Netflix has unveiled the first trailer for their big tentpole Sci-Fi adventure movie titled The Midnight Sky starring and directed by George Clooney.
This post-apocalyptic tale follows Augustine (George Clooney), a lonely scientist in the Arctic, as he races to stop Sully (Felicity Jones) and her fellow astronauts from returning home to a mysterious global catastrophe. Clooney directs the adaptation of Lily Brooks-Dalton’s acclaimed novel Good Morning, Midnight, and includes a pretty stellar cast including the likes of David Oyelowo, Kyle Chandler, and Demián Bichir, and Tiffany Boone.
It’s time for my favorite part of the year. What time is that you might ask? Well, it’s the time of year when we get the previews for all the summer and fall movies coming out for the year. But why do you get excited just for summer and fall movies, you might ask? Well, simply put, they’re just better. Summer films are meant to entertain, while the fall fare is all Oscar bait and leftover blockbusters that didn’t make the cut so you’re either getting A-grade quality or C-grade cheesiness, both of which are very enjoyable.
In this edition of Trailer Roundup, trailers for what might win Best Picture at the Oscars or Worst Picture at the Razzies will share the stage to be consumed for your film-going pleasures.
The Watch (RedBand)
Formerly known as Neighborhood Watch, the film has gone through some major marketing changes due to some recent current events. The film follows an ‘urbanite’ who moves to a new community and joins the Neighborhood Watch, who soon find out that they are in the midst of an alien invasion. It looked hilarious back before the marketing switch, and it looks even better now that they are focusing on the aliens. – SupaScoot
Stars: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Billy Crudup, Rosemarie DeWitt, Will Forte, and R. Lee Ermey
Release Date: July 27, 2012
Bait
In this R-rated gorefest from unknown director Kimble Rendall, Bait 3D follows a group of tsunami survivors who are trapped in a supermarket. And not because of the water. No, there’s a 12-foot killer shark lurking in the surrounding waters, and the only chance of survival they have is waiting for the water levels to die down. Does this sound stupid? Yes. Is the trailer stupid? Yes. But is it going to be a shark-filled, gore-filled, dead-person-filled, cheesy-dialouge-filled piece of awesome shit? Absolutely.
Stars: Phoebe Tonkin, Alex Russell, Xavier Samuel, Julian McMahon, Sharni Vinson, Cariba Heine, and Lincoln Lewis
Release Date: September 6th, 2012
Argo
I think we can all agree that Ben Affleck is a better director than he is an actor. So his newest film, which he directed I might add, looks pretty great. I love movies about movies, and that’s what Argo is… kind of. According to IMDb: As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador. That risky plan you might ask? Make a fake movie. Argo looks to be the most entertaining war story of the year.
Stars: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Michael Parks, Chris Messina, Victor Garber, Bryan Cranston, Kyle Chandler, Taylor Schilling, Michael Cassidy, and Clea DuVall
Release Date: October 12th, 2012
The Possession
It seems like we’ve just got the preview for this year’s biggest stinker. Produced by Sam Raimi of all people, The Possession follows a little girl who purchases a mysterious antique box at a local garage sale. Unbeknownst to her, the box is home to a malevolent spirit that possess her body, and it’s up to her parents to stop it. The problem isn’t that it looks poorly made, it just looks so derivative. It’s even “Based on a True Story”. I can’t wait until the day Hollywood runs out of true stories to tell.
Stars: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, Madison Davenport, Natasha Calis, Grant Snow, Agam Darshi, Quinn Lord, and (not even joking around here) Matisyahu
Release Date: August 31st, 2012
Killer Joe
Alright, everyone. This is where shit gets serious. Matthew McConaghuey in an NC-17 movie directed by William Friedkin based on a play by Tracy Letts? Count me the hell in. Oh yeah, and the movie co-stars Emile Hirsch and Juno Temple, two of the best young actors working in Hollywood. After accumulating a hefty debt, a young man hires a hit man to kill his evil mother who has a $50,000 life insurance plan on her. Thing is, the hit man is a maniacal wacko who instead accepts the boy’s sister’s hand in marriage instead of monetary payment. Things get a little crazy, apparently.
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Gina Gershon, and Thomas Haden Church
Release Date: June 29th, 2o12
Fat Kid Rules The World (RedBand)
In Fat Kid Rules The World, Troy is a morbidly obese and depressed teenager who, after attempting suicide, is saved by street performer and teenage drug addict Marcus. The two form a bond and start a punk band together, bringing Troy both confidence and fame as he realizes his impact on the world. But when Marcus’ drug addiction becomes a problem, it’s up to Troy to help him live to see another day. From the trailer, it seems like this will be a great quirky coming-of-age film that will appeal to all demographics.
Stars: Jacob Wysocki, Matt O’Leary, Billy Campbell, Sean Donovan, Jeffrey Doornbos, Vivan Dugre, Julian Gavilanes, Russell Hodgkinson, and Matthew Lillard
Release Date: TBD
The Host
Stephenie Meyer adaptations have a reputation for being… complete and total shit. Much like the adaptations of Nicholas Sparks, moviegoers appreciate none-too-much the sappiness and artificial fluff that comes with a love triangle between a human and a vampire and a werewolf. So, it’s rather surprising that the teaser trailer for Meyers’ most recent adaptation, The Host, looks halfway not shitty. Starring Saoirse Ronan, the film is about a dystopian future where there is no crime, no hate, and no conflict because of a parasitic alien soul that invades peoples’ bodies… I think.
Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Diane Kruger, William Hurt, Frances Fisher, Max Irons, Jake Abel, Chandler Canterbury, and Scott Lawrence
Release Date: March 29th, 2013
The We and the I
Michel Gondry understands the human condition better than a psychologist, so it’s fitting that he would make a film about a bunch of seniors during their last bus ride home from school. The premise is fascinating and seems to me like a film that would be adapted into a play or vice versa. From the trailer, it seems like the portrayal of these kids is extremely accurate, and I’m quite excited to see how their different personalities play against one another in a film that takes place in such a confined space.
Stars: Meghan Murphy, Alex Barrios, Brandon Diaz, Joe Mele, Lady Chen Carrasco, Patricia Jade Persaud, Jonathan Scott Worrell, and Raymond Rios
Release Date: TBD
Beasts of the Southern Wild
This trailer for the Sundance Film Festival favorite looks to be equal parts The Tree of Life and Where the Wild Things Are, except possibly even more magical than those two combined. The story follows a six-year-old named Hushpuppy who goes in search of her mother after learning of her father’s deteriorating health. Along the way, she meets a fascinating cast of characters who all teach her something about life. To be honest, this is possibly one of the most gorgeous trailers I’ve ever seen and I truly can’t wait to see this film.
Stars: Quvenzhane Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, Marilyn Barbarin, Jonshel Alexander, Kaliana Brower, Joseph Brown, and Nicholas Clark
Release Date: TBD
That does it for this edition of the Trailer Roundup!
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Looks like we just cannot let you go Coach Taylor.
Several outlets, including IGN, EW.com, and E! Online are reporting that Peter Berg, director of the first Friday Night Lights movie and Executive Producer of the awesome just ended series is moving forward with a movie. While promoting his new series Prime Suspect, Berg says in regards to the FNL flick to E!Online, “We’re writing a script. We’ve been meeting with Jason Katims, the last couple of weeks. We have a real good script idea. We want to do it. We’re very serious about doing it and we intend to do it.” Jason Katims in case you forgot, was the showrunner of Friday Night Lights during it’s five season run on the peacock. More quotes? Okay, here Katims elaborating to EW.com, “It is something that we had talked about for a couple of years, almost in a half-kidding way. And then a few months ago, (exec producter) Brian Grazer and Pete called me saying they really wanted to do this. We had some meetings and we came up with a direction that we really loved. The trick was to figure out a way to both honor the series and not move away from that, but still find something that would be a satisfying movie in and of itself. It’s still very early — I’m just beginning to plot out the story for the script — but it’s something that we’re all excited about.”
A couple weeks ago I got excited and told you about the quality of nominations from the first ever ‘Critics Choice TV Awards’. Representation for Community, Parks and Rec, Always Sunny, and Justified made me think someone had finally gotten it right. Then the winners were announced. Most of the good-will they had built with me has since disappeared. Let’s take a look…
BEST DRAMA SERIES
– Desired Winner: Justified – Predicted Winner: Boardwalk Empire – Actual Winner: Mad Men
This is about the least inspired choice possible. Way to distinguish yourselves by picking the show that has won this award 3 years running from the Emmy committee. I feel like they mailed this one in for a bid to be taken seriously, and in that bid I think they lose credibility.
It’s nice to see Justified nominated, but it looks like this one was over before it started. Mad Men is obviously not a terrible pick as all the shows were good, just seems uninspired.
BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
– Desired Winner: Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights” – Predicted Winner: William H. Macy, “Shameless” – Actual Winner: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
This is again predictable. I really like Jon Hamm, but so far this looks just the same as every other awards show out there, giving gold to maybe the most over-rated show on television.
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
– Desired Winner: Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights” – Predicted Winner: Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men” – Actual Winner: Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
This is a show that I admit to have not watched, so I can say anything against the pick, but can’t speak for it either. Julianna Margulies is a solid actress and I’ve heard only good things about this show, so I’ll just give them the benifit of doubt and assume this was the right pick, but it’s too bad FNL didn’t get any love from the voters. This is the spot I thought Mad Men would get it’s statue, but obviously they still cleaned up without it…
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
– Desired Winner: Walton Goggins, “Justified” – Predicted Winner: Walton Goggins, “Justified” – Actual Winner: John Noble, “Fringe”
Normally I wouldn’t have any problem with the greatly under-rated Fringe collecting some accolades, except in this case where it costs Goggins a much deserved victory here. Noble is great, I just thought it was Boyd Crowder’s year is all…
Well HOLY SHIT, I almost called one right! Justified almost took the spotlight, but instead had to share it with – You Guessed It – Mad Men. Now I love Hendricks from her days on Firefly, but come on. This is a sham. A tie? BOOO. Martindale should’ve had this one to herself.
BEST COMEDY SERIES
– Desired Winner: “Parks and Recreation” – Predicted Winner: “Modern Family” – Actual Winner: “Modern Family”
I really have no issue here. Parks and Rec I thought deserved it, but Modern Family is a great show. And to be honest, with the quality of nominees here, so long as it didn’t go to Glee or The Big Bang Theory I was gonna be ok with it. That being said, Modern Family would’ve been 3rd on my list, behind Community at 2nd. Anyhow, who can complain about a show that stars Sofia Vergara and Julie Bowen, with Al Bundy to boot?
BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
– Desired Winner: Charlie Day, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” – Predicted Winner: Steve Carell, “The Office” – Actual Winner: Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”
This is without a doubt the biggest issue I have with this list. The Big Bang Theory is unbelievably stupid and keeps getting rewarded for it’s formulaic CBS assembly line style of comedy. Nothing against Parsons personally, but this just seems to be a show about who non-nerd imagine real nerds act. And his character is annoying. I hate this show. And when you take into account the other 4 nominees, this decision makes even less sense…
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
– Desired Winner: Martha Plimpton, “Raising Hope” – Predicted Winner: Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation” – Actual Winner: Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Not it’s not unusual to hear me praise Tina Fey, I’m a huge fan of her’s. The problem I have here is that this was easily the weakest season of 30 Rock to date, while Amy Poehler’s Parks and Recreation really took off this season and I just don’t get the choice. Sure, in 2009 – Fey over Poehler is a no-brainier, but this one just seems like a reputation win…
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
– Desired Winner: Nick Offerman, “Parks & Rec” – Predicted Winner: Nick Offerman, “Parks & Rec” – Actual Winner: NPH, “How I Met Your Mother”
If Jim Parson’s won is my #1 issue, this is my #1B issue. I like NPH, but as we’ve talked about in the past HIMYM isn’t what it once was, and this was without a doubt Nick Offerman’s award. Offerman’s ‘Ron Swanson’ is the best character on television and he was absolutely robbed here. It makes me wonder if the voters even watched Parks and Rec this season. As much as I like Harris, he actually would’ve been last on my list of the 5 nominees…
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
– Desired Winner: Julie Bowen, “Modern Family” – Predicted Winner: Jane Lynch, “Glee” – Actual Winner: Busy Philipps, “Cougar Town”
While many awards shows (like anything on MTV) make a habit of rewarding mediocrity, much like Fan Voting on All-Star ballots. Often times the most deserving candidates are ignored for more popular or recognizable choices. However the new “Critics’ Choice TV Awards” seem to more on target. Today they released a list of nominees for the June 20th Award Show. Here is a list minus the ‘Reality TV’ bullshit, along with who I think should win in RED, and who I think will win in BLUE. If the choice is the same, it’ll be GREEN. Pretty simple.
BEST DRAMA SERIES
“Boardwalk Empire” “Dexter” “Friday Night Lights” “Fringe” “Game of Thrones” “The Good Wife” “Justified” “The Killing” “Mad Men” “The Walking Dead”
I don’t watch Mad Men anymore, and I fricking love Game of Thrones, to be honest, I really like all these shows. This is an excellent list. And while Justified is my favorite show on TV, critics typically like the period stuff. So I think Boardwalk Empire has the best chance here…
BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire” Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights” Michael C. Hall, “Dexter” Jon Hamm, “Mad Men” William H. Macy, “Shameless” Timothy Olyphant, “Justified”
It’s hard for me to not pick Olyphant here, but I skip him only because, in season 2, as good as he was, he was out-shined by Walton Goggins. Kyle Chandler on the other hand carried FNL for years and deserves some recognition. The reason however I’m predicting Macy for the win is his history of love from the critics, and Shameless being such a departure from his normal role. Plus, they over looked Emmy Rossum for ‘Leading Actress’, so this could be their make-up.
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights” Mireille Enos, “The Killing” Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife” Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men” Katey Sagal, “Sons of Anarchy” Anna Torv, “Fringe”
How Emmy Rossum got skipped over here is beyond me. She would’ve been my pick to win it, but as she’s not an option I had to look elsewhere. I went to the FNL well again as the final season really focused on Coach and his wife. The show would lack credibility however if Mad Men went winless, so they’ll give it to Moss.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Alan Cumming, “The Good Wife” Walton Goggins, “Justified” Shawn Hatosy, “Southland” John Noble, “Fringe” Michael Pitt, “Boardwalk Empire” John Slattery, “Mad Men”
This one should be over before it begins. Walton Goggins has to be the winner here or this Awards Show will be a joke. Goggins took what was a great character in season 1 and somehow stepped it up a notch. Put a bow on it, Boyd Crowder is winning this one…
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Michelle Forbes, “The Killing” Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men” Margo Martindale, “Justified” Kelly Macdonald, “Boardwalk Empire” Archie Panjabi, “The Good Wife” Chloë Sevigny, “Big Love”
This one is another slam dunk for me. Like with Walton Goggins, I had my winner here picked before I even saw the nominees. ‘Mags Bennett’ is one of the best villains to come on TV in years.
“Archer” “The Big Bang Theory” “Community” “Glee” “Louie” “The Middle” “Modern Family” “The Office” “Parks and Recreation” “30 Rock”
It would appear Modern Family is their darling, receiving 6 nods, and while I love that show, I would say it’s really only 3rd best on this list behind Parks and Recreation and Community.
BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” Steve Carell, “The Office” Louis C.K., “Louie” Charlie Day, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Joel McHale, “Community” Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”
Seems like it’d be a perfect ‘Swan Song’ for Steve Carell here, but The Office isn’t the show it once was. And I for one would love to see It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia get some much deserved love.
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Courteney Cox, “Cougar Town” Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie” Tina Fey, “30 Rock” Patricia Heaton, “The Middle” Martha Plimpton, “Raising Hope” Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”
Amy Poehler seems like a shew-in for this award. 30 Rock has taken a bit of a slide this last season, and Cox and Falco just feel like long shots. My pick here would be Martha Plimpton and her career resurgence with Raising Hope. Show is greatly under-rated, admittedly I might be a bit partial since she was a Goonie, but there it is. Live with it.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell, “Modern Family” NPH, “How I Met Your Mother” Nick Offerman, “Parks & Rec” Ed O’Neill, “Modern Family” Danny Pudi, “Community” Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”
This might be the greatest collection of nominees ever. There isn’t a single character on this list I don’t love. But as much as it pains to again pick against Community, there really is only one choice here. Ron F–king Swanson – The best character on Television.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Julie Bowen, “Modern Family” Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock” Jane Lynch, “Glee” Busy Philipps, “Cougar Town” Eden Sher, “The Middle” Sofía Vergara, “Modern Family”
I hate Glee, but the critics don’t. For my money though I’d have to give it to Happy Gilmore’s girlfriend Julie Bowen. I bet you were expecting me to pick Sofia Vergara here just so I could justify putting up her picture. Well guess what, Julie Bowen is beautiful too! Jane Lynch not so much…
There is also the fact that it’s my website and no one can stop me from ALSO posting a picture of Vergara…
So we’ll check back in and see who wins once it’s announced, I’m sure my predictions will be way off!
Ron Swanson Approves!
What are you’re picks for each category? Please comment below…
What Ever Happened to Original Summer Movies? It’s Okay, I Made a Solid List For You to Watch…
When I volunteered to do an article about summer movies, I felt right at home. Ever since we were in high school, Doc Kronner and I would set up movie events in the summer where we would gather scores of friends together to partake in the best and worst movies of the season. But they were event movies for a reason, we would always debate afterwards whether one movie was better than the other, how much it impressed us or let us down. It was great times to be had. Needless to say, I had my list of ten movies that I was looking forward to. A solid ten in my mind that I could get myself excited about.
Then I got the bomb dropped on me. I had to do the article that involved no sequels and no comic book movies. That kind of made me blow up my list and start from scratch. The tent pole pictures of the summer were all comic book movies or sequels. I actually had to research what was coming out this summer in order to write this article. However, I’m glad it worked out this way, because I think I have some stuff you guys need to check out. Not because it has a built-in fan base, but because it just looks damn interesting and it’s about time we covered something original for the summer, right? So in chronological order, I have some summer movies you need to check out that are either original, or might be flying under your superhero radar.
Bridesmaids (May 13)
Now, I hate the marketing team that keeps begging this the female equivalent of The Hangover. It should be expected considering the massive success of the movie, but remember when The Sweetest Thing was supposed to be the solution to the R-Rated female comedy? Let’s keep the comparisons on the down low and look at the basics. You have a Kristen Wiig starring vehicle. Check. She wrote it too? Check. Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, and Ellie Kemper? Check. Aww, sweet, Jon Hamm? Yeah, sign me up. As long as the Target Lady or Gilly doesn’t show up, I’m game.
Hesher (May 13)
Okay, technically this film has been around since early 2010 doing the film circuit run, but it’s finally getting a wide release this summer and it’s definitely going to be way under the radar. It’s my job to make sure you see this movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Hesher, a bad-ass troublemaker that enters the lives of T.J. (Devin Brochu – Rubber) and his dad (Rainn Wilson) after the loss of his mother. Natalie Portman is also in this movie, and since she is the only reason I would ever punt a small animal just so she can say ‘hi’ to me, that means I would be seeing this movie. But the thing is, this movie is supposed to be awesome. Even without Natalie, I think I would still be talking about how we need to see this movie. The trailer’s nice, go check it out and see why Gordon-Levitt is starting to become one of my favorite actors.
Super 8 (June 10)
This is the closest movie to an ‘event flick’ on my list. Amongst my friends, I think I was one of two that actually made it to the end of Lost after six seasons. I actually DVR’d Undercovers too, so that shows I am a J.J. Abrams slappy. However, the guy is a great storyteller, and Spielberg endorses him, so you know you are going to get a visual treat. And lens flares. Like, a million of them.
Regardless, this has Kyle Chandler(I will always carry the football for you Coach Taylor) and it has a childhood nostalgic feel to it. Abrams combined the plot of a monster/alien movie getting loose with a dramatic idea he had about growing up making Super 8 films with his friends, and getting fascinated with filmmaking. Yet another coming of age movie, but throw a little action and sci-fi in there and you get probably the movie I most look forward to on my list.
Horrible Bosses (July 8th)
Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis. C’mon now, that’s friggin’ sweet. Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston, and Kevin Spacey play the bosses they want to murder? Okay, you had me at hello. The big kicker? According to IMDB, Jaime Foxx plays a guy named ‘Motherf*cka Jones’. Done and done. I am all for seeing Charlie Day get more prominent roles seeing as it feels like we wait forever for Always Sunny.
Also, Julie Bowen is also in it, so it’s another reason to see if she yells an awkward, “HAPPY LOOK OUTAH!”
Cowboys & Aliens (July 29)
Yeah yeah, it’s based off a graphic novel. I don’t care, I need to mention this movie, which is also the second movie on my list that screams ‘event movie’. James Bond, Indiana Jones, Olive Wilde, Sam Rockwell…uhh, hello awesome cast? I remember seeing the first teaser trailer one year ago where no one knew what the movie was until the title card came. I remember people in the theater groaning asking aloud, “You cannot be serious…” I then turned to my girlfriend and she turned to me and said, “We have to see that on the title alone.” And that is why I hang out with awesome people. But I digress. It’s a high concept movie, but with Jon Favreau behind the lens I think we will be good hands. Or we better hope so because he passed on Iron Man 3 and Avengers for this. That has to count for something, right?
30 Minutes or Less (August 12)
Aziz Ansari is a genius. He’s probably the best sidekick to have in anything media related, because he steps in with the best observations or reactions to make awesome comedy. With Jesse Eisenberg playing straight man to Aziz’s manic best friend, that should be on the list. If I attempt to explain the plot, I tend to lose interest because it sounds pretty weird. Just know that Eisenberg digs Ansari’s sister, has a bomb strapped to his chest, and must rob a bank so Danny McBride can hire a hitman. See? How that’s how you set a tease.
Victory laps are usually reserved for the revered, the celebrated or the most popular. We are just going to have to settle for the best in this case. As Friday Night Lights made its final season debut on April 15th to tie for last place in the ratings, we must think whether they deserved such an awful way to end its run. DirecTV viewers have been done with the season for months, heck , this fifth season is already out on DVD right now. From a television executive standpoint, you have to wonder, why does this show, the little show that could, even bother? Well, it is the same reason why I was asked to do this article: Friday Night Lights was one of the best damn shows on television in the last decade.
I have been an avid watcher of this show when it first launched back in 2006 to mediocre ratings. I had seen the movie and thought it was worthwhile enough to give the show a shot. Obviously no Billy Bob but hey, life is not meant to be perfect. I remember the pre-launch of the show, and that it had garnered the best reviews, some even declaring the pilot to be one of the best ever made. Granted, critics and opinions do not mean much in the world today of bloggers, or just people who troll IMDB message boards (right boss?), but it was something that had to be seen and watched. I figured, if it is a show about football, it has got to be at least watchable right?
I remember the pilot being easily being unforgettable. It had several moments of intensity, sincerity, levity and just pure fun that pulled me into its grasp. Although it had the same principle plot of the movie, (powerhouse team becomes underdog after horrible injury with a twist), the episode was very well constructed and kept the pace original and fresh to make the idea seem less stale.
That and Matt Saracen (Zack Gilford) is my boy.
Now, I admit, I have a soft spot for dramas. Not only stuff like 24 or Boardwalk Empire or anything dealing with action and HBO, but I love The O.C. I get crapped on about it every once in a while, because let’s face it, it is not something someone would readily admit out loud. The reason I mention this was because for the most part (effin’ Oliver), the first season of the The O.C. was brilliant. They captured the dynamics of friendship, comedy, relationships so well that I wanted to hang with Seth Cohen, crush on Summer Roberts, and have awesome benefactors like Sandy and Kirsten Cohen. The humanity of people was prominent during the season, and the one thing I always noted was the dynamics of the parents relationship. Sandy and Kirsten acted like adults. They had their issues, ups and downs but they got through it because they did not have their heads up their asses. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) are that couple.
They keep the show, and everyone involved, as grounded as possible. I give the writers a lot of credit. They threw obstacles at them, but there was not an ex, or a ridiculous plot in order drive a wedge in between the two. It was bigger houses, money , jobs…things real couples argue about in life. They were not perfect, they had their flaws. But they were perfect for that show and for each other.
Watching the first season made me come to the conclusion that it was so good, it probably would not last more than two or three seasons. This came out around the same time that Arrested Development was still struggling to find audiences despite the perfection of that show. No one gave any hope to the critical darlings that kept people entertained, or at least those that watched it. They wanted the low-concept projects that the A.D.D generation did not have to think too much about. Which is fine, I am not here to preach about peoples’ television watching habits or their tastes. I am just happy that this show was able to last five seasons after going down to wire like the Dillon Panthers and the end of every game.
Coach yelling at Riggins. Classic.
The characters drove this show, obviously being led by the Taylors (Chandler, Britton, and Aimee Teegarden) but as with any ensemble show, they are only as good as the surrounding parts. You had Jason Street (Scott Porter), Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki), Smash Williams (Gaius Charles), the Lyla and Buddy Garrity (Minka Kelly and Brad Leland), Kronner’s boy Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch), Landry Clarke (Jesse Plemons – Paul), and even Grandma Saracen (Louanne Stephens) in the first season that clicked together.
Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki, and Amiee Teegarden.
As the seasons progressed, they added more characters such as Luke Cafferty (Matt Lauria – The Chicago Code), Vince Howard (Michael B. Jordan), Jess Merriweather (Jurnee Smollett), and Becky Sproles (Madison Burge) for the last two seasons but it was always the Taylors that took center stage.
They responded to situations in the most human way possible, whether to compromising, arguing, and not doing overly stupid things. They were the moral compass of the show and their impact showed through the last five years in the growth of everyone, even themselves.
The second season had its hiccups with a plot to build new viewership that was just unnecessary and stupid, but we still had the same base. They rebounded the next few seasons and still helped build a consistent and entertaining show to watch. It is interesting to think that people did not watch the show because it was about football. Or maybe, because it was not about football at all. This is a show about courage, compromise, family, and growing up. Football was just the backdrop. This could have been about basketball, baseball, badminton, whatever, it was just there to help get from point A to point B.
I truly believe that if you give this show a chance, you will walk away impressed and wanting more. There may not be explosions, Kiefer, vampires, or a mysterious island – and the concept may be boring to some, but it truly is one of the best shows on television. There is just something about hearing, “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose”, that just makes me smile. Give it shot and it may make you smile too.
Grizzly Bomb 