Television Without Pity - All Blogs

Today's TWoP News: Friday, February 10, 2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:14:51 -0500

Parks and Recreation will get a visit from the White House soon.

The Most Heinous Person on Reality TV This Week

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:19:54 -0500

Look at Jenelle, becoming one of the most tolerable people on Teen Mom 2.

Safe House: The Bourne Rip-Off

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:10:00 -0500

The fourth installment in the Bourne series -- which will omit Matt Damon's Jason Bourne in favor of a new super-spy played by Jeremy Renner -- isn't due in theaters until August, but the franchise gets its first unofficial spin-off in the form of the new thriller Safe House, which stars Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds as CIA spooks. No, neither of them is suffering from amnesia or out to avenge the death of Franka Potente, but the film's depiction of the CIA as a hotbed of corruption and treachery as well as the handheld shaky cam aesthetic that director Daniel Espinsoa employs throughout, particularly in the action sequences, is very much in keeping with the Bourne legacy.

The Vow: We Vow to Never Watch Channing Tatum in a Rom-Com Again

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:04:11 -0500

Actually, we're lying about with the title of this review, since watching Channing Tatum really try hard to act was arguably the most enjoyable thing about The Vow. We just hope that he never again actually puts himself in the position to play a romantic lead, at least in a movie that isn't meant to be a spoof of some sort. He should stick to action movies where he can grunt and punch things, because while there's something fun about seeing him squeeze out tears by thinking about dead puppies (or whatever), it's not a sustainable element on which to base an entire film. Isn't there a male version of Showgirls he could star in? (Color us excited for that male stripper movie he's doing with Steven Soderbergh...)

TWoP 10: Ways We'd Like to See House End

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:02:55 -0500

Fox recently announced that after eight long seasons, House will be coming to an end this May. We're thrilled, though probably not as thrilled as Hugh Laurie, but very happy none the less. While it is far too late for the show to go out on a high note, it can at least go out in an interesting, or at least totally ridiculous and entertaining, way. Here are our suggestions, largely inspired from other, better programs.

Oscar Shorts 2012: Get Your Shorts On

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

It used to be next to impossible to see the various films nominated every year in the Oscar's three short film categories (animated, live action and documentary) a.k.a. that point in the telecast when you go to the bathroom/grab another beer/channel surf to check out what else is on. In recent years though, the distribution companies Magnolia and ShortsHD have banded together to ensure that these movies get a wider release, both in theaters and through new avenues like video on demand. Screenings of the 2012 nominees start in select cities Friday and will continue to open around the country (and overseas) over the next month. And beginning February 21st -- five days before Oscar night -- the films will also be available for purchase on iTunes. (Visit the official website to find more information on when and where the shorts may be playing near you.) Here's our take on all of the nominated short films, as well as the ones we think should and will win.

Friday, February 10, 2012: NFL Characters Unite

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

If you're looking for a tearjerker that has nothing to do with Cupid and everything to do with football, does USA have the show for you.

Today's TWoP News: Thursday, February 9, 2012

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:14:38 -0500

Fox is bringing down the House. Get it? You get it.

Modern Family: The Best Gags of the Evening

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:10:42 -0500

Congrats, everyone! We made it through our first season of Modern Family without a Clive Bixby Valentine's Day special, or any February 14-type of episode at all. I can't say I had trouble sleeping without it, but it does feel strange that this show is choosing to completely gloss over the holiday (as next week's episode gives no indication that it'll be Valentine's-themed at all). Is this the writers' version of mixing this show up?

Thursday, February 9, 2012: 30 Rock

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

Here's good news if you're enjoying this season of 30 Rock as much as I am: there are two new back-to-back episodes tonight.

Today's TWoP News: Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:59:51 -0500

Quick, someone give The River a flotation device.

Real Housewives of O.C.: A Dull Start to the New Season

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:22:48 -0500

The latest season of The Real Housewives of Orange County kicked off last night, and after the tumultuous battle of the blondes during the reunion last year, we had high hopes for fireworks in this premiere. And we thought that the new brunette cast member would really shake things up. Well, color us let down so far.

Justified: The Shot of the Week

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

FLASHBACK: I'm sitting in front of my TV, watching the scene in "The Devil You Know" where Dickie Bennett is a mere few seconds away from getting shot and killed by two armed idiots, and I find myself uncontrollably sobbing. My caretaker approaches me and asks what's wrong and why I'm crying, but all I can muster through my tears is: "I don't know."

Wednesday, February 8, 2012: Happy Endings

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

For those who haven't already started pre-gaming their night on the couch with a box of tissues watching The Notebook, there's a special Valentine's Day episode of Happy Endings on tonight.

If You Like Smash, You'll Love Slings & Arrows

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:44:36 -0500

I like Smash. I like its energy, I like the ensemble, I like the musical numbers and I like the way the show's writers have concocted a version of Broadway that feels rooted in a recognizable reality, while also allowing for the dramatic conveniences (and contrivances) that come with the territory of primetime network soaps. I also like that the show seems to have found a modest, but decent-sized audience. The premiere attracted 11.8 million viewers and if that number holds or increases in subsequent weeks (and here's hoping it does increase, because the show improves greatly in the coming episodes we've screened), Smash should be with us for a while and could turn on a whole new audience to the pleasure of an evening out at the theater, be it the Great White Way or your local repertory company. If you were one of the 12 million folks that tuned in and liked what you saw, I'd encourage you to check out an even better show about all the blood, sweat and tears (and laughs... don't forget laughs) that go into mounting a theatrical production: Slings & Arrows.

Smash: Other Shows It Resembles More Than Glee

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:03:17 -0500

We're sick of everyone saying that Smash reminds them of Glee. The shows have very little in common, so it's just a lazy comparison that's made because both programs happen to feature musical elements. Smash is a layered show about adults in realistic situations, not adults playing teenagers in the most ridiculous high school ever. NBC's series also has serious actors (like Anjelica Huston) and (judging by the upcoming episodes we've been privy to) actually remembers its storylines from week to week and doesn't wildly change itself in order to fit the music of the week. Oh, and its original songs are truly catchy, and the less said about that time Glee went for originality, the better. Here are the other shows Smash actually resembles:

Today's TWoP News: Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:08:06 -0500

If Smash is NBC's new Friends, is everyone going to start sporting "The Marylin"? I'll be here all week, folks.

Highlights from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion (Part 2)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:20:09 -0500

Welcome to the "Let's bash on Brandi" segment of this reunion -- but at least in her case, she bites back. Thank God for her, or else we would have fallen asleep during the episode.

TV on DVD: February 7, 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

I say, anyone for a spot of tea? Or perhaps a hospital bed?

I Want My DVD: Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

Forget White Castle -- Harold and Kumar have entered the Claymation dimension.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012: The River

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

If you ever wondered what would happen if River Monsters, Deadliest Catch, Lost and The Crocodile Hunter got together and had a baby, well then maybe ABC's new series The River is right for you.

The Amazing Spider-Man: New Spidey, New Look, New Footage

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:30:05 -0500

Strangely absent from the Super Bowl's batch of movie trailers was a teaser for The Amazing Spider-Man, the impending reboot of the lucrative Spider-Man movie franchise with Andrew Garfield taking over web-slinging duties from Tobey Maguire. The movie has certainly piqued the interest of fans, from the fact that it sends Peter back to high school and re-tells the story of how he became Spider-Man to the decision to swap the series' previous love interest Mary Jane out for Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) to the darker tone suggested by the first trailer. (Also? No more organic web shooters. Andrew's clearly got a bigger brain than Tobey.) We haven't seen any other footage from the film since that two-minute teaser debuted last July, but that changed today, when Sony held a simulcast of a new trailer and sizzle reel from The Amazing Spider-Man (due out July 3) at select theaters around the word. We attended the New York screening -- there were also presentations in Los Angeles, London and Rio de Janeiro, Berlin and Tokyo -- and here's our take on what we saw.

Today's TWoP News: Monday, February 6, 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:50:58 -0500

Boardwalk Empire sent another character to swim with the fishes this week.

Super Bowl XLVI: The Best Commercials

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:51:17 -0500

Before we get to the commercials, we have to give credit to Madonna for putting on a well-executed half-time show -- much to our surprise. She's got quite a bit of energy for her age (or, our age) and manages to lip-sync successfully. Bonus kudos to the tech guys who made the Vogue covers dance on the ground. And the performance was filled with an eclectic group of guests from Nicki Minaj (in a somewhat toned down cheerleader outfit), Cee Lo (dressed like a giant sparkly monk) and LMFAO (as their normal dirty selves). If only MIA hadn't been so... MIA, what with flipping the bird at a cameraman and all, it would have been a smoothly run eight minutes that was memorable for the right reasons. Wish we could say the same about all of the commercials.

Movies Without Pity Awards Week 5: The Best of the Rest

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0500

We've arrived at the fifth and final week of voting in our second-annual Movies Without Pity Awards. And, just like Oscar night, we've saved the biggest categories for last. Think The Artist really is the best movie of the year, as the Academy seems poised to decide? Or would you cast your vote for its fellow nominees Moneyball, War Horse or The Tree of Life instead? Or maybe you'd like to pick a movie completely overlooked by Oscar, like, say Attack the Block, The Muppets or Margaret.

Saturday Night Light: 7 Moments That Weren't Terrible (And Some That Were Just Channing Tatum Stripping)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:44:31 -0500

Were you aware Channing Tatum existed? Did you know he had an extremely attractive body? Well, if you watched Saturday Night Live this week (which raked in average numbers), you do now. I have very little to say about this episode as a whole, but just in case you're suffering the post-Super Bowl blues like I am (or are feeling down in the dumps for probably more important reasons), I've tried to extract a few enjoyable moments from the episode. And I'm sorry to even bring this up, but I'll warn you in advance that now that Paul Brittain has left the cast, our Lord Windermere days are probably over.

Super Bowl 2012: Judging the Movie Trailers

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:34:11 -0500

Almost as notable as the movie trailers we saw during the Super Bowl were the trailers we didn't see. For example, there was no Dark Knight Rises teaser (Warner Bros. clearly knew they didn't need any extra publicity for what's likely to be the summer's biggest hit), no Amazing Spider-Man, nothing for Pixar's latest offering Brave and zilch for Ridley Scott's kinda sorta Alien prequel Prometheus. On the other hand, we got our first good shot of the Avengers all assembled together, a second peek at The Hunger Games (which actually aired during the Super Bowl pre-show, but we'll count it) and what appears to be a Transformers spin-off called Battleship. Here's our take on what Hollywood had to show us, listed in alphabetical order:

Downton Abbey: The War Is Over... Or Is It?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

The bell literally tolled on the First World War at the end of last night's Downton Abbey. It's been a challenging couple of years at stately Crawley manor and the residents' troubles don't seem likely to end, even now that peace has been declared. Here are the biggest home front battles still facing Downton:

Monday, February 6, 2012: Smash

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

Good news, thespians and theater goers: NBC's series premiere of Smash airs tonight.

Sunday, February 5, 2012: The Voice

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

NBC's hit reality singing competition The Voice returns tonight, right after Super Bowl XLVI, for a special Season 2 premiere. I, for one, won't be hating my Sunday night seeing Tom Brady and Blake Shelton back to back.

Today's TWoP News: Friday, February 3, 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:54:56 -0500

Looks like The Firm is on the chopping block this season.

The Most Heinous Person on Reality TV This Week

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:04:23 -0500

Vinny from The Challenge: Battle of the Exes would've made this week's list if we were positive he had actually torn Mandi's top off (and because he callously ignored Sarah's feelings), but we watched that scene six times and it looks like Mandi may have just bounced out of her shirt. The verdict is unclear, so we'll give him a pass, even if T.J. Lavin didn't.

Parks and Recreation: Who Made the Comedy Grade Last Night?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:56:21 -0500

If I ever get into the acting biz, Parks and Recreation is the first show I'm auditioning for (is this even how people get acting gigs?) because once you're in the Pawnee universe, you're there forever. That crazy DJ that Tom hired to announce his entrances into new places? In "Operation Ann," he's being considered in the search for the person responsible for getting the Valentine's Day dance attendees "wet with sound." That weird friend of April's who always freaks Ben out? He just may be an eligible suitor for Ann! It doesn't hurt that my memory for extremely minor characters is freakishly good, but I love every appearance we've ever gotten of both DJ Bluntz and Oren... but even then, as soon as you hear their name and see their mannerisms, they are instantly recognizable as the hilarious archetypes they're meant to be. Same goes with all of Pawnee's fine business establishments.

TWoP 10: Best Rivalries on Scripted TV

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:32:16 -0500

This weekend during the Super Bowl, the longstanding rivalry between the Giants and the Patriots will come to a head. Again. While we're not really huge fans of the actual sporting event, we do appreciate a good showdown. So, in honor of the big game, we've ranked our favorite rivals (not to be confused with heroes and villains) on scripted TV this season.

The Woman in Black: Straight Outta Hogwarts

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:10:00 -0500

Let's face it, the real reason so many people are curious about the new horror movie The Woman in Black is because they want to know whether the film's star Daniel Radcliffe is going to become the next Harrison Ford or the next Mark Hamill. In case you've somehow managed to avoid both bookstores and multiplexes since 2001, the 22-year-old British actor has spent the past ten years of his life playing boy wizard Harry Potter in the blockbuster film franchise based on J.K. Rowling's gazillion-selling book series. And while he's had other roles in between Potter installments (he appeared in the 2007 Australian drama December Boys, lampooned himself on Extras and played two well-received runs on Broadway), The Woman in Black is being watched extra closely as it's his first solo starring vehicle since the eighth and final film hit theaters last summer. So what's the verdict on the future of young Master Radcliffe?

Five Reasons Why Chronicle is 2012's First Great Comic Book Movie

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:05:54 -0500

Between The Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises and... um, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, 2012 is shaping up to be the biggest year for comic-book movies in the genre's history. And while those giant-sized blockbusters are sure to provide plenty of F/X-driven spectacle (and, in the case of Chris Nolan's final Batman flick, some potentially provocative political commentary), perhaps the year's most intriguing, creatively ambitious superhero picture is the one that's not based on an established, long-running four-color title. I'm talking about Chronicle, the feature filmmaking debut of director Josh Trank and screenwriter Max Landis (son of John) that Fox is releasing in theaters today with surprisingly little fanfare. Applying the "found footage" conceit that's almost exclusively been used for horror movies ever since The Blair Witch Project to the story of three ordinary teenagers that accidentally acquire special powers, Chronicle has its issues (a complete lack of subtly chief among them) but overall it's a clever, entertaining spin on the typical superhero origin story. Here are five reasons why comic book fans should vote with their wallets this weekend and make Chronicle the year's first big hit.

I Just Want My Pants Back: Kids Say The Dirtiest Things

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

First and foremost, if you hate hipsters, this is not the show for you. This isn't a Portlandia situation where you can enjoy the humor through the hipster pretense... this is like trying to watch Jersey Shore if you truly despise gorilla juiceheads.

Friday, February 3, 2012: Who Do You Think You Are?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:59:00 -0500

Martin Sheen is featured on tonight's welcome-back episode of Who Do You Think You Are? I have to say, if I were him, I don't think the correct answer would be, "Proud papa of Charlie, of course!"

Today's TWoP News: Thursday, February 2, 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:28:21 -0500

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so that means we have to sit through more seasons of stale reality cooking shows.

How Daniel Radcliffe Can Beat the Post-Franchise Blues

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:21:00 -0500

With the new horror movie The Woman in Black, Daniel Radcliffe takes his first big step beyond Harry Potter, the decade-long film franchise that made him a household name. Transitioning from that kind of a long-running and/or hugely popular series to other roles can be an enormous hurdle for an actor. For assistance, Radcliffe can study the career trajectories of the following performers, each of whom left the security of an established franchise -- which, in many cases, rocketed them to stardom -- behind for less familiar standalone projects.

Thursday, February 2, 2012: The Mentalist

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

There's a new episode of The Mentalist on tonight... I guess we all saw this one coming.

Today's TWoP News: Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:25:31 -0500

The holidays are long over, but apparently the networks are still feeling generous.

Justified: The Dupe of the Week

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

While Justified always does an artful job of using of violence for the sake of story and character development, the real treat in last night's episode was not the "Shot of the Week," but rather a far less bloody element.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012: My 600-lb Life

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0500

Still trying to shed those extra holiday pounds? Watch this and maybe you won't feel so alone.

Trailers Without Pity: Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace 3D

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:34:04 -0500

What's worse that Jar Jar Binks and Jake Lloyd? Jar Jar Binks and Jake Lloyd in 3D, of course!

Today's TWoP News: Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:02:49 -0500

A photo of The X Factor crew in happier times...

The X Factor: Reality TV Judges Who Could Replace Paula and Nicole

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:01:24 -0500

Clearly, hiring music industry professionals was of no help to The X Factor, as demonstrated by the recent axing of judge/mentors Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger (as well as host Steve Jones). Who should replace them? We suggest that Simon Cowell look to already successful reality TV judges -- regardless of whether or not they have experience critiquing singers. While some of these personalities might seem like an odd fit, each one of them would be more fun to watch than the former Laker Girl and Pussycat Doll:

Highlights from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion (Part 1)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:22:15 -0500

Last night was the first of three installments of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion, and while we've only just scratched the surface of the craziness with these women, there were already some very memorable moments:

Ti West Talks Horror, Hauntings and The Innkeepers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:29:46 -0500

Although he made his first scary movie in 2005, writer/director Ti West didn't register on the radars of most horror fans until his retro-'80s shocker The House of the Devil premiered in 2009. Although it wasn't a Paranormal Activity-style box office smash, Devil quickly gained a strong cult following and made the 31-year-old filmmaker a person of interest in genre circles. On Friday, West's new film The Innkeepers -- a small-scale ghost story set in an old (and possibly haunted) hotel -- arrives in theaters after premiering on VOD last month. TWoP spoke with West during the New York leg of his nationwide press tour about stealing content, the ridiculousness of ghost hunting TV shows and his theory about Gus Van Sant's controversial Psycho remake.

TV on DVD: Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 -0500

Star Trek: The Next Generation boldly goes onto Blu-ray.