agent_0042

This is Agent0042's TV.com blog, or really, my place for essays, updates on my guides, and anything else I can think of. If you're actually taking the time to read it, thanks! (Since I'm not always all that great about reading everyone else's.) Oh, and about the screen-name -- the "42" is the only part that matters to me.

Wednesday, Jun 4, 2008

I've Got Your Green Right Here

"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on..."
- Iago in William Shakespeare's Othello

You know, I like to think that I wake up each morning without a specific intention on my mind to destroy the Earth. Sure, environmentalism isn't something that I spend much time worrying about, and gave actually trying actively "save the planet" a long time ago, if I ever really cared about the idea of doing so in the first place. Still, I guess I do my part in my own way. For one thing, I don't drive. So you won't ever see my car spitting out smoke into the air, me using up oil and gas, or creating any noise pollution as I totter down the road. I sometimes use recycled things and sometimes I recycle stuff (though the powers that be don't always make it easy.) And if a product will help the Earth and is at least somewhat reasonably priced, I suppose I'll buy it, as long as it's a decent value. I'm even the editor for Stanley here at TV.com, and that though can do environmentalism like nobody's business when it wants to (though most of the time I feel it does a great job of not being too heavy-handed.)

So what am I on about here? Well, last week I was reading TV Guide magazine's "Top 10 Stories" section and came across item #3 - "Cable Channels Revamp!" It talks about how so many different cable networks (or cable/satellite networks as I call them -- I have no love for the cable companies) are "revamping" themselves because they're finding that people just aren't into their old, tired slates of programming anymore. Thus, Court TV became TruTV, The History Channel is now calling itself "History" (one can only hope that becoming "History" they don't literally become history) and Discovery Home Channel (a subsidiary network of Discovery Channel) is becoming... Planet Green. I sorta shook my head at it and put it out of my mind, but then I noticed while watching an episode of ToddWorld (a program I recently discovered on a DVD) on Discovery Kids a big version (bigger than the characters' heads) of the network's normal logo and a message saying something along the lines of "Discovery Kids Welcomes Planet Green." And today, watching the show again, they actually had along with the logo a little countdown bug with a clock counting down the time left today before Planet Green premiered. You know, when you think about, these little bugs are a form of pollution -- quality program pollution. Other forms of said pollution include splitscreens/voiceovers during closing credits (and I do have to thank Discovery Channel for, as far as I know, never doing this on any of their networks)

Discovery Home Channel aired programs such as former TLC programs Clean Sweep (man, I miss this show -- now there was a quality show) and Flip That House. Planet Green is being billed as a place for "ecotainment" (as if the term "edutainment" wasn't bad enough.) The programming includes Hollywood Green (a sort of environmental news-magazine program) a show called Wasted (in which a family's evil planet-destroying habits get a makeover) and even Supper Club with Tom Bergeron in which people who want to be high-class can learn to throw environmentally-themed dinner parties. None of this sounds the slightest bit interesting to me, though if there is somebody here who's excited about tuning into this network, I would actually be interested to know.

If the networks wnat to talk about environmentalism, fine, I'm just getting tired of hearing about all the time. Networks "going green" -- save the Earth in everything we do. Maybe that's fine for those who squeal with excitement every time some new idea to save the planet comes along, but as far as everyone else, I really can't imagine that I'm the only one getting a bit bored with it. Earth Day has never exactly been a favorite holiday of mine. From what I understand, the idea is that we're supposed to celebrating the Earth and all that it provides or something. So why, rather than being a celebratory mood, do I always feel this vague sense that somebody's trying to make me feel guilty for something whenever the holiday rolls around?

You know, now that I think about it, maybe this network is a good thing. Let those people who are really interested in the environment and environmental issues tune into this network. It'll float or sink based on how many people are really interested in this. Other networks -- for the rest of us -- 'nuff already, 'k?

Category: TV

Posted by agent_0042, 8:00pm

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Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen, *This* is the New and Improved "American Idol"

Well, some of you may know, but many may not -- I'm an American Idol watcher. Have been since it started. I watch pretty much every episode of the show (though I passed on this year's "Idol Gives Back") and I read about the show regularly both in the news and on sites such as here, Television Without Pity and Vote for the Worst (misguided in some ways, but a great site, nevertheless.)

Well, word is spreading like wildfire that FOX is finally considering some major changes to the program. I suppose it had to happen sooner or later. And naturally, lots of people have their opinions on what should happen as far as these changes go -- everything from eliminating one more judges to toying around with the audition shows.

So, I thought I'd go ahead and weigh in with three thoughts on certain changes...

1. Don't Eliminate the Audition Shows

A lot of people are calling for a complete elimination of the program's audition shows. These people would have them just not shown at all, or show the auditions only in flashbacks. I say, don't do it. The auditions have been one of the most popular parts of the program, and many people watch only those. Instead, I say trim it down. Sure, the auditions can be fun, but do we really need week after week of them? I say two hours of them and we move on to Hollywood.

2. Experiment with the Program in More Ways

This season added the twist that contestants are now allowed to play instruments. Cool idea, but how much have we heard about it recently? Almost nothing at all. It's like we've pretty much completely forgotten about it. In any case, this is exactly the type of innovation that could keep the show fresh. I say they should look for more ways to keep the programming interesting by changing it in subtle ways, but not eliminating those things that are working well that make it great.

3. Eliminate Pure "You Vote, You Decide"

You Vote, You Decide has been part of the program since its inception. After a certain point, viewers can begin calling or text-messaging in votes and whichever contestant gets the least is eliminated off the show. No ifs, ands or buts. It's something that defines the program. But is it really what's best for it? People have been talking about the possibility of axing it for years in favor of some combination of judging/audience tally results, like on Dancing with the Stars. The people who actually do the voting only make up a fraction of the people watching and so, despite the host Ryan's constant statements that if you don't vote, you can't complain, the people who are staying may not really be those who people want to see on the program.

Category: TV

Posted by agent_0042, 4:15pm

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Thursday, Apr 24, 2008

Who Takes You Swimming With Dolphins?

I guess I do, because I'm now the Editor here at TV.com for Stanley, or at least I have the point for it anyway (so I will be, once it kicks in tomorrow.) It's taken me a bit longer than expected, but I finally have it. There have been a few things working against me -- the number of points needed (over 400), the bugs and glitchiness here at TV.com, and the lack of any sort of urgency due to the fact that there certainly aren't any new episodes airing. Still, I've got it, and I'll be continuing to add the info to the guide until its complete -- well, as much as any guide ever can be. There's already a lot of great info, if anyone wants to check it out. Just look for the episodes that seem to be well-stocked with quotes -- that's generally a good marker of the ones that I've worked on. Thanks to all of those who have previously worked on the guide for getting the framework in place so that these updates could be made.

Of course, there's also a number of other things pulling for my time. I continue to edit my other show guides, of which Charlie and Lola is currently still airing, and Johnny and the Sprites just recently ended its run of new episodes. New episodes of My Friends Tigger & Pooh also continue to air sporadically. I'm also currently contributing to a number of other guides, most particularly What's My Line?, Star Trek: Voyager, The Red Green Show and Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot (for which I am a Trusted User.) Additionally, I've been adding some bits and pieces of additional info for Franklin and Dragon Tales, as time permits. Finally, The Mole is returning soon -- I'm really looking forward to that! While I'm here -- I may as well mention two recent resignations -- My Friend Rabbit and Duel. My Friend Rabbit is a great show, but it seems like few people are watching, and I'd just prefer to watch than have to edit. As for Duel -- I no longer like the show much in its current format and have stopped watching.

One last thing -- apparently either this week or next week is that ridiculous "TV Turn Off Week" thing. For more thoughts on this bit of insipid nonsense, check back on my past blogs from around this time, last year, in which I did a "TV Turn-On Week," celebrating the idea of TV being a positive influence.

Category: TV

Posted by agent_0042, 3:30pm

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My Recent Reviews

agent_0042 has written 8 reviews.

Danny Elfman

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Danny Elfman is an astounding composer who has been in the business since the late 70s. He has worked for major films, television shows and video games. His music spans everything from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" to the show "Desperate Housewives."

I know Elfman best for four of his scores -- "Men in Black," Charlotte's Web," the music for the "Spiderman" films and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

"Men in Black" is a film that's dear to me and the score does a lot to enhance it. It gets you from the beginning to end, drawing you into the intrigue of the film, as well as its more tender moments, and never lets go. I love the opening theme in particular.

"Charlotte's Web" (the live-action version) is a probably underrated film once again featuring a great soundtrack. As you certainly know if you've seen it, or read the books, there was a series of words that was used to describe to describe the pig character - "Radiant," "Humble," "Terrific," "Some Pig." Imagine trying to convey the essence of these in two-three minute music pieces -- yet this was exactly what Elfman did with his score. He also did a great job with the "Main Theme," as well as the vocal piece "Ordinary Miracle."

I don't normally watch "superhero" films, but I've made an exception for the "Spiderman" series. These films have a lot of action, and the soundtracks have a bit more rock than I would prefer, but Elfman did an excellent job on the whole.

Finally, there's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." This film was a real head-trip, and Elfman's music was just the style for it. By far the best track was "Veruca Salt." Very psychedelic, fun to listen too --- "Aw aw, aw aw aw! Veruca Salt, the little brute / Has just gone down the garbage chute / And she will meet as she descends / A rather different set of friends!" And what's more is that these words are Roald Dahl's work, yet Elfman managed to set just the right music to them.

Generally, if it's music, and it's Elfman, it's worth your time. Anything his work is featured in is generally enhanced by his musical genius.

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Posted mar 20, 2008 5:05 am pt

Tony Jay

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Tony Jay, unfortunately, passed away in August 2006, but he has left behind a series of performances that will be enjoyed by audiences for ages to come. The quality of his voice assured him various villainous roles, both on-screen and in animation, but he was a multi-talented performer who could embrace a variety of roles.

I first became aware of Jay through "Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends" (and the film from which it was launched, "Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Kids," based upon the events of the book by the same name) in his role as the seemingly-villainous Spiderus. In the film, Spiderus is first portrayed as a villain, who will seemingly stop at nothing to steal Miss Spider from her new husband, Holley. "What does she see in him?" he wonders. Miss Spider, however, shows him that even he can find love, showing him that he knows its true when he feels "butterflies" for a charming spidress named Spindella. I was really impressed with the development of this character throughout the series. He learned compassion, he learned to relax and be friends with others, and, perhaps most interestingly of all, he became a father to three young spiderlings. Along the way was Jay, in a role truly suited to his talents. He even got to sing! I don't know yet who, if anyone, will take over the role. The Spiderus character was not featured in the most recent of the show's specials, "The Prince, the Princess and the Bee," though I know not if this was because Jay was unavailable due to his health, or he simply wasn't scripted into it.

The other main role I know Jay from is his work on the TV series "Beauty and the Beast," which I have recently had the pleasure of enjoying on DVD. He played a truly villainous character, Paracelsus, who comes into direct conflict with the show's two main characters, Vincent (the "Beast") and Catherine. Not only that, but Jay was also one of the voices in the Disney film version of "Beauty and the Beast," which I adore. In fact, I'm not certain, but I think he may be the only actor to have that distinction (to have been on both the TV series and the Disney film.)

Jay also voiced characters on several other series that I enjoy, or did enjoy, including "Reboot" and "Darkwing Duck." He even did the "Star Trek" thing, appearing in an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." I admire his industry, talent, and innovation.

Replacement? Nobody can truly replace him, though I think Alan Rickman (the actor who plays the seemingly-sinister Snape in the "Harry Potter" films) has a similar quality of voice and might not be a bad choice. Others have suggested Peter O'Toole, most recently the voice of the critic Anton Ego in the film "Ratatouille." Well, whoever replaces his voice in those cases where it needs replacing, let's not forget Tony Jay.

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Posted jan 22, 2008 2:56 am pt

Men In Black

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Classic Sci-Fi Comedy to Watch Again and Again Edit

When trying to think of a teaser for this, any of a number of lines came to mind. "Take ten minutes on a stairmaster!" "Ah, I'd have thrown him back!" "Something's peeking, Kay!" It's lines like these that make this movie an enjoyable experience, a flick that one wants to see again and again.

In Men in Black, a seemingly ordinary police officer, Edward Jacobs, finds that that the world he's always known is not so ordinary. After tracking down a fast-moving and very odd suspect, he catches the eye of a secret organization known as the MIB - Men In Black, who, after putting him through a test, offers him membership in their organization, under the condition that he sever all contact with everyone he's ever known and become anonymous, "recognizable only as deja vu, and dismissed just as quickly." James Edwards accepts and, now known as "Jay," he finds everything he knew about the universe turned upside-down, although some things that seemed confusing before now make perfect sense.

The conflict comes when a member of an alien species known as "Bugs" comes down to Earth, takes over the body of a human and starts wreaking havoc. The next thing Agent Jay knows, he must use his wit, humor and "skills" to save an entire galaxy or the Earth will be destroyed. Worse, as the rookie on the job, he finds himself straddled with cute nicknames like "kid" and "tiger" and a dinky energy weapon that packs more power than he ever could have thought possible.

This movie is at times as philosophical as it humorous. While the mood is generally light, it also gets one thinking about deep questions such as "What is our real place in the universe?" "Are things really as they seem?" and "Unlimited technology from the whole universe and we cruise around in a Ford P.O.S.?!" (Just kidding!) It also makes one think about their place in life and what it is to consider the things that are really important.

To really get into the movie, be sure to check out the special edition DVD. You'll find commentary that gives even more insight into what the staff and cast behind the show was thinking. You'll find concept art, movie photos and extended scenes and that's only the tip of the iceberg. And for fun, you'll find Will Smith's awesome "Men in Black" music video and DVD-ROM games. Finally, if you liked the movie, the story doesn't end here. Check out the sequel Men in Black 2 to see more of the story.

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Posted dec 31, 2006 1:51 am pt

Zathura

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My first ever free preview!

Zathura --- a space adventure.

My space adventure began with a pass for a free preview screening of the movie given away at, of all places, the library where I work. Since I'd never been to a movie sneak-preview before, I got there pretty early. As it turns out, I needn't have worried, the theater was only about half full ---- probably because it was a Monday night. I've also been doing some checking around and apparently there have been quite a few free previews of this. The free preview had some nice side benefits --- only two trailers to wait through before the start of the movie and none of the stuff at the beginning with ads or messages to turn off your cell phones or buy stuff from the concessions or anything.

Okay, on with the movie review.

Zathura, the movie version, is the story of two boys, Danny and Walter, who live in something of a broken family.They split time living with their mother and father. Walter is rather older than Danny and is in that phase where he pretty much thinks there's nothing less cool than to hang out with or play with his younger brother. The two fight pretty constantly and when one of their fights disrupts their father's work, he's forced to leave for a bit to go out and make a copy from a backup. While he's gone, Danny does something to anger Walter and then runs off and hides inside a dumbwaiter (a sort of cargo elevator). Walter finds him and sends him plummeting to the basement. At first, Danny is scared, but then he discovers a neat board game, Zathura. He takes it upstairs and tries to show it to Walter, but Walter dismisses it as an old, boring game and goes back to what he was doing --- watching TV. Danny decides to go ahead with the game. He turns a key, hits a button and out pops a card. Since he can't read, he shows it to Walter, who reads out "Meteor Shower: Take Evasive Action." Suddenly, things become very real for both Danny and Walter as a real meteor shower hits their home. They soon discover that the only way out of their predicament is to keep playing the game --- but it's up in the air whether they can survive long enough, or even stop fighting long enough, to continue.

"Zathura" is loaded with special effects, suspense and excitement. But it's also tempered with humor, a strong story, and a strong musical score. The acting is also quite good. The boy playing Danny is a relative newcomer, but he's a cute little kid and reminds me of some past child stars. I wouldn't be surprised to see him as a hot up-and-coming young talent.

If you were lucky enough to get one of these free preview passes, then I hope you enjoyed the film as much as I did. If not, and you haven't already seen it, it's on DVD now with some cool special features.

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Posted dec 31, 2006 1:48 am pt

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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"Goblet of Fire" --- Strong Film, Very Dark at Times Those who haven't read the books should be able to follow the film as long as they pay careful attention.

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR ALL WHO EITHER HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK OR SEEN THE MOVIE.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is the fourth installment in the seventh-part series. It still features most of the cast from the first three movies, including Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson and Hermione Granger. Mike Newell took the head for directing this time and Patrick Doyle provided the music, rather than John Williams of "Star Wars" fame.

The U.S. Edition of the "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" book is 754 pages long, which translates into an audiobook with a total 20 hour, 30 minute running time. With this huge length, the question on many peoples' minds is --- were they able to successfully convert this into a film of approximately 2 and 1/2 hours? Overall, I'd say the answer is a resounding yes. The film features exactly those moments that are essential to the plot, plus a few nice bonuses as well to help to appease those that would otherwise be upset about too many cuts. The film looks and sounds excellent and the writing, acting and directing are superb. The tasks look great and while they're all changed or shortened from their original book versions, they're excellent fun. The Yule Ball is largely intact, including the tension between Ron and Hermione. As for the tension between Harry and Ron before the first task, it's even ratcheted up a bit --- with Ron telling Harry to "p*** off" and even an insinuation that Ron is behind the Potter Stinks, Support Cedric Diggory --- The Real Hogwarts Champion buttons that nearly everyone seems to be wearing. And, yes, Ralph Fiennes is truly terrifying as the darkest wizard of all times --- Lord Voldemort. You'll feel a thrill of dread as he revels in the pleasure he takes from Harry's pain as he touches his scar and feel Harry's terror as he battles for his life.

Some notes on the changes and cuts --- one of the most major changes was the presence of Barty Crouch Jr. in the scenes with Voldemort and Wormtail. I found this an interesting choice and they worked it nicely into the film without hurting the plot any. Another nice change was having Neville provide Harry with the gillyweed he needs to breathe underwater. This is especially notable because in the book, the fake Mad Eye Moody makes such a point of the fact that Harry's pride and independence kept him from asking Neville for help.

Some great scenes that weren't cut from the movie --- Malfoy is turned into a ferret (although this scene was altered somewhat), Harry talks with Sirius in the Gryffindor common room fire and Myrtle helps (and pesters) Harry in his bath.

There were only a few changes and cuts that I was unhappy about. During the Quidditch World Cup, they showed almost no actual Quidditch play at all. While I understand that they have to keep things moving, this loss still hurts. Another thing I think really should have been included was Mad Eye Moody placing the Imperius curse upon Harry and then Harry later resisting it when Lord Voldemort uses it on him (which Voldemort doesn't in the movie.) One other complaint is that they should have researched certain pronunciations better --- akk-i-o for "accio" and Bo-bat-ons for "Beauxbatons" was just wrong.

Finally, I'll touch on the music --- a compelling mix of traditional instrumental themes and fun vocal pieces this time around. "The Quidditch World Cup" contains Irish themes as well as chanting that fully evoke the passion of this great event. The "Hogwarts March" is a nice fun theme. "Neville's Waltz" has a very classical feeling to it, but is also used for great humor in the film. My favorite vocal piece is "Magic Works," a sort of ballad that plays during the closing credits.

A few critics have complained that those who haven't read the books won't be able to follow along, but I don't think so. Sure, there are a few things that may be confusing, but as long as you keep your eyes and ears open, you should have no problems. And if you still have any questions afterward, you can always search the Internet or ask a friend.

Whether you've read the books or not, see "Goblet of Fire," likely the best film of 2005, today.

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Posted dec 31, 2006 1:41 am pt

All My Reviews (8) »

My Ratings

1.	Ratatouille
2.	Serenity
3.	Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4.	Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
5.	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
6.	Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7.	Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
8.	Cinderella II: Dreams Come True
9.	Cinderella
10.	The Little Mermaid