1974 - Muppets Most Wanted

I’m a big Muppets nerd, so I’m programmed to like this by default.  It scored a lot of points with it’s opening number about sequels that eased us in nicely.  I love how this builds upon the previous film, with the ever-present self deprecation the Muppets didn’t actually set the world on fire, and the only reason they’re selling out on their world tour is because it’s all an elaborate cover for a international jewel thief.  Perfect, classic, muppet. 

My son complained about the length of the film, and I guess I noticed it was long as well - but man, what kind of asshole complains about too much Muppet?  Not this guy!  I thought Ty, Tina, and Ricky were perfect as the human companions to our heroes.  I thought the wiring was clever, the jokes hit with a few solid laugh-out-louders.  

If you’ve ever loved the Muppets, it’s well worth your time.  Here’s to many more new adventures with them!

Bossypants

I bought this for my wife awhile back when I saw that EVERY WOMAN in the subway was reading it (and good for them!).  I love Tina Fey.  I love her sense of humor, her awkwardness.  This is going to sound terrible, but when I watch 30 Rock with my wife, I realize just how much Tina is like my wife - in a good way (and for the record my wife sees it too).
This book is interesting in that it's almost a self-help book in some ways.  It's also part biography, and a little behind-the-scenes.  Some more criticize it for not having a clear direction as to what it's about - that there's no clear direction and each chapter is fairly random - but the thing is that Tina has such a strong and amazing voice that it really doesn't matter.  You keep reading because it's just full of honesty and hilarity.  Two things that were interesting to discover was that - first - Tina Fey has a prominent scar.  Perhaps the magic of TV and film make-up is really great, but I never noticed it.  Now I can see it when I look at her, but I hadn't before (one of the first things she talks about in the book).  And secondly I just loved her outlook on life in general.  Everyone could benefit from reading her chapter on how using the rules of improvisation can improve your life.  I don't think she's wrong.
I imagine this book will appeal stronger to females, but I loved the hell out of it.  There's some great behind the scenes stuff for both 30 Rock, and Saturday Night Live for those who want a behind-the-curtain glance.  If you're already a fan of Tina Fey's comic stylings, reading this is a no-brainer.

1474 - 30 Rock: season four

Emily and I took our time watching this season of the series - not because it's bad - mostly just because serialized tv shows take president over stand-alone series. We always love coming back to Liz Lemon though. I can't imagine that I'm the only one who has a mad crush on Tina Fey - I'm sure that there are legions of guys. She is funny as shit. The writing, of course, but her performance just slays me. She's brilliant. The show's prime comedy schtick is the "random humor" and I can't think of any other anything that does it as well as they do. The strength here is also the diversity of the cast, what they all bring to it, in addition to the extremely impressive cameos from people you would never expect to see on this show.

So if you like to laugh and you've never seen this series, get on it!

1381 - 30 Rock: season three

It's funny, it was only in this season that I realized how terrible the 'show within a show' is. I think I just didn't pay that much attention to it earlier. I really like this show and it holds it's place among very few other love-action series that have gotten away with zany characters and off the way, sometimes very dark, humour. The only other that really comes to mind is Arrested Development. I realize that this series is Tina Fey's baby, and it shows. She's fantastic both in front of and behind the camera. With Carrell's imminent departure from The Office, it's possible for that show to go on - this series would not survive her leaving - her behind the scenes work aside, her character is the glue that holds it together. It was a magical inspirational stroke that put Alec Baldwin in this role, and I daresay it gave him new life in a really good way.

I'll keep watching it as long as they keep making it.

1377 - Date Night

I liked the premise of this film as soon as I'd heard it. Simple. Fun. Had an Adventures in Babysitting sort of vibe to it. I always thought that Steve Carrell and Tina Fey should team up together, so their pairing got me extra excited. I went into this film just wanting it to be fun and give me some laughs, and it did it's job. There is a set piece in the middle involving a high end car with a taxi that is pretty fantastic. The film is littered with really lovely cameos from some great actors that I adore, including the lovely Mr. Mark Ruffalo, Whalberg, and James Franco. I think that there was some pretty realistic issues in terms of couples that are together long term, and how do you keep it going - and I bought that these two had gotten into friend zone a little too deep. I don't think, however, that they got too far over that by the end. I think they could have gone a little further with the before and after picture of their relationship.

All in all I think it's a fun little film, and I think Fey and Carrell should do more films together (and if you're their agent, give me a shout 'cause I've got a great one for them...)

1364 - The Invention of Lying

Like most geeks, I'm a fan of Gervais, in particular his series work for the BBC. And when I first heard the premise of this film it was one of those moments a lot of writers get when they get really pissed off that they didn't come up with this premise themselves. It's pretty simple, really - which makes it all that more awesome.

I had a hard time getting into this film. The tone felt... off. The narration didn't work to me and felt a tad bit like a 'fix'. I found it a bit odd that, in an addition to always telling the truth that people were suddenly unable to keep any thoughts to themselves. I realize that most of the comedy comes from that, but I'm sure there could have been a way to make it work a little more organically.

As the film went on the barrage of cameos felt like it was getting to be a bit too much and instead of relaxing into the flow of the story, I kept getting pulled out - and for the most part, they don't add much to it.

I enjoyed this film enough, but I don't quite think Gervais has quite perfected this medium just yet. But don't worry. He will. I look forward to his Cemetary Junction.

Despite any negativity above, the film is definitely worth watching, there's a lot of smart and funny things going on - the ultimate is when we realize that the beginning of lying is also the beginning of religion. Very fun stuff, Mr. Gervais. If I have to nitpick though...

*SPOILER ALERT*

Why is it that the majority of the romantic arc is spent questioning why Garner's character can't get over her shallow behaviour and admit to herself that she loves Gervais, and yet absolutely no time is spent on why Gervais loves her, besides the obvious shallow reasons. Found that to be a missed opportunity and a bit of a contradiction.

*END SPOILER*

1316 - Mean Girls

I remember when I saw this film in theaters I was just blown away. Never for a second did I imagine it would be as fantastic as it is. Sadly due to reputations of certain cast members it may drift into obscurity, but this film deserves to become a classic. In no small part to Tina Fey's brilliant script (need to find me a copy of it). The script is just full of great characters, lines, and ideas. It's a hyper-realistic look at some of the horrible things that people, especially girls, do to one another in high-school. It launched a lot of it's young cast, and rightly so. If you haven't seen this film yet YOU MUST SEE IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This was the film that showed the world the promise of Lindsay Lohan. This is why she became a star. What's happened since then... well, who is to judge - but I for one still hope she gets her stuff figured out and a second shot at it - 'cause she's pretty great here.
And as a side note, for those of you who have seen this and are a fan, the same person that made the 'Burn Book' prop, worked on my feature and made some pretty kick-ass things for us - including something in the same vein as the Burn Book.

1262: 30 Rock: season two

This is a show that just gets richer and richer in comic gold. Tina Fey is a wonder to behold, and the supporting cast is dynamite. Alec and Tina make a surprisingly amazing team and part of me wants them to stay apart, but part of me delights in what would happen if you got them together. I look forward to seeing where this series goes in future seasons. If you haven't seen it and you're a fan of funny - it's a must see.

1259 - Baby Mama

After a week of shooting and coming off a night shoot I wasn't overly partial to what I wanted to watch so I let Emily choose. We just started watching the second season of 30 Rock, and both Emily and I have a crush on Tina Fey (which is creepy for Emily because she kinda looks like Tina Fey...) When this film is funny it's fantastically funny, great lines and Fey and Poehler are brilliant and a fantastic team. There's some nice plot moves, but by and large the ending is fairly predictable. Worth checking out for a good mild laugh.

1242 - 30 Rock: season one

Alright. You know what? Just because half the world caught on to this show light-years before I did, doesn't mean I'm not hip and cool... it just means that I've been missing out on the funniest half-hour since 'Arrested Development'. This show is lightning in a bottle. Seriously. There's a great broad comedy aspect that fires along side with this subtle, clever humor. Both work full force if you're into both, and if not - it still works. That's just smart writing there.
The cast is really really great. What can I say about Tina Fey? She's a sex-bomb. A pure geek fantasy. Love that woman, she's fantastic here in all her duties. Alec Baldwin is about as awesome as he's ever been and the rest of the cast falls in line close behind these two hard-hitters.
I can't wait to see if they can keep this momentum up in the other seasons. The nice thing about coming to a show late is that you don't have to wait long for new episodes!