The Office, like all other shows, is gone for the summer. The exciting news is that The Office Webisodes are back! The first one, featuring Oscar and Kevin, premiered today.
Check them out weekly. They'll get your through your summer TV blues.
On a side note, I'm still in awe of Ricky Gervais' show from yesterday and am so glad I'm seeing him again Saturday. If you happen to read this and would be able to help me meet him, please contact me. (I am serious though I'm also joking. It makes me sound really lame!) :)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Ricky Gervais Warms Up in L.A.
I had the privilege of seeing British comic genius Ricky Gervais perform stand-up at the intimate Brentwood Theater in Los Angeles this evening and it was one of the most fun evenings I have had, possibly ever. It has been a great while since I have laughed so hard for so long. At one point Gervais had my friend and I in tears and they were the best tears I've shed of late. Laughing until I cry is one of my greatest pleasures for sure.
What was so great about it? Well, first off, I am going to see Gervais perform again on Saturday night at the Kodak Theater where he is doing a full set similar (from what I understand) to the stage show he did in the UK. If tonight was any indication at all, there is nothing lost in translation from this coast to his coast and I am in for the largest laughs I've ever achieved. Tonight and tomorrow night's shows are called "warm ups" and I'd imagine an opportunity for Gervais to test out his material on the So Cal audience he does not usually perform stand up in front of. Secondly, Gervais is fantastic at moving between topics and circling back and he tied his show together quite well. It was easy to stay engaged though he wasn't so smooth that the show seemed over-rehearsed. It just worked very, very well. Third, Gervais is such an incredibly humorous guy that he often cracks himself up. Any fan who has seen outtakes from BBC's The Office will know exactly what I mean. He has a wonderful and infectious laugh. The anticipation for what he was going to say next grew when he was laughing just at the thought or at times couldn't proceed for a moment because he was laughing. Forth, Gervais gets dirty and politically incorrect but in such a way that he is not really offensive but just "wrong". His jokes or comments could seem more offensive but there is something about his personality, the playfulness, and his delivery that makes what could be gross or crude in some cases or rude in other cases, just funny. Fifth (for good measure), Gervais has a great way of using his body in his act creating visuals that are fun to imagine and making gestures or faces that make it even more difficult to control your laughter.
If you happen to read this and will find yourself in L.A. anytime through Saturday, I highly recommend and almost insist that you go and see this man perform.
Another cool thing about the warm-up shows is that the proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society. Gervais went on about his charity work and made light of it but really, it is so terribly important that attention is brought to issues. One of the greatest bits tonight was about a charity for the obese. I was seriously dying!
I could go on and on because I had so much fun tonight and felt so incredibly alive. I also think I got a great ab workout during my isometric laughs as well as some cardio from rocking in my chair.
In case you don't know, Gervais created BBC's The Office, NBC's The Office, Extras, hosts podcasts, writes books and acts in films. In addition, he is, as described, an outstanding stand-up comic.
The only thing that would have made this night any better is meeting the man who I respect and admire. Another time I hope.
Bravo, Mr. Gervais and thank you from bringing your comedy to us in-person.
What was so great about it? Well, first off, I am going to see Gervais perform again on Saturday night at the Kodak Theater where he is doing a full set similar (from what I understand) to the stage show he did in the UK. If tonight was any indication at all, there is nothing lost in translation from this coast to his coast and I am in for the largest laughs I've ever achieved. Tonight and tomorrow night's shows are called "warm ups" and I'd imagine an opportunity for Gervais to test out his material on the So Cal audience he does not usually perform stand up in front of. Secondly, Gervais is fantastic at moving between topics and circling back and he tied his show together quite well. It was easy to stay engaged though he wasn't so smooth that the show seemed over-rehearsed. It just worked very, very well. Third, Gervais is such an incredibly humorous guy that he often cracks himself up. Any fan who has seen outtakes from BBC's The Office will know exactly what I mean. He has a wonderful and infectious laugh. The anticipation for what he was going to say next grew when he was laughing just at the thought or at times couldn't proceed for a moment because he was laughing. Forth, Gervais gets dirty and politically incorrect but in such a way that he is not really offensive but just "wrong". His jokes or comments could seem more offensive but there is something about his personality, the playfulness, and his delivery that makes what could be gross or crude in some cases or rude in other cases, just funny. Fifth (for good measure), Gervais has a great way of using his body in his act creating visuals that are fun to imagine and making gestures or faces that make it even more difficult to control your laughter.
If you happen to read this and will find yourself in L.A. anytime through Saturday, I highly recommend and almost insist that you go and see this man perform.
Another cool thing about the warm-up shows is that the proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society. Gervais went on about his charity work and made light of it but really, it is so terribly important that attention is brought to issues. One of the greatest bits tonight was about a charity for the obese. I was seriously dying!
I could go on and on because I had so much fun tonight and felt so incredibly alive. I also think I got a great ab workout during my isometric laughs as well as some cardio from rocking in my chair.
In case you don't know, Gervais created BBC's The Office, NBC's The Office, Extras, hosts podcasts, writes books and acts in films. In addition, he is, as described, an outstanding stand-up comic.
The only thing that would have made this night any better is meeting the man who I respect and admire. Another time I hope.
Bravo, Mr. Gervais and thank you from bringing your comedy to us in-person.
Monday, July 07, 2008
When Did You Last See Your Father?
This is not a question you have to answer but if you can't remember, it may be something to think about. It got me thinking, as I watched the film of this title.
Starring Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent as son and father, And When Did You Last See Your Father? is a film based on an autobiographical novel and takes place between the 60s and the late 80's as a son looks to flashbacks to reconcile his relationship with his father as his father lays dying.
The film is sentimental at times and uncomfortable at others as the difficult nature of the father-son relationship is revealed from Firth's early childhood through his adulthood. There is nothing outrageous that occurs which makes the film all the better because it is slightly easy to relate to unless you claim the perfect relationship with your father or have had an colorfully volatile one.
All in all the film is quiet with Broadbrent adding the most color. He was in stark contrast to the brooding son Blake played by Firth as an adult and Matthew Beard as a teenager. The son's angst and anger at his father was understandable though Broadbent's gentle, jovial and vulnerable portrayal made him likable too.
This is one that a viewer can rent. I did enjoy the film and recommend it to any Firth fans or anyone who has ever had doubts or questions about a father's love. It was somewhat anti-climactic but sometimes that's how life is.
Coming Later this summer: Colin Firth in Mamma Mia! Only 2 weeks to go.
Starring Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent as son and father, And When Did You Last See Your Father? is a film based on an autobiographical novel and takes place between the 60s and the late 80's as a son looks to flashbacks to reconcile his relationship with his father as his father lays dying.
The film is sentimental at times and uncomfortable at others as the difficult nature of the father-son relationship is revealed from Firth's early childhood through his adulthood. There is nothing outrageous that occurs which makes the film all the better because it is slightly easy to relate to unless you claim the perfect relationship with your father or have had an colorfully volatile one.
All in all the film is quiet with Broadbrent adding the most color. He was in stark contrast to the brooding son Blake played by Firth as an adult and Matthew Beard as a teenager. The son's angst and anger at his father was understandable though Broadbent's gentle, jovial and vulnerable portrayal made him likable too.
This is one that a viewer can rent. I did enjoy the film and recommend it to any Firth fans or anyone who has ever had doubts or questions about a father's love. It was somewhat anti-climactic but sometimes that's how life is.
Coming Later this summer: Colin Firth in Mamma Mia! Only 2 weeks to go.
Ricky Gervais times 2!!!
One of the best things about this otherwise ordinary and mundane week is that I get to see Ricky Gervais two times. So much for worrying about gas prices as I have to make two trips to LA. I figure that is adding $100 to the ticket prices but it doesn't matter. His highly-successful stand-up show is crossing the pond and thank you very much, heading to LA. I was worried I'd have to hop on a plane and hit up NYC but no, he's much closer.
Prior to the big show at the Kodak Theatre, Gervais is doing some warm-up shows at smaller LA venue and so I'm lucky to catch one of each.
Who is this Gervais fellow?
The genius creator (along with Stephen Merchant) of the BBC and America's The Office and HBO's Extras
The original boss in The Office, David Brent. Michael Scott is the beloved American version.
An actor in many films including For Your Consideration and Night at the Museum
One of my top 5 guys right now...
Get Smart(er)
Maxwell Smart is no idiot in the big screen version of Get Smart starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin and Dwyane Johnson (aka The Rock).
The character was much more inept in the tv version of the show and the writers wisely made him more capable yet still left some slapstick and silliness in to keep it real, almost. The update to the character made him easier to handle and made for a storyline that was more compelling than lame. Carell does a fantastic job in his portrayal of Smart in the fun spy-thrilledy that averages a laugh every few minutes. Hathaway is sassy and smart as Agent 99. I don't want to give anything away here so I won't say much about the storyline other than it is great to see Arkin and to listen to Arkin and I'm also glad that Dwayne Johnson is now Dwayne Johnson. He might end up a Hollywood acting force to be reckoned with. He has a knack for physical comedy and had a good chemistry with Carell.
If you're up for some jokes, check this one out.
Dan in Real Life came out on DVD over the last two months. If you you're missing Carell during the off-season, don't forget that rental. Still one of my favorite films of the past year.
The character was much more inept in the tv version of the show and the writers wisely made him more capable yet still left some slapstick and silliness in to keep it real, almost. The update to the character made him easier to handle and made for a storyline that was more compelling than lame. Carell does a fantastic job in his portrayal of Smart in the fun spy-thrilledy that averages a laugh every few minutes. Hathaway is sassy and smart as Agent 99. I don't want to give anything away here so I won't say much about the storyline other than it is great to see Arkin and to listen to Arkin and I'm also glad that Dwayne Johnson is now Dwayne Johnson. He might end up a Hollywood acting force to be reckoned with. He has a knack for physical comedy and had a good chemistry with Carell.
If you're up for some jokes, check this one out.
Dan in Real Life came out on DVD over the last two months. If you you're missing Carell during the off-season, don't forget that rental. Still one of my favorite films of the past year.
Burn Notice, Season 2
Burn Notice is a smart, funny and sexy summer show that premiered last summer. Season 2 begins on Thursday at 10pm on USA. If you need a show to get you through the hottest season, I recommend it.
Full episodes of Season 1 are available online.
The show's premise: Michael Westen is a blacklisted spy who wants to know why he got a burn notice (was fired) but also can't help but use his skills to help those in need. There is action, there is fun and there's the beach.
Check it out!
Full episodes of Season 1 are available online.
The show's premise: Michael Westen is a blacklisted spy who wants to know why he got a burn notice (was fired) but also can't help but use his skills to help those in need. There is action, there is fun and there's the beach.
Check it out!
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