This fall, two new shows in the reality genre are hitting the airwaves on the E! channel. Once again, these shows are taking celebrities lives and taping them to be entertainment for the masses. As a part of those masses, I have tuned in to some of the new shows' first episodes of the season. While I definitely have my preference of the two, I'll talk about both of them so you can decide which sounds more interesting.
The first show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, is a show about an interesting mixed family, to say the least. Kim Kardashian, a favorite among paparazzi, and her 5 siblings all live together with their mother and her famous husband, Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner. The show tapes this large families' daily lives full of television appearances, family drama, and paparazzi encounters.
On the last episode, Kim was a guest on the Tyra Banks show, where she was bombarded with questions on her infamous sex tape scandal. Kim's amazement and horror that this was all Tyra really wanted to talk about was somewhat humorous to me. Does she not realize this is her main claim to fame? While many celebrities are famous for their careers in music or television, Kim is famous for being a rich 20-something who had a sex tape. When there is no career to talk about, it makes me wonder what she thought Tyra COULD talk to her about. The show is packed with this kind of over-the- top, completely unreal situations.
Overall, the show is good for some amazed laughs and "are you kidding me?" reactions for half an hour. If you enjoy watching the lives of the rich and famous, especially those that are rich and famous for no reason, then this is the show for you. Otherwise, if you're looking for a show with down to earth people and values, then keep looking.
The other show that is new to the E! network this fall is Kimora Lee Simmons: Life in the Fab Lane. This show documents the daily life of Kimora, the ex wife of Richard Lee Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records and Phat Farm clothing line. Kimora is a self-proclaimed mogul, mother, and CEO of her own clothing company, Baby Phat. Her show portrays her as an eccentric but hard working woman, struggling to run a company, family, and personal image.
At first I couldn't stand this show because it seemed like Kimora was so rude to almost everyone she encountered, from employees to fans. Then I realized that she is simply a flamboyant personality who acts this way in order to get ahead and have things done the way she needs them. Still not the most respectable way to be, but highly entertaining to watch. She is an incredible performer, and this is her act.
This show grows on me more and more, and I think it is admirable that she keeps so many things in her life running smoothly, all while taping a show. If it sounds entertaining to you, check it out on the E! channel Sunday nights at 10.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Mortensen Delivers on His "Eastern Promises"
David Cronenberg tackles more than just the modern ethnic family mob drama in Eastern Promises (2007). Cronenberg, who also made a mafia drama in an unconventional way with Viggo Mortensen as his leading man with A History of Violence (2005), is not a torch bearer in taking on the genre of mafia film. We have seen plenty family mob movies, mostly Italian, but Eastern Promises exposes the London underworld of the Russian mafia (also plenty of Russian titles) with a very cleaver plot, brilliant cinematography, solid acting, powerful relationships, and a plethora of controversial social themes.
Naomi Watts gives a solid performance as a half Russian doctor who happens upon a girl who is pregnant with a baby conceived from a rape by the Russian mob boss. The mother dies during birth but Watts is determined to find the baby’s extended family. When Watts tracks the mafia family down with information from the girl’s diary, the family finds that they must destroy the diary that contains potentially incriminating information.
Mortensen, a driver and bodyguard for the mob boss’s son is torn between his own altruistic tendencies and advancing in the underground world. Mortensen does a remarkable job, with beard shaved and covered in tattoos, looking as intimidating as ever, as well as perfecting a very convincing Russian accent. Mortensen is transformed from a villain early in the film, to the protagonist by the end – a transformation I thought nearly impossible from my early reaction to the character. The shift in Mortensen’s character occurs when it is realized that certain “Eastern Promises” were not kept.
Although constant vodka consumption and general stereotyping of Russian crime is embraced by the Cronenberg, the film finds a way to make the characters unique and the film distinct in its own place in the crowded genre. Under-riding the surface story of mafia violence is the sad story of girls sold into prostitution to fund the family’s operation – this further social exploration is an element missing from many mob dramas – and resulting from this decision we learn not to glorify the action and gore of the culture, but to gasp at the gore of the way those who are most helpless are the ones suffering from the violence.
View Trailer!
Naomi Watts gives a solid performance as a half Russian doctor who happens upon a girl who is pregnant with a baby conceived from a rape by the Russian mob boss. The mother dies during birth but Watts is determined to find the baby’s extended family. When Watts tracks the mafia family down with information from the girl’s diary, the family finds that they must destroy the diary that contains potentially incriminating information.
Mortensen, a driver and bodyguard for the mob boss’s son is torn between his own altruistic tendencies and advancing in the underground world. Mortensen does a remarkable job, with beard shaved and covered in tattoos, looking as intimidating as ever, as well as perfecting a very convincing Russian accent. Mortensen is transformed from a villain early in the film, to the protagonist by the end – a transformation I thought nearly impossible from my early reaction to the character. The shift in Mortensen’s character occurs when it is realized that certain “Eastern Promises” were not kept.
Although constant vodka consumption and general stereotyping of Russian crime is embraced by the Cronenberg, the film finds a way to make the characters unique and the film distinct in its own place in the crowded genre. Under-riding the surface story of mafia violence is the sad story of girls sold into prostitution to fund the family’s operation – this further social exploration is an element missing from many mob dramas – and resulting from this decision we learn not to glorify the action and gore of the culture, but to gasp at the gore of the way those who are most helpless are the ones suffering from the violence.
View Trailer!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Hit Fall TV Shows
The leaves on the trees are changing colors. It's starting to get colder out. School is getting busier and busier. But are you more excited to watch your new shows then Halloween coming up? Or putting on your new fall sweater? If so, don't feel guilty. Many people look forward to fall JUST for the new shows.
With the past few weeks being huge series premiers, there is almost too much to watch. I'll highlight a few of the shows that I've personally seen, give input on the premiers, and (gasp) good shows that are at the same time slot. What to do??
I'll start of with a favorite of many, Grey's Anatomy. Can the show do well without two of its main characters, Addison and Burke? As we know, Isiah Washington's character is no longer on the show due to the actor's problems. Need more information? Just search his name on google. Addison's new show, Private Practice, is guaranteed to garner many viewerds. But will Grey's be the same? After the first episode, I found myself missing Addison on the show. After vocalizing my beliefs to the other 6 girls in the room, we came to a consensus that she should come back to Grey's. I don't think its going to happen, but there's hope, right? The premier episode began with the main characters recieving their own interns. George, unfortunately, it an intern again and it will be interesting to see how he makes it through the year. IF he makes it through the year. IF his marriage stays intact. Who knows now, after he told Izzy he loved her back! Speaking of love, who knows what is going on with McDreamy and Meredith. Personally, I think he is too good for her. She has too many issues to be in a relationship..and are they broken up now, and seeing each other casually? I guess we will see. Can't wait to see what happens next week!
Rating: 4 Busch Lights out of Five. I miss Addison!
With the OC being dead, is there room for another teen drama? The CW seems to think so, as they hired Josh Schwartz to produce the new drama Gossip Girl. It takes place in the Upper East Side of NYC, and focuses on the "poor little rich kids" and their dramas. Based on the book by Cecily von Ziegesar, I think this show it sure to be a hit. Personally, I have read some of the books when I was younger, so I am familiar with the backstory. I knew I had to check out the TV show. I think the casting is superb, the actors are similar to how they are described in the book. The show's intoxicating and addictive plot line will sure to keep viewers coming back for more every week.
Rating: 3 Busch Lights of of Five. Interesting, but I think it will fizzle out in the next year or two. Look at what happened to the OC!
With the past few weeks being huge series premiers, there is almost too much to watch. I'll highlight a few of the shows that I've personally seen, give input on the premiers, and (gasp) good shows that are at the same time slot. What to do??
I'll start of with a favorite of many, Grey's Anatomy. Can the show do well without two of its main characters, Addison and Burke? As we know, Isiah Washington's character is no longer on the show due to the actor's problems. Need more information? Just search his name on google. Addison's new show, Private Practice, is guaranteed to garner many viewerds. But will Grey's be the same? After the first episode, I found myself missing Addison on the show. After vocalizing my beliefs to the other 6 girls in the room, we came to a consensus that she should come back to Grey's. I don't think its going to happen, but there's hope, right? The premier episode began with the main characters recieving their own interns. George, unfortunately, it an intern again and it will be interesting to see how he makes it through the year. IF he makes it through the year. IF his marriage stays intact. Who knows now, after he told Izzy he loved her back! Speaking of love, who knows what is going on with McDreamy and Meredith. Personally, I think he is too good for her. She has too many issues to be in a relationship..and are they broken up now, and seeing each other casually? I guess we will see. Can't wait to see what happens next week!
Rating: 4 Busch Lights out of Five. I miss Addison!
With the OC being dead, is there room for another teen drama? The CW seems to think so, as they hired Josh Schwartz to produce the new drama Gossip Girl. It takes place in the Upper East Side of NYC, and focuses on the "poor little rich kids" and their dramas. Based on the book by Cecily von Ziegesar, I think this show it sure to be a hit. Personally, I have read some of the books when I was younger, so I am familiar with the backstory. I knew I had to check out the TV show. I think the casting is superb, the actors are similar to how they are described in the book. The show's intoxicating and addictive plot line will sure to keep viewers coming back for more every week.
Rating: 3 Busch Lights of of Five. Interesting, but I think it will fizzle out in the next year or two. Look at what happened to the OC!
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