The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their latest musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:
If there's one thing we love here at TV Squad, it's speculation about TV shows that are being made into feature films. Cinematical gets in on the action by speculating about a possible Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie.
Many of you are probably still hanging out with family after the holiday. Whether your family is a basket of sunshine and puppies, or...not, you can bask in the glow of seven non-dysfunctional movie families.
I don't have the time to get too ranty, but I hate the idea of He's Just Not That Into You. It preys on insecurities in a very condescending way. I didn't want the book, and I certainly don't want the movie...except I love just about everyone in the cast and they have a Jason Mraz song in the trailer! Ugh. I'm probably going to see it and hate myself. Anyway, check out the trailer for yourself. Are you going to see it?
I've been hearing about this semi-secret Michael Cera movie, Paper Hearts, for a little bit, but I haven't been able to even find out what it's about. Cinematical has some info on it though, and I'm definitely intrigued.
At 7, CBS has a new 60 Minutes, followed by new episodes of The Amazing Race, Cold Case, and The Unit.
NBC has a new Football Night In America, then the Cowboys/Redskins game.
At 8, FOX has a new Simpsons, followed by new episodes of King of the Hill,Family Guy, and American Dad.
ABC has a new Extreme Makeover at 8, then new episodes of Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters.
PBS has a new Nature at 8, followed by a new Masterpiece Contemporary.
Food Network has the special Iron Chef America: Greatest Moments at 8, then the Iron Chef America Thanksgiving special and the season finale of Chef Jeff Project.
Disney has a new Hannah Montana at 8.
MTV has the TRL series finale at 8.
Also at 8: Showtime has a new Brotherhood, then new episodes of Dexter and Californication.
At 9, Nickelodeon has a new Nick News.
HBO has a new True Blood at 9, followed by new episodes of Entourage and Summer Heights High.
Comedy Central has the Jeff Dunham Very Special Christmas Special at 9.
At 11:30, Cartoon Network has the Robot Chicken Star Wars Episode II special.
12:23: Wolf Blitzer just reminded us that this is, in fact, an historic occasion. He also assures us that the coverage will continue. I, however, will not. All in all, CNN's coverage was adequate, but pretty boring. The reason I choose CNN over the other news channels is because of the personalities. Campbell Brown, Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper usually find ways to engage and amuse me, but not tonight. Everyone was pretty straightforward and dry. What do they think this is, network news? If I wanted straightforward and dry, I'd watch Charlie Gibson.
But hey. At least this election is over. See you in four years! 12:19: Obama finished speaking a good five minutes ago, yet nobody has broken in with commentary. That's either an admirable show of restraint or a sign that the CNN anchors are all busy getting drunk.
I can't tell you how uninterested I am in the new Star Wars series that debuts on Cartoon Network tonight at 9pm, The Clone Wars. In fact, I don't think I'm interested in the Star Wars universe at all anymore. To quote a cliche, been there, done that. To quote Yoda, watch it I won't.
Honestly, it seems like George Lucas is just creatively bankrupt. He keeps going back to the same thing (it's actually the second Clone Wars series - there was another in 2003).. He couldn't stop at the first three films in the Star Wars franchise, he had to give us three more. The first one is abysmal, the second one is OK, and the third one is pretty good. Just when you thought the entire saga was over, he comes out with an animated feature film this summer that was an intro to the new show that starts this evening.
Over the past few days it has once again become quite apparent that they have yet to invent an Olympic sport that I won't watch. Really. Fencing, Women's Air Rifle, Badminton... I'll watch it all. I spent my weekend traveling between the various channels, internet streams, and the occasional visit to my Slingbox in Boston. As far as the games go, they're as good as they've ever been. The coverage from NBC though, unfortunately, is still not nearly what it should be.
I'll admit, they got me. When I read about the plans for more live coverage, and how they were going to make use of all the other NBC/Universal properties, I thought this would be the year, the Olympic nirvana that always could have been. It's really not panning out that way. More than anything else, the word that keeps coming to mind for the NBC coverage is annoying. After the jump, some notes for NBC.
Due to the complicated and apparently outdated Emmy Awards nomination rules, prime-time animated shows like Family Guy, The Simpsons, American Dad, South Parkand others have had to choose which Emmy category they want to compete in, animated or comedy series. Then, that decision impacts eligibility for writers and animators on those shows in other categories. Well, Family Guy is in a unique position this year, as their "Blue Harvest" Star Wars parody was classified as a special. And as the animated category looks at single episodes, Family Guy can submit "Blue Harvest" to the animated category, and the show itself, to comedy series.
I'd say it's a tremendous long shot that an animated show can be nominated over the live-action comedy series it will be facing. But there's always a first time for everything; when Disney's animated Beauty and the Beast picked up an Oscar nod for "Best Picture" it was groundbreaking in the same way. It's a tough debate. These shows compete with prime-time comedies every week and yet get put up against the likes of Spongebob Squarepants come awards time. How do you compare The Venture Brothers and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends?
Being the award for Excellence in Animation, this was easily the widest ranging category, and you all really came through in your nomination suggestions (sorry The Venture Brothers doesn't qualify). With animation owning several channels all to itself and still appearing everywhere else, you've got kid's shows, very much adult only series (did I mention The Venture Brothers can't get nominated?), gag cartoons, sci-fi cartoons and even gothic horror.
With your help from my Adam Finley Award call for nominations post last week where you tried to trick me into nominating The Venture Brothers, even though I can't, we've managed to narrow down the field of contenders to what we feel were the five strongest entries into the wide world of television animation in the past season. Don't forget to check out the Reader's Choice at the bottom where you can vote for which of the five you think are deserving to win. Next week, we'll be revealing both your winner and ours.
When I first came across this video on my web travels, I thought it was part of that infamous Star Wars Holiday Special that aired in the 70s and hasn't been seen on television since (I think George Lucas is trying to forget it even exists). However, this is actually from Donny & Marie, and it's just as surreal, if not more. Long before she was dancing with other stars, Marie played Princess Leia to Donny's Luke Skywalker. Kris Kristofferson plays Han Solo (and looks like he'd rather be someplace else), the voice of Darth Vader is Thurl Ravenscroft (Tony the Tiger!), and General Harkin is played by...Paul Lynde!
The most incredible part though is Redd Foxx, who hovers above and gives little bits of wisdom. The 70s were a very screwed up time. I also don't think that Donny & Marie would get very far if they tried out for American Idol. I used to watch this show though.
(Note, the first video after the jump is completely out of ;sync. Believe me, it wouldn't be any better if the sound and video were together.)
For many longtime TV Squad readers the name Adam Finley could only be associated with one thing: the wide world of animation. Adam was passionate about animation, covering many shows for us here as well as reporting on anything and everything happening in the industry. So it's only right that the award for Excellence in Animation be named after him.
There's all kinds of possibilities for contenders here. I'd give a nod to both Star Wars tributes -- Family Guy and Robot Chicken -- and South Park definitely stretched their animation style with 'Major Boobage,' but I didn't think the episode was all that good. Aqua Teen Hunger Force had some good episodes this season (personal favorites include the VeggieTales parody and that crazy trilogy that opened the season).
But I've by no means watched all the best in animation this year, so I call out to you, dear readers. Which episodes or shows do you think set the bar or even raised it in this past year? Are The Simpsons out of their prime and not worthy of TVS recognition? How about King of the Hill or American Dad? The new The Mr. Men Show is retro-tastic, simple, but still cleverly awesome! Too many to handle! Help me TVS Readers, you're my only hope!
TV Squad already did a review of this episode when it was originally broadcast. What follows is a review of the DVD extras.
Extras include:
Episode commentary by Seth McFarlane and a bunch of other members of the production team (absent are any of the character voices other than McFarlane himself).
A twelve minute interview of George Lucas by Seth McFarlene on Star Wars, Family Guy, and a variety of other topics including dating.
A nineteen minute documentary about how much the creators of Family Guy love Star Wars.
The original animatics for the episode (includes jokes and animations that didn't make the final cut).
A Family Guy Star Wars Clip Show (clips from Family Guy episodes which reference Star Wars).
This time we've got five copies of Family Guy - Blue Harvest on DVD for five lucky, random commenters. The set is available in stores tomorrow.
To enter, simply leave a comment below before 5:00PM Eastern, Friday, January 18, simply telling us what your favorite episode of Family Guy is. As always, we'll randomly choose five winners amongst the eligible entries. Some other details:
To enter, leave a confirmed comment below stating what your favorite episode of Family Guy is.
The comment must be left before January 18, 2008 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
You may enter only once.
Five winners will be selected in a random drawing.
Five winners will receive a copy of Family Guy - Blue Harvest on DVD (valued at $22.97).
(S04E12) "Blind we are, if creation of this clone army we could not see." - Yoda
I can't be the only one that had the clone wars running through their noggin through half of this episode. I'm not even a big Star Wars fan, but as soon as Todd started in explaining how the base worked, and how they used it in the war with the Ancients, it was all I could think about. I'll be hearing Yoda in my head all weekend now. That's not to say it was a bad episode. The idea is certainly familiar, but it brought with it some interesting backstory, and that's more than a fair trade.
A roundup of TV people from in front of the camera and behind the scenes who have passed away.
Lonny Chapman: He was a veteran stage and screen actor/director who appeared on several TV shows over the years, including Murder, She Wrote, NYPD Blue, Matlock, Jake and the Fatman, Riptide, Hotel, Knight Rider, Trapper John, M.D., Simon & Simon, Vegas, Quincy, M.E., Charlies Angels, Kojak, McCloud, and many, many others. He also starred in several Broadway plays, including Come Back Little Sheba, and served in World War II. He died of heart disease at age 87.
The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their latest musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:
At 7, CBS has a new 60 Minutes, followed by new episodes of The Amazing Race, Cold Case, and The Unit.
I can't tell you how uninterested I am in the new Star Wars series that debuts on Cartoon Network tonight at 9pm, 
At 8, ABC has the season premiere of Wife Swap, followed by the season premiere of Supernanny and a new 20/20.
Over the past few days it has once again become quite apparent that they have yet to invent an Olympic sport that I won't watch. Really. Fencing, Women's Air Rifle, Badminton... I'll watch it all. I spent my weekend traveling between the various channels, internet streams, and the occasional visit to my Slingbox in Boston. As far as the games go, they're as good as they've ever been. The coverage from NBC though, unfortunately, is still not nearly what it should be.
Due to the complicated and apparently outdated Emmy Awards nomination rules, prime-time animated shows like 
Being the award for Excellence in Animation, this was easily the widest ranging category, and you all really came through in your nomination suggestions (sorry 
When I first came across this video on my web travels, I thought it was part of that infamous 
TV Squad 
This time we've got five copies of 
A roundup of TV people from in front of the camera and behind the scenes who have passed away.
Twilight Vs. Roswell: Are aliens more romantic than vampires? - VIDEO
Why do series finales have to be so final?
Spoilers Anonymous
