The Sunday Listy: Top 5 TV Comedies

The Sunday Listy: Top 5 TV comedies

Happy Sunday everyone. I’ve had a rough weekend as it was my Baby Bro’s 18^th Birthday and we had too much fizzy pop last night. Thus, I apologise if my writing isn’t at its Pulitzer winning best this issue. But hey, what else is there to do on a Sunday evening? Didley squat, that’s what. Man, I do love to rhyme. 

Before I crack on with this week’s Listy (name change), I just want to say that this week is probably the hardest list I have had to do. Some of my favourite comedies have fallen by the waist side and have had to be omitted. Stuff like, Modern Family, Scrubs and Eastbound and Down were all vying for that number 5 spot, but just missed out. So here is this week’s Listy and my Top 5 TV comedies. 

5. 30 Rock (2006- ), Cast: Tina Faye, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan

Being an aspiring screenwriter, it’s always intriguing to watch shows about screenwriting. However, the trap fall with these types of shoes is that they could contain too many in jokes and could be seen as pretentious or ‘meta’. Not 30 Rock. Saturday Night Live alumni Tina Faye's comedy about a Saturday Night Live style show is a hoot and maybe even a toot. 

Proving that writing about what you know works, 30 Rock throws one line after one liner at you at a near blistering pace. However, the writing isn’t the best thing about 30 Rock. It’s the stellar cast that really shines in this comedy with standout performances from Alec Baldwin, Jack McBryer and Tracy Morgan that really make 30 Rock what it is. 

4. Boston Legal (2004-2008), Cast: James Spader, William Shatner

Here we go. The reason that this list is called TV comedy and not Sit-Com. And also the reason why I may receive some stick as some people may think Boston Legal isn’t a comedy. But, in my opinion and that’s the one that counts, Boston Legal is definitely a comedy. Yes, it does deal with serious issues but primarily I think it’s a comedy at heart. 

Like most sit-coms, Boston Legal is about a dysfunctional family that has to work together in order to fight adversity and triumph. The tandem of Shatner and Spader is pretty impeccable, proving that comedy isn’t just for the youngsters and Boston Legal proves that the golden oldies still have a few moves. 

3. Community (2009- ) Cast: Joel McHale, Donald Glover and Chevy Chase

Community is the newest member of my comedy family. And the youngest entrant in the top 5. However, watching an episode of Community you wouldn’t think it. It has a structure and a confidence as a comedy that you find in a seasoned comedy, not one that is only three seasons long. 

Community has already placed a few of its episodes in my favourite comedy episodes ever. If you don’t have time to watch them all you have to watch episodes such as Modern Warfare, Basic Rocket Science and Epidemiology. Whoever decided to cancel Community has been smoking the same things as Charlie Sheen.

2. Parks and Recreation

Also, quite a new comedy, but in its 4^th season Parks and Recreation pushes its way up to the number two spot in this week’s Listy. Shock horror it’s also another comedy from comedy giants NBC and another Saturday Night Live Alumni.

 This time Amy phoehler (Tina Faye’s mate) is the lead and she doesn’t miss the beat. Taking a simple premise and throwing so many laughs into it with incredible timing and great set pieces. The best thing about Parks though is its supporting cast. With Ron Swanson, Andy Dwyer, April Ludgate and Tom Haverford are all incredible characters and make the show so much more. 

1.       That 70s Show (1998-2006)

My winner today is the longest running show of the lot and my favourite comedy program if not television program of all time. OK, it might not be the funniest comedy of the lot, but it definitely has the most charm.

What makes That 70s Show standout from the pack though, is the ability to capture a time perfectly. Everything in 70s Show feels authentic to the 70s and nothing feels out of place. Making 70s Show my number ne this week.

Well that’s the list for this week. Feel free to comment in the section below.

Until next time, enjoy the show

@glamgrunge

Cinemascreenandspandex@gmail.com

Daniel Morris

Addicted to Airwaves

Addicted to Airwaves 

Last October, I finally passed my driving test and ever since I have been cruising the mean streets, like the 22 year old comic book fan/ Gangstaaa I am. At first, I listened to my own music, bringing a few CD’s into the car and catching up with my favourite bands. However, something has changed and I have no idea how. Now when I jump into the car, I whack Radio 1 on. I can’t help it, it just happens. As soon as I get into the car, my hand goes on to the dial and Radio 1 blares through my speakers. And you know what? I love it. 

Whether it’s Chris Moyles, Fern Cotton, Greg James, Scott Mills, Nick Grimshaw or Edith Bowman, I am immediately entertained. That being said, I do realise that Radio 1 has some haters. Maybe rightly so, yes there is a lot of talking, especially with people like Chris Moyles and Scott Mills. A lot of the radio show is taken up by, games, segments and general chit chat, with less emphasis on Music. However, I’m OK with this. A radio channel doesn’t have to just be about music. If that was the case I’d take my IPod in the car. 

Another criticism of Radio one is the limited selection of music. However, I have to say I disagree. Yes, a lot of tracks get repeated during the day. But, that’s because each DJ has their specific playlist, so there’s bound to be some repeats. Also, the majority of people don’t listen to the radio throughout the day. So the songs get repeated so people can listen to the music that’s most popular when they’re in the car. 

I mean, I quite like the new music scene at the moment, so I’m at an advantage. I like Lana Del Ray and I love doing the hump with the Rizzle Kicks. So I’m going to enjoy every time the song gets played. But, if you do have a select music choice, why not check out the specialist slots normally situated at night. I know Daniel. P. Carter has a great rock show at Midnight on Mondays. 

My favourite thing about Radio 1 is its damn entertaining. Whether it is Chris Moyles in the Morning or Greg James at 1, I know that when I sit in my car, I’m going to get some quality entertainment. However, my favourite thing on the whole show has to be 24 years at the tap end. Tap End is on Scott Mills' radio slot and is a biography of Scott’s friend Chris and is undoubtedly hilarious. The stories are great in themselves, but Chris’ delivery is just perfect. If you haven’t seen it, I implore you to do so, because its  brilliant. 

I know it will always have its haters, but from now on I will not be one of them. Keep up the good work Radio 1. I’ll be listening. Not in a creepy way, like. Promise.

Until next time, enjoy the show.

Daniel Morris

Add me on Twitter @glamgrunge

Email me at cinemascreenandspandex@gmail.com

The Winner is...

The Winner is...

Its Rumble week and I hope you’re excited. I am. Some may say two excited as I’m pretty sure my friends are going to ban me using the words Royal and Rumble in a sentence together. So it’s only natural that my wrestling column this week is about the good ol’ RR itself. Today I’m going to outline five possible winners of the rumble and how likely I think their chance is of winning is. So hold on to your hats and LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE...

1)      Chris Jericho

Probably a lot of people’s choice to win the Rumble, Jericho looks like he’s emerged as the favourite to win on Sunday. He’s a high profile star who’s never won a Rumble before and is rumoured to be working with Punk at Mania. The WWE likes to give their top superstars at least one Rumble win so this could be Y2J’s year.

 Likelihood of Winning: Probably the most likely of the lot.

2)      Randy Orton

If Jericho is Raw’s number one pick to win. Orton has to be Smackdown’s. The Rumble is in St. Lewis, which happens to be Mr Orton’s home town. Also, if Bryan continues with the title all the way up to WM, there is going be very few babyfaces that Bryan could face. The top babyface on Smackdown is undoubtedly Orton, so the match seems perfect.  The only thing that is getting in Orton’s way is the fact that he’s already won the Rumble. Only three guys have done it in the past so it’s not really an accolade that the WWE hands out to just anybody.

Likelihood of winning: The Most likely face to win.

3)      Kane

If the inevitable doesn’t happen and Jericho doesn’t face Punk at Mania. Then it would be a conundrum to who he will face on the grandest stage of them all. Punk has already feuded with a lot of the top babyfaces in the company. All except Kane. Kane is currently keeping Cena warm for the Rock. Once he’s done with that he’ll still be on a role and a high profile match could still be on the cards. Plus, in the ‘by the numbers’ video aired on last night’s Raw, Kane was featured heavily, leaving me to think that Kane winning could be a possibility.

Likelihood of winning: It’s not probable, it could happen though.

4)      Sheamus

There has been a lot of upper mid carders, all staking their claim for the Rumble. During the match, a lot of this will fall by the waist side; however the likely of these claims probably belongs to The Great White, Sheamus. They’ve been pushing Sheamus pretty strongly of late without giving him a proper feud. Normally not having a feud could be a bad thing, but during Rumble season this means that if he does win, they’re will be no loose ends that needs to be tied up.

Likelihood of winning: It’s a long shot, but crazier things have happened.

5)      The WHC or WWE champion

Just here me out for this one, never before have they stated that the WWE or WHC could be entered into the Rumble, but this year they have. I could be reading way too much into this, but to me this hints at either the WWE champ or the World Heavyweight Champ winning on Sunday. Plus, with a lot of high profile matches already on the cards for Mania, this might be the year where they unify the two titles.

Likelihood of winning: Not likely at all, but it could happen.

Obviously, there are more people who have a chance of winning, but they’re the five scenarios I have outlined. What do you think? Do you think I’ve left out the obvious winner. If so, let me know.

Until next time, enjoy the Rumble.

Twitter: @glamgrunge

Email: Cinemascreenandspandex@gmail.com

The Sunday Lister - Top 5 Will Ferrel Movies

The Sunday Lister: Top 5 Will Ferrell Movies

Here we are again with another Sunday List. Thanks for reading last weeks. Hope you enjoyed it whether you agreed or not. 

This week I’m concentrating on my favourite comic actor Mr Will Ferrell. This list concerns his top 5 movies, not his performances. Read on and enjoy. 

5. Anchorman

You could probably ask a hundred people what their favourite Will Ferrell movie and I’m pretty sure the majority of people would say Anchorman. Although, not my favourite Ferrell flick (say that three times fast, I dare ya) there is no denying that it’s a funny film. From the quotable one liners to the hilarious set pieces Anchorman really is a funny film. 

If a film can have someone using a trident, then it’s A-OK in my book. 

4. Elf

I didn’t watch Elf when it first came out, thinking that it looked a bit stupid. Boy was I right, it is stupid. But, in that delightful way in which a lot of Ferrell films are stupid. However, the charm outshines the stupidity in Elf and what is left is a delightful and funny Christmas movie, with a warm heart. 

3. Blades of Glory

A bit hit and miss with critics; Blades of Glory is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. I can’t help smiling and quoting the film throughout. Maybe, it doesn’t have as many one liners as other Ferrell films, but what really makes Blades of Glory shine for me are the stellar performances from Ferrell and Heeder himself. Chaz Michael Michaels is the coolest of all of Ferrell’s characters and a hoot to boot. 

2.  Stranger than Fiction

Will Ferrell, in a film that isn’t necessarily a comedy? Get out of town. But, surprisingly Stranger than Fiction is a great little movie full of charm and wit. Ferrell plays Harold Crick who finds himself hearing narration that only he can hear. The film smacks of indie goodness and Stranger than Fiction lives up to the interesting premise. But, undoubtedly the best thing about this movie is Ferrell who shows everybody that he can do serious just as well as his can comedy. 

1.Talladega Nights

Talladega Nights the Ballad of Ricky Bobby is not only my favourite Will Ferrell film, but also my favourite comedy of all time. Ferrell is race car driver Ricky Bobby, who likes to go fast. That is until he has a near fatal car crash and can no longer drive fast. The film is laugh out loud throughout and is the beginning of a great relationship between Will Ferrell and John C. Riley who offer up a lot of chemistry throughout. A great comedy, that teaches a vital lesson, don’t put a cougar in the car. 

Well there’s my list, tell me what you think.

Until next time, enjoy the show.

Hey You! Add me on twitter @glamgrunge

Daniel Morris.

Submarine- Proof that the British Film Idustry doesn't completely suck

Submarine- Proof that the British Film Industry doesn’t completely suck

OK, admittedly this is delayed. Submarine has been out for quite a while now and I should have given the Brit-flick a watch before now. BAD DAN! But, there’s a reason I didn’t. I don’t like British film. I’m sorry, I know that’s treason, but unfortunately it’s true. Obviously I don’t not like all British film, but I have to admit I don’t love the lot of it. That being said, if I do go on to write a British film, I’ll love it, but that’s because I’m a hypocrite, yo. 

So this disdain for British cinema to overcome, I eventually gave Richard Ayoade’s coming of age indie-fest Submarine a watch. And I loved it. 

This could be contributed to my love for coming of age indie movies. Whether it is Juno, Nick and Nora’s infinite playlist, Scott Pilgrim vs. the word or Adventureland, if it smacks of 80s pop or folk B-sides, contains quirky dialogue and focuses on young love, and then his hardnosed critic is smiting. 

That being said, I still know whether the film is bad or not and Submarine certainly isn’t bad. Submarine definitely would go toe to toe with some of the best coming of age stories for the US and in most cases, would stand victorious. 

Right from the beginning, Submarine smacks of indie goodness, proving that Ayoade knows the genre incredibly well. Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) is our protagonist and like all good coming of age stories, he isn’t exactly popular. Submarine hits all the beats you’d expect it to with gusto, unparreled to any British film I have recently seen. 

Why has it gone a long way to restoring my faith in British film? Well partly it’s due to snappy dialogue, the great performances and the relationship between our protagonist and his lover. However, that’s not everything. 

The best thing about Submarine is that it doesn’t get bogged down in all its Britishness. Yes, it’s British and it doesn’t shy away from that, but it doesn’t let it get in the way of the film either. It seems to me that British film after British film are more concerned about their British identity, that they let it get in the way of the story.

Not Submarine. Submarine accepts that it’s a British film pretty early on. But, not once does the British essence get in the away of the story. Not once does it feel forced when the characters say something quintessentially British, it feels right for that character. This is Submarine’s greatest asset and a credit to Mr Ayoade. 

Submarine’s only flaw is it’s a tad predictable. OK it hits all the beats with perfection, but they are all the same beats we’ve seen previously, but there the beats we haven’t seen in English film, so it is forgivable.

If you haven’t seen Submarine yet, give it a watch. You won’t regret it. And if you do, don’t blame me, as you shouldn’t have listened. 

Until next time, enjoy the show. 

Feel free to comment below. Or email me at: cinemascreenandspandex@gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @glamgrunge

Daniel Morris