I've seen a bunch of smart docs on the idiot box lately, and though they have all aired already, I still want to recommend them here. It takes me a while to wade through the vast amount of...well, junk I accumulate on my DVR, OK? If you haven't seen 'em, hopefully these'll pop up again in some format.
Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times: Did PBS even tell anybody this was gonna be on? I barely snagged it, and after viewing it, I couldn't believe it didn't get more attention. It's a classy but compelling look at the very creation of Los Angeles, its rise as a major city, and some of its struggles through the years, all filtered through the Chandler family and the "Los Angeles Times" it published. It delves into the corruption of the LAPD, the political influence of the historically conservative Chandlers, and the gradual decline of the newspaper industry, all in a coherent, entertaining 2-hour package narrated by the ever-smooth Liev Schreiber. Not to mention that pretty stellar pun in the title. If any of this appeals to you, watch this documentary.
JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America: I suppose there are some people who complain each time the History Channel (or, excuse me, HISTORY) finds another way to get a few hours of programming out of the JFK assassination. Come on, though, even if you resent baby boomers and their obsessions, is this really the kind of programming we want to cite to get on History's case? Of course not. I almost always enjoy JFK-assassination-related programs, and while I've seen a lot of them, this one offered plenty of new footage.
Unblike many recent productions of the channel, this one didn't rely on reenactments. In fact, other than a vaguely ominous musical score and some stark, unobtrusive title screens (mostly to keep track of the actual time that day as events unfolded), it was all archival footage from different TV and radio sources.
The two-hour special took us in sequential order from JFK's arrival in Dallas to Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald, and it was filled with poignant moments. I was particularly struck by footage of Americans reacting to the shocking news. It's amazing that all these years later, the occasion still has that power, and the fact that it does means there is still the potential for worthwhile documentaries on the subject, even when they don't jump into the rabbit hole of conspiracy. This is an outstanding effort worth seeing even if you have seen a ton of Kennedy stuff.
ESPN 30 for 30: Muhammad and Larry: I've seen several of the ESPN "30 for 30" documentaries, all of which are fascinating hourlong programs. This one is a fine mix of the contemporaneous Maysles brothers film from 1980 documenting the Muhammad Ali/Larry Holmes heavyweight boxing championship match with new interviews.
Holmes demolished a pre-Parkinsons but already diminished Ali in the bout, and apparently people lost their will for the project, so the original material is resurrected for this documentary, which focuses on the senselessness of Ali taking the fight in the first place. It's stunning to see Ali deteriorate even over the course of the 1980 footage, and you don't need to see him struggling to take on a speed bag to know something was wrong even before Holmes destroyed him.
Holmes comes off as a pretty cool dude. Vilified at the time for taking down a legend and never really appreciated as a champion, the guy lives in his hometown of Easton, is a fixture in the community, is married to the same woman he was in '80, and seems to have most of his faculties intact.
I'm no Ali fan, but it's easy to feel sorry for him (without blaming Holmes) when you see this remarkable time capsule. The "30 for 30" film raises questions about why Ali was still boxing at 38 years old, and it at least hints at many of the unsavory aspects of the sport. Come to think of it, are there any great boxing movies that DON'T deal with the unsavory aspects of the sport?
Even if you resent the canonization of Ali and the pass he apparently gets for the way he treated people like Joe Frazier, you will be moved by "Muhammad and Larry," an evocative exploration of a major sporting event that has gone underdocumented seemingly because people have wanted to forget about it.
Showing posts with label Cultureshark Recommends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cultureshark Recommends. Show all posts
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Cultureshark Recommends
Every now and then I like to add a big, heaping dose of positivity to this blog and use the space to promote some stuff I like.
*Assault in the Ring: This is an excellent HBO Sports documentary running now about a 1983 boxing match between veteran Luis Resto and rising contender Billy Collins. Resto's gloves were tampered with--much of the padding was removed--and Collins absorbed a brutal beating in the fight, a mauling which led to severe injury, the end of his career, and arguably his death in a reckless auto accident shortly afterwards.
The film explores the culpability for the tampering, focusing on Resto, a shell of a man since the incident, and his old trainer Panama Lewis, a real boxing character if ever there was one (In boxing, "character" often means "sleazeball." At first, you wonder how in the world they can get nearly 90 minutes out of this incident, but the movie takes you through a series of amazing turns as the filmmakers try to get to the truth. It's a sports movie that becomes increasingly personal and penetrating; a gripping, emotional work that appeals to boxing fans, lapsed boxing fans, and non-fans--my wife watched most of this with me and enjoyed it. Another fantastic addition to the roster of notable HBO Sports documentaries.
*Assault in the Ring: This is an excellent HBO Sports documentary running now about a 1983 boxing match between veteran Luis Resto and rising contender Billy Collins. Resto's gloves were tampered with--much of the padding was removed--and Collins absorbed a brutal beating in the fight, a mauling which led to severe injury, the end of his career, and arguably his death in a reckless auto accident shortly afterwards.
The film explores the culpability for the tampering, focusing on Resto, a shell of a man since the incident, and his old trainer Panama Lewis, a real boxing character if ever there was one (In boxing, "character" often means "sleazeball." At first, you wonder how in the world they can get nearly 90 minutes out of this incident, but the movie takes you through a series of amazing turns as the filmmakers try to get to the truth. It's a sports movie that becomes increasingly personal and penetrating; a gripping, emotional work that appeals to boxing fans, lapsed boxing fans, and non-fans--my wife watched most of this with me and enjoyed it. Another fantastic addition to the roster of notable HBO Sports documentaries.
*Wednesday Comics: I have heard that DC Comics weekly tabloid-sized newspaper-insert-like comics assortment is not selling well, or at least is declining steadily. That's a shame because, whatever else DC is up to, the company really has something here. The sheer size of it makes this unique, and it's enjoyable to just lay out each week's issue and stare at the 16 regular features. The format and the white gutter space makes the art and the color stand out, and it's easy to be absorbed by the spectacle of it. Plus the stories are pretty cool, too. There is a great variety of "strips," each feature a page long each issue, with war heroes like Sgt. Rock in there alongside Kamandi (which plays like a throwback to classic adventure strips of yore) and standard superheroes like Superman and Batman. Check out the Flash/Iris West feature which pays homage to romance strips. Overall, "Wednesday Comics" is something many old-timers wish more comics were today: FUN.
*Michael and Michael Have Issues: I think Comedy Central ended its short run of this series last week, but I hope more is on the way. Unfortunately, it looks like this another funny but low-rated effort from "The State" vets Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter. This time out, they're sketch show stars who feud with each other during the production of their series. The gimmick is that we see some of the sketch segments, but those are much less interesting than the "behind the scenes" material. It's solid if not spectacular show, with the two Michaels hilariously petty and selfish and mean to each other. I don't think this batch of episodes quite fulfilled the potential of the premise, but I'd like to see more.
*Michael and Michael Have Issues: I think Comedy Central ended its short run of this series last week, but I hope more is on the way. Unfortunately, it looks like this another funny but low-rated effort from "The State" vets Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter. This time out, they're sketch show stars who feud with each other during the production of their series. The gimmick is that we see some of the sketch segments, but those are much less interesting than the "behind the scenes" material. It's solid if not spectacular show, with the two Michaels hilariously petty and selfish and mean to each other. I don't think this batch of episodes quite fulfilled the potential of the premise, but I'd like to see more.
*Carson's Comedy Classics: I have no idea why Reelz Channel (Motto: TV about Movies) is running the old syndicated half-hour package of comedy skits from "The Tonight Show," but I check it out from time to time. Some pieces are funny, some are awful, some are fun for the time capsule aspect or the guest stars...but I really love Carnac. Even though it's the same formula every time, I love watching it: The corniness of the punchlines, the mock irritation with which Carson as Carnac treats Ed McMahon, the insults he levies at the audience when it cheers the announcement of "the last envelope"--it works for me just about every time. If you get Reelz, look for this one to pop up several times each weekday.
*Aaron Barnhart's story on the late night talk show scene (Click here): One of many analyses of the late night situation now that Jay Leno is on the verge of launching his 10:00 P.M. show. I've read "K.C. Star" critic Barnhart before, and he's a savvy observer, but I give credit to Mark Evanier for tipping us off about this piece and for adding his own comments. Evanier doesn't often do the longer-form kind of stories such as Barnhart's, but he always has an interesting take on any given late-night TV development in his always-essential blog. I'll tell you one thing about all this: For about 10 years now, I've been way more interested in following the "late night wars" than in actually watching the shows.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cultureshark Recommends
*"MLB Tonight": This show has already become a must-see for the hardcore fan. I don't get to see it every night, but it quickly supplanted "Baseball Tonight" as my personal highlights show of choice.
*Superbrawl V on WWE 24/7: Sure, I have better things to do than to watch an early-1990s WCW pay per view, especially one that features Bunkhouse Buck against Hacksaw Jim Duggan. But one thing makes this compelling television: Drunken Bobby Heenan. I used to think that the talk of Heenan showing up inebriated for WCW television was overblown, but sure enough, he sounds like he's sloshed during this broadcast. The man came to a live TV event like this! Some might find this proof of wrestling's low class, and to those I say...so? Hearing Heenan slur his way through the show makes the lackluster event worth at least a glance (or just a listen).
"Irredeemable" #1 by Mark Waid: Between this, "The Incredibles," and "The Muppet Show," I'm really digging Boom! Studios' comics lately. If the story and art itself don't pull you in, read Mark Waid's pitch/mission statement in the back of the book, in which he does a great job of laying out what's going on and what's to come. Of course, by the time you have read the story and art, if you're not into it, the pitch ain't gonna put you over the edge. Because you already read it. Where was I?
Oh, yeah, It's the story of the world's greatest superhero and how (and maybe more importantly, why) he becomes the world's greatest supervillain. There are a lot of wow moments and intriguing ideas in issue 1, so while this is a satisfying installment in itself, it's really a table setter for what's to come.
AMC's Free Streaming B-Movies: I mentioned this in Shark Bites, but I'm mentioning it again because I need to fill space--uh, because it may well be the best the best thing the erstwhile American Movie Classics has done since they put Bob Dorian to pasture. I have yet to actually watch one of these yet, but I tested it the other day, and, yep, it works: AMC's website has cool old B-movies, many unavailable on DVD (and unavailable on AMC, for that matter), free! It's nice to have a reason to say "Bravo" to AMC. If only any of us had a reason to say "Bravo" to Bravo, but that's a cable network to gripe about another day.
*Superbrawl V on WWE 24/7: Sure, I have better things to do than to watch an early-1990s WCW pay per view, especially one that features Bunkhouse Buck against Hacksaw Jim Duggan. But one thing makes this compelling television: Drunken Bobby Heenan. I used to think that the talk of Heenan showing up inebriated for WCW television was overblown, but sure enough, he sounds like he's sloshed during this broadcast. The man came to a live TV event like this! Some might find this proof of wrestling's low class, and to those I say...so? Hearing Heenan slur his way through the show makes the lackluster event worth at least a glance (or just a listen).
"Irredeemable" #1 by Mark Waid: Between this, "The Incredibles," and "The Muppet Show," I'm really digging Boom! Studios' comics lately. If the story and art itself don't pull you in, read Mark Waid's pitch/mission statement in the back of the book, in which he does a great job of laying out what's going on and what's to come. Of course, by the time you have read the story and art, if you're not into it, the pitch ain't gonna put you over the edge. Because you already read it. Where was I?
Oh, yeah, It's the story of the world's greatest superhero and how (and maybe more importantly, why) he becomes the world's greatest supervillain. There are a lot of wow moments and intriguing ideas in issue 1, so while this is a satisfying installment in itself, it's really a table setter for what's to come.
AMC's Free Streaming B-Movies: I mentioned this in Shark Bites, but I'm mentioning it again because I need to fill space--uh, because it may well be the best the best thing the erstwhile American Movie Classics has done since they put Bob Dorian to pasture. I have yet to actually watch one of these yet, but I tested it the other day, and, yep, it works: AMC's website has cool old B-movies, many unavailable on DVD (and unavailable on AMC, for that matter), free! It's nice to have a reason to say "Bravo" to AMC. If only any of us had a reason to say "Bravo" to Bravo, but that's a cable network to gripe about another day.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Cultureshark Recommends (Stuff I Like)
My last several posts have been rather on the negative side, so today I'm going 100% positive and touting some things I like in the world of pop culture right now:
*Christian Slater in "He Was a Quiet Man": This little-seen film played in heavy rotation on the Showtime networks recently. It's an intriguing sleeper that takes you into the mind of a troubled loner (Slater) who harbors fantasies of slaughtering his co-workers. Then one day--well, even though it occurs early in the movie, I don't want to give it away.
Slater is excellent here. It's not just the gimmick of the receding hair and the glasses, but a true performance as Slater inhabits this lonely, beaten-down soul. I was really impressed by his work in carrying this entertaining little film, which also features Elisha Cuthbert (who has probably never been better) and John "Project Greenlight" Gulager (who provides extra offbeat charm).
*The Fleet Foxes' self-titled album: If you like folkish hippie rock with rich, layered harmonies, give this one a shot. I don't claim to listen to even a fraction of what's out there in music today, but though this one certainly is reminiscent of older artists, it feels fresh _now_ and is different than anything I've heard lately. It's a good change-of-pace album, though I wouldn't want to listen it repeatedly in a short time span. And it sure isn't the most macho thing to listen to in your car with the top down.
*New season of "Breaking Bad": What a fool I was to dismiss Bryan Cranston just because I thought "Malcom in the Middle" was weak. He's turning out awesome performances each and every week on this gripping AMC show. It may be a virtue of the short cable series that it can afford to plow through plot quicker than a network effort with a larger run. One great thing about "Breaking Bad" is that when you think of a scenario that "must" happen sooner or later, it often happens sooner. The creative team doesn't draw it out. Yet the show doesn't neglect character even as it advances plot. I'd like to see "Breaking Bad" get a little more of the pub it deserves.
*"Incognito": Ed Brubaker's new comic about a super villain in the witness protection program is off to a great start. I think the only remotely negative thing I could say about it is he's taking a break from "Criminal" to do it...but this is like an alternate take on "Criminal" and just as cool. So I won't say it.
"Honeymooners Lost Episodes" on WGN: Sure, I'd love to see them uncut and with less commercials, but I love that these are on in prime time on a high-profile national cable outlet. It's rare to see black and white shows in that kind of slot, period, let alone rough-looking kinescopes like these. The channel is currently showing the longer episodes Sundays at 9:00 PM, and if you only watch the Classic 39, you're really missing out on some hilarious 'Mooners action.
*This Aqua Velva commercial featuring a singing Pete Rose and Vic Tayback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eAs7DM6u_Q
*Christian Slater in "He Was a Quiet Man": This little-seen film played in heavy rotation on the Showtime networks recently. It's an intriguing sleeper that takes you into the mind of a troubled loner (Slater) who harbors fantasies of slaughtering his co-workers. Then one day--well, even though it occurs early in the movie, I don't want to give it away.
Slater is excellent here. It's not just the gimmick of the receding hair and the glasses, but a true performance as Slater inhabits this lonely, beaten-down soul. I was really impressed by his work in carrying this entertaining little film, which also features Elisha Cuthbert (who has probably never been better) and John "Project Greenlight" Gulager (who provides extra offbeat charm).
*The Fleet Foxes' self-titled album: If you like folkish hippie rock with rich, layered harmonies, give this one a shot. I don't claim to listen to even a fraction of what's out there in music today, but though this one certainly is reminiscent of older artists, it feels fresh _now_ and is different than anything I've heard lately. It's a good change-of-pace album, though I wouldn't want to listen it repeatedly in a short time span. And it sure isn't the most macho thing to listen to in your car with the top down.
*New season of "Breaking Bad": What a fool I was to dismiss Bryan Cranston just because I thought "Malcom in the Middle" was weak. He's turning out awesome performances each and every week on this gripping AMC show. It may be a virtue of the short cable series that it can afford to plow through plot quicker than a network effort with a larger run. One great thing about "Breaking Bad" is that when you think of a scenario that "must" happen sooner or later, it often happens sooner. The creative team doesn't draw it out. Yet the show doesn't neglect character even as it advances plot. I'd like to see "Breaking Bad" get a little more of the pub it deserves.
*"Incognito": Ed Brubaker's new comic about a super villain in the witness protection program is off to a great start. I think the only remotely negative thing I could say about it is he's taking a break from "Criminal" to do it...but this is like an alternate take on "Criminal" and just as cool. So I won't say it.
"Honeymooners Lost Episodes" on WGN: Sure, I'd love to see them uncut and with less commercials, but I love that these are on in prime time on a high-profile national cable outlet. It's rare to see black and white shows in that kind of slot, period, let alone rough-looking kinescopes like these. The channel is currently showing the longer episodes Sundays at 9:00 PM, and if you only watch the Classic 39, you're really missing out on some hilarious 'Mooners action.
*This Aqua Velva commercial featuring a singing Pete Rose and Vic Tayback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eAs7DM6u_Q
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