Double Feature: Red & Hereafter

Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.

Red

It's an odd week for movies, really. Both this and the below feature are two flicks I probably won't take the time to see in theaters unless if I find myself in a situation that says "Gee, I'd really like to go to the movies today," which is a notion I simply never have the time for these days. And even with that said, when both of these movies inevitably come in the mail through Netflix, I know I won't be excited. But there's something about both of these that I'm attracted to. For this first movie, I think it's safe to say I enjoy pretty much everyone involved here. It seems a bit cheesy, but that's what these sometimes-terrific actors seem to be aiming for more so these days than ever. Helen Miren is still getting it done. Like, really. Getting. It. Done. And we all love Morgan Freeman, right? This movie seems like the perfect fit...for a weekend sitting at home sick in January while the remote control is too far away to reach and change the channel from USA. A couple gags here. A few lines there. Can't fault these dudes for wanting a pay check.



Hereafter

This is a call to the 12 people who read this blog: Can you please, please, please explain to me what this movie is supposed to be about? I don't get it. If you know, please kindly take to the comments section with thoughts and information. I know this is a limited release this week, but it's about to go wide, and when it does, people will flock to it as though Matt Damon is starring in it and Clint Eastwood is directing it. Oh, wait. Why I'm skeptical: "Invictus" wasn't really that good, and not only does this feature the same star and the same 80-year-old director, but it also features the same behind-the-scenes crew. Why I'm curious: Matt Damn is simply lovely. He was on David Letterman's talk show earlier this week and was utterly charming. I can't think of a movie I've seen him in that I've hated. "The Informant!" and Invictus" are two that weren't all that good, but hate is not a word that's applicable. Another wait for DVD situation? Sure. That is, unless if one of you can tell me what the hell is going on here.

...For The Ride Home: CNN beats Fox News at something, Perez Hilton is a bully and more Brett Favre, of course

This is your official reminder that the best show on television these days is going to do something unprecedented tonight: Broadcast a live show. That's right. "30 Rock" is going all "SNL" on us, and it's going to have a go at live television. I eagerly await this, though I have no idea if I'll actually be able to see it as it's happening, and that upsets me. It should be interesting, though. In any case, hello Thursday. How do you do? I got a good workout in this morning, though I feel as though there was more to do. I hate that type of feeling when you are coming home from the gym, don't you? Oh, you do? Good. We have something in common. Tomorrow marks the final day of the week, and the final day before a weekend that is supposed to be "fun" for me. But never invest too much into one thing, friends. You never quite know how it could turn out. Before the weekend comes, though, we must tread our way through today, and today means a few links for you to consider before you can finally let loose on the days that matter most. We sincerely hope you enjoy at least two of the following and from the bottom of our bottomest hearts, we hope you have a fantastic Thursday evening.

A round-up of what everybody has said about the Brett Favre situation. It’s worth a look. (Deadspin)

A documentary about dubstep. I foresee this in my Netflix que sometime within the next year. (Pitchfork)

We said yesterday that the folks at NPR are not allowed at the upcoming Stewart and Colbert rallies. Today, the Washington Post weighs in. (Yahoo)

Aiming to change the idea that men are only interested in women and booze. Well, duh. Men like sports, too. (Good Men Project)

More people watched CNN than Fox News when the first miner came to the surface. Take that, Bill, Glen and the cast of “Red Eye.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

The 125 best albums of the last 25 years. Lists are so, so fun. No. 1 is admittedly a bit surprising. (Spin)

Hey, here’s a good point: With all this bullying talk, why hasn’t Perez Hilton been criticized for partaking in such things? He’s downright cruel when it comes to some celebrities. (Salon)

The Academy Awards will stay with a late-February date in 2012. That’s assuming we are all still alive, of course. Doesn’t it seem just a bit late? You nearly make it to March before you find out who had the best movie of the previous year. (Los Angeles Times)

...For The Ride Home: Figuring out much online writers get paid, Brett Favre is awfully close to a mess and if John Lennon were still alive

I don't care what you are doing tonight. I don't care if you have plans you couldn't wait to come across for months. I don't care if it's going to be a first date. A blind date. A second, "well, we will be able to tell if this is going to work out after this" date. A night with your loved one. A night with your children. A night out with your boys. A night out with your girls. Call whoever it is you need to call and cancel those plans. Walk to the nearest bankrupt Blockbuster and rent this movie. Now. Rent it. If "Up In The Air" was 2009's 1A, this was 1B. Colin Firth is utterly captivating. Cap-ti-vating. Goodness, gracious. No wonder 2010's movies have sucked. 2009 was playing way above its own pay-grade. "Up In The Air." "A Single Man." "An Education." Hell, even "Crazy Heart" was probably better than anything out so far this year (and that's not to diminish "The Social Network" or "The Kids Are All Right," either). One more time. Go. Rent. This. Movie. OK. We say goodnight (because it means goodbye) to Week 28 differently, considering I plastered a movie poster up here rather than a nifty jingle to send you party animals into the party wild. Alas, I shall never let you down, though, as you will find a video at the bottom of this particular post. And while it may not be much of a jingle, it is far funnier than whatever the normal, well-adjusted people consider is funny. In fact, if there was a Venn Diagram for what is indeed is funny, this would be on it. Before you get to that video, though, you must power your way through the following links, links we offer for you fabulous people to ponder through an October weekend. We hope to see you back here bright eyed and bushy tailed Monday morning for more funtastic fun. Until then, though, enjoy a pretty autumn weekend, try to get a few more rounds of golf in before the weather becomes unbearable, and as always, love you, miss you.

Pretty much the most comprehensive roundup you’ll find today concerning all of this Brett Favre, Jenn Sterger, naked photos, sexual voice mails business. (The Big Lead)

Ohhh. So I guess I’ll have to begin checking for new “60 Minutes” podcasts now that a new season has begun, eh? (Detroit News)

Very, very interesting: How writers get paid on one of the bigger entertainment Web sites. $10 per thousand new visitors is a good place to start. (Business Insider)

And now Rick Sanchez says Jon Stewart is the classiest dude in the world. (ABC News)

The Page Six editor is leaving, and that caps off a shake-em-up week in the world of print media. Naturally, Donald Trump weighs in. (The Daily Beast)

I link this only because of my unrequited love for Genesis and Phil Collins. (Popmatters)

Elisabeth Hasselbeck is moving to “Good Morning America.” Has there ever been a more meteoric rise for someone who literally came from nowhere? (People)

Tomorrow would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday. No word on whether or not he would have shown up on any of McCartney’s latest dates had he been alive. Somewhere, Ringo thanks God once again for being the luckiest man in the history of music. (USA Today)

Oh. Oh. I think I want to buy this. (Alternative Press)

...And if you don't think this is funny...

Double Feature: It's Kind Of A Funny Story & Life As We Know It

Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.

It's Kind Of A Funny Story

I have high hopes for this. I am not one of those people who seem to think Zach Galifianakis is funny, interesting or entertaining on any level (and yes, this includes "The Hangover"). But this seems to be the first time he's going to try and take himself seriously, and for some odd, inexplicable reason, this intrigues me. It's like Will Ferrell in "Stranger Than Fiction." I've never liked the dude, but that's a movie I enjoyed so much, I decided to buy. And it's that very reason that parlays "It's Kind Of A Funny Story" into "I kind of want to see this" territory. Well, that and it seems as though there is a romance beneath all of this. And, much like a four-year-old who will always smile at the thought of ice cream, when you incorporate a love story into any flick, I'll be interested. It won't be opening wide this weekend, but with any luck, it'll do well enough to make it into a theater near me soon. Though, as always, if you happen to come across it, all comments and reviews are welcome.



Life As We Know It

Boy, if I didn't dislike Katherine Heigl as much as I do, this seems a movie tailor-made for people such as myself. I thought Josh Duhamel was the best part of "When In Rome," and even though he's been steppin' out on Fergie, he's quickly becoming one of my favorites as a male lead in a rom-com. Let me guess: They start out hating each other. An hour-and-a-half, three pee breaks and a bag of popcorn later, they are madly in love and decide to raise a kid that isn't their own in a happily-ever-after world. This, in turn, inspires Fergie's hubby and Josh Kelly's wifey to try and pro-create on their own, and the movie ends with plans on having a child of their own. Just a guess. Better question: What's a better song - "London Bridge," or "Amazing?" If you don't remember the latter, look it up - you'll know what I'm talking about. Replace Heigl with Jen Anniston or Amy Adams and I'm in. Way in.

...For The Ride Home: Randy Moss is going back to Minnesota, non-fiction writers you need to know about and our hearts go out to Mr. Levitt

This is the best movie of 2010. So far, at least. This puts "The Kids Are All Right" at No. 2. Forget your Inceptions. Forget your The Towns. This is it, right here. I still think it's a down year for movies, though. If this ends up lasting another three months in its position, and I'm forced to consider this the best movie of 2010 in my tiny, little brain, then yes, this is a slow movie year. It's still really, really good, though. Eisenberg should get an Oscar nod for this. Honestly, though. In much the same way Clooney was born to play the lead in "Up In the Air," Eisenberg was definitely born to play the lead in this particular flick. It's smart, and sitting right next to romantic comedies, those are my favorite kinds of movies. I don't - and still don't, for that matter - know anything about Facebook, including how to use it. But that doesn't really matter when considering "The Social Network." Dialogue-driven movies: They're the best. And the opening sequence? Goodness, gracious. Fantastic. I feel as though I've been sitting on his end of the table way too many times in my life, acting the exact same way: Scatter-brained, unsure, skeptical, obsessive, quick-speaking, subject-changing, smarmy. Wow, I'm awful, aren't I? I could go on for another 6,000,000 words, but I'll digress for now. Instead, I'll offer the following links, and remind you that the more you are nice to others, others will be nice to you. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Randy Moss is going back to the Minnesota Vikings. Hmm. (NESN)

The five best new artists for October, as determined by Spin. (Spin)

There are only three plausible scenarios for the future of newspapers. And this guy talked about them. (The Herald Times)

Ohhhhh. And. Ahhhhhh. Twenty non-fiction writers under the age of 40 that you should pay attention to. (New Haven Review)

As we said yesterday, Howie Kurtz is out at the Washington Post. And here is what some people think The Post should go after when trying to replace him. (Columbia Journalism Review)

Sooooo, the naked cowboy is going to run for president? Really? (TMZ)

Christina Hendricks: Women hit on her just as much as men do. Side: I love her – don’t get me wrong – but outside of “Mad Men,” it’s hard to find pictures of her in which she looks nearly as good. Side No. 2: I love her voice. (CNN)

This is sad. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s brother dies. He was 36. Saw the movie star on Carson Daly’s show last night, promoting the fabulous hitRECord Web site, and he’s just someone to root for. Once came across a tweet from a dude I went to college with who was totally trashing him because he saw Levitt perform his music somewhere. No need for that. Joe seems like a nice kid. (People)

...For The Ride Home: Howie Kurtz lands a new job, Beiber is the next Ashton Kutcher and an awfully good remix of an XX song

Watch this now. I don't care what you are doing tonight, but there is really no excuse to not cancel all your plans and sit at home with this movie (unless if you are coaching a soccer game and then going to see "The Social Network" much like myself. Then you'd have good excuses). I got home from work and saw this began on AMC, and even though I HATE watching movies on television (commercials completely ruin everything), this began what hopes to be an impressive week of movies. Goodness, gracious. For someone who loves, loves, loves romantic comedies, this thing is perfection. It's a "Love, Actually" situation, really. Wow. Cuddle up with someone you love, cook some tea and do yourself a favor by giving this movie a shot if you haven't already seen it. Fabulous. So, hello, Tuesday. It's rainy and it's cold. Actually, it hasn't stopped being rainy and cold for a few days now. And I think I may be getting sick. But then again, I've been thinking I was about to get sick for about three weeks now. It has to come eventually, right? Especially in October. Before I get sick, though - and before you run to the nearest almost-closed Blockbuster to rent "You've Got Mail" - check out a couple links below, and enjoy the autumn weather. That is, if you like enjoying autumn weather.

Now that baseball’s regular season is over (and the Pirates were again awful), these guys take a look at how all of the “experts” did with preseason predictions. Here’s a hint: Not well. (The Big Lead)

The name of Kanye West’s next CD? My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. (Rolling Stone)

Wooooooooowwwww. Someone who we have linked before in these parts – Washington Post columnist Howie Kurtz – is leaving the paper to work for The Daily Beast. Wow. That’s a hit. (TBD)

Wooooooooowwwww (part two). Michael Ausiello is leaving Entertainment Weekly. Goodness, what has gotten into all these people today? (Deadline)

This guy says there will be no more news anchors who get gabillions of dollars thrown at them. Good. (Mark Coddington)

“Punk’d” is coming back. And Justin Bieber is going to host it. (Popeater)

Four Tet remixes The XX. Turn off all your lights and listen to this magical nine minute piece of work. (Pitchfork)

Because there is a Fashion Week going on. And it’s in Paris. And you should care. (The Guardian)

...For The Ride Home: Fox News is your new source for all Tea Party information, Zuckerberg could sue movie makers and the U.S. goes down hard

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Roger. What the hell do you think you are doing? Lies, lies and more lies, and we see how far this gets you. With only two episodes left, "Mad Men" has left nothing but doom and gloom talk to be had as this fourth season winds down. For really the first time this season (or at least, that's how it feels), we finally get to see Don Draper work as the boat his company resides in keeps sinking further and further into the sea. I was shocked (shocked!) to see Peggy end up with that creep she dismissed a couple weeks ago. That was...disappointing. We saw the beginnings of a youth movement, though, as Ms. Olson went into a meeting and got a deal done in quintessential Don Draper fashion. And speaking of Mr. Draper: Oh the humanity! What are you thinking, my man? You see what sleeping with secretaries does to your life, so why turn down that road again? That said, I still don't support his relationship with Faye. Don't know why, either. Just can't get behind that. In some odd, inexplicable way, I root for things to actually progress with this new secretary. But man, does she have some messed up teeth, or what? And that answer isn't what. Bold prediction: Pete leaves by the end of the season, Roger finds some way out of the company, and everything becomes all blown up. They have to do that, right? After last year's dog and pony show of a season finale. Good day, Week 28. Let's see what you can offer.

The Europeans won the Ryder Cup this morning. It was the first time in almost 20 years the competition came down to the final match. So, so sad. (ESPN)

Did anyone catch “Saturday Night Live” this weekend? Kanye West thanks any and everyone around for the success of his performance. Bigger story: “What Up With That” returned. (MTV)

Terry Gross, who, if you remember correctly, I love and ran into at a record store in Philly last May, sits down with Jon Stewart. (NPR)

People StyleWatch is the magazine of the year. Or so says these guys. (Ad Age)

Fox News: The official television network of the Tea Party. (New York Times)

First movies. Then television. And now music is going to have a stab at 3-D. (Pollstar)

Zuckerberg and the thought of suing the producers of “The Social Network.” T-minus 18 hours until I finally sit down with what Rolling Stone says is the best movie of the year. (The Hollywood Reporter)

A “Mad Men” recap. Only two episodes left! Frown face. (Entertainment Weekly)

...For The Ride Home: Somebody says something mean about Katy Perry, 10 acts to check out at the ACL music fest and America is winning the Ryder Cup!

So, Jay kills it here. He really does. If you happen to be around speakers, and you fancy yourself a hip-hop fan, you really ought to consider giving this a listen. But none of that is the story, actually. The reason you should take note of this song is because...wait...for...it...OK: This is the track that MC Hammer is so upset about. Mr. Carter doesn't even really diss him here, but the "You Can't Touch This" mastermind is trying to promote a new album. So alas, if you've read about the controversy, or happen to be a super duper MC Hammer fan, and haven't heard what all the fuss is about, now you know. It's not like we didn't love you, Week 27, it's just that we must move on for ourselves. Please don't take it personal. It was a good week, you know. It's not you, really. It's us. Hopefully we can leave the door open for future get-togethers. Is that OK, Week 27? All right. Good. Welcome to October, and welcome to a 31 day month. It always seems so daunting when you say it like that, doesn't it? Who's going to see "The Social Network" this weekend? I may have to wait until early next week to see it, so no spoilers, please. Whether or not you venture to the theater this weekend, though, we here at The Unusual Suspects would like to offer our best wishes your way and we sincerely hope, from the bottom of our hearts, that you are able to enjoy the first weekend of October to its fullest. Until Monday, read a few of the links below, cuddle up with someone you love if it happens to get cold, and don't forget that just like the previous 26 weeks, we love you, miss you.

LeBron James blames race for the backlash against his decision to play for Miami. This was what we in the trade like to say something you can “put on a tee” for Mr. Jason Whitlock. Read this. (Fox Sports)

“I heard she put out a song about me, or about some old habits or whatever. I look at it like this: I’m just stoked that she finally has a song with some substance on her record. Good job.” (MTV)

The lesson learned here? Don’t look at porn or gambling sites while at work. (Stars And Stripes)

Someone from Kansas State took home the Rolling Stone College Journalism Award. Our hats go off to you, sir. (The Collegian)

I’m going to keep linking stories about The Boston Globe’s latest idea only because I am utterly fascinated with it. Will it work? If it works, what will the implications be for the future of journalism? This should be taught in college courses. Professors out there, take note. (Media Nation)

Hey, hey. The United States is winning after the first day of the Ryder Cup! Remember to tune in this weekend after you stumble home from the bar to watch live coverage! (BBC)

A list of acts you should check out if you are lucky enough to make it to the Austin City Limits festival next weekend. May we humbly add Norah Jones to the list. She’s such a doll. (Spin)

Larry David talks about the NFL. That’s all you really need to know. (NFL)

“Titanic” in 3D. Now that’s an idea. (ABC News)

Double Feature: The Social Network & Speed Dating

Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.

The Social Network

Never have I turned so quickly and so swiftly on a movie until now. This began as a film I thought I may wind up coming across on DVD someday. Now, I have plans to see it during its first week in theaters. I've been (kind of) accidentally keeping tabs on the press the two stars have done for this, and it's safe to say if Justin Timberlake or Jesse Eisenberg weren't both in this movie, I may not have as much interest. They say it makes Zuckerberg look awful, but I tend to like awful people from time to time. Will this make me finally buckle down and begin my own Facebook page? Absolutely not. But will it teach me something about the origin of where the phenomenon came from? It seems that way, and that's why I'm as drawn to it as I am. Well, that and Rashida Jones, the prettiest girl Jim Halpert ever dated, also plays a role somewhere within the walls of this movie. This may be the most surprisingly good movie of the year. And now that I'm finally willing to go into it with an open mind, the sky's the limit, friends. Now go update your status to "excited."



Speed Dating

We could have went with that horror flick that Renee Zellweger is starring in, but I don't have any idea what it's about. So I thought to myself: If I'm going to really have to write about a movie I have no interest in (or no knowledge about), I might as well make it about a movie absolutely nobody has heard of. So alas, we land on "Speed Dating," a pseudo romantic comedy (yay!) starring a slew of African-American actors I've never seen before. There are familiar faces here (and even a Tom Green sighting!), though I will force you actually play the trailer below to find out who they are. Is this going to open anywhere near you? Of course not. Will it be on DVD by next Thursday? Sure looks like it. But this is a hell of a lot better than another "Well, it's almost Halloween, so we must put out a scary movie with a pretty face in it" film that will be polluting theaters for the next four weeks. Yes, this is cheesy, but at least no one dies (or at least, we think no one dies).

...For The Ride Home: 'Deadliest Catch' guys walk off show, soccer star gets caught in sex scandal and an interview with Ben Folds

This was good. Really, though. It was. I know it opened to bad reviews, and anyone who had seen it before me advised I stay away from it. But I enjoyed it. Of course it's not a candidate for Movie Of The Year or any such nonsense. But it's really worth a watch if you dig 1960s rock & roll, Mr. Hoffman or any of the people you see in one of the funniest movies I've ever seen, "In The Loop." Honestly. Check it out. Welcome to Wednesday, or, well, hump day as many dirty minds may suggest. How are you doing? September is nearly gone and October looms its head right around the corner. While driving today, the forecast on the radio said that temperatures are set to peak in the 50s throughout the weekend, so for those of you who may still be clinging to the last scraps of summer, you may be hit with a firm dose of fall within the next week or so. Cold weather. Rain. Dark. Dreary. Not to sound too depressing, but... Yeah. You get it. In any case, maybe a few of the following links may help ease the pain colder weather can bring. If not, maybe a look at who will possibly be in 2011's class of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame could do the trick. Either way, here's hoping you and yours have a wonderful evening.

Am interview with Ben Folds. That should be enough to get you to click, right? (Popmatters)

Fulham defender meets transsexual. And, then, well… (Deadspin)

The Washington Post will no longer run ads for (possible) prostitution. I thought of a few different jokes, but none seemed fit to print. (Washington Post)

Still can’t understand this: The Academy Is… and a photo gallery of their tour with Kiss. (Alternative Press)

“Deadliest Catch” stars quit the show. Does this mean the dudes on “Ice Road Truckers” are going to call it a day, too? That’d be sad. (Yahoo)

The Rider Cup begins this week. This is interesting only because Tiger made some “we are a team” comments yesterday. Maybe this year will be worth watching. (Fox Sports)

“American Idol” judges come together for first try at being judges. Somewhere, Kara weeps. (USA Today)

The Grande Ole Opry is back. Having spent a few days in Nashville over the summer, I can confidently tell you I am happy about this. Good for them. (Pollstar)

...For The Ride Home: Vincent Chase makes a movie about celebrities, Fox News controls the world and is 'Family Guy' in trouble?

Who could have ever thunk this guy would ever be lauded as heroic for his actions? Not this particular blogger. Episode 10 brought it last night, and it was met with a gigantic "It's about time," from, well, me, and those who I speak with about such things. We finally saw the "Mad Men" crew pick up the action on last night's episode as Don lets yet another individual in on his deepest, darkest secret. Dude was shook. He clearly couldn't take the thought of losing everything, which must lead us to ask the following question: Exactly how confident and how sure is the real Don Draper (or, well, Dick Whitman)? He exudes such emotions on a consistent basis so much that it's simply weird to see him act the way he did last night (the acting, though, was utterly incredible. Who says Jon Hamm isn't one of the best in the game?). Betty, on the other hand, came across in the same light as Mr. Campbell - nice. They both went to bat for Don when both of them clearly had the chance to bring everything he's worked for down. Oddly enough (and because the "Mad Men" writers are smarter and better at what they do for a living than most of us), they were also the two people who could have benefited the most from Don going away for good. Or could they? Joanie and Roger's saga continues, and to be completely honest, I was hoping Joan would have kept it. Something within me still longs for those two to be together permanently. And Lane! Oh, Lane, you poor, poor thing. He just needs to catch a break. Any break. As always, comments, thoughts, arguments are encouraged in the section so designed to display such a thing, and as always, I'll be checking back throughout the day to partake in such an activity. For now, though, hello Week 27, and hello links.

A 25 year old and a 26 year old land jobs at The New Yorker. I will now proceed to drink until Thursday. (Splitsider)

Vinnie Chase made a movie! Vinnie Chase made a movie! (Popmatters)

This writer left The Huffington post because she wasn’t getting paid. That seems fair, right? (Mayhill Flower)

Fox News holds all the clout in political media. In related, “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe this is true” news, seasonal change can bring upon seasonal sicknesses such as colds, sore throats or ear infections. (Politico)

A little late on this, but it’s still sad: Max Weinberg will not be back with Conan when he starts his new show. (Rolling Stone)

Mindy Kaling: Still one of the funniest women on television (Twitter)

My God, Peyton Manning is good. (Yahoo)

Is this the beginning of the end for “Family Guy?” (Hollywood Reporter)

Your “Mad Men” recap, friends. (Entertainment Weekly)

...For The Ride Home: A new kind of "Hard Knocks," "Goodfellas" turns 20 and everybody from ever major network is now looking for work

We say goodbye to Week 26 with Drake, Eminem, Lil Wayne and Kanye West and "Forever," an old song that I inexplicably thought to offer up in the wake of October looming around the corner. Whew! It's warm out, right? Or, at least, warmer than it feels like it should be at this point in the year. I've played more tennis this September than any other September in my life. So how was your week? Was it good? That's good. It's always nice if you can manage to squeeze out a good week every now and then. Did you happen to check out today's Blogspot Banter? If you didn't, may I suggest you do so. Scott was super kind to carve out a bit of time to answers some questions we had for him, and for that we will forever be grateful. In fact, go follow him. Read his stuff. Forget about silly us. In any case, we celebrate six months next week, so be prepared for something incredibly incredible. Who would have thunk we would still be going strong after half a year? Goodness, gracious. Before we get there, though, we must deal with here. And what here provides us is a few links for your consideration, and a bunch of hopes that you and yours have a fabulous late September weekend. Until Monday, friends, as always, please don't forget as you may be out enjoying the beauty fall can sometimes bring, love you, miss you.

I haven’t purchased this yet, but it’s been one of my most anticipated records for the year. John Legend and The Roots perform in New York. Gabillions of people show up. (MTV)

HBO is going to do a version of “Hard Knocks” with the Pens/Caps Winter Classic. This should make a lot of people I know happy. (Post Gazette)

Pretty neat. How NBC’s morning news anchors wake up in the morning. Meredith Vieira wakes up at 2:30 a.m.! (CNN)

In today’s CNN is in major trouble news: President Jonathan Klein doesn’t have a job anymore. …(New York Magazine)

… And in related actions, NBC’s CEO says he’s saying goodbye as well. (New York Times)

Drake vs. Kanye West. (All Hip-Hop)

The 50 loudest college football stadiums. Room for debate? Of course. (Bleacher Report)

We’ll get to this more when it hits theaters, but for now, Jesse Eisenberg (who I looooovvvveee) doesn’t use Facebook. Irony? He’s the lead in the new Facebook movie. (Popeater)

It’s been 20 years since “Goodfellas.” GQ wrote about it. And you should read it (especially if you read this earlier in the week). (GQ)

Double Feature: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps & You Again

Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Around a week ago, I put the first installment of this movie in my Netflix que, and since then I have received "When In Rome" and "Youth In Revolt." Sure, I know it says "very long wait," but how long exactly is that wait, damnit? Anyways, I, much like anyone else who has gone to a theater in the last six months, began seeing trailers for this so, so long ago. Initially, I had no interest. But as the commercials kept playing, and as the grumblings regarding how great the first one was became louder, I became sold on wanting to see this. The problem, though, is that I feel it's essential to see the first one before I move forward with this. It's worth it, right? All of that stuff aside, the definition of a perfect woman (according to, well, me), Carey Mulligan is featured here, and the more I become infatuated with her, and the more copies of Vogue I buy simply because she graces the cover, the more it makes me want to catch this in the theaters. Unfortunately, I have a long way to go until I get there, though. Quick question (and most importantly): Is seeing the first one essential to seeing this one? To those out there who are capable of answering such a thing, your comments are treasured.



You Again

I still don't entirely understand the premise of this movie. I've seen a zillion previews for it - both in a theater and in front of a television - and I can't quite understand what this movie's endgame is. I discovered Kristin Bell can't carry a movie on her own this past week when I took in "When In Rome," but nobody's asking her to here. Jamie Lee Curtis seems to be someone I should like, though I can't say I know too much about her. While seeing a commercial for this, a roommate of mine said, "you're going to see that someday," to which I replied, "I really don't think so." Why? I...don't know. I mean, don't get me wrong. I dig these kinds of cheese ball teenage girl angst flicks, but there is something about this that seems off-putting. That said, though, if any of you out there happen upon this movie over the weekend and enjoy it, I could be swayed (hint, hint). Regardless, Ms. Bell will never look better than she did in "Couples Retreat." Ever.

...For The Ride Home: Klinsmann speaks, the lead singer from Staind has carved out a nice little life and Jen & John back together?

Saw this last night. It was...good. Fine. Sure. Adequate. A nice night at the movies. For those who want to begin Oscar chatter, though, please keep it to yourself. No way this thing should be up for anything (and the same goes for "Inception," crazy people). Two highlights: One, seeing Vicky from "Vicky, Christina, Barcelona" do a wonderful job with the female lead. Hopefully, Rebeca Hall can become a huge star as a result of this particular flick. Two, though it took around 45 minutes, once I was able to look at Jon Hamm without thinking of the words "Don" and "Draper," I was completely sold on him as a good actor. I was a bit worried he wouldn't translate well onto the movie screen, but he held his own. It's all right. And that's all. Hello, Wednesday, and hello to you. Did you check out our goodbye to the summer? There has admittedly been some dispute over which day is indeed the first day of fall (today or tomorrow), but I keep hearing/reading conflicting reports, so we must go with what we first discovered. Besides, regardless of if the official first today is today or tomorrow, we can all agree that it's here, and that's all that really matters. Sad, sad times. In any case, before you move on with your final day of summer or first day of autumn, we invite you to click on a few links below and have a wonderful Wednesday evening. Be good, friends.

Juergen Klinsmann speaks about why he wasn’t hired as the U.S.’s manager moving forward after this year’s World Cup. Ut. Oh. (Fox Sports)

Wow. How many times does Scott Weiland have to pull stunts like this before people stop going to Stone Temple Pilots shows? I mean, my God. He’s ruined so many things and people still flock to him for some reason. (Rolling Stone)

Words of advice, writers: Go to grad school. (The New Yorker)

Have you ever wondered about all those anonymous sources celebrity magazines cite? Read this. (Los Angeles Times)

Jen Aniston and John Mayer back together? (Showbiz Spy)

If you would have told me the lead singer from Staind was going to begin charity work and eventually establish himself as a prominent acoustic act that can tour at will 10 years ago, I would have blasted “Mudshovel” at 11 and turned the other way. Good for him. (Pollstar)

What is going on with Ashton and Demi, anyways? (USA Today)

Casey Affleck talks to Jay Leno about the Joaquin Phoenix mess. Remember: The dude is back on Letterman’s show tonight. (Entertainment Weekly)

Top 5 Mob Movies… and none involve Christian Slater

There's something so intriguing, so mysterious, so downright sexy about the idea of "the mob" (as I alluded to last week) I can get lost for hours watching even the most mediocre tale of racketeering. And by mediocre I of course mean "Mobsters," starring Christian Slater.

And dammit, I root for Christian Slater. Loved him in the Kevin Costner version of "Robin Hood."

Anyways, we're not here today to talk about the most mediocre gangster movies; what kind of post would that be? No no friends, let's talk about the best... or at least my favorite productions to cover the world or organized crime.

The Godfather
I have to start with "The Godfather" because... well that's where you have to start with mob movies, right? Brando, Pacino, Caan, Duvall - all at their finest. This movie set the framework for the dozens of pretenders that would follow. There was a sense of urgency in this movie that I don’t think has ever been replicated. What role will Michael play in the family business? How and when will Don Corleone meet his demise? Who or what will be the circumstance of Sonny’s temper? I could keep going, but I think you get the point.



Goodfellas
I saw this before "The Godfather" and thought it was the end all, be all... all right maybe I jumped the gun, but it still is a pretty awesome movie. Ray Liotta plays the outside man, turned almost inside man to a T, and Pesci's famous "how am I funny" scene is still one of my favorite cinematic moments of all time. This movie also really highlighted the notion that to become a made guy, you need to have Sicilian roots, which is cool to me.



Scarface
This Brian de Palma classic strikes a different chord every time I see it; most recently, the movie reminded me why to this day I don't like Michelle Pfeiffer: because she played that unlikable, junky b-word so perfectly. And odds are you're lying if you claim to have never quoted "Say hello to my little friend." Most underrated scene in mob movie history: the scene where Tony Montana is being kicked out of the club, yelling at the other diners about how they need bad guys like him to feel better about themselves. Classic.



Reservoir Dogs
While it’s not your run of the mill mob movie, this was nothing if not organized crime at its finest. To this day I throw up in my mouth a little every time the cop gets his ear cut off. Just brilliant. The dialogue is just so killer in this movie, as is to be expected from Tarantino, and the plot is twisty and turny. PS - Steve Buschemi rocks in this one, as usual. PPS - The tipping scene below is priceless.



The Sopranos
Not a movie you say? Well who asked you? I kid I kid, but seriously, "The Sopranos" is without question my favorite mob production of all time. Between the writing, the characters, the plot, the scenery, the music, the sub plots... it is as close to perfection as a show will ever get in my book for my tastes. Does this sound cliche? Possibly. But I really believe if and when the full length feature is made, it just might shake the top of this current list up a bit.



Comments would be lovely. Where did I miss the mark? What did I leave out? Top 5 is NOT easy in this category… let’s talk.

Until later, friends, I bid you adieu. xoxoxo

...For The Ride Home: Why the Celtics signed Shaq, Letterman talks Twitter and you should pay more attention to Bill Withers

So, I thought episode eight was great. In fact, both seven and eight are easily my two favorite episodes of "Man Men" thus far this season. But the more people I talk to about it (and people, who, I may add, have opinions I fully respect and seek), the more I find that episode eight wasn't an episode that people entirely loved. I find myself disagreeing more and more with the "smart" "Mad Men" fans - the ones who claim to love the show for all the "hip" reasons (if that makes any sense). And that bothers me. Makes me feel like a "stupid" "Mad Men" fan. Now, with all of that said, I didn't much care for episode nine. Naturally, this leads me to believe most of the fans of the show will think it was brilliant, or it was one of their favorite episodes. It's like I'm on the outside looking in to the inside in which I already reside. Sally Draper. Sally Draper. Sally Draper. We love you, sweetheart, but enough it enough. By the end of the hour, I was begging for the show to end simply because I couldn't stand her brat-like demeanor. She's got to go live with Don eventually, right? I mean, come on now. That writing is on the wall. Even the doc was annoying, complaining about children and "failing tests." Goodness, people. How much whining can one "Mad Men" episode hold? The most redeeming factor? Roger Sterling was a big part of this go-around. And if you noticed, he didn't make any appearance last week. Also, I sort of root for him and Joan to work things out (which is why you see the above picture). Side: How many of you also thought he would take that gun from the hooligan and fight for his and Joan's stuff? I was on the edge of my seat. No way that dude got away, I thought. And just when I was beginning to warm up to Miss Blankenship...Boom. The final 20 seconds were fabulous as you saw Peggy get into the elevator with Joanie and the doc and you just have to smile at all the metaphors being thrown into your eyes. Goodness, I babble, don't I? In any case, welcome to Week 26, all your comments regarding "Mad Men" are welcome and encouraged (I'll be checking!), and we hope you have a fantastic rest of the day.

Half of this blog is a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. And this play was pretty neat. (The Big Lead)

A writer talks with the directors of “Still Bill,” a movie catching up with the man who wrote the greatest song ever written, Bill Withers. Months ago, I had the idea for this exact story, pitched it to a friend, who responded with a “well, I don’t really think you’ll be able to pull that off” kind of statement. Three months later, not only has someone else thought of it, but it’s someone who writes for the same Web site that I do! This is equal parts saddening, infuriating, disappointing and heart-breaking. (Popmatters)

The New York Times profiles Jason Whitlock. I can’t understand why Le Batard’s quote is getting so much traction. The same thing was said about Keith Olbermann nearly a decade ago. (The New York Times)

David Letterman talks about Twitter. We know he’s not perfect, but you have to love Letterman. You just have to. (The Star Press)

English is dead. Read this. Now. (Washington Post)

Eddie Vedder got married Saturday. Though I can admit I’m not the biggest Pearl Jam fan you could find, he looks happy here, and I’m happy for him. Tim Robbins was the best man. (Rolling Stone)

This may be a post someday: I kind of find myself rooting for Michael Vick to do well. Come on, now. We all love a redemption story. And as long as he keeps saying he knows he’s the back-up (which he admittedly didn’t always say), you ought to root for him. (ESPN)

Kobe said he had one more ring than Shaq. And that’s why the Boston Celtics signed him. (Yahoo)

Your weekly “Mad Men” recap. RIP Ms. Blankenship. (Entertainment Weekly)

...For The Ride Home: Chuck Norris finds himself on a hockey mask, Conan's old studio gets a makeover and 'I'm Still Here' is fake

For those who wonder why we offer this video to end out Week 25, simply follow the final link below. Hello, Friday, and hello to you, the wonderfully loyal and attractive reader. How was your week? Typical September, it's-almost-fall kind of week? Well, those don't always have to be awful, you know. I mean, after all, it did feature a pretty neat recap of this year's VMAs. Oh. That still wasn't enough to bring your week around to goodness? How about knowing this Sunday will feature the premier of that new HBO show everybody wants to see? Ahh, that's right. I knew that would work. Side: Did anyone out there see last night's episode of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia?" I missed it, and I'm wondering if the gang got this season started off correctly. Those who may know are oh so welcome to leave an opinion or six in the comments section. Before you do that, though, we would like to offer the following links to send you into the weekend with. From the deepest of our most sincerest emotions, we hope you and yours have a lovely September weekend by doing whatever it is you do (and that may include seeing one of the hopefully-great movies). We hope to see you back here excited and rejuvenated Monday morning. Until then, though, and much like the previous 24 weeks, you must remember: Love you, miss you.

So, that Joaquin Phoenix movie? Yeah, it was staged. Now a Web site asks: Is he the new Andy Kaufman? (Popeater)

Penn State receives $88 million gift. Promptly begins hockey program. (ESPN)

Harry Shearer is mad at NPR. NPR sticks up for itself. All this really does is plant the seed back in my head that I need to watch “This Is Spinal Tap” again. (NPR)

The Daily Beast and Newsweek together? (New York Post)

Have you ever stopped to wonder what NBC is going to do with Conan’s old studio? Well, in case you have, they are going to…turn it into a newsroom. Sorry, Carson. I know you had your eyes set on that new “Last Call” set. (Los Angeles Times)

Dallas Stars goalie puts Chuck Norris on his mask. This is your opportunity to make one of those fabulous Chuck Norris jokes in the comments section. Related: I actually saw a few minutes of “Walker, Texas Ranger” this morning for the first time in my life. (Yahoo)

Sacha Baron Cohen is going to play Freddy Mercury in a biopic. What does Borat think of this? (Rolling Stone)

Watched this last night, so I must mention it today now that it has been parlayed into actual news. Jon Hamm is going to host Saturday Night Live again this year. (Entertainment Weekly)

Who else is going to party with me at this thing all weekend? (WHFS)

Double Feature: Jack Goes Boating & The Town

Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.

Jack Goes Boating

A lot of movies out this week that I would normally use this space to talk about. But I've been following the evolution of this movie for over a year now, and though I realize it is only a limited release this week (it opens wide next week, though I am sure that will mean going from seven theaters to, oh, say, like 19), I feel as though it is my duty to tackle this one now, the day it finally comes out (even if it is to only a handful of places). As I said yesterday, Philip Seymour Hoffman has forever been, and will forever be, my favoritest actor ever. "The Office" has never been better than it was when Amy Ryan became Michael Scott's love interest for 58 seconds (oh, and she was also phenomenal in something called "Gone Baby Gone"). It has all the elements to be the best movie released this year, and it has all the potential to be one of my top whatever movies in the history of forever. It's love. It's loss. It looks like it has the tone of "Savages." It's sad. It's happy. It's slow. It looks to be every single thing I look for in a great movie. Here's hoping 1) it doesn't let me down and 2) it opens within 200 miles of where I live. Really don't want to have to wait for the DVD on this one. Really, really don't.



The Town

I've been seeing previews for this thing for months upon months upon months now. Jeremy Renner. Jon Hamm. And though I'm not as hot on Ben Affleck as others may be, I think I liked "Extract" a lot more than most, and a lot of that had to do with the fact that he was in it. The surprise? People are actually talking Oscar when it comes to this, a movie that appears to be nothing more than a simple smarty pants action flick. So this just has to be great, right? It has all the big names attached to it (the studio that brought you "The Departed" and, not to mention, some kind of tie into the aforementioned fabulous "Gone Baby Gone"), and we finally get to see the guy who starred in last year's Best Picture winner in another movie, something that felt like it should have happened months ago. But alas, I trust him. I trust Don Draper. And I trust the previews I've seen. This is a great weekend for movies. Don't waste it, friends.

...For The Ride Home: The final Jay-Z/Eminem concert link, Speidi is back on and what have you played the most on your music listening device?

OK, so this is my favorite actor. It's always been this way. I have other crushes. Clooney. Ruffalo. Renner. Hamm. Just to name a few. But this guy has always been at the top of my list for as long as I've been watching movies (which, by the way, is really only five minutes). He happened to be on Craig Ferguson's talk show the other night promoting a movie he's in (a movie we will most certainly get to tomorrow), and he couldn't have come off looking any better than he did in that particular interview. In honor of that, I must offer this photo for your viewing pleasure. So, hello. How do you do? It's Thursday. I did, indeed, get a chance to watch "The Messenger" a couple nights ago, and it was...fan-tas-tic. Really, really one of the better movies of last year. I'm even willing to contend that it may be a better movie than "The Hurt Locker." You can't touch "Up In The Air" or "An Education." But "The Messenger" certainly falls in last year's top five, possibly top three. Woody's great, and the main character is wonderful, too. Don't know a thing about him, either. Hey, if it's raining wherever you are (much like it is where we are), you'd really be best served if you took this final Thursday before the regular television programming begins to sit down with this particular movie. You can thank me later if not now. Before you come to any conclusions on what may be happening this evening, though, may I suggest you have a click or two on a few links below. Hey - cold rainy days are the best days to sit with a couple nicely written pieces, don't you think? Of course! OK. Remember to be good and until Friday, be respectful to others if you want to receive respect yourself.

Jason Whitlock and the Ines Sainz situation. (Fox Sports)

OK. This will be the final Jay-Z/Eminem concert link. Had to get a wrap-up piece in there, though. (Rolling Stone)

No more Tweeting or blogging during Washington Redskins practice. Wow. First no signs and now this. It’s like a dictatorship. (TBD)

The Miami Herald cuts nearly 50 positions. I’m never going to find a job outside of this town, am I? (Miami Herald)

Yeah. So Heidi and Spencer never broke up. Surprise! (Showbiz Spy)

Blockbuster and going out of business. Damn you, Netflix. (Esquire)

Emma Stone suffered an asthma attack during sex scenes in that new movie of hers. I kind of like her. Come on, now. If you were in “Superbad,” you have to be cool, right? (OK!)

Looking at what tops your library when your library is sorted by play count. Kind of neat. (NPR)

Will "Boardwalk Empire" live up to my expectations? I believe so.

Hello again friends… and by again, I mean hello for the first time this week. My deepest apologies for a non-post Tuesday – I’m feeling the grind at work and I unfairly took it out on you. You know, I’m sort of like that kind of cool, kind of annoying friend who won’t finalize plans until the last minute, so you’re not sure if said plans are actually going to happen.

I’m not a big fan of friends like that, so again, sorry about that.

Anyways, on to the subject at hand… and this is a big one for me. Sunday marks the debut of what I believe will be a big show for HBO and pop culture in general. The show was written by a Soprano, directed/produced by a legend, boasts a killer cast and is centered around quite possibly the coolest concept in American film history, the mob… this show was, simply put, created for me. I’m of course talking about “Boardwalk Empire” (if the headline of this post didn't clue you in already).



Gang/mob/mafia/organized crime stories fascinate me, plain and simple. It’s a rough, gritty world that I would never have the gall to participate in, but would love to have been a part of in another life… like if I was bigger and stronger and meaner and able to hit someone in the face without getting a weird, freaked out feeling beforehand.

I think what draws me to that world though isn’t the physicality of it – it’s the strategy, the emotion, the action. But it’s also the code of values, broken as they often are. Call me cliché, but I love my family and I love the concept of family in general, and I know that when everyone else in the world is gone, I can still believe in that.

I’m the guy who loved Tony Soprano because of his family-first mantra, even after he curb-stomped some poor schmuck who couldn’t pay up one week for “protection.” I’m the guy who shed a tear when I realized that Fredo Corleone was about to get whacked by his own brother (indirectly of course)... His. Own. Brother.

ANYWAYS, based in Atlantic City during the start of prohibition, "Boardwalk Empire" follows Nucky Thompson – one part politician, one part gangster, all parts awesome – played by Steve Buschemi, who did some of his best work on “The Sopranos” and “Reservoir Dogs.” The cast also includes a few faces I absolutely adore seeing on any screen, namely Michael Pitt, who I (and possibly only I) LOVED in “Funny Games.” Michael Kenneth Williams from “The Wire” is also on the show, which should make my blogging counterpart squeal with delight.

For more on “Boardwalk Empire,” here’s a link that can explain it better than I.

Now, in the interest of leaving you wanting more, I’m going to cut this rant off by letting you know what Tuesday’s noontime post will be: top gang/mob/mafia/organized crime productions according to me (I haven’t picked a number, hehe). And while I doubt “Boardwalk Empire” will make the list after one episode, stranger things have happened, right? I mean my partner in crime on this very blog actually thought Taylor Swift’s VMA performance was anything but mediocre.

Boom.

In the meantime, I hope you’ll leave some love for Steve Buschemi here in the comments section. I’ll be thinking about you, we’ll see you at 4 p.m. for The Ride. xoxoxo