Last night's "Cougar Town" offered audiences another solid episode of the Cul-De-Sac Crew's strange(ly loving) antics.
As previewed earlier this week, "Little Girl Blues" centered on a storyline in which Jules' son Travis, a college freshman, brought home his first college girlfriend--a blonde and beautiful, 23-year-old grad student named Kirsten.
Jules immediately freaks out, worried that Kirsten is going to steal her son.
This episode primarily played on Jules' unhealthy, bordering-on-inapproprate attachment to her son. And while it garnered a few laughs, the joke is starting to get old. We get it. She's the smothering type of mother, and she only smothers because she loves Travis (and as a recent divorcee, needs something to bide her time and attention).
As a result of Kirsten's presence, Jules and the gang start hanging out at Grayson's. This storyline was also a bit weaker than previous episodes, but it was worth it for the bonding moment Grayson and Ellie share in their scheming.
Despite so-so storylines, the character interactions, inside jokes and side gags were as funny as ever. The writers deftly slip in clever, gut-wrenching one-liners and bits (e.g. "Uncle Joe" the wine glass, human bedbugs, imaginary hat tip, the contraception song).
Though these may be slighly unrealistic, they make you wish you and your friends had the same intuitive, knee-slapping comedic timing.
To view the episode courtesy of Hulu, click play below.
Next week's episode, "When The Time Comes," will air Wednesday Nov. 24 at 9:30 p.m. on ABC.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Film Flash: Sexy superhero Ryan Reynolds shows off new suit in 'Green Lantern' trailer
Let the summer movie hype begin!
Warner Bros. has just released the theatrical trailer for its 2011 summer blockbuster "Green Lantern," starring People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard.
At just over two minutes, the trailer gives audiences a glimpse into the film's plot, in which test pilot Hal Jordan is given a green ring by a dying alien to become one of "them"--an intergalatic crew of Green Lanterns.
The ring, of course, gives Jordan strength and other heroic powers. It also quick-changes him into a digitally-painted, skin-tight green suit.
The purpose of the suit is two-fold: 1) to geek out comic book fans and 2) to attract a female audience to the franchise's charismatic, muscled lead.
For diehard fans or newcomers to the DC Comics universe, MTV created this nifty comic book guide on which books audiences should read before heading into the theater this June. To check out the guide, click here.
The official "Green Lantern" movie web site can be found here.
To view the new trailer, click play below.
Sources:
EW: 'Green Lantern' trailer hits. Let the swooning over Ryan Reynolds continue
MTV: People's Sexiest Man Alive Ryan Reynolds Gets Superheroic In 'The Green Lantern' Trailer'
MTV: 'Green Lantern' Star Ryan Reynolds Named People's Sexiest Man Alive
Warner Bros. has just released the theatrical trailer for its 2011 summer blockbuster "Green Lantern," starring People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard.
At just over two minutes, the trailer gives audiences a glimpse into the film's plot, in which test pilot Hal Jordan is given a green ring by a dying alien to become one of "them"--an intergalatic crew of Green Lanterns.
The ring, of course, gives Jordan strength and other heroic powers. It also quick-changes him into a digitally-painted, skin-tight green suit.
The purpose of the suit is two-fold: 1) to geek out comic book fans and 2) to attract a female audience to the franchise's charismatic, muscled lead.
For diehard fans or newcomers to the DC Comics universe, MTV created this nifty comic book guide on which books audiences should read before heading into the theater this June. To check out the guide, click here.
The official "Green Lantern" movie web site can be found here.
To view the new trailer, click play below.
Sources:
EW: 'Green Lantern' trailer hits. Let the swooning over Ryan Reynolds continue
MTV: People's Sexiest Man Alive Ryan Reynolds Gets Superheroic In 'The Green Lantern' Trailer'
MTV: 'Green Lantern' Star Ryan Reynolds Named People's Sexiest Man Alive
Sunday, November 14, 2010
TV Talk: 'Glee' invites Gwenyth Paltrow to stand under its umbrella-ella-ella
Last week's guest-free "Glee" episode "Never Been Kissed" was a breath of fresh air. Though it introduced a new character, Blaine--the openly gay lead singer of the rival glee club the Dalton Academy Warblers--it didn't use a flashy new gimmick or guest star to boost ratings or water cooler chat.
In fact, the show returned to last season's enjoyably memorable boys vs. girls mash-up competition (from the episode "Vitamin D") to simply get back to what the characters do best: sing. However, at the heart of the episode were two storylines of bullying and mistreatment.
Kurt was getting beat up by a big, rough jock with seemingly no support from any of his peers or teachers. Meanwhile, the glee club students were inappropriately thinking of football Couch Bieste to help them "cool off" during heated make-out sessions.
The show featured several touching and relevant scenes without coming off as "preachy" or forced. The characters' issues, emotions and connections felt real. The question is whether the appearance of guest star Gwenyth Paltrow will help or hurt the solid focus "Glee" has recently been achieving in its second season.
Next Tuesday, Nov. 16, Paltrow will play Holly Holliday, a substitute teacher who fills in for a sick Will Shuester. Paltrow, who recently debuted her singing chops at the Country Music Awards, will sing an altered version of Cee-Lo's "F--- You" (now titled "Forget You") with the New Directions kids. Her character Holly will also perform a mashup of Rhianna's summer anthem "Umbrella" and the classic "Singing In The Rain" with Schuester (Matthew Morrison).
To listen to the mashup at JustJared.com, click here.
To view a clip of Paltrow and the "Glee" cast singing "Forget You," click play below.
Sources:
EW: 'Glee': Gwenyth Paltrow sings Cee-Lo's "Forget You"
EW: 'Glee': Gwenyth Paltrow's "Umbrella"-"Singing In The Rain" mashup released
In fact, the show returned to last season's enjoyably memorable boys vs. girls mash-up competition (from the episode "Vitamin D") to simply get back to what the characters do best: sing. However, at the heart of the episode were two storylines of bullying and mistreatment.
Kurt was getting beat up by a big, rough jock with seemingly no support from any of his peers or teachers. Meanwhile, the glee club students were inappropriately thinking of football Couch Bieste to help them "cool off" during heated make-out sessions.
The show featured several touching and relevant scenes without coming off as "preachy" or forced. The characters' issues, emotions and connections felt real. The question is whether the appearance of guest star Gwenyth Paltrow will help or hurt the solid focus "Glee" has recently been achieving in its second season.
Next Tuesday, Nov. 16, Paltrow will play Holly Holliday, a substitute teacher who fills in for a sick Will Shuester. Paltrow, who recently debuted her singing chops at the Country Music Awards, will sing an altered version of Cee-Lo's "F--- You" (now titled "Forget You") with the New Directions kids. Her character Holly will also perform a mashup of Rhianna's summer anthem "Umbrella" and the classic "Singing In The Rain" with Schuester (Matthew Morrison).
To listen to the mashup at JustJared.com, click here.
To view a clip of Paltrow and the "Glee" cast singing "Forget You," click play below.
Sources:
EW: 'Glee': Gwenyth Paltrow sings Cee-Lo's "Forget You"
EW: 'Glee': Gwenyth Paltrow's "Umbrella"-"Singing In The Rain" mashup released
Friday, November 12, 2010
Film Flash: Harry Potter mania brings Quidditch to life in NYC
The first half of the final installment in the beloved book series adapation hits theaters Nov. 19. Tickets for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" went on sale in mid-October, selling out hundreds of midnight screenings across the nation.
With several TV spots, posters (here, here and here) and theatrical trailers (here and here) released, the mania surrounding the bespectacled boy-who-lived continues to grow.
In fact, the buzz is culminating in a real-life Quidditch World Cup this weekend in New York City. According to Entertainment Weekly, the event will be the fourth annual tournament of its kind.
In 2005, students from Middlebury College in Vermont were the first to bring the fantasy sport to life. Today, there's even an International Quidditch Associaton. 46 teams will compete Nov. 13 and 14, including Middlebury, Boston University, Michigan State, NYU, Vassar, Syracuse and Yale.
To view the snitch and Quidditch players in action at Harvard (yes, with brooms perched in between their legs), click here. Click play below to watch the advertisemet for Quidditch Coming to New York City.
Source:
With several TV spots, posters (here, here and here) and theatrical trailers (here and here) released, the mania surrounding the bespectacled boy-who-lived continues to grow.
In fact, the buzz is culminating in a real-life Quidditch World Cup this weekend in New York City. According to Entertainment Weekly, the event will be the fourth annual tournament of its kind.
In 2005, students from Middlebury College in Vermont were the first to bring the fantasy sport to life. Today, there's even an International Quidditch Associaton. 46 teams will compete Nov. 13 and 14, including Middlebury, Boston University, Michigan State, NYU, Vassar, Syracuse and Yale.
To view the snitch and Quidditch players in action at Harvard (yes, with brooms perched in between their legs), click here. Click play below to watch the advertisemet for Quidditch Coming to New York City.
Source:
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
TV Talk: No 'Cougar town' tonight, preview next week's ep
Unfortunately, we won't be able to hang out with the Cul-De-Sac crew tonight.
No drinking wine from fancy glasses with Jules, no listening to Laurie and Ellie cut each other down with bitter words, and no watching Grayson's beady eyes swing back and forth as he tries to keep up with it all!
But have no fear, "Cougar Town" will return next week on Nov. 17 with another kooky yet heartfelt episode on ABC at 9:30 pm.
In the haze of last week's finger-gun and birthday gift competition, next Wednesday's episode "Little Girl Blues" will have a lot to live up to.
In the episode, Travis brings home his new girlfriend Kirsten (guest star Collette Wolfe), a 23-year-old graduate student from his school. Jules immediately begins to worry when Ellie comments that any girl Travis brings home could potentially become her future daughter-in-law. Classic Ellie here, just chomping at the bit to wind Jules up.
Travis will then turn to his dad Bobby for advice (which is rarely a good thing). Also, the gang will start hanging out at Grayson's place, which drives him crazy (and rightfully so, that's what Jules' house is for!)
“Cougar Town” stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Ellie, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Ian Gomez as Andy and Brian Van Holt as Bobby. It airs on Wednesdays at 9:30 pm during the comedy block on ABC.
To view a sneak peak of "Little Girl Blues," click play below.

To catch up on the gang's crazy dynamic relationships, click play below:

Sources:
SpoilerTV: Jules meets Travis' new girlfriend on ABC's 'Cougar Town'
Spoilersguide: 'Cougar Town' S2E8 'Little Girl Blues' Guide
ABC: Official 'Cougar Town' web page
No drinking wine from fancy glasses with Jules, no listening to Laurie and Ellie cut each other down with bitter words, and no watching Grayson's beady eyes swing back and forth as he tries to keep up with it all!
But have no fear, "Cougar Town" will return next week on Nov. 17 with another kooky yet heartfelt episode on ABC at 9:30 pm.
In the haze of last week's finger-gun and birthday gift competition, next Wednesday's episode "Little Girl Blues" will have a lot to live up to.
In the episode, Travis brings home his new girlfriend Kirsten (guest star Collette Wolfe), a 23-year-old graduate student from his school. Jules immediately begins to worry when Ellie comments that any girl Travis brings home could potentially become her future daughter-in-law. Classic Ellie here, just chomping at the bit to wind Jules up.
Travis will then turn to his dad Bobby for advice (which is rarely a good thing). Also, the gang will start hanging out at Grayson's place, which drives him crazy (and rightfully so, that's what Jules' house is for!)
“Cougar Town” stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Ellie, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Ian Gomez as Andy and Brian Van Holt as Bobby. It airs on Wednesdays at 9:30 pm during the comedy block on ABC.
To view a sneak peak of "Little Girl Blues," click play below.

To catch up on the gang's crazy dynamic relationships, click play below:

Sources:
SpoilerTV: Jules meets Travis' new girlfriend on ABC's 'Cougar Town'
Spoilersguide: 'Cougar Town' S2E8 'Little Girl Blues' Guide
ABC: Official 'Cougar Town' web page
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
TV Talk: 'I'd like to solve the puzzle, Pat'
Even if only for a short time, America (and even other parts of the world) have been consumed by a love for letters.
Well, maybe not their own affinity for the alphabet, but by 26-year-old Caitlin Burke's.
Burke managed to become an Internet senstion after solving a 27-letter puzzle on the gameshow "Wheel of Fortune" with just one letter--an "l"--revealed. Additionally, the category was that the puzzle was a phrase.
The fashion journalist from New Jersey stunned host Pat Sajak when she quickly and correctly guessed the puzzle "I've got a good feeling about this" with 26 remaining spots still open.
So, was it luck? Or irony? Or is Burke really that talented with phrases and letters? That's probably a good thing if she's a journalist. Or, is Burke actually not a very good contestant, considering she could have spun for more money and guessed more letters?
The U.K. Telegraph reports that when Burke was asked about the mystery phrase, she responded: " I saw that it was a small word, so [thought] 'I've'."
The bigger question, however, may be why does anyone care? Yes, it's an interesting tidbit, and word challenges are a good way to keep the mind in shape. But should Burke's masterful one-letter solve have clogged the news hole as much as it did? Didn't something more important happen?
At least it's better than some ridiculous scandal stealing all the headlines. Or is it? You decide.
To view Burke solving the phrase and winning a holiday in the Caribbean worth $6,500, click play below.
Sources:
U.K. Telegraph: US woman solves 'Wheel of Fortune' puzzle with just one letter revealed
Huffington Post: Woman solves 'Wheel of Fortune' puzzle with one letter
Well, maybe not their own affinity for the alphabet, but by 26-year-old Caitlin Burke's.
Burke managed to become an Internet senstion after solving a 27-letter puzzle on the gameshow "Wheel of Fortune" with just one letter--an "l"--revealed. Additionally, the category was that the puzzle was a phrase.
The fashion journalist from New Jersey stunned host Pat Sajak when she quickly and correctly guessed the puzzle "I've got a good feeling about this" with 26 remaining spots still open.
So, was it luck? Or irony? Or is Burke really that talented with phrases and letters? That's probably a good thing if she's a journalist. Or, is Burke actually not a very good contestant, considering she could have spun for more money and guessed more letters?
The U.K. Telegraph reports that when Burke was asked about the mystery phrase, she responded: " I saw that it was a small word, so [thought] 'I've'."
The bigger question, however, may be why does anyone care? Yes, it's an interesting tidbit, and word challenges are a good way to keep the mind in shape. But should Burke's masterful one-letter solve have clogged the news hole as much as it did? Didn't something more important happen?
At least it's better than some ridiculous scandal stealing all the headlines. Or is it? You decide.
To view Burke solving the phrase and winning a holiday in the Caribbean worth $6,500, click play below.
Sources:
U.K. Telegraph: US woman solves 'Wheel of Fortune' puzzle with just one letter revealed
Huffington Post: Woman solves 'Wheel of Fortune' puzzle with one letter
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Reel Review: Quirky Brit film 'The Bad Mother's Handbook' has humor, heart
"The Bad Mother's Handbook" is an off-beat BBC TV adaption of the bestselling book by Kate Long about self-discovery and the strained relationships among three generations of women in the Cooper family.
Despite boasting a pre-"Twilight" Robert Pattinson on its DVD cover, the British vamp is not the main character. The story does start with Pattinson's Daniel moving to a new school and meeting Charlotte (an engagingly realistic and relatable Holliday Grainger). But after quickly forming a crush on her, he soon finds out that she is pregnant.
Daniel stays by Charlotte's side during her pregnancy, and in doing so, enters a strange journey with Charlotte, her disapproving mother Karen (portrayed with perhaps too much moxy by the always powerfully funny Catherine Tate), and her ailing grandmother (Anne Reid).
For the most part, the writing and characterizations are witty and engaing. They're crisp, funny and heartfelt. Aside from some overacted moments from Tate that makes Karen's desperation seem shrill, the film's only drawback is poor cinamatography. The camera shots are amatuerish and sometimes exceedingly distracting. Thankfully, clever writing as well as strong performances from Pattinson and Grainger hold the film up.
Final Grade: B (3 out of 4 stars)
"The Bad Mother's Handbook" is available on DVD. To view the theaterical trailer, click play below:
Sources:
Amazon: Bad Mother's Handbook
imdb: The Bad Mother's Handbook
Despite boasting a pre-"Twilight" Robert Pattinson on its DVD cover, the British vamp is not the main character. The story does start with Pattinson's Daniel moving to a new school and meeting Charlotte (an engagingly realistic and relatable Holliday Grainger). But after quickly forming a crush on her, he soon finds out that she is pregnant.
Daniel stays by Charlotte's side during her pregnancy, and in doing so, enters a strange journey with Charlotte, her disapproving mother Karen (portrayed with perhaps too much moxy by the always powerfully funny Catherine Tate), and her ailing grandmother (Anne Reid).
For the most part, the writing and characterizations are witty and engaing. They're crisp, funny and heartfelt. Aside from some overacted moments from Tate that makes Karen's desperation seem shrill, the film's only drawback is poor cinamatography. The camera shots are amatuerish and sometimes exceedingly distracting. Thankfully, clever writing as well as strong performances from Pattinson and Grainger hold the film up.
Final Grade: B (3 out of 4 stars)
"The Bad Mother's Handbook" is available on DVD. To view the theaterical trailer, click play below:
Sources:
Amazon: Bad Mother's Handbook
imdb: The Bad Mother's Handbook
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
TV Talk: 'Cougar Town' Recap
On tonight's episode of “Cougar Town" titled "Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)," Jules is turning 42 and her gang of misfit friends tries to figure out what to do to celebrate her special day.
Along the way, her friends and family compete in the “Best Jules Gift” contest. After Jules’ best friend Ellie shows off her “gift whisperer” skills, her boyfriend Grayson and her friend Laurie team up to take Ellie down.
Also, after Ellie and Andy Torres reveal their “truth gun,” in which one of them must tell the truth when the other’s finger-gun is pointed at their head, it leads to trouble.
Andy finds out that he and Jules wouldn’t be friends if he wasn’t married to Ellie. When the two try to bond, he schemes to get Jules to agree to go dancing for her birthday. Jules takes the bait, and Ellie tries to convince her that Andy is an evil genius when it comes to getting his way.
Along the way, her friends and family compete in the “Best Jules Gift” contest. After Jules’ best friend Ellie shows off her “gift whisperer” skills, her boyfriend Grayson and her friend Laurie team up to take Ellie down.
Also, after Ellie and Andy Torres reveal their “truth gun,” in which one of them must tell the truth when the other’s finger-gun is pointed at their head, it leads to trouble.
Andy finds out that he and Jules wouldn’t be friends if he wasn’t married to Ellie. When the two try to bond, he schemes to get Jules to agree to go dancing for her birthday. Jules takes the bait, and Ellie tries to convince her that Andy is an evil genius when it comes to getting his way.
As always, ABC’s half-hour sitcom delivers laughs and heartwarming charm. Unlike other comedies, “Cougar Town” somehow manages to get away with ridiculous humor and bits not likely to occur in real life. But it doesn’t matter. The never-ending wine, the butt jokes and all the truth-gun standoffs just make you wish you and your friends were this close and this funny.
To watch a preview clip of the episode, click play below. To view the full episode, check out the "Cougar Town" page at ABC or Hulu tomorrow. Tune into "Cougar Town" Wedesdays at 9:30 p.m. on ABC. 
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
TV Talk: Bush responds to Kanye statement
Remember a certain famous phrase uttered by the always polite, never pushy rapper Kanye West?
In case, you've forgotten, after FEMA failed to react efficiently and quickly to the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, the rapper took it upon himself to say why. And as he notoriously stated, "George Bush doesn't care about Black people."
In an interview for a special prime-time Matt Lauer Reports set to air Nov. 8, Bush revisits that notorious political moment as he talks with the NBC host about his new upcoming book Decision Points.
The phrase, no matter how true or false, was ridiculous then, and it's still ridiculous now.
As for Bush' thoughts on the matter, NBC released some quotations from the interview:
Though, Lauer seems to be the first one to make that leap in interpretation. From the written excerpts, it's difficult to discern if that's really what Bush thinks or if Lauer, in the fashion of many interviewers, is simply putting words in his guest's mouth.
To decide for yourself, check out Entertainment Weekly to see more excerpts from the interview and Bush's new book.
***Nov. 3rd update: In an interesting turn of events, Kanye West has responded to Bush's comments. And in the biggest surprise of them all, after the fallout for interrupting Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs, Kanye says he emphathizes with the man he once accused of being racist.
During an interview with a Houston radio station, Kanye said:
In case, you've forgotten, after FEMA failed to react efficiently and quickly to the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, the rapper took it upon himself to say why. And as he notoriously stated, "George Bush doesn't care about Black people."
In an interview for a special prime-time Matt Lauer Reports set to air Nov. 8, Bush revisits that notorious political moment as he talks with the NBC host about his new upcoming book Decision Points.
The phrase, no matter how true or false, was ridiculous then, and it's still ridiculous now.
As for Bush' thoughts on the matter, NBC released some quotations from the interview:
"He called me a racist,” Bush tells Lauer. “And I didn’t appreciate it then. I don’t appreciate it now. It’s one thing to say, ‘I don’t appreciate the way he’s handled his business.’ It’s another thing to say, ‘This man’s a racist.’ I resent it, it’s not true.”Bush went on to say that distinguishing moment "represented an all-time low" in his presidency. The former president's comment has already drawn fire for implying that the insult of being racist was worse than the tragegy and suffering of those affected by Katrina.
Though, Lauer seems to be the first one to make that leap in interpretation. From the written excerpts, it's difficult to discern if that's really what Bush thinks or if Lauer, in the fashion of many interviewers, is simply putting words in his guest's mouth.
To decide for yourself, check out Entertainment Weekly to see more excerpts from the interview and Bush's new book.
***Nov. 3rd update: In an interesting turn of events, Kanye West has responded to Bush's comments. And in the biggest surprise of them all, after the fallout for interrupting Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs, Kanye says he emphathizes with the man he once accused of being racist.
During an interview with a Houston radio station, Kanye said:
"I think we’re all quick to pull a race card in America. And now I’m more open, and the poetic justice that I feel, to have went through the same thing that he went [through] — and now I really more connect with him on just a humanitarian level.”To listen to the full radio clip, click play below.