Couch Potato Chronicles: "Supernatural" and "Buffy" in Season 6

Last week my guilty pleasure of a TV show, "Supernatural," finished its season with a bang! La Parisienne and I had a fabulous time watching it together.  (Come on: Castiel + Balthazar + Crowley + Bobby = automatic awesome, along with very quotable quips along the way.)  Besides, the season-ending cliffhanger was really good.  I didn't see it coming, for one thing -- I thought something else was going to go down.  Well played, Sera Gamble.  I was going to write up a full episode review, but then I found an interesting little review comparing "Supernatural" season 6 with "Buffy" season 6.  Do read!  Spoilers.

Couch Potato Chronicles: When TV Meets "D&D"

This one's for Koz and Alessandra and all my peeps who love them some role-playing games. Where are you on this chart?  The fact that not only am I instinctively Chaotic Good but matched with "Doctor Who" is just the most natural thing in the world.  Click to enlarge, natch.

Couch Potato Chronicles: Buffy, Joss, and the Idea of Heroism

Read this. Now.  RIGHT NOW.  

Movie Madness: Joss Whedon Comments on Joss-less Buffy Movie Project

First we had this.  (More here.)  Now The Whedon responds.  Oh, he is fabulous.  Also fabulous: David "Angel" Boreanaz, who responded with a photo on Twitter.

What Fresh Hell Is This? Warner Bros. Reboot Buffy Without Joss Whedon

WHAT?!!!   NOOOOOOOOOO!!

The Couch Potato Chronicles: A Primer of 20 Classic Sci-Fi TV Shows

Here you go, kids, so have at it over the 3-day weekend!  There is, of course, lots of room for argument.  

(For instance? The writer didn't like "Firefly"'s episode "Shindig," which I absolutely adore.  And "Supernatural" isn't on the list at all ... though I'll be the first to admit it's (a) more a guilty pleasure than a classic, and (b) La Parisienne and the Kamikaze Editor and I all thought the most recent season was mostly a crashing bore.  Still, I've got a bone to pick with the list if it's going to include "Torchwood"-- and recommend the deplorable "Children of Earth" story! -- and not "Supernatural" which, at its best, gave us snappily witty, tongue-in-cheek, meta-theatrical episodes like "Hollywood Babylon," "Monster Movie," and "Changing Channels."  Also, how can "Farscape" not be on this list?!)  

I pretty much love almost all the 20 shows on the list, but if I had to choose 5 listed shows that you MUST watch, I pick the following in alphabetical order:

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• the new Doctor Who (i.e., Nine, Ten, and now Eleven)
• Firefly
• The Prisoner
• Star Trek 

You still must watch "Farscape," though.  Oh, and I heartily recommend the BBC "Life On Mars" also, though it's arguably not quite as obviously sci-fi as some of the other shows on the list.  But if the list can include "Lost," then I don't see why it can't include a crime drama that plays with the idea of reality, time, and consciousness.  The new "V" is fun too, and "Journeyman" is a "Firefly"-esque sad tale of what might have been if it had lasted longer.   "Kings" is a hard-to-classify bit of actual creativity.  On the animated side, you can't beat "Futurama" with a stick.

TV Geek Fun: Doctor Who + Buffy the Vampire Slayer = Mashup Hilarity

For the lovely La Parisienne:

Pop Culture Commentary: JJ Abrams Versus Joss Whedon

Choose you this day whom you will serve, pop culture fans!

UPDATE 1: Heh!

UPDATE 2: OK, I went back through the archives and found this, my most gushing fangirlish praise of Abrams, and it included this line: "credit must be given where credit is due to JJ Abrams, who helmed this project and more or less achieved Joss Whedon status with it." Hmmm!

Oh, Joss. I'll always be your girl. I'll always adore you for giving us "Buffy" and "Angel" and especially "Firefly," because, as Hyacinth Girl says so well, I LOVE MY CAPTAIN. And Wash. Always Wash.

But JJ, I'll raise a glass to you for "Alias" (when it was good, that is), the fabulously resurrected "Star Trek," and for showcasing the adorable Greg Grunberg as even more adorable Agent Eric Weiss. All of you other girls can keep that high-strung pretty boy Vaughn. Give me Weiss. Cheerful, courageous, unpretentious, huggable Weiss.

Magnificent Verbal Venom + Movie Reviews as Film Critics Shred "New Moon"

The reviews are more entertaining than this craptastic movie could possibly hope to be! There are few things in this world as enjoyable as a truly angry movie review, and I have an entire collection of fabulous takedowns for you. "Twilight" Derangement Syndrome has now reached pandemic proportions, along with MM Blog's unbridled savage glee.

~"This is not a review. It's a cautionary tale." And:

New Moon is a juvenile, overly dramatic love story that takes the Romeo and Juliet theme, duct tapes it around a giant, cartoonish hammer, and slams it into your head for 130 minutes to the point where you expect zombie Shakespeare to burst into the back of the theater screaming, "ENOUGH ALREADY!!" This movie is pain. Save yourself, if you can.

~"This movie moves like the line at the post office."

~"There is one thing to be said about the way [director Chris] Weitz handles time travel. He can make two hours and 10 minutes seem like a thousand years." This is from the same review that had this to say about Michael Sheen's appearance as a vampire noble: "He looks like a hung-over pixie who's spent too long at the bottom of the garden." *snort-giggle* (Oh, Michael -- how far you've fallen from the grace you got in "Frost/Nixon." How much did they pay you for this vampire gig? How pressed for cash were you? Take the money and run, pal.)

~Apparently the flick is so awful that it can drive critics to overt violence, as Flick Filosopher has found the outermost limit of her patience: "There’s a movie within the movie that is New Moon, and it’s an action flick called Face Punch. Its tagline is: “Let’s do this!” Now I just need a face to punch."

~"I don't know that I've ever seen a fantasy world filled with less imagination or ambition. It's like Stephenie Meyer had one original idea - the truly ludicrous concept that vampires sparkle in the sun - and then just gave up." And then there's this zinger:

Bella is a retrograde nightmare. If the Twilight books had been written by a man many of the grown women I know who love the series would have been disgusted by the appalling misogyny on display. Other, better writers have covered the series' Cro-Magnon take on sexual politics better than I could, but I will say that as it relates to New Moon these sexual politics essentially sink the movie. Bella's only emotional modes are horribly needy and annoyingly depressed; spending time with this character is torture. That anyone could relate to her on any level frightens me; I have to assume that it's Bella's utter blankness and emptiness as a character that allows girls to project themselves into her hollow shell.

And my favorite:
~"I can't comment on the acting because I didn't catch Pattinson, Stewart and Lautner doing any."

If you want more film critic savagery, you can go to RottenTomatoes, where "New Moon" is currently rated at 29%, a number that should have any half-thinking person fleeing the theater.

Golly, I've hated that creepy undead stalker Edward Cullen from the moment I met him in the book, and I've hated Bella too whenever I'm not wanting to knock some sense into her vapid, self-obsessed pea brain. How can anybody want to be like Bella? How anybody possibly think that Edward is a romantic hero? The fact that the series has so many fans is just SCARY. The excuse that it's escapist fantasy doesn't convince me in the slightest. My idea of escapist fantasy right now is doing some serious violence, preferably in the form of reducing Edward to a smoldering pile of ashes -- the only kind of "smoldering" that should ever be applied to him. And Bella needs to spend some time with my friends and me so we can teach her how to be an awesome chick ... though probably La Parisienne and company would first have to (metaphorically) kick her whiny butt. Anyway, someday maybe I'll write about how the whole "Twilight" series is a pile of psychologically screwed up, borderline-misogynistic garbage that gives its silly adolescent fangirls a horrible picture of relationships, but right now I'll just say this: Oh, Buffy, Buffy. Where are you when we need you?

I am SO rehashing an old fantasy:

sticking Edward Cullen in an empty warehouse and then throwing in Buffy Summers, Faith Lehane, Van Helsing, Blade, Sam and Dean Winchester, and all the weapons these delightful vampire-hunters could possibly desire or imagine. Add too La Parisienne, Kamikaze Editor, and myself sitting in box seats for the best view. POPCORN TIME! (Scornful catcalls, boos, and hisses optional.)

Will I actually SEE "New Moon" like I actually SAW "Twilight" and defiled my eyeballs with it (and bitterly regretted the deed afterwards)? It depends on how much more pain La Parisienne and I decide we can take from the whole Meyer mess when we re-convene at Christmas. But as pop culture mavens, film fans, and more-or-less cultural critics, I guess we just might have to at some point. (Maybe on DVD so we can fast-forward just about everything?)

UPDATE: OK, this is the best angry review I've seen yet (slight language warning). Here's just the beginning of it: "Bella Swan is one of the most detestable, obnoxious, mentally unstable characters in modern American literature." TRUE DAT.

Friday Fun Video: Buffy Summers vs. Edward Cullen

Today's little vampire-themed bit of pop culture mashup fun was brought to you by La Parisienne. Enjoy. After all, "New Moon," the sure-to-be horrible sequel to "Twilight" the movie (previously reviewed by the same lovely mademoiselle), opens in theaters nationwide today.

Pop Culture Commentary: Joss Whedon the Phenomenon

It's Joss Whedon's world; we merely live in it!

Seriously, the second season of "Buffy" is some gorgeous storytelling, and nothing but nothing makes me smile like the finale of season three. Plus, who doesn't love "Smile Time"from the last season of "Angel"? Or "Firefly"?

PS: the first 3 seasons of "Buffy" are available free, streaming online at Hulu until October 2.

The Cinema-Mad Sibling Recommends: "Blood: The Last Vampire"

Here is an overview. The film stars a whole cadre of Asian film stars, including the South Korean actress Jeon Ji-hyeon.

The flick is about vampires, demons, violent action scenes, monster-hunting, and swordfights. That should be enough to get a certain demographic flocking to the cinema. Oh, plus the flick contains Japanese schoolgirls in uniform. (The demographic now starts sprinting to the cinema.)

Actually, the movie seems to be to be a kind of Asian Buffy the Vampire Slayer, since -- of course -- it's the cute Japanese schoolgirl who's the one with the sword! Plus a dash of "Blade."

Here is the movie website.

The film is scheduled for release in the UK in June; I'm not sure about the US release (though I'm sure the Cine-Sib is eagerly researching that).

I give you the Japanese teaser trailer:

Aaaand, if your Japanese is a little rusty, here is a full-length English trailer:

(Oh, and if you need another cool foreign film about vampires right now, try the Kamikaze Editor's recommendation of the Swedish "Let the Right One In." On no account whatsoever should you resort to "Twilight.")

Movie Review: Kyle Smith on "Twilight"

The delightful Kyle Smith has just seen "Twilight." How does he begin his review? With these priceless words, that's how:

"Where's Buffy when you need her?"

TV Pop Culture Slugfest: Is "Supernatural" as Good as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"?

The Cine-Sib, that prince of Evil Enablers, has just emailed this link. He seems determined to open Pandora's Box -- or at least to start a big nerd/geek argument. Here it is:

Is "Supernatural" as good as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"?

Oh, boy. But is this really comparing apples and oranges?

When I first fell prey to "Stupornatural," I said (and I quote): "'Buffy' or 'Angel' at their best could run rings around silly 'Supernatural' . . ."

I still stand by that, though I now have to add that "Supernatural" at its best can match the wit, humor, action, creativity, and character development of those Whedon icons and flawed but lovable, heroic characters. See "Supernatural" and its quippy dialogue, great music, and pop culture savvy that give the demon-hunting ethos a real spark and sparkle. I give you my favorite episodes as evidence:

• The season finale of season 1, "Devil's Trap." Some of the best drama anywhere is about making tough choices, and the finale's treatment of humanity versus obsessive vengeance was very compelling. Add too the character development and the meaning of "family."
• "Tall Tales," season 2. Hilarious from start to finish. Besides, do I need to say anything more than "aliens slow-dancing to 'Lady In Red'?" Plus, this episode has the "nerd vibe" of being on a college campus.
  
• "Hollywood Babylon," season 2. Self-referential horror-flick amusement at the expense of the entertainment industry . . . plus Gary "Lumberg" Cole.
• "What Is and What Should Never Be," season 2. This was the episode that convinced me once and for all that Jensen Ackles can actually act and is more than his (admittedly very) pretty face. This episode pulls even at my black, cold heart every time. Every single time.
• "All Hell Breaks Loose," the season finale of season 2. Nearly perfect. Choices and consequences. Did I say nearly perfect? Plus Papa Winchester.
  
• "A Very Supernatural Christmas," season 3. OK, so this wasn't a perfect episode, but one thing makes up for all its flaws: the Winchester boys use a Christmas tree as a deadly weapon. No, really! Awesome.
  
• "In the Beginning," season 4. It's Skinner from "X-Files" and a dizzyingly fascinating trip to the past. I have to hand it to Eric Kripke's crew: it's done a good job over time of developing the Winchester backstory.
• "Monster Movie," season 4. An entire episode in black-and-white, this tribute to old-school Hollywood monster flicks was a joy.
• "Yellow Fever," season 4. Ackles as comedian is a laugh a minute, plus "Eye of the Tiger."
  

As La Parisienne has stated, the character of Dean Winchester "grows on you" with time and development, and he has turned out to be one of the interesting characters on TV. His motivations are simultaneously very simple and very complicated. Also an advantage for the show: Bobby Singer. Bobby rules.

As for the venerable "Buffy," I'm not going to list every "Buffy" episode of note, but you'd be hard-pressed to find too many episodes that can surpass these:

• "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," season 2. Nothing says hilarity like a love spell gone horribly wrong. Xander's musical walk down the hall, being ogled by every female in Sunnydale High, is priceless.
  
• "Becoming," the season finale of season 2. Love. Duty. Sacrifice. Choices. Tough choices.
• "The Wish," season 3. Vampires rule in an alternate universe, plus the great phrase "Bored now."
  
• "Graduation Day," the season finale of season 3. Fire bad tree pretty, and the combination of mayor, principal, exploding Sunnydale High, and a graduation ceremony turned epic battle is just too good to ignore. I love this episode. LOVE IT.
• "Hush," season 4. Silence is golden . . . except when it's lethal.
• "The Gift," the season finale of season 5. Buffy Anne Summers: She saved the world a lot.
• "Once More, With Feeling," season 6. This is the gorgeous musical episode, complete with the cast performing their own vocals. Fabulous example of how good TV can be.
  
• "Tabula Rasa," season 6. Hilarity -- but with a sober finish.
• "Two to Go" and "Grave," the season finale of season 6. Vengeance and humanity -- plus, a resurgent Giles. And Xander!
  

Oh, and one of the series' best characters is -- who else? -- Spike. He turned out to be far more complex and -- dare we say it -- far more human than most of us gave him credit for being at the beginning.

So, "Supernatural" versus "Buffy"? Hmmmm. THEM'S FIGHTIN' WORDS!!

Nerd Journal Confessions of an Entertainment JUNKIE: "Supernatural" Addiction + "Iron Man" DVD Tomorrow!

When it comes to entertainment, it is my great vice and my great pleasure. I don't even bother denying it anymore. (Did I ever bother?) The Nerd Lords would be horrified and disgusted if they only knew. What I am doing, indulging in pop culture? I should be buried in research! Well, I *am* buried in research. But that doesn't mean that I can't multi-task.

The "Supernatural" addiction is in full evil flower now, and I devoured the season two box set in about 2 days. (It is indeed worlds better than season one.) Also, I'll have you know, Il Barista called me to report that La Parisienne cackled with sheer Schadenfreude when she read my blog-confession. She's a shameless, cheerfully energetic enabler of my vice in general and "Supernatural" in particular -- hey, what are friends for, right? All my resistance has completely crumbled. I'm not even trying to hold back now. In the current absence of any Joss Whedon shows, I guess "Supernatural" is filling the void. And I might as well have fun with it, right? "Buffy" or "Angel" at their best could run rings around silly "Supernatural," but "Buffy" and "Angel" aren't on the air anymore. And I just gotta get some vampire-killing and demon-hunting because -- quite frankly -- it's cathartic. (Plus, the music is fabulous.)

I have to say, though, that I'm not sure what's worse: the fact that I've fallen from grace here or that I have to endure the teasing of my friends and Sibling. I guess a little humorous humiliation keeps me from becoming too snotty and self-righteous! But now I think back to the (recent) past when I made fun of people who liked "Supernatural," and I just want to cringe -- and then I'll rush off to watch "Tall Tales" again because that episode is simply hilarious. HEY, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM! I CAN STOP ANY TIME I WANT TO! OHMANPASSME ANOTHERDVD--NOW!!!

I'm now on the cusp of adding more fuel to the fire of my entertainment junkie-hood, because tomorrow is September 30: that long-awaited day when "Iron Man" comes out on DVD! YES! That 2-disc edition will finally be mine!

I'm doomed. Perhaps another way to look at this is to say that I'm in clover. I have a soft spot for smart, sassy, humorously quippy heroes who look darn good while firing weapons and cracking jokes, and I'll have no shortage right now.

Oh, don't worry about my nerd responsibilities. I just turned in a massive paper today (it was nerderiffic and 30 pages long -- not counting the bibliography), and I'm working on another two papers even while I'm teaching my hordes of undergraduates. I'm a diligent nerd most of the time. And it's nobody's business that I'm crafting my perfectly footnoted papers while watching DVDs about demon-hunting brothers or playboy genius industrialists who can fly. Why the heck not -- nearly all of my previous papers were written in the dead of night accompanied by DVDs of one type or another.

But lest anyone be mistaken: I am NOT a role model. I am a VERY BAD EXAMPLE of a nerd, so for your own sake, DO NOT DO AS I DO.

PS: Yes, La Parisienne and Kamikaze Editor, I used the word "devour" deliberately.

2008's GOP Candidates and their Buffy Equivalents

The candidates for the Republican primaries meet "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"! The results are hilarious.

Admittedly, you'd have to be a Buffy fan to get the full effect. My favorite? Mike Huckabee's Buffy equivalent is Caleb the evil preacher with the Southern accent.

Someday soon, I'll have to write a serious post about the GOP field...but that day is not today!