For the past decade, cable networks such as HBO, FX , AMC and Showtime have been embroiled in a competitive struggle to produce the best programming. HBO continues to produce strong dramas, and AMC’s “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad” are among the best shows on TV. However, FX remains on top in terms of consistent quality, especially with its new boxing drama “Lights Out” and its Southern crime show “Justified,” which has just entered its second season.
In the 2009 box office giant “The Hangover,” Ed Helms (along with every other principal cast member) suddenly became a household name, and, like his “Hangover” co-stars, his next few projects have essentially been twists on the persona established in that movie. However, “Cedar Rapids” is smart in its use of Helms, taking what made him funny in “The Hangover” while making sure to invent a new character to go along with it.
There are elements of a good film in there. The underused Timothy Olyphant is always a pleasure to watch, and the film’s action scenes are fantastically directed by D.J. Caruso. Unfortunately, entirely too much of the film can easily be described in one word: silly.
The Harry Potter movie franchise has always been flawed, both for casual viewers and die-hard, ultra-critical fans of the book. Screenwriter Steve Kloves usually manages to anger the die-hards by watering down plot points, misattributing character motivations and inventing his own uninspired dialogue where J.K. Rowling’s would have served infinitely better. At the same time, Kloves often confuses casual moviegoers by providing abysmally muddled plot exposition.
With the return of portable palm trees, pineapples and dynamic, slightly spiked hair — or an equally excellent lack thereof — USA’s comedic mystery series, “Psych,” is looking ahead to a second half as it returns to the network for the rest of its fifth season.
Envision the television, with its perfectly groomed anchors and catchy theme songs. Imagine the newspaper, with its bold black headlines and the crisp feel of the pages between your fingers. Finally, picture the radio, hosted by the compelling voice of the anchor most urgently saying, “We have breaking news.”
AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” which premiered Oct. 31 and was green lit for a second season yesterday, is not your usual zombie shoot-em-up, race for survival. Instead, it’s an unnerving, lingering portrait of survivors and the deceased that eats away at your mind.
Now in its fifth year, Fun Fun Fun Fest has grown from a collection of overlooked indie artists and local vendors into one of the most progressive festivals in the nation. Fun Fun Fun Fest prides itself on knowing what’s cool in the world of independent music before it becomes mainstream, providing entertainment in hip-hop, punk rock, indie pop and even stand-up comedy. With three nights and two days worth of music, comedy and local goods, Fun Fun Fun Fest is sure to be a blast this year with such eclectic offerings.