen identity, but that he doesn't lose his life all over again in this endeavor. Set to be released February 18, 2011.



Tangled (2010)

A twist on the story of The Brothers Grimm's fairy tale, Rapunzel. There's not much to say except to watch the trailer; very silly and I'm certain chalk full of life lessons for all ages. Set to be released during the Thanksgiving holiday.



That's all for now, holler at me if there are films I should be on the lookout for in the near future!

Danae signing off!

source:traileraddict.com