• Be one of the first 100 people to mention Miami.com and get $20 admission to Provocateur, a new night spot in Miami Beach. There will be a free champagne toast at midnight, rap by Fabolous and some celebs in the house (Kenan Thompson of 'SNL' and 'America's Next Top Model' winner Jaslene Gonzalez). Regular admission is $50. 323 23rd St., Miami Beach.
If you happen to be in the Miami area, and you have absolutely nowhere to go tonight, then maybe you could go to Provocateur (sounds saucy) and ring in the new year with Kenan Thompson and Jaslene. Or you know, you could make other plans tonight.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Will Forte Added to San Francisco SketchFest
Will Forte has been added to the Celebrity Autobiography show at the San Francisco SketchFest next month. The show also features Jason Sudeikis, and is on at Cobb's on January 19th.
Go to www.sfsketchfest.com for more info!
Go to www.sfsketchfest.com for more info!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Bill Hader spotted!
I know, who cares, but just for all of you Bill Hader stalkers out there:
"South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker drinking and laughing with “Saturday Night Live’s” Bill Hader at SideBAR" - NY Daily News
"South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker drinking and laughing with “Saturday Night Live’s” Bill Hader at SideBAR" - NY Daily News
SNL After-Party Venue To Close
The SNL after-party hangout, The Cutting Room, is set to close next month.
The venue, which is owned by Sex and the City star Chris Noth, is closing due to escalating rent prices, after the landlord more than doubled the rent.
So looks like the SNL crew will have to find a new place to sing karaoke and hang out with Blake Lively.
The venue, which is owned by Sex and the City star Chris Noth, is closing due to escalating rent prices, after the landlord more than doubled the rent.
So looks like the SNL crew will have to find a new place to sing karaoke and hang out with Blake Lively.
Amy Poehler has dinner with Seth Meyers, *gasp*
According to People magazine, Amy Poehler was spotted having dinner with Weekend Update co-anchor Seth Meyers. I quote :
New mom Amy Poehler, stepping out for dinner at Cafe Cluny in Manhattan's West Village with her former Weekend Update co-anchor, Seth Meyers. Poehler, whose son Archie was born Oct. 25, looked like she was enjoying herself. "She's so tiny!" an onlooker tells us. "So cute."
That's so lovely that they're staying in touch, no?
New mom Amy Poehler, stepping out for dinner at Cafe Cluny in Manhattan's West Village with her former Weekend Update co-anchor, Seth Meyers. Poehler, whose son Archie was born Oct. 25, looked like she was enjoying herself. "She's so tiny!" an onlooker tells us. "So cute."
That's so lovely that they're staying in touch, no?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
SF Sketchfest
If you happen to be in the San Francisco viscinity, or if you're not and you're willing to travel, you should check out the SF Sketchfest on from January 15th-31st 2009.
It has got a terrific line-up, including appearances by SNL peeps Jason Sudeikis, Rachel Dratch, Laraine Newman, Tim Meadows and Robert Smigel.
Here are some of the highlights:
Friday January 16th
TV Funhouse Live with Robert Smigel, Dino Stamatopoulos and Doug Dale featuring the Anipals and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog with Birthday Boys
The Eureka Theatre at 8PM, $30
Saturday, January 17
The SF Sketchfest Comedy Writing Award:
Robert Smigel in conversation with Dana Carvey
Clips and Conversation
Cobb's Comedy Club at 2PM, $25
Saturday, January 17
Totally Looped featuring Laraine Newman, Maria Bamford, Oscar Nunez, Rick Overton, Joe Liss and Richard Kuhlman with The Lampshades featuring Kate Flannery and Scot Robinson
The Eureka Theatre at 8PM, $20
Monday, January 19
Celebrity Autobiography with Michael McKean, Annette O'Toole, Rachel Dratch, Jason Sudeikis, Scott Thompson, Laraine Newman and co-creators Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel
Cobb's Comedy Club, $35
Friday, January 30
Upright Citizens Brigade: A.S.S.S.S.C.A.T.
Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, Tim Meadows, Andrew Daly, and Danielle Schneider with guest monologist Andy Richter
The Eureka Theatre, $30
There are so many other great shows on with people like Janeane Garofalo, Bob Odenkirk, Aziz Ansari, Paul Scheer, Rob Riggle, Zach Galifianakis, Rob Huebel, Mary-Lynn Rajskub, JON HAMM, and even legends like Fred Willard and Martin Mull.
And comedy troupes Stella and The State will be performing.
It is truly an amazing festival, so check out the schedule here and find something that tickles your fancy:
http://www.sfsketchfest.com/schedule/
It has got a terrific line-up, including appearances by SNL peeps Jason Sudeikis, Rachel Dratch, Laraine Newman, Tim Meadows and Robert Smigel.
Here are some of the highlights:
Friday January 16th
TV Funhouse Live with Robert Smigel, Dino Stamatopoulos and Doug Dale featuring the Anipals and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog with Birthday Boys
The Eureka Theatre at 8PM, $30
Saturday, January 17
The SF Sketchfest Comedy Writing Award:
Robert Smigel in conversation with Dana Carvey
Clips and Conversation
Cobb's Comedy Club at 2PM, $25
Saturday, January 17
Totally Looped featuring Laraine Newman, Maria Bamford, Oscar Nunez, Rick Overton, Joe Liss and Richard Kuhlman with The Lampshades featuring Kate Flannery and Scot Robinson
The Eureka Theatre at 8PM, $20
Monday, January 19
Celebrity Autobiography with Michael McKean, Annette O'Toole, Rachel Dratch, Jason Sudeikis, Scott Thompson, Laraine Newman and co-creators Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel
Cobb's Comedy Club, $35
Friday, January 30
Upright Citizens Brigade: A.S.S.S.S.C.A.T.
Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, Tim Meadows, Andrew Daly, and Danielle Schneider with guest monologist Andy Richter
The Eureka Theatre, $30
There are so many other great shows on with people like Janeane Garofalo, Bob Odenkirk, Aziz Ansari, Paul Scheer, Rob Riggle, Zach Galifianakis, Rob Huebel, Mary-Lynn Rajskub, JON HAMM, and even legends like Fred Willard and Martin Mull.
And comedy troupes Stella and The State will be performing.
It is truly an amazing festival, so check out the schedule here and find something that tickles your fancy:
http://www.sfsketchfest.com/schedule/
Straight From The Horse's Mouth
Steve Martin will be hosting Saturday Night Live on January 31st.
I researched this on Google news, and could not find any story about it, so NBC must not have issued any press releases to the big-wigs.
But on Steve's official website, a message posted 17th December from him states that he will be hosting!
Straight from the horse's mouth:
Uh...nothing has changed. Pink Panther II, Feb 6th. Banjo record, Jan. 31st. SNL hosting, same date. Excited about all. I live in excitement.
December 17, 2008
http://www.stevemartin.com/steves_message/message.php?page=1
I love Steve Martin, so I'm pretty psyched.
Nei Patrick Harris, Steve Martin.. who else (if anyone else) could January have in store for us!
I researched this on Google news, and could not find any story about it, so NBC must not have issued any press releases to the big-wigs.
But on Steve's official website, a message posted 17th December from him states that he will be hosting!
Straight from the horse's mouth:
Uh...nothing has changed. Pink Panther II, Feb 6th. Banjo record, Jan. 31st. SNL hosting, same date. Excited about all. I live in excitement.
December 17, 2008
http://www.stevemartin.com/steves_message/message.php?page=1
I love Steve Martin, so I'm pretty psyched.
Nei Patrick Harris, Steve Martin.. who else (if anyone else) could January have in store for us!
Will Forte on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Vlog.
It is vlog right?
Anyway, to tickle your funny bone:
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2008/12/december-18th---hear-our-theme-song-well-maybe-not/
Anyway, to tickle your funny bone:
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2008/12/december-18th---hear-our-theme-song-well-maybe-not/
SNL Sketch makes NY Post's 10 Best Scenes List
http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2008/12/pop_wraps_top_1_2.html
The Lawrence Welk Show sketch has just received another quasi-award courtesy of the NY Post.
The NY Post say:
"When "The Lawrence Welk Show" skit on the October 4 episode of "Saturday Night Live" began I had absolutely no clue what was going on. Why is this Fred Armisen impersonation funny? Then we were introduced to the Merrill sisters and Kristin Wiig had me in tears.
Even now, after having seen the sketch at least 100 times, I still laugh my face off -- which explains why I saw about 15 different people dress as Junice this past Halloween."
The Lawrence Welk Show sketch has just received another quasi-award courtesy of the NY Post.
The NY Post say:
"When "The Lawrence Welk Show" skit on the October 4 episode of "Saturday Night Live" began I had absolutely no clue what was going on. Why is this Fred Armisen impersonation funny? Then we were introduced to the Merrill sisters and Kristin Wiig had me in tears.
Even now, after having seen the sketch at least 100 times, I still laugh my face off -- which explains why I saw about 15 different people dress as Junice this past Halloween."
Simon Rich Article
My favourite SNL writer Simon Rich has just had another article written about him in See Magazine.
http://www.seemagazine.com/article/arts/books/simon1224/
If you haven't read previous blog postings about Simon Rich, then he is the son of Frank Rich, but that is at the very bottom of the list of things you need to know about Simon Rich.
He was the editor of the Harvard Lampoon, has written two humour books for RandomHouse, Ant Farm and Free Range Chickens, both of which were exraordinarily well-received. He is now in his second season as a writer on SNL. He has been published in distinguished publications like the New Yorker. All that, and he's only 24.
Jealous much?
http://www.seemagazine.com/article/arts/books/simon1224/
If you haven't read previous blog postings about Simon Rich, then he is the son of Frank Rich, but that is at the very bottom of the list of things you need to know about Simon Rich.
He was the editor of the Harvard Lampoon, has written two humour books for RandomHouse, Ant Farm and Free Range Chickens, both of which were exraordinarily well-received. He is now in his second season as a writer on SNL. He has been published in distinguished publications like the New Yorker. All that, and he's only 24.
Jealous much?
Anyone like Flight of the Conchords?
I have personally never watched it. My life is already consumed with sitcoms and dramas, and at this point in my life I can't commit to anything else.
But from what I hear, it's one of the best comedies at the moment.
Well, if you're a fan, keep your eyes peeled for guest stars Jim Gaffigan, Seymour Cassel and SNL's Kristen Wiig.
New season debuts on January 18th at 9 p.m. on HBO (I believe).
But from what I hear, it's one of the best comedies at the moment.
Well, if you're a fan, keep your eyes peeled for guest stars Jim Gaffigan, Seymour Cassel and SNL's Kristen Wiig.
New season debuts on January 18th at 9 p.m. on HBO (I believe).
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Amy Poehler - Golden Globe Host
Need I elaborate?
Amy Poehler will present an award at the Golden Globes.
Yay!
Amy Poehler will present an award at the Golden Globes.
Yay!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Top Ten Non-Political Sketches - My Take
I think 2008 has been a great year for SNL, so it is hard to narrow down my top 10 favourites, but I'll give it a shot.
1. The Lawrence Welk Show -(Anne Hathaway)
Maybe the most perfect sketch all year. It proved that hilarity and perfection can lie in brevity. The sketch can't be any longer than three minutes, but every aspect is excellent. From Armisen's Lawrence Welk impression, to the four ladies singing, to the final verse when Wiig's character revealed that she ate a cat, to the costumes. It all left me wanting more, like any good SNL sketch.
2. Annuale -(Tina Fey)
This is sure to go down as a classic in SNL commercial parodies. One of the best and most memorable sketches all year. "Do not take Annuale if you ever plan on becoming pregnant as it may turn your baby into a fire monster."
3. Everyone's A Critic (Paul Rudd)
Weird and wonderful, this is the digital short of the year. It far surpasses Jizzed in My Pants in imagination, and absurdity. Just when you think it's over, something else happens!
4. Countdown with Keith Olbermann (Ben Affleck)
Is it possible to have an epic sketch? If so, then this is the Ben-Hur of SNL sketches. Ben Affleck did one of the best impressions in a sketch with a wholly ridiculous premise, that Keith Olbermann lives with his mother and cat. Hilarity ensued when Olbermann accusedJohn McCain of having Nazi sympathies and comparing his application refusal to a co-op board to the Trail of Tears.
5. Clancy T. Bachleratt and Jackie Snad Sing Songs about Spaceships, Toddlers, Model T. Cars & Jars of Beer (Jonah Hill)
Perhaps not the best sketch of the year in terms of edginess, but this one never fails to make convulse with laughter. If you remember, Jonah Hill could barely make it through his lines without a big silly grin on his face. From Will Forte and Kristen Wiig's impression of country singers, to the premise of the songs, I can't help but giggle with glee at this sketch.
6. Single Ladies Dancer Sketch (Paul Rudd)
Samberg, Moynihan, and honorary SNL cast member Justin Timberlake play male dancers dancing to Beyoncé's feminist anthem Single Ladies. Did I mention they are wearing leotards? Enough said.
7. La Rivista Della Televisione with John Malkovich (John Malkovich)
In a year where we really haven't seen all that much of Bill Hader, this reminded me why he's one of the greatest cast members in recent years. From his Malkovich impression, to the Being Vinny Vedecci clip, to shutting his child up with cigarettes, this was a joy.
8. New York Times (James Franco)
You would have thought that a sketch lampooning the liberal media would have been warmly welcomed by McCain supporters and conservatives, and yet this was coolly received due to a comment made about incest between Todd Palin and his daughters. Instead of seeing that this sketch was highlighting how out of touch NY Times reporters are with regular people, conservatives saw this as an attack on the wannabe "First Dude". In actuality, this sketch was one of the funniest of the year, and showed SNL isn't afraid to mock liberals and conservatives alike.
"What's your name?"
"Karl Marx."
9. Mary Poppins (Anne Hathaway)
I hate Mary Poppins. I liked seeing her depicted as an STD carrier, and as someone afflicted with supercalifragilisticexpialadocious, a "disease of the liver".
"Must be your cooking Mary Poppins!" Delightful!
10. The Looker (James Franco)
How unprecedented and random was a reference to Penny Marshall? Not hardhitting like others, and free of offensive material, but it tickled my funny bone and continues to do so. Kristin Wiig needs to reprise her Kyra Sedgwick impression also. "Con-fay-uss!"
What are your favourites? Did I leave any mega ones out?
1. The Lawrence Welk Show -(Anne Hathaway)
Maybe the most perfect sketch all year. It proved that hilarity and perfection can lie in brevity. The sketch can't be any longer than three minutes, but every aspect is excellent. From Armisen's Lawrence Welk impression, to the four ladies singing, to the final verse when Wiig's character revealed that she ate a cat, to the costumes. It all left me wanting more, like any good SNL sketch.
2. Annuale -(Tina Fey)
This is sure to go down as a classic in SNL commercial parodies. One of the best and most memorable sketches all year. "Do not take Annuale if you ever plan on becoming pregnant as it may turn your baby into a fire monster."
3. Everyone's A Critic (Paul Rudd)
Weird and wonderful, this is the digital short of the year. It far surpasses Jizzed in My Pants in imagination, and absurdity. Just when you think it's over, something else happens!
4. Countdown with Keith Olbermann (Ben Affleck)
Is it possible to have an epic sketch? If so, then this is the Ben-Hur of SNL sketches. Ben Affleck did one of the best impressions in a sketch with a wholly ridiculous premise, that Keith Olbermann lives with his mother and cat. Hilarity ensued when Olbermann accusedJohn McCain of having Nazi sympathies and comparing his application refusal to a co-op board to the Trail of Tears.
5. Clancy T. Bachleratt and Jackie Snad Sing Songs about Spaceships, Toddlers, Model T. Cars & Jars of Beer (Jonah Hill)
Perhaps not the best sketch of the year in terms of edginess, but this one never fails to make convulse with laughter. If you remember, Jonah Hill could barely make it through his lines without a big silly grin on his face. From Will Forte and Kristen Wiig's impression of country singers, to the premise of the songs, I can't help but giggle with glee at this sketch.
6. Single Ladies Dancer Sketch (Paul Rudd)
Samberg, Moynihan, and honorary SNL cast member Justin Timberlake play male dancers dancing to Beyoncé's feminist anthem Single Ladies. Did I mention they are wearing leotards? Enough said.
7. La Rivista Della Televisione with John Malkovich (John Malkovich)
In a year where we really haven't seen all that much of Bill Hader, this reminded me why he's one of the greatest cast members in recent years. From his Malkovich impression, to the Being Vinny Vedecci clip, to shutting his child up with cigarettes, this was a joy.
8. New York Times (James Franco)
You would have thought that a sketch lampooning the liberal media would have been warmly welcomed by McCain supporters and conservatives, and yet this was coolly received due to a comment made about incest between Todd Palin and his daughters. Instead of seeing that this sketch was highlighting how out of touch NY Times reporters are with regular people, conservatives saw this as an attack on the wannabe "First Dude". In actuality, this sketch was one of the funniest of the year, and showed SNL isn't afraid to mock liberals and conservatives alike.
"What's your name?"
"Karl Marx."
9. Mary Poppins (Anne Hathaway)
I hate Mary Poppins. I liked seeing her depicted as an STD carrier, and as someone afflicted with supercalifragilisticexpialadocious, a "disease of the liver".
"Must be your cooking Mary Poppins!" Delightful!
10. The Looker (James Franco)
How unprecedented and random was a reference to Penny Marshall? Not hardhitting like others, and free of offensive material, but it tickled my funny bone and continues to do so. Kristin Wiig needs to reprise her Kyra Sedgwick impression also. "Con-fay-uss!"
What are your favourites? Did I leave any mega ones out?
Top 7 Non-Political Sketches of 2008
Paste magazine runs a piece about what they have deemed to be the 7 best non-political sketches on SNL this year.
Their rundown is :
7) Mark Wahlberg Talks To Animals
6) Japanese Office (Steve Carell)
5) Countdown with Keith Olbermann
4) Girls Trying On Clothes (Shia LaBeouf)
3) Single Ladies Dancers
2) Milkshakes (Tina Fey)
1) The Lawrence Welk Show
I would disagree that these were the best non-political sketchs this year, but my top 10 list will follow shortly.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2008/12/seven-funniest-apolitical-saturday-night-live-sketches-of-2008.html
For your reading pleasure.
Their rundown is :
7) Mark Wahlberg Talks To Animals
6) Japanese Office (Steve Carell)
5) Countdown with Keith Olbermann
4) Girls Trying On Clothes (Shia LaBeouf)
3) Single Ladies Dancers
2) Milkshakes (Tina Fey)
1) The Lawrence Welk Show
I would disagree that these were the best non-political sketchs this year, but my top 10 list will follow shortly.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2008/12/seven-funniest-apolitical-saturday-night-live-sketches-of-2008.html
For your reading pleasure.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Fred Armisen's Christmas Gift Idea
If you're looking to buy a book for somebody this Christmas, why not take Fred Armisen's suggestion?
"The Unthinkable - Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley. An amazing book about human behavior in emergencies." - Fred Armisen
"The Unthinkable - Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley. An amazing book about human behavior in emergencies." - Fred Armisen
Tickets for Will Ferrell's Broadway Show on sale!
If you haven't already heard, Will Ferrell is going to Broadway with his show, "You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush" playing in the Cort Theatre.
Tickets are on sale today, and can be purchased at the Cort Theatre Box Office (138 West 48th Street) or by visiting http://www.telecharge.com/ or calling (212) 239-6200 in the New York area, and (800) 432-7250 outside the New York metro area.
The show will see Ferrell reprise his hilarious Bush impression for an entire show. What could be better!
Performances begin on inauguration day (January 20th) and run through March 15th.
I'll tell you one thing, those tickets would make great Christmas presents. (wink, wink)
Tickets are on sale today, and can be purchased at the Cort Theatre Box Office (138 West 48th Street) or by visiting http://www.telecharge.com/ or calling (212) 239-6200 in the New York area, and (800) 432-7250 outside the New York metro area.
The show will see Ferrell reprise his hilarious Bush impression for an entire show. What could be better!
Performances begin on inauguration day (January 20th) and run through March 15th.
I'll tell you one thing, those tickets would make great Christmas presents. (wink, wink)
John Mulaney
I'm not sure if I've ever blogged about John Mulaney, so if so, I apologise for the repetitive nature of the blog. If not, well!
John Mulaney is a stand-up comedian, and also a writer on SNL. He was the writer of the Of Mice and Men sketch earlier this season, and wrote the Kissing Family sketch with Fred Armisen. I'm sure he has written numerous others, but those were the only ones I was able to confirm were his. If those are inclinations of his writing abilities, then he is one funny man.
Oh, and contrary to his Wikipedia entry, he was not orphaned at age 3.
Check out his stuff at www.johnmulaney.com
John Mulaney is a stand-up comedian, and also a writer on SNL. He was the writer of the Of Mice and Men sketch earlier this season, and wrote the Kissing Family sketch with Fred Armisen. I'm sure he has written numerous others, but those were the only ones I was able to confirm were his. If those are inclinations of his writing abilities, then he is one funny man.
Oh, and contrary to his Wikipedia entry, he was not orphaned at age 3.
Check out his stuff at www.johnmulaney.com
Live from New York, It's Saturday Night, with host Neil Patrick Harris!
Yes folks, the first show of 2009 will be hosted by none other than child prodigy Doogie Howser, or as he's now known womaniser Barney Stinson.
If you're not down with television references, then the above translates to Neil Patrick Harris hosting SNL on January 10th. No musical guest confirmed yet.
Best belated Christmas gift ever, no?
If you're not down with television references, then the above translates to Neil Patrick Harris hosting SNL on January 10th. No musical guest confirmed yet.
Best belated Christmas gift ever, no?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Amy Poehler Pleased to Meet Debbie Harry
From the NY Observer:
In the new film The Mystery of Claywoman, about a 500-million-year-old woman/prophet everyone seems to be looking for, Amy Poehler appears in a series of sketches for the film with Debbie Harry as her French lesbian lover who writes a book about Claywoman. The film, which was written and performed by Michael Cavadias and directed by Rob Roth, screened Sunday evening at the Wild Project in the East Village to a crowd that included singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright and actress and model Amanda Lapore.
"Here's my quote," Ms. Poehler said. The night before she had bid farewell to Saturday Night Live during her Weekend Update segment. "It's a feel good story--it's the feel good existential one man show of the year."
We spoke about Smart Girls, her Web show with Amy Miles that celebrates "girls who are changing the world by being themselves."
"Amy's in that too!" Ms. Poehler said, swinging to the side introduce Ms. Miles, who had one arm in a sling. She waved at us with the other.
"We're so thrilled it's out there and people are watching it," Ms. Miles said, smiling. "We're excited that we put something out there that is like something I would have wanted to see at that age. And we're representing girls that we kind of were because you don't really ever see that."
"Just normal girls, just regular girls," Ms. Poehler said, shaking her head.
We asked if she wanted to tell us anything about SNL.
"No, no..." she said, laughing. "No, I'm just psyched to be here and this is a really cool trippy show and Michael is a good friend of mine, and is a transformative preformer and so I was happy to be even included. Look, if anybody asks you to do something with Debbie Harry, say yes. My 14-year-old version of myself can't believe that I got to meet Debbie Harry."
Who is Amanda Lapore?
In the new film The Mystery of Claywoman, about a 500-million-year-old woman/prophet everyone seems to be looking for, Amy Poehler appears in a series of sketches for the film with Debbie Harry as her French lesbian lover who writes a book about Claywoman. The film, which was written and performed by Michael Cavadias and directed by Rob Roth, screened Sunday evening at the Wild Project in the East Village to a crowd that included singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright and actress and model Amanda Lapore.
"Here's my quote," Ms. Poehler said. The night before she had bid farewell to Saturday Night Live during her Weekend Update segment. "It's a feel good story--it's the feel good existential one man show of the year."
We spoke about Smart Girls, her Web show with Amy Miles that celebrates "girls who are changing the world by being themselves."
"Amy's in that too!" Ms. Poehler said, swinging to the side introduce Ms. Miles, who had one arm in a sling. She waved at us with the other.
"We're so thrilled it's out there and people are watching it," Ms. Miles said, smiling. "We're excited that we put something out there that is like something I would have wanted to see at that age. And we're representing girls that we kind of were because you don't really ever see that."
"Just normal girls, just regular girls," Ms. Poehler said, shaking her head.
We asked if she wanted to tell us anything about SNL.
"No, no..." she said, laughing. "No, I'm just psyched to be here and this is a really cool trippy show and Michael is a good friend of mine, and is a transformative preformer and so I was happy to be even included. Look, if anybody asks you to do something with Debbie Harry, say yes. My 14-year-old version of myself can't believe that I got to meet Debbie Harry."
Who is Amanda Lapore?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Seth Meyers-NY Post
http://www.nypost.com/pagesixmag/issues/20081214/SNLs+Seth+Meyers+Power+Fun?page=1
It's a goody!
Also, may I say how much I want to be journalists from the NY Post who get to interview some of the funniest people in America?
Article rundown:
It's a goody!
Also, may I say how much I want to be journalists from the NY Post who get to interview some of the funniest people in America?
Article rundown:
- Seth Meyers is not single.
- Seth Meyers is responsible for Jon Hamm's John Ham..(might want to rethink funniest people in America title)
- He has a Blackberry.
The rest is the usual, but it's worth a look!
Controversial Again, Naturally
As '08 draws to a close, SNL has ended on a somewhat controversial note. The David Paterson sketch has caused tremors in the blogosphere, with some critics saying the sketch was inappropriate and the governor describing it as "third-grade humour".
A spokesperson for Governor Paterson, Errol Cockfield (what an unfortunate surname) said, "The governor engages in humor all the time, and he can certainly take a joke. However, this particular Saturday' Night Live' skit unfortunately chose to ridicule people with physical disabilities and imply that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities. The governor is sure that Saturday' Night Live,' with all of its talent, can find a way to be funny without being offensive. Knowing the governor, he might even have some suggestions himself.”
Now, there is one thing I'd question here. I don't think that anywhere in the sketch implied that because Gov. Paterson was blind, this rendered him incapable of having a job. I think that more than anything, the sketch was highlighting the fact that a man who has admitted to using drugs, and having extramarital affairs (including one with a state employee) could be elected governor. Not to cast judgement on Paterson's personal life, as he has said he has not touched illegal substances since his early 20's and his wife apparently also had affairs, but considering there were calls to impeach Clinton when his affair with Monica Lewinsky came out, it does seem odd that everyone would overlook Paterson's past.
What did you think of the sketch? Did Armisen's depiction cross the line?
A spokesperson for Governor Paterson, Errol Cockfield (what an unfortunate surname) said, "The governor engages in humor all the time, and he can certainly take a joke. However, this particular Saturday' Night Live' skit unfortunately chose to ridicule people with physical disabilities and imply that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities. The governor is sure that Saturday' Night Live,' with all of its talent, can find a way to be funny without being offensive. Knowing the governor, he might even have some suggestions himself.”
Now, there is one thing I'd question here. I don't think that anywhere in the sketch implied that because Gov. Paterson was blind, this rendered him incapable of having a job. I think that more than anything, the sketch was highlighting the fact that a man who has admitted to using drugs, and having extramarital affairs (including one with a state employee) could be elected governor. Not to cast judgement on Paterson's personal life, as he has said he has not touched illegal substances since his early 20's and his wife apparently also had affairs, but considering there were calls to impeach Clinton when his affair with Monica Lewinsky came out, it does seem odd that everyone would overlook Paterson's past.
What did you think of the sketch? Did Armisen's depiction cross the line?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hugh Laurie/Kanye West Review
Blagojevich Testimony - I have to say I really enjoyed this sketch. The scale of Blagojevich's stupidity and corruption truly knew no bounds, and I'm glad that SNL didn't let up on him. I loved Sudeikis' impression and Casey's Elizabeth Dole.
8
Monologue - I can hardly remember anything from the monologue. There was a Christmas medley, which wasn't great. Laurie made a joke about Oliver that nobody in the audience seemed to get. Forgettable.
5
Bronx Beat - I was so happy to see this return for Amy's final farewell. It was just perfect, and I loved when they were asking Laurie's character about what type of "meat" he preferred. "Breast, you like the breast? What about thigh? Inner thigh? Inner thigh? Breast?" And my favourite line; "I wish we had accents."
8
Sarcastic Christmas Dinner - This seemed to run on a such a flat premise, it had me a little confused. One line that sticks out for me is "Mother's milk", which made me holler like a hyena. Other than that though, this sketch was pretty weak.
6
Culhane Wedding Toasts - I rather enjoyed this sketch. The wedding toast idea never seems to get old. My favourite part of the sketch was Will Forte's white supremacist casting doom on America because of Obama's election. I also liked Laurie's friend of a father character.
8
Magical Lamps- Another sketch that hung on a weak premise. It's becoming increasingly obvious that Michaela Watkins' forte lies in playing elderly women. The only part I really enjoyed was "Coming soon to Broadway, but not the one you're thinking of!"
5
Cat Christmas Letter- One of my favourites of the night. I have a confession : I love puns. And this sketch was riddled with them, and I licked it up. "Miaowy Christmas." Oh, puns!
And, I LOVED Kristen Wiig's cat voice.
9
Cookie Crimes" (Digital Short) - Digital Shorts are just getting increasingly sillier and nonsensical as the season progresses. Perhaps I am holding them on a high pedestal, but the shorts never used to be this stupid. I mean, who conceived this? A man eating cookies, that turn out to be laxatives. I cannot think of a single redeeming feature of this sketch. I didn't smile, I didn't laugh.
(I'm not going to mark this, as it will be too harsh.)
Weekend Update: Oh god. I love Fred's David Paterson so much. It reminded me of Paterson's own shady past. It was too good. And perhaps a little politically incorrect, but I don't care. I loved it. The WU jokes weren't too great, but Amy's little speech was so sweet. And, I loved how Fred blocked the camera just as she was tearing up, only to make her laugh. Such a lovely way to go. I'll miss you Amy.
8/10
I dislike Hugh Laurie. I didn't have high expectations for this show. And sure enough, they met my low expectations. Other bloggers have said that the SNL crew didn't give Laurie a lot to work with. That may be true, but I think that perhaps Laurie didn't give SNL a lot to work with. His background is in comedy, but as we've seen in House, his forte is in snarky drama. This show, along with Anna Faris' has to be one of the weakest of the season. And where was Bill Hader? I'm getting peeved at their underuse of one of their most talented players. What is it? Don't they know how to write for him? It's just ridiculous to me.
Overall : 6/10
8
Monologue - I can hardly remember anything from the monologue. There was a Christmas medley, which wasn't great. Laurie made a joke about Oliver that nobody in the audience seemed to get. Forgettable.
5
Bronx Beat - I was so happy to see this return for Amy's final farewell. It was just perfect, and I loved when they were asking Laurie's character about what type of "meat" he preferred. "Breast, you like the breast? What about thigh? Inner thigh? Inner thigh? Breast?" And my favourite line; "I wish we had accents."
8
Sarcastic Christmas Dinner - This seemed to run on a such a flat premise, it had me a little confused. One line that sticks out for me is "Mother's milk", which made me holler like a hyena. Other than that though, this sketch was pretty weak.
6
Culhane Wedding Toasts - I rather enjoyed this sketch. The wedding toast idea never seems to get old. My favourite part of the sketch was Will Forte's white supremacist casting doom on America because of Obama's election. I also liked Laurie's friend of a father character.
8
Magical Lamps- Another sketch that hung on a weak premise. It's becoming increasingly obvious that Michaela Watkins' forte lies in playing elderly women. The only part I really enjoyed was "Coming soon to Broadway, but not the one you're thinking of!"
5
Cat Christmas Letter- One of my favourites of the night. I have a confession : I love puns. And this sketch was riddled with them, and I licked it up. "Miaowy Christmas." Oh, puns!
And, I LOVED Kristen Wiig's cat voice.
9
Cookie Crimes" (Digital Short) - Digital Shorts are just getting increasingly sillier and nonsensical as the season progresses. Perhaps I am holding them on a high pedestal, but the shorts never used to be this stupid. I mean, who conceived this? A man eating cookies, that turn out to be laxatives. I cannot think of a single redeeming feature of this sketch. I didn't smile, I didn't laugh.
(I'm not going to mark this, as it will be too harsh.)
Weekend Update: Oh god. I love Fred's David Paterson so much. It reminded me of Paterson's own shady past. It was too good. And perhaps a little politically incorrect, but I don't care. I loved it. The WU jokes weren't too great, but Amy's little speech was so sweet. And, I loved how Fred blocked the camera just as she was tearing up, only to make her laugh. Such a lovely way to go. I'll miss you Amy.
8/10
I dislike Hugh Laurie. I didn't have high expectations for this show. And sure enough, they met my low expectations. Other bloggers have said that the SNL crew didn't give Laurie a lot to work with. That may be true, but I think that perhaps Laurie didn't give SNL a lot to work with. His background is in comedy, but as we've seen in House, his forte is in snarky drama. This show, along with Anna Faris' has to be one of the weakest of the season. And where was Bill Hader? I'm getting peeved at their underuse of one of their most talented players. What is it? Don't they know how to write for him? It's just ridiculous to me.
Overall : 6/10
End of the Poehlercoaster
It was a fun ride while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end.
I'll miss you Amy Poehler. Your presence on screen never failed to make me smile. The energy and light you brought every week without fail was incomparable. Saturday nights surely won't be the same.
I'll miss you Amy Poehler. Your presence on screen never failed to make me smile. The energy and light you brought every week without fail was incomparable. Saturday nights surely won't be the same.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Fred Armisen with Jimmy Fallon
As some of you may know, Jimmy Fallon started his video blogs (vlogs) this week, in preparation of his takeover as host of Late Night, and December 10th featured none other than Fred Armisen. Take a look:
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2008/12/december-10-video-blog/
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2008/12/december-10-video-blog/
Mystery Team
Mystery Team is a comedy written by 30 Rock writer Donald Glover, and stars some SNL folks, including Bobby Moynihan, Kay Cannon (wife of Jason Sudeikis), and John Lutz.
Here's the trailer, where we see Bobby Moynihan for about three seconds?
The movie just got accepted into Sundance 2009, so it's got to be pretty good!
Enjoy!
Here's the trailer, where we see Bobby Moynihan for about three seconds?
The movie just got accepted into Sundance 2009, so it's got to be pretty good!
Enjoy!
Bill Hader - Conan
Bill Hader was on Conan last night. Anyone see it?
I didn't, as CNBC Europe has decided to replace Conan on weeknights, with some pseudo-business programme called The Difference-Makers or something silly and entrepeneurial like that. Who even watches those shows?
I didn't, as CNBC Europe has decided to replace Conan on weeknights, with some pseudo-business programme called The Difference-Makers or something silly and entrepeneurial like that. Who even watches those shows?
Lonely Island Album
Okay, so here is all I know about the upcoming Lonely Island comedy album.
- It will be called Incredibad.
- It will hit stores February 10th.
- It will feature Lonely Island classics, Dick in A Box and Lazy Sunday.
- Rumour has it that they got a little help from Jack Black, Norah Jones & Albert Hammond, Jr.
- Jizz in My Pants is the first single, allegedly.
And there you have it.
SNL Needs More Black People - Sherri Shepherd
The internet is rife with the news that Sherri Shepherd from The View has said that SNL is in need of more diversity in the cast. This is exactly what she said:
"I think Maya Rudolph would be amazing," Sherri tells AOL TV of who she'd like to see portray her. "She is so awesome! Couldn't they have gotten her to play me? They need more black people in their cast!"
This was in response to the fact that there was nobody to play Sherri in the recent View parody, as the sole black cast member, Kenan, was playing Whoopi Goldberg.
"I think Maya Rudolph would be amazing," Sherri tells AOL TV of who she'd like to see portray her. "She is so awesome! Couldn't they have gotten her to play me? They need more black people in their cast!"
This was in response to the fact that there was nobody to play Sherri in the recent View parody, as the sole black cast member, Kenan, was playing Whoopi Goldberg.
Not a very interesting story, but oh well.
Lampoon Writers Ready For Primetime
Here is a neat little article from the Harvard Crimson no less, that talks about the steady stream of Harvard Lampoon writers who go on to write for SNL. Colin Jost, Erik Kenward, James Downey and Simon Rich are among those mentioned and interviewed.
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=525890
Enjoy!
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=525890
Enjoy!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Nominations time!
Okay, SNL Alum Tina Fey was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy for 30 Rock, and also nominated for Best Writing - Episodic Comedy by the WGA.
Saturday Night Live scooped a WGA nomination also for COMEDY / VARIETY – (INCLUDING TALK) SERIES.
It faces some stiff competition from Late Night With Conan O'Brien, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, Late Show with David Letterman and Real Time with Bill Maher.
Something tells me that one of the Comedy Central shows will come out on top, but good luck SNL!
Saturday Night Live scooped a WGA nomination also for COMEDY / VARIETY – (INCLUDING TALK) SERIES.
It faces some stiff competition from Late Night With Conan O'Brien, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, Late Show with David Letterman and Real Time with Bill Maher.
Something tells me that one of the Comedy Central shows will come out on top, but good luck SNL!
John Malkovich/T.I Review
This has been a longtime coming, but I only watched the show on Tuesday. And sure enough, it was worth waiting for!
Secretary Clinton" - Amy Poehler back! Okay, aside from the return of the Poehler, I thought this cold open was little weak. I did enjoy when Bill showed up though, and made a quip about voting for change and getting the Clintons.
7/10
Monologue - Best monologue of the season? Yes! Malkovich read out 'Twas The Night Before Christmas to a group of children while dispensing the cold, hard truths of life. My favourite moment came when Malkovich said, "Itchy, itchy!" while removing a Santa hat.
9/10
"Gas Right" - A little silly, but I can forgive it because I really liked how Fred played Bruce. Premise was a little dumb though.
7/10
Sexy Shannon - This had me both howling with laughter, and cringing at the same time. Kristen Wiig played the sexy lady in the office whose disgusting mannerisms fail to live up to the guys' fantasies. That is, all the guys except John Malkovich. My favourite part was when she sang Happy Birthday. Fantastic.
9/10
Obama Keeps It Cool (film) - I enjoyed this, but I was expecting it to be a commercial for Obama cologne. Not the best, but good for a filler.
7.5/10
La Rivista Della Televisione - One of the best. I missed Vinny Vedecci! Highlight was most definitely when Bill Hader did his Malkovich impression, flawlessly! Bobby Moynihan also did a good job of playing Vinny's son, who was pacified with a cigarette.
9/10
"Virginia Horsen's Pony Express" - Virginia Horsen who you may remember from advertising Hot Air Balloon Rides returns to try convince you to let her deliver your mail-by horse. Amusing, and I loved the killer graphics! :)
"Calculators" - This was fun, in that it made me feel Christmassy and nostalgic. But I think it was a sort of a weak concept to sustain a whole sketch. Though, I have to say Fred and John are very convincing children.
Weekend Update: Hit-and-miss per usual with a lot of cruder-than-usual humour, but the guest commentators were good, particularly Boy George and David Rasmussen. Fred Armisen could hardly keep a straight face while playing Boy George, and his impression was spot-on, I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more coverage or recognition. Rasmussen (AS) was a 9-year-old who wrote a book on how to pick up girls. Of course his advice was filled with pick-up tips unsuitable for children. Very funny.
8/10
The Lost Works of Judy Blume - Loved, loved, loved it! It was weird enough for John Malkovich to take control of it, and run wild with the character Gertie, a girl in the throes of puberty who worries about playing truth-or-dare at a sleepover. My favourite part?
"The first 9 days were painful, but by the third month I hardly noticed it." - Gertie on what her period is like.
Also, Abby Elliott got a few lines in this one!
10/10
Jizz In My Pants - The Lonely Island boys are back on top, and in the headlines with their latest creation which featured cameos by Molly Simms, Justin Timberlake and Jamie Lynn Sigler. Jorma was heavily featured, and Akiva made a brief appearance. This song was obviously called Jizz in my Pants, and I don't think I need to explain it or the meaning. It has been hailed as Dick in A Box 2.0, but to be honest, despite it being ridiculously catchy, I didn't think it was great. I liked the pseudo-English accents, but I preferred earlier sketches with John Malkovich.
7/10
J'Accuzzi - Last of the night, and you know what that means, dud! The concept of the sketch was, Dangerous Liaisons performed in a hot-tub with poor actors. Malkovich's running commentary was funny enough, but the rest hardly illicited a giggle from me. It seemed like a lot of work, with no result.
5/10
Overall comment: Malkovich was a great host. Wonderfully weird and whimsical, he was reminiscent of Christopher Walken, but of course not as good, because who is? I thought he was daring in the sketch choices, particularly with Gertie, and did a great job!
The sketches were a little hit-and-miss, but when they were good, they were hilarious.
8/10
Thoughts:
Secretary Clinton" - Amy Poehler back! Okay, aside from the return of the Poehler, I thought this cold open was little weak. I did enjoy when Bill showed up though, and made a quip about voting for change and getting the Clintons.
7/10
Monologue - Best monologue of the season? Yes! Malkovich read out 'Twas The Night Before Christmas to a group of children while dispensing the cold, hard truths of life. My favourite moment came when Malkovich said, "Itchy, itchy!" while removing a Santa hat.
9/10
"Gas Right" - A little silly, but I can forgive it because I really liked how Fred played Bruce. Premise was a little dumb though.
7/10
Sexy Shannon - This had me both howling with laughter, and cringing at the same time. Kristen Wiig played the sexy lady in the office whose disgusting mannerisms fail to live up to the guys' fantasies. That is, all the guys except John Malkovich. My favourite part was when she sang Happy Birthday. Fantastic.
9/10
Obama Keeps It Cool (film) - I enjoyed this, but I was expecting it to be a commercial for Obama cologne. Not the best, but good for a filler.
7.5/10
La Rivista Della Televisione - One of the best. I missed Vinny Vedecci! Highlight was most definitely when Bill Hader did his Malkovich impression, flawlessly! Bobby Moynihan also did a good job of playing Vinny's son, who was pacified with a cigarette.
9/10
"Virginia Horsen's Pony Express" - Virginia Horsen who you may remember from advertising Hot Air Balloon Rides returns to try convince you to let her deliver your mail-by horse. Amusing, and I loved the killer graphics! :)
"Calculators" - This was fun, in that it made me feel Christmassy and nostalgic. But I think it was a sort of a weak concept to sustain a whole sketch. Though, I have to say Fred and John are very convincing children.
Weekend Update: Hit-and-miss per usual with a lot of cruder-than-usual humour, but the guest commentators were good, particularly Boy George and David Rasmussen. Fred Armisen could hardly keep a straight face while playing Boy George, and his impression was spot-on, I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more coverage or recognition. Rasmussen (AS) was a 9-year-old who wrote a book on how to pick up girls. Of course his advice was filled with pick-up tips unsuitable for children. Very funny.
8/10
The Lost Works of Judy Blume - Loved, loved, loved it! It was weird enough for John Malkovich to take control of it, and run wild with the character Gertie, a girl in the throes of puberty who worries about playing truth-or-dare at a sleepover. My favourite part?
"The first 9 days were painful, but by the third month I hardly noticed it." - Gertie on what her period is like.
Also, Abby Elliott got a few lines in this one!
10/10
Jizz In My Pants - The Lonely Island boys are back on top, and in the headlines with their latest creation which featured cameos by Molly Simms, Justin Timberlake and Jamie Lynn Sigler. Jorma was heavily featured, and Akiva made a brief appearance. This song was obviously called Jizz in my Pants, and I don't think I need to explain it or the meaning. It has been hailed as Dick in A Box 2.0, but to be honest, despite it being ridiculously catchy, I didn't think it was great. I liked the pseudo-English accents, but I preferred earlier sketches with John Malkovich.
7/10
J'Accuzzi - Last of the night, and you know what that means, dud! The concept of the sketch was, Dangerous Liaisons performed in a hot-tub with poor actors. Malkovich's running commentary was funny enough, but the rest hardly illicited a giggle from me. It seemed like a lot of work, with no result.
5/10
Overall comment: Malkovich was a great host. Wonderfully weird and whimsical, he was reminiscent of Christopher Walken, but of course not as good, because who is? I thought he was daring in the sketch choices, particularly with Gertie, and did a great job!
The sketches were a little hit-and-miss, but when they were good, they were hilarious.
8/10
Thoughts:
- I wonder where Jason Sudeikis was?
- I wish Amy Poehler would have come out on stage for a bigger cheer. She was unusually bashful.
- Why does John Malkovich pronounce the word "Saint" like "Saant"?
- What is with all the rappers on SNL lately? It's time for a band!
- Abby Elliott gets a line, yes! Now we just need a Joan Cusack-focused sketch and she can really showcase her talents.
Next week: Hugh Laurie/Kanye West
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Children's Hospital
A new web series entitled Children's Hospital will debut on Monday on thewb.com
It's the brainchild of Rob Corddry, who stars in it, with a little help from Megan Mullally, Errin Hayes, and SNL's Jason Sudeikis.
So, check it.
It's the brainchild of Rob Corddry, who stars in it, with a little help from Megan Mullally, Errin Hayes, and SNL's Jason Sudeikis.
So, check it.
Extreme Movie
Okay, so Extreme Movie was allegedly released on limited release on Friday.
I haven't heard a lot about it, or read any reviews.
BUT, it features vignettes written by the Lonely Island crew and Will Forte, so it has to be at least amusing.
And Michael Cera stars.
And no, it is not the latest in the long line of spoof movies liek Disaster Movie or Epic Movie.
I repeat, Extreme Movie has nothing do with those monstrosities.
I haven't heard a lot about it, or read any reviews.
BUT, it features vignettes written by the Lonely Island crew and Will Forte, so it has to be at least amusing.
And Michael Cera stars.
And no, it is not the latest in the long line of spoof movies liek Disaster Movie or Epic Movie.
I repeat, Extreme Movie has nothing do with those monstrosities.
Return of the Poehler!
Just read that Amy Poehler returned to reprise her role as Senator Clinton, and WU anchor last night!
I have not yet seen the episode, but I cannot wait!
It's like Christmas came early!
Share your thoughts on Poehler's impromptu appearance.
I have not yet seen the episode, but I cannot wait!
It's like Christmas came early!
Share your thoughts on Poehler's impromptu appearance.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Tale Behind Tina Fey's Facial Scar
The internet is buzzing with the story behind Tina Fey's barely-noticable facial scar. Up to now, Fey had refused to talk about its origins, saying it bummed out her parents to discuss it.
In an interview in Vanity Fair, Fey's husband, Jeff Richmond, says a stranger slashed the 30 Rock star's face when she was 5 years old in the front yard of her house.
"That scar was fascinating to me," he says. "This is somebody who . . . has gone through something. And I think it really informs the way she thinks about her life."
Fey says talking about the attack would seem like exploiting it.
"It's really almost like I'm able to forget about it until I was on-camera, and it became a thing of 'Oh, I guess we should use this side' or whatever. Everybody's got a better side," she says.
Read all about it in Vanity Fair, which features this cover:
In an interview in Vanity Fair, Fey's husband, Jeff Richmond, says a stranger slashed the 30 Rock star's face when she was 5 years old in the front yard of her house.
"That scar was fascinating to me," he says. "This is somebody who . . . has gone through something. And I think it really informs the way she thinks about her life."
Fey says talking about the attack would seem like exploiting it.
"It's really almost like I'm able to forget about it until I was on-camera, and it became a thing of 'Oh, I guess we should use this side' or whatever. Everybody's got a better side," she says.
Read all about it in Vanity Fair, which features this cover:
Prop. 8: The Musical
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones
Link to Prop 8 : The Musical, featuring SNL alum Maya Rudolph.
Link to Prop 8 : The Musical, featuring SNL alum Maya Rudolph.
Live from New York, It's Saturday Night.. with your host Hugh Laurie!
Hugh Laurie will once again serve as host of SNL, hosting the final show of '08 on Dec. 13th.
Musical guest will be Kanye West.
I have to say I'm more excited about Kanye West than I am about Hugh Laurie returning. I really disliked the show he hosted in '06. But, maybe this time it will be better? Or maybe I have an innate dislike for Laurie, who knows. Either way, he's doing the Christmas show.
Musical guest will be Kanye West.
I have to say I'm more excited about Kanye West than I am about Hugh Laurie returning. I really disliked the show he hosted in '06. But, maybe this time it will be better? Or maybe I have an innate dislike for Laurie, who knows. Either way, he's doing the Christmas show.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Interview with Michaela Watkins & Abby Elliott on SNL Website
Fred conducted interviews with the two newbies on the SNL website.
They are in the backstage section of the website videos.
I of course can't watch them as I am in Ireland.
Dagnabbit!
They are in the backstage section of the website videos.
I of course can't watch them as I am in Ireland.
Dagnabbit!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Jason Sudeikis playing trombone?
http://www.film.com/tv/story/music-tv-week-kanye-west/24604230
Scroll to the end to see a moustache-sporting Jason Sudeikis playing trombone with Regina Spektor and Ben Folds on Conan.
Scroll to the end to see a moustache-sporting Jason Sudeikis playing trombone with Regina Spektor and Ben Folds on Conan.
Rahm Emanuel sketch:
Go to NBC.com to see a sketch with Rahm Emmanuel (Andy Samberg) that was cut from Saturday's show.
I have not seen it, as NBC and Hulu won't let me watch it, as I am international.
But word on the web is that it's pretty funny!
I have not seen it, as NBC and Hulu won't let me watch it, as I am international.
But word on the web is that it's pretty funny!
Lorne Michaels to add another guy/girl?!
Fresh after adding Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins to the cast, Lorne Michaels has said, and I quote:
"The staying power has always been the cast and the writing. We're just in a rebuilding period," Michaels says. "I believe this cast is confident and good, but we can definitely add another woman and guy in the spring."
(from Shreveport Times)
And want to know Lorne's opinion on the three newbies?
On Abby Elliott:
"She was in the last set of auditions. The fear was that she might be too young. But so was Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. She did some really nice impressions, and her sense of humor was clearly there."
On Bobby Moynihan:
"I think he's the real thing. I looked at him last year. This year (during auditions), he knocked it out of the park. He has incredible poise and confidence."
On Michaela Watkins:
"She has a very nice precision, and there's real intelligence to her comedy. She did some smart, evolved characters for her audition."
It really seems like he's gushing about Bobby Moynihan, while a little iffy about the two ladies? Perhaps this could mean bye-bye to one of the ladies later in the year. (I have no basis for this claim, just speculatin'..)
"The staying power has always been the cast and the writing. We're just in a rebuilding period," Michaels says. "I believe this cast is confident and good, but we can definitely add another woman and guy in the spring."
(from Shreveport Times)
And want to know Lorne's opinion on the three newbies?
On Abby Elliott:
"She was in the last set of auditions. The fear was that she might be too young. But so was Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. She did some really nice impressions, and her sense of humor was clearly there."
On Bobby Moynihan:
"I think he's the real thing. I looked at him last year. This year (during auditions), he knocked it out of the park. He has incredible poise and confidence."
On Michaela Watkins:
"She has a very nice precision, and there's real intelligence to her comedy. She did some smart, evolved characters for her audition."
It really seems like he's gushing about Bobby Moynihan, while a little iffy about the two ladies? Perhaps this could mean bye-bye to one of the ladies later in the year. (I have no basis for this claim, just speculatin'..)
Horatio Sanz Sans 100lbs
And before you ask, yes I did come up with that oh-so-funny headline. Do you get it? Sanz is like sans, which means without in French?
Anyway, here's Horatio Sanz 100lbs slimmer:
Anyway, here's Horatio Sanz 100lbs slimmer:
Monday, November 24, 2008
Interesting note:
Fred Armisen and John Mulaney co-wrote the Vogelchek kissing sketch that aired last week.
I love finding out these side-notes!
I love finding out these side-notes!
Amy Poehler looking beautiful :
http://www.wwd.com/lifestyle-news/eye/natural-causes-1869856?gnewsid=f0f4b4b9dbea8302905e2334a948fb75#/slideshow/article/1869856/1869857
Amy Poehler pictured at the American Museum of Natural History Museum’s gala on Thursday night. Looking beautiful just three weeks after delivering Baby Archie.
Aw!
Amy Poehler pictured at the American Museum of Natural History Museum’s gala on Thursday night. Looking beautiful just three weeks after delivering Baby Archie.
Aw!
Tim McGraw/Ludacris + T-Pain
First of all, I'd like to say that I had very low expectations for this show, given the host. I'm pleased to say that my expectations were surpassed and Tim McGraw was actually a good host. However, the bad news is it ranks as one of the weakest of a high-calibre season.
Cold Open: This was decent, but nowhere near the par set at the beginning of the season with the Sarah Palin sketches. Oh Sarah, I never thought I'd say this, but I miss you.
Elements I did enjoy were Bill Hader's North Carolina Representative character and Darrell Hammond.
7/10
Monologue: Fine, except for when McGraw had to break into a song. I'm sure McGraw is a lovely man, but I really hate his music.
5/10
Clear Rite: I'm not sure why I enjoyed this sketch so much. But Kristen Wiig was very funny , and the ending was unexpected, so kudos!
8/10
Real-Life Crimes: I was busting a gut laughing at this. Bill Hader's impression was impeccable as usual, and cracked me up. "Do you get some twisted pleasure out of this?" "Yeees!"
9/10
Turkeys: One of the weakest. I remember glancing at the newspaper while this sketch was running. Didn't crack a smile once.
4/10
James Bond - Live Another Death: Enjoyable sketch. Felt a little stale, but I laughed nonetheless. Best gag was no doubt the Pussy Galore part.
7/10
Weekend Update: This week on Weekend Update, Arianna Huffington and Bill Clinton paid a visit. Arianna Huffington was played by new cast member Michaela Watkins, and it was excellent. Good to see her get a part this week. Bill Clinton was hilarious as always. And the other guest was Zell Miller played by Will Forte. This part was pretty forgettable, and was a comment on the Georgia Senate run-off between Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin
Not the best WU, 7/10
The Blizzard Man: This sketch was about a white rapper named Blizzard Man played by Andy Samberg. It was silly, but I loved it! Lorne Michaels needs to take note of T-Pain. Future host right there.
8/10
Trick-R-Turkey: Jeff Montgomery spends Thanksgiving with a family who he doesn't know. Another creepy character played by Will Forte. Not very original or funny for that matter.
5/10
Phony Phone Calls: Another silly sketch about a radio DJ who makes mild prank phone calls to the delight of the call receivers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
8/10
Weird Bartender: I knew this would happen. Mark Payne became a recurring character. You remember Mark Payne? Played by Bobby Moynihan in the season premiere. Well, he was back last night. And although it wasn't as funny as the original sketch, I did laugh, which is more than can be said for Trick-r-Turkey, or Turkey Day.
7.5/10
Overall this was a very hit and miss episode. They underutilised the host, and there weren't really any stand out sketches. Usually after watching an episode of SNL, I rewatch my favourite sketches before I go to sleep. Last week, I must have watched The Painting Digital Short five or six times? Same with the Beyonce Dancers sketch. This week, I had no urge to rewatch any of the sketches. Surefire sign of a dud episode.
6.5/10
Thoughts:
Cold Open: This was decent, but nowhere near the par set at the beginning of the season with the Sarah Palin sketches. Oh Sarah, I never thought I'd say this, but I miss you.
Elements I did enjoy were Bill Hader's North Carolina Representative character and Darrell Hammond.
7/10
Monologue: Fine, except for when McGraw had to break into a song. I'm sure McGraw is a lovely man, but I really hate his music.
5/10
Clear Rite: I'm not sure why I enjoyed this sketch so much. But Kristen Wiig was very funny , and the ending was unexpected, so kudos!
8/10
Real-Life Crimes: I was busting a gut laughing at this. Bill Hader's impression was impeccable as usual, and cracked me up. "Do you get some twisted pleasure out of this?" "Yeees!"
9/10
Turkeys: One of the weakest. I remember glancing at the newspaper while this sketch was running. Didn't crack a smile once.
4/10
James Bond - Live Another Death: Enjoyable sketch. Felt a little stale, but I laughed nonetheless. Best gag was no doubt the Pussy Galore part.
7/10
Weekend Update: This week on Weekend Update, Arianna Huffington and Bill Clinton paid a visit. Arianna Huffington was played by new cast member Michaela Watkins, and it was excellent. Good to see her get a part this week. Bill Clinton was hilarious as always. And the other guest was Zell Miller played by Will Forte. This part was pretty forgettable, and was a comment on the Georgia Senate run-off between Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin
Not the best WU, 7/10
The Blizzard Man: This sketch was about a white rapper named Blizzard Man played by Andy Samberg. It was silly, but I loved it! Lorne Michaels needs to take note of T-Pain. Future host right there.
8/10
Trick-R-Turkey: Jeff Montgomery spends Thanksgiving with a family who he doesn't know. Another creepy character played by Will Forte. Not very original or funny for that matter.
5/10
Phony Phone Calls: Another silly sketch about a radio DJ who makes mild prank phone calls to the delight of the call receivers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
8/10
Weird Bartender: I knew this would happen. Mark Payne became a recurring character. You remember Mark Payne? Played by Bobby Moynihan in the season premiere. Well, he was back last night. And although it wasn't as funny as the original sketch, I did laugh, which is more than can be said for Trick-r-Turkey, or Turkey Day.
7.5/10
Overall this was a very hit and miss episode. They underutilised the host, and there weren't really any stand out sketches. Usually after watching an episode of SNL, I rewatch my favourite sketches before I go to sleep. Last week, I must have watched The Painting Digital Short five or six times? Same with the Beyonce Dancers sketch. This week, I had no urge to rewatch any of the sketches. Surefire sign of a dud episode.
6.5/10
Thoughts:
- Bill Hader is eerily similar to Dan Aykroyd.
- Poor Abby Elliott, why won't they include her!
- Just one Twilight reference?
- I miss The Falconer.
- John Malkovich!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Live from New York, It's Saturday Night..
With John Malkovich and musical guest T.I.
Yes, John Malkovich will take to the stage as host for the third time on December 6th.
Malkovich has previously hosted in 1989 and 1993.
Obviously, I do not remember these, but if anyone does, feel free to share your thoughts on what Malkovich was/will be like!
Yes, John Malkovich will take to the stage as host for the third time on December 6th.
Malkovich has previously hosted in 1989 and 1993.
Obviously, I do not remember these, but if anyone does, feel free to share your thoughts on what Malkovich was/will be like!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
SNL looking to hire Black Obama
According to Gothamist, Lorne Michaels is in the process of auditioning black actors to play Barack Obama. The names floating around include Wyatt Cenac of The Daily Show, Jordan Peele of MadTV, 30 Rock's Donald Glover and Jordan Carlos of the Colbert Report.
I will miss Fred Armisen's Kermit-like Barack Obama, but I would love to see Wyatt Cenac or Jordan Carlos on!
Though, I don't think the fact that the person is blacker will change the fact that Barack Obama is difficult to make fun of.
http://gothamist.com/2008/11/21/snl_looking_to_hire_a_black_obama.php
Edit: Chicago Tribune says that when contacted, SNL said this story had no truth, saying "Fred is Obama."
I will miss Fred Armisen's Kermit-like Barack Obama, but I would love to see Wyatt Cenac or Jordan Carlos on!
Though, I don't think the fact that the person is blacker will change the fact that Barack Obama is difficult to make fun of.
http://gothamist.com/2008/11/21/snl_looking_to_hire_a_black_obama.php
Edit: Chicago Tribune says that when contacted, SNL said this story had no truth, saying "Fred is Obama."
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Paul Rudd/Justin Timberlake
Things I liked:
1) Justin Timberlake!
2) Kristen Wiig's debut of her Janet Napolitano impression.
3) The Digital Short. My God, I laughed.
4) The cast giving props to new girls Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins at the closing credits. How sweet!
5) Bobby Moynihan's rabbit character on Update. The name escapes me, but I loved it.
Things I did not like:
1) The fact that Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins were clearly given invisibility potion, and then forced to don a invisibility cloak for the duration of the episode. ("clearly given invisibility potion", that's got to be some sort of paradox/irony/oxymoron thing)
2) The cold open. No Obama? Or real Biden? Disappointing.
3) The fact that Andy did not take off his shirt in the Digital Short.
4) Hardly any Wiig/Wilson/Woman tonight.
Longer review tomorrow.
Oh, and isn't it weird that three of the women on SNL have surnames beginning with "W". Wiig/Wilson/Watkins. And isn't it coincidental that the adjective I used to describe that situation also began with 'w'?
Good night, and good luck!
1) Justin Timberlake!
2) Kristen Wiig's debut of her Janet Napolitano impression.
3) The Digital Short. My God, I laughed.
4) The cast giving props to new girls Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins at the closing credits. How sweet!
5) Bobby Moynihan's rabbit character on Update. The name escapes me, but I loved it.
Things I did not like:
1) The fact that Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins were clearly given invisibility potion, and then forced to don a invisibility cloak for the duration of the episode. ("clearly given invisibility potion", that's got to be some sort of paradox/irony/oxymoron thing)
2) The cold open. No Obama? Or real Biden? Disappointing.
3) The fact that Andy did not take off his shirt in the Digital Short.
4) Hardly any Wiig/Wilson/Woman tonight.
Longer review tomorrow.
Oh, and isn't it weird that three of the women on SNL have surnames beginning with "W". Wiig/Wilson/Watkins. And isn't it coincidental that the adjective I used to describe that situation also began with 'w'?
Good night, and good luck!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Poehler's Smart Girls at the Party
If you know any girls, any young girls, any girls at all, show them this jewel:
Fred's Blog
I'm probably way behind on everybody else, but I just read Fred Armisen's blog on the SNL website. I came across it during the summer, when the show was on summer break, and forgot about it.
I rediscovered it tonight, and it was great. It really provides you with an insight into the whole SNL backstage process shindig thingy.
For example, did you know that :
1) Amy Poehler wrote the Sarah Palin rap, with a little help from Andy Samberg?
Yeah. Read Fred's blog.
blog.nbc.com/fred
I rediscovered it tonight, and it was great. It really provides you with an insight into the whole SNL backstage process shindig thingy.
For example, did you know that :
1) Amy Poehler wrote the Sarah Palin rap, with a little help from Andy Samberg?
Yeah. Read Fred's blog.
blog.nbc.com/fred
Bill Hader on Conan Nov. 20th
Bill Hader will appear on Late Night with Conan O'Brien this coming Thursday along with the lovely Sarah Vowell, and musical guest Brian Wilson!
I love Bill Hader in interviews. He always comes across as so likeable and goofy. Did I spell likeable wrong? I'm always confused as to whether I should drop the 'a' or leave it in there.
Here's a video of Bill Hader on Letterman for your viewing pleasure:
I love Bill Hader in interviews. He always comes across as so likeable and goofy. Did I spell likeable wrong? I'm always confused as to whether I should drop the 'a' or leave it in there.
Here's a video of Bill Hader on Letterman for your viewing pleasure:
SNLers do Gap!
You know you've made it when you're asked to advertise Gap.
Gap ads make me feel Christmassy.
Gap ads make me feel Christmassy.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tim McGraw to host Nov. 22nd
Guess Britney Spears fell through, as its been confirmed that Tim McGraw will host Nov. 22nd with musical guests Ludacris and T-Pain.
Yay?
Yay?
MadTV Cancelled...
The perenially unfunny, nasty, mean MadTV was cancelled.
I don't want to come across like I'm gloating. After all MadTV introduced Nicole Parker to the masses..
But.. gloat.
I don't want to come across like I'm gloating. After all MadTV introduced Nicole Parker to the masses..
But.. gloat.
Please welcome...
Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins!
The two lovelies are the latest additions to SNL. Abby Elliott is 21 years old, daughter of SNL alum Chris Elliott and was trained at Amy Poehler's UCB Theatre.
Michaela Watkins has no age to speak of. But she did star in New Adventures of Old Christine, maybe you caught her? She was trained at Groundlings, where Will Forte and Kristen Wiig were trained!
Welcome ladies, make yourselves at home..
But don't overdo it.
The two lovelies are the latest additions to SNL. Abby Elliott is 21 years old, daughter of SNL alum Chris Elliott and was trained at Amy Poehler's UCB Theatre.
Michaela Watkins has no age to speak of. But she did star in New Adventures of Old Christine, maybe you caught her? She was trained at Groundlings, where Will Forte and Kristen Wiig were trained!
Welcome ladies, make yourselves at home..
But don't overdo it.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Ben Affleck/David Cook review
Cold Open: Fantastic premise! John McCain was excellent, and maybe stole the show from Tina Fey. Strike that, no maybe about it, he was awesome. My particular favourite? The plates commemorating the ten town hall debates that Obama refused to participate in.
9/10
Monologue: A little short and uneventful. I've become accustomed to celebrity cameos and glitzy monologues these past couple of weeks, so this one fell a little flat for me.
6/10
Jar Glove: Yes, it's a repeat from the Michael Phelps episode. Still amusing, but not nearly as funny as the first time.
6/10
The View: Very good. Only, I wish they had done a little more with the sketch than just have each character essentially repeat their catchphrases. All of the impressions were spot-on though, even Kenan's. Also, props must be given to Casey Wilson's impression of Jennifer Aniston, which while it was lost in this sketch and really had no place in it, was still great. The best I've seen from Casey so far, good work!
8/10
Countdown with Keith Olberman: Best sketch of the night! It painted Keith Olbermann as being deranged and mentally unstable. It ran a little long, but Ben Affleck's delivery just made it! He smirked a few times, but honestly I don't know how he made it through the entire sketch and not crack up. His personal comment addressing Mr. Lieberstein was classic. Absurd and bizarre. Just the way I like it!
10/10
Target Lady: The best Target Lady sketch in a while. This time saw a cheesy UPS man with corn-rows hit on Target Lady, much to both her dismay and delight!
"Can I scan you? Just like I thought! Priceless!"
9/10
Giraffes: This was a message from Staten Island Zoo, that presented a student-made video about giraffes. Much like the Sloths sketch before it, it was hilarious. Some information I did not know about giraffes : They come from outer space, vampire blood runs through their veins. Who knew SNL was so educational?
9/10
David Cook: n/a
Yeah, I didn't watch it.
Weekend Update: Best one in a while actually. I'm really warming up to Seth Meyers who has proved himself to be an extremely competent solo anchor. Guest commentators included Aunt Linda, John McCain and two brothers who sang a song about voting machines, which was hilarious.
9/10
Night School Musical: Wasn't as good as it could have been, and the music drowned out the lyrics, so I could hardly hear what they were singing about.
6/10
How to Get the Fire Back in Your Marriage DVD: This was one of those sketches that was cringey and disgusting, but you couldn't help but laugh at it. Kenan played an old man who released a DVD providing love-making tips for the older couple. And they showed examples. Oh, they showed examples.
8/10
Pitching a Movie: Bill Hader's only appearance tonight, and it was gold, absolute gold. He played the emo brother to Ben Affleck's emotionally stable character. Both were pitching a coming-of-age tale but Bill's character Stefan also introduced some lude elements into his pitch, including "diaper people". Has to be seen, best character of the night!
Bierhoff Brother's House of German Coats: 8/10 Fred Armisen and Ben Affleck played the Bierhoff brothers who were selling coats to german tourists, which had a wide array of accessories. They could even be used as a tent. Pretty funny. Ben Affleck's German accent really did it for me.
Overall, this was a good solid episode. Ben Affleck blended into the cast seamlessly, and I have to say it almost became The Ben Affleck Show. Some cast members were hardly seen, like Bill Hader, Will Forte, Darrell Hammond, Bobby Moynihan, and Jason Sudeikis. So, hope to see more of them, and maybe a little less of Fred Armisen, whom I love, but I'm getting a little too much of.
Favourites : Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Movie Pitch, Weekend Update
9/10
Monologue: A little short and uneventful. I've become accustomed to celebrity cameos and glitzy monologues these past couple of weeks, so this one fell a little flat for me.
6/10
Jar Glove: Yes, it's a repeat from the Michael Phelps episode. Still amusing, but not nearly as funny as the first time.
6/10
The View: Very good. Only, I wish they had done a little more with the sketch than just have each character essentially repeat their catchphrases. All of the impressions were spot-on though, even Kenan's. Also, props must be given to Casey Wilson's impression of Jennifer Aniston, which while it was lost in this sketch and really had no place in it, was still great. The best I've seen from Casey so far, good work!
8/10
Countdown with Keith Olberman: Best sketch of the night! It painted Keith Olbermann as being deranged and mentally unstable. It ran a little long, but Ben Affleck's delivery just made it! He smirked a few times, but honestly I don't know how he made it through the entire sketch and not crack up. His personal comment addressing Mr. Lieberstein was classic. Absurd and bizarre. Just the way I like it!
10/10
Target Lady: The best Target Lady sketch in a while. This time saw a cheesy UPS man with corn-rows hit on Target Lady, much to both her dismay and delight!
"Can I scan you? Just like I thought! Priceless!"
9/10
Giraffes: This was a message from Staten Island Zoo, that presented a student-made video about giraffes. Much like the Sloths sketch before it, it was hilarious. Some information I did not know about giraffes : They come from outer space, vampire blood runs through their veins. Who knew SNL was so educational?
9/10
David Cook: n/a
Yeah, I didn't watch it.
Weekend Update: Best one in a while actually. I'm really warming up to Seth Meyers who has proved himself to be an extremely competent solo anchor. Guest commentators included Aunt Linda, John McCain and two brothers who sang a song about voting machines, which was hilarious.
9/10
Night School Musical: Wasn't as good as it could have been, and the music drowned out the lyrics, so I could hardly hear what they were singing about.
6/10
How to Get the Fire Back in Your Marriage DVD: This was one of those sketches that was cringey and disgusting, but you couldn't help but laugh at it. Kenan played an old man who released a DVD providing love-making tips for the older couple. And they showed examples. Oh, they showed examples.
8/10
Pitching a Movie: Bill Hader's only appearance tonight, and it was gold, absolute gold. He played the emo brother to Ben Affleck's emotionally stable character. Both were pitching a coming-of-age tale but Bill's character Stefan also introduced some lude elements into his pitch, including "diaper people". Has to be seen, best character of the night!
Bierhoff Brother's House of German Coats: 8/10 Fred Armisen and Ben Affleck played the Bierhoff brothers who were selling coats to german tourists, which had a wide array of accessories. They could even be used as a tent. Pretty funny. Ben Affleck's German accent really did it for me.
Overall, this was a good solid episode. Ben Affleck blended into the cast seamlessly, and I have to say it almost became The Ben Affleck Show. Some cast members were hardly seen, like Bill Hader, Will Forte, Darrell Hammond, Bobby Moynihan, and Jason Sudeikis. So, hope to see more of them, and maybe a little less of Fred Armisen, whom I love, but I'm getting a little too much of.
Favourites : Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Movie Pitch, Weekend Update
Live from New York, It's Saturday Night, with host Paul Rudd/Beyonce
Yes, our prayers have been answered and Mr. Rudd of Knocked Up, Friends, Clueless, Forgetting Sarah Marshall fame will host SNL November 15th.
Beyonce will be musical guest, but whatever, PAUL RUDD!
Beyonce will be musical guest, but whatever, PAUL RUDD!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Strike.TV
http://www.strike.tv/show/global-warming/
Click up there to watch new Kristen Wiig/Aasif Mandvi web-series Global Warming!
Click up there to watch new Kristen Wiig/Aasif Mandvi web-series Global Warming!
Jon Hamm/Coldplay review
Cold Open:
I was away for a week, so I wasn't 100% certain as to what exactly happened with Sen. Biden and Rep. Murtha. But given that it was 10 days to the election, this seemed like an odd way to open the show. Not as funny as Will Ferrell and Tina Fey's bit on Thursday Night.
Monologue:
Amusing, and well delivered. It was a bit in which Hamm urged viewers to watch his show Mad Men on AMC, by reeling them in with a list of false gimmicks, i.e. McCain and Obama will appear on the finale smoking weed.
Hallowe'en Paedophile:
Here Will Forte played a paedophile going to his neighbour's house looking for candy, but also to reveal to him in a roundabout way, that he is in fact a sex offender. The sketch felt a little stale, like something I'd seen before, but Forte saved it, by being the phenomenal character actor he is. There's something incredibly intense about every character Forte does, as he gives 120% and his full commitment. This sketch was no exception.
SNL Digital Short : Ras-Trent:
Only the second good digital short this season, after Extreme Activities Competition. This was Andy Samberg playing a white rasta wannabe, to an incredibly catchy beat. Seriously, this song could be a hit.
"Me toil part time at a ColdStone Creamery."
Excellent.
Two A-Holes at a 60's Ad Agency:
Hail the return of the Two A-Holes! This time our favourite A-Holes were pitching a stationary hula-hoop to the Mad Men characters! Cameos from John Slattery and Elisabeth Moss. It was absolutely hilarious, and Will Forte and Bill Hader blended in flawlessly. My favourite line?
"What about you, gay guy?"
"Who, me???!"
Bill Hader's face was amazing.
Obama Variety Half-Hour:
Best sketch of the night. Maya Rudolph returned to play Michelle Obama, and Mr.and Mrs. O presented their variety half hour, which included Nancy Pelosi (Wiig), Barney Frank (Moynihan) and Ron Emmanuel (Samberg) singing Our House, and Bill Clinton singing "Don't Your Forget About Me." Jon Hamm also played John F. Kennedy's spirit who returns to endorse Obama. Wonderful, neat, tidy sketch.
Don Draper's Guide To Picking Up Women:
Another Mad Men reference. This was a taped bit, that showed Hamm reprise his character Don Draper, and divulge his secrets. My favourite:
1) Be Silent.
Coldplay :
I dislike Coldplay, so I fast-forwarded this.
Weekend Update:
Tonight opened with the revelation that Amy Poehler couldn't be there because she was having her baby! So, Meyers went solo. And, I have to say, he did a pretty good job. Guest commentators included Ralph Nader, played flawlessly by Bill Hader, RoboCall played by Will Forte, and Nicholas Fehn. I loved Nicholas Fehn in the beginning, but it's wearing just a little thin now. Perhaps, it's awesome to see Armisen improvise all that, and that's why the audience reaction is so strong and favourable each time. But I think it's time to put it to rest.
Update ended on the loveliest note, with Kenan Thompson and Maya Rudolph performing a rendition of "We Love You Amy" to the tune of "I Love You, Baby." It's so obvious how much the cast truly love her, and the affection they hold for her. What? I'm not crying, I just have something in my eye.
Vincent Price's Halloween Show:
Here saw Bill Hader return as Vincent Price in one his specials. His guests included Gloria Swanson, who was a pirate, and James Mason. It was Hamm who played Mason, and he did a killer job at playing the Lolita star. Best part was when Price went to read The Raven, and asked for musical accompaniment from Liberace (Armisen). One of the best of the night.
Jon Hamm's John Ham:
Okay, this sketch, while clever, made me feel nautious. The roll of ham in the bathroom, the mustard dispenser.. it was all a little juvenile.
Pat Finger, Butts, NY:
This sketch was a series of campaign ads from the unfortunately named Pat Finger (Hamm) who is running for Butts Council. Lots of Finger in Butts jokes ensue. And then in an attempt to remedy his initial campaign ads, he changes his name to Pat Dildeaux. Dildo in Butts. You get the picture.
Coldplay:
Didn't watch.
Overall, I thought this was a strong episode. Consistent show, with one of the strongest hosts thus far (after Anne Hathaway). It was good to see Bill Hader get more airtime, and perform some of his killer impressions, which he have hardly seen this season. Not a lot of Wiig/Wilson this episode, which is kind of a nice change. I adore Wiig, but I fear that now Amy has left, she is going to be used to the absolute maximum. Wilson kind of bothers me. Its clear she has talent, but she overacts in every sketch. If she took it down a notch, then she'd be simply fantastic. But as it stands, she's a little annoying.
Score: 8/10
I was away for a week, so I wasn't 100% certain as to what exactly happened with Sen. Biden and Rep. Murtha. But given that it was 10 days to the election, this seemed like an odd way to open the show. Not as funny as Will Ferrell and Tina Fey's bit on Thursday Night.
Monologue:
Amusing, and well delivered. It was a bit in which Hamm urged viewers to watch his show Mad Men on AMC, by reeling them in with a list of false gimmicks, i.e. McCain and Obama will appear on the finale smoking weed.
Hallowe'en Paedophile:
Here Will Forte played a paedophile going to his neighbour's house looking for candy, but also to reveal to him in a roundabout way, that he is in fact a sex offender. The sketch felt a little stale, like something I'd seen before, but Forte saved it, by being the phenomenal character actor he is. There's something incredibly intense about every character Forte does, as he gives 120% and his full commitment. This sketch was no exception.
SNL Digital Short : Ras-Trent:
Only the second good digital short this season, after Extreme Activities Competition. This was Andy Samberg playing a white rasta wannabe, to an incredibly catchy beat. Seriously, this song could be a hit.
"Me toil part time at a ColdStone Creamery."
Excellent.
Two A-Holes at a 60's Ad Agency:
Hail the return of the Two A-Holes! This time our favourite A-Holes were pitching a stationary hula-hoop to the Mad Men characters! Cameos from John Slattery and Elisabeth Moss. It was absolutely hilarious, and Will Forte and Bill Hader blended in flawlessly. My favourite line?
"What about you, gay guy?"
"Who, me???!"
Bill Hader's face was amazing.
Obama Variety Half-Hour:
Best sketch of the night. Maya Rudolph returned to play Michelle Obama, and Mr.and Mrs. O presented their variety half hour, which included Nancy Pelosi (Wiig), Barney Frank (Moynihan) and Ron Emmanuel (Samberg) singing Our House, and Bill Clinton singing "Don't Your Forget About Me." Jon Hamm also played John F. Kennedy's spirit who returns to endorse Obama. Wonderful, neat, tidy sketch.
Don Draper's Guide To Picking Up Women:
Another Mad Men reference. This was a taped bit, that showed Hamm reprise his character Don Draper, and divulge his secrets. My favourite:
1) Be Silent.
Coldplay :
I dislike Coldplay, so I fast-forwarded this.
Weekend Update:
Tonight opened with the revelation that Amy Poehler couldn't be there because she was having her baby! So, Meyers went solo. And, I have to say, he did a pretty good job. Guest commentators included Ralph Nader, played flawlessly by Bill Hader, RoboCall played by Will Forte, and Nicholas Fehn. I loved Nicholas Fehn in the beginning, but it's wearing just a little thin now. Perhaps, it's awesome to see Armisen improvise all that, and that's why the audience reaction is so strong and favourable each time. But I think it's time to put it to rest.
Update ended on the loveliest note, with Kenan Thompson and Maya Rudolph performing a rendition of "We Love You Amy" to the tune of "I Love You, Baby." It's so obvious how much the cast truly love her, and the affection they hold for her. What? I'm not crying, I just have something in my eye.
Vincent Price's Halloween Show:
Here saw Bill Hader return as Vincent Price in one his specials. His guests included Gloria Swanson, who was a pirate, and James Mason. It was Hamm who played Mason, and he did a killer job at playing the Lolita star. Best part was when Price went to read The Raven, and asked for musical accompaniment from Liberace (Armisen). One of the best of the night.
Jon Hamm's John Ham:
Okay, this sketch, while clever, made me feel nautious. The roll of ham in the bathroom, the mustard dispenser.. it was all a little juvenile.
Pat Finger, Butts, NY:
This sketch was a series of campaign ads from the unfortunately named Pat Finger (Hamm) who is running for Butts Council. Lots of Finger in Butts jokes ensue. And then in an attempt to remedy his initial campaign ads, he changes his name to Pat Dildeaux. Dildo in Butts. You get the picture.
Coldplay:
Didn't watch.
Overall, I thought this was a strong episode. Consistent show, with one of the strongest hosts thus far (after Anne Hathaway). It was good to see Bill Hader get more airtime, and perform some of his killer impressions, which he have hardly seen this season. Not a lot of Wiig/Wilson this episode, which is kind of a nice change. I adore Wiig, but I fear that now Amy has left, she is going to be used to the absolute maximum. Wilson kind of bothers me. Its clear she has talent, but she overacts in every sketch. If she took it down a notch, then she'd be simply fantastic. But as it stands, she's a little annoying.
Score: 8/10
Obama not feeling Armisen's impression
From TV Guide -
The presidential hopeful admitted, ever so diplomatically, of course, that his Saturday Night Live other half leaves much to be desired in his parodies."I've gotta say, compared to Tina Fey and what she's been doing with Gov. Sarah Palin, my imitator isn't doing as great a job," he told WUSA9.com.
"I do know my ears have been getting bigger and bigger each episode," Obama said. "I'm sure they'll get me right over time."
The presidential hopeful admitted, ever so diplomatically, of course, that his Saturday Night Live other half leaves much to be desired in his parodies."I've gotta say, compared to Tina Fey and what she's been doing with Gov. Sarah Palin, my imitator isn't doing as great a job," he told WUSA9.com.
"I do know my ears have been getting bigger and bigger each episode," Obama said. "I'm sure they'll get me right over time."
Keith Olbermann
Keith Olbermann apparently managed to shimmy past security, and watch rehearsals of a sketch that is said to mock him savagely.
But Olbermann, through a spokesman, was complimentary on his first time being mocked on "SNL" — a position his MSNBC colleague Chris Matthews has been in over the years.
“I’m not Sarah Palin,” Olbermann said. “I know how valuable it is to me. And it’s funny."
But Olbermann, through a spokesman, was complimentary on his first time being mocked on "SNL" — a position his MSNBC colleague Chris Matthews has been in over the years.
“I’m not Sarah Palin,” Olbermann said. “I know how valuable it is to me. And it’s funny."
No show Novemeber 8th
I expected this, but just confirmed it via NBC Media Village.
SNL will be taking a break, and airing in its place will be a repeat of James Franco/Kings of Leon.
But if you have an itch only SNL can scratch, then don't forget to tune in to SNL Presidential Bash 2008 on Monday Nov. 3rd at 8pm.
SNL will be taking a break, and airing in its place will be a repeat of James Franco/Kings of Leon.
But if you have an itch only SNL can scratch, then don't forget to tune in to SNL Presidential Bash 2008 on Monday Nov. 3rd at 8pm.
Armisen & Hammond to appear on NBC's "Today"
Monday, November 3 (7-9 a.m.): The final NBC News/Wall Street Journal election poll unveiled on "Today". Darrell Hammond and Fred Armisen are interviewed. -
NBC Media Village
The two men responsible for impersonating McCain and Obama will drop by "Today" for laughs, chats and cookies.
NBC Media Village
The two men responsible for impersonating McCain and Obama will drop by "Today" for laughs, chats and cookies.
Rumours : Britney Spears to host Nov. 22nd
Although it has yet to be confirmed, many news outlets/gossip sites are reporting that Ms. Spears may host on Nov. 22nd.
I, for one, would love to see this happen. She has hosted twice before, back in 2000& 2002, when I was eight and ten years old, respectively.
Watch this space.
I, for one, would love to see this happen. She has hosted twice before, back in 2000& 2002, when I was eight and ten years old, respectively.
Watch this space.
Ok..
I have not been keeping this as well as I should have been. Just returned from a trip to Krakow/Berlin, which was amazing! Everyone should go there.
BUT ANYWAY :
1) Amy Poehler gave birth to a baby boy Archie, does this mean we will never again see Amy grace our screens at 11.30 again? Most likely. End of the Poehler era.
2) McCain is scheduled to appear on SNL tonight. No Obama? Man.
3) Old favourite Ben Affleck is hosting tonight! Should be a lot of fun!
4) Jon Hamm was, as Jean K. Jean would say, "INCROYABLE!"
BUT ANYWAY :
1) Amy Poehler gave birth to a baby boy Archie, does this mean we will never again see Amy grace our screens at 11.30 again? Most likely. End of the Poehler era.
2) McCain is scheduled to appear on SNL tonight. No Obama? Man.
3) Old favourite Ben Affleck is hosting tonight! Should be a lot of fun!
4) Jon Hamm was, as Jean K. Jean would say, "INCROYABLE!"
Friday, October 17, 2008
Access Hollywood says:
Apparently Mark Wahlberg will appear on SNL this weekend?
I don't know, I haven't found any more info about this, so I'll keep you guys posted!
I don't know, I haven't found any more info about this, so I'll keep you guys posted!
In other news...
Just want to reiterate how much of a douche Mark Wahlberg is.
I wrote this post in anger.
Mark Wahlberg's a good guy.
I wrote this post in anger.
Mark Wahlberg's a good guy.
Palin on SNL this weekend!
Sarah Palin will appear on SNL this weekend, in a last-ditch attempt to make America fall in love with her, and take her to the White House.
Yay, hockey moms!
Dr_Henry_M_Morris from IMDb wants to see Sarah Palin slap Tina Fey.
Yay, hockey moms!
Dr_Henry_M_Morris from IMDb wants to see Sarah Palin slap Tina Fey.
Mark Wahlberg threatens to clock Samberg
From WENN:
Reformed thug Mark Wahlberg has threatened to 'crack' comedian Andy Samberg's nose after the funnyman poked fun at him in a skit on American comedy show Saturday Night Live.
The Happening actor, a one-time juvenile delinquent, admits he was far from impressed with Samberg's comedy in a farmyard segment, where he pretended to be hard-man Wahlberg.
And he made his feelings known on late-night chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday when he was reminded of the clip.
Wahlberg said, "When I see that kid, I'm gonna crack that big f**king nose of his."
But the actor made sure Kimmel knew he was partly joking when he used Samberg's Wahlberg catchphrase, adding, "And then I'm gonna tell him, 'Say hi to your mother for me.'"
But Samberg still needs to be worried; Wahlberg said, "I think I'm gonna get on a plane tomorrow, I'm gonna go to New York... wherever the f**k they shoot that show. He probably doesn't have a dressing room so I have to find him in the cafeteria, and I'm gonna slap him in the big nose.
"Tune in, I guaran-f**king-tee you... And then instead of me forgiving him, I'll ask him to forgive me. Right?"
Wow, Wahlberg's more of a tool than I thought.
Say hi to your mother for me.
Reformed thug Mark Wahlberg has threatened to 'crack' comedian Andy Samberg's nose after the funnyman poked fun at him in a skit on American comedy show Saturday Night Live.
The Happening actor, a one-time juvenile delinquent, admits he was far from impressed with Samberg's comedy in a farmyard segment, where he pretended to be hard-man Wahlberg.
And he made his feelings known on late-night chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday when he was reminded of the clip.
Wahlberg said, "When I see that kid, I'm gonna crack that big f**king nose of his."
But the actor made sure Kimmel knew he was partly joking when he used Samberg's Wahlberg catchphrase, adding, "And then I'm gonna tell him, 'Say hi to your mother for me.'"
But Samberg still needs to be worried; Wahlberg said, "I think I'm gonna get on a plane tomorrow, I'm gonna go to New York... wherever the f**k they shoot that show. He probably doesn't have a dressing room so I have to find him in the cafeteria, and I'm gonna slap him in the big nose.
"Tune in, I guaran-f**king-tee you... And then instead of me forgiving him, I'll ask him to forgive me. Right?"
Wow, Wahlberg's more of a tool than I thought.
Say hi to your mother for me.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Mark Wahlberg none-too-pleased with Mark Wahlberg Talk to Animals Sketch
Since premiering on Saturday Night, Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals sketch has become one of the hottest viral videos on the internet.
But a certain Mark Wahlberg was none-too-pleased with the sketch. He told MTV that he didn't think it was funny as he had hoped it would be. He also revealed the reason for his lampooning may have been because he has been approached many times over the years to host, but has refused on all occasions, his reason being he didn't think he was right for the show.
Wahlberg also said that he met Andy Samberg in the past, and said he thought Hot Rod was funnier than that skit.
Lighten up, Mark!
But a certain Mark Wahlberg was none-too-pleased with the sketch. He told MTV that he didn't think it was funny as he had hoped it would be. He also revealed the reason for his lampooning may have been because he has been approached many times over the years to host, but has refused on all occasions, his reason being he didn't think he was right for the show.
Wahlberg also said that he met Andy Samberg in the past, and said he thought Hot Rod was funnier than that skit.
Lighten up, Mark!
Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday
So, on Thursday night, SNL's Thursday night edition premiered on NBC. There was a debate sketch, weekend update & Hall and Oates. What more could you ask for?
The show was a hit, getting 10.6 million viewers, the highest in its timeslot.
So, what did I think?
I really enjoyed the debate sketch, and the surprise appearance by Bill Murray as a disappointed Cubs fan was a hoot! I was also happy to see Chris Parnell reprise his role as moderator, this time lampooning Tom Brokaw.
Weekend Update on the other hand, wasn't so good. The jokes were pretty hit and miss, as is the nature of Update, but given that they don't have a show to do this Saturday, I was expecting a little better.
Kenan Thompson came on halfway, to act as Weekend Update's new banking and financial expert. It involved him shouting "Fix it!" for two minutes. Pretty lame.
But then WU was saved with Will Forte and Fred Armisen coming on as 80's legends Hall & Oates to perform an ode to the two presidential candidates. As everything Forte and Armisen do, it was hilarious.
Overall, it was a nice way to spend half an hour. In amidst this economic crisis, and news of banks going under every day, it sure is nice to tune into SNL.
The show was a hit, getting 10.6 million viewers, the highest in its timeslot.
So, what did I think?
I really enjoyed the debate sketch, and the surprise appearance by Bill Murray as a disappointed Cubs fan was a hoot! I was also happy to see Chris Parnell reprise his role as moderator, this time lampooning Tom Brokaw.
Weekend Update on the other hand, wasn't so good. The jokes were pretty hit and miss, as is the nature of Update, but given that they don't have a show to do this Saturday, I was expecting a little better.
Kenan Thompson came on halfway, to act as Weekend Update's new banking and financial expert. It involved him shouting "Fix it!" for two minutes. Pretty lame.
But then WU was saved with Will Forte and Fred Armisen coming on as 80's legends Hall & Oates to perform an ode to the two presidential candidates. As everything Forte and Armisen do, it was hilarious.
Overall, it was a nice way to spend half an hour. In amidst this economic crisis, and news of banks going under every day, it sure is nice to tune into SNL.
Lorne to hire more women?
According to Casey Wilson, he is.
The newcomer gave an interview to Sioux City Journal, and that said:
Building on characters she created at Upright Citizens Brigade, Wilson says she hopes to be more visible this year. With Amy Poehler leaving the show, "there's an opportunity...but I don't know if it's a fill-able hole. I know Lorne is going to hire more women to do the job."
So maybe we'll see a few new gals, come Christmas? I hope so!
The newcomer gave an interview to Sioux City Journal, and that said:
Building on characters she created at Upright Citizens Brigade, Wilson says she hopes to be more visible this year. With Amy Poehler leaving the show, "there's an opportunity...but I don't know if it's a fill-able hole. I know Lorne is going to hire more women to do the job."
So maybe we'll see a few new gals, come Christmas? I hope so!
Sarah Palin for SNL
Sarah Palin will appear on SNL on October 25th, according to the NY Post.
That is the episode which is to be hosted by Mad Men star Jon Hamm.
Reports are saying that Palin's appearance may include a send-up of Tina Fey's American Express commercials, or perhaps it could be a Fey-meet-Palin scenario, similar to when Amy Poehler met Hillary Clinton in Season 33.
Either way, should be interesting.
That is the episode which is to be hosted by Mad Men star Jon Hamm.
Reports are saying that Palin's appearance may include a send-up of Tina Fey's American Express commercials, or perhaps it could be a Fey-meet-Palin scenario, similar to when Amy Poehler met Hillary Clinton in Season 33.
Either way, should be interesting.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Tina Fey finalises book deal
Tina Fey has reportedly signed a book with Little,Brown & Co.,
Little, Brown & Co. have published books from David Sedaris, Paul Feig etc. and now Tina Fey has joined their rosters.
Her book is said to be a non-fiction humorous essay collection written in the vain of Nora Ephron.
Her book deal is said to include a gift to Books For Kids, a foundation that supports the construction of six libraries in underprivileged areas of NYC.
Little, Brown & Co. have published books from David Sedaris, Paul Feig etc. and now Tina Fey has joined their rosters.
Her book is said to be a non-fiction humorous essay collection written in the vain of Nora Ephron.
Her book deal is said to include a gift to Books For Kids, a foundation that supports the construction of six libraries in underprivileged areas of NYC.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Josh Brolin/Adele
Josh Brolin will take to the stage as host in two weeks, with musical guest Adele.
I don't really like Adele's music all that much, but Josh Brolin should be a good host! :)
I don't really like Adele's music all that much, but Josh Brolin should be a good host! :)
Casting scoop!
Rumours are flying that Queen Latifah is going on SNL to act as Gwen Ifill in the Vice Presidential Debate sketch!
And, Tina Fey will obviously be returning to reprise her role as Sarah Palin!
Anne Hathaway, The Killers, Queen Latifah, Tina Fey.. will there be any more surprise guests, I do wonder!
And, Tina Fey will obviously be returning to reprise her role as Sarah Palin!
Anne Hathaway, The Killers, Queen Latifah, Tina Fey.. will there be any more surprise guests, I do wonder!
Friday, September 26, 2008
It's Official
Anne Hathaway will host next week with musical guest The Killers!
Sounds like an awesome show :D
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2008/09/anne-hathaway-t.html
Sounds like an awesome show :D
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2008/09/anne-hathaway-t.html
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Christmas on Mars
A new film involving the Flaming Lips and also starring Fred Armisen is released.
Christmas on Mars is reviewed in Variety here:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938443.html?categoryid=31&cs=1
Christmas on Mars is reviewed in Variety here:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938443.html?categoryid=31&cs=1
Some Pointless Gossip
Drew Barrymore was like totally caught making out with Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl which, oh my god, is the best show ever, at a Saturday Night Live after-party.
Oh my god, juicy.
Oh my god, juicy.
Live From New York, It's Saturday Night with your host:
Jon Hamm/Coldplay
Mad Men star Jon Hamm is slated to host SNL on October 25th.
Should be interesting!
Meanwhile October 4th is believed to be Anne Hathaway. Haven't heard any word on the musical guest yet though.
E-mail me with any info you might have :
amy-wow@hotmail.com
Mad Men star Jon Hamm is slated to host SNL on October 25th.
Should be interesting!
Meanwhile October 4th is believed to be Anne Hathaway. Haven't heard any word on the musical guest yet though.
E-mail me with any info you might have :
amy-wow@hotmail.com
In other news:
Republicans need to take a chill pill, and get a sense of humour.
I'm talking about this:
"Since the show was aired, the internet has been alive with outrage from mostly right-wing bloggers. Some of the rants are ridiculous -- "Some Believe Obama Responsible for SNL Skit" -- but most others reveal their disgust. Conservative blogger Rudytooty wrote, "Accusing Todd Palin of incest is unconscionable. I don't think a joke about (Joe's Biden's wife) Jill Biden doing her sons would go over too well. How about Barack Obama doing his daughters?" "
Apparently people are upset about the New York Times sketch that aired the other night about journalists digging for dirt on Palin. And how anyone could read that as a direct accusation of incest and not as merely making fun of investigative reporters and the lengths they will go to in order to get a story is beyond me.
I'm talking about this:
"Since the show was aired, the internet has been alive with outrage from mostly right-wing bloggers. Some of the rants are ridiculous -- "Some Believe Obama Responsible for SNL Skit" -- but most others reveal their disgust. Conservative blogger Rudytooty wrote, "Accusing Todd Palin of incest is unconscionable. I don't think a joke about (Joe's Biden's wife) Jill Biden doing her sons would go over too well. How about Barack Obama doing his daughters?" "
Apparently people are upset about the New York Times sketch that aired the other night about journalists digging for dirt on Palin. And how anyone could read that as a direct accusation of incest and not as merely making fun of investigative reporters and the lengths they will go to in order to get a story is beyond me.
Sarah Palin may appear on SNL
Many news outlets namely Thaindian.com & aceshowbiz.com are reporting that Sarah Palin may appear on SNL.
Could a reincarnation of the Hillary Clinton/Amy Poehler sketch be in the works?
According to OK! Magazine, sources say that she may appear and get her own revenge on Tina Fey. Her security reportedly took a thorough walk-through Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, so perhaps her appearance could be this weekend?
Watch this space.
Could a reincarnation of the Hillary Clinton/Amy Poehler sketch be in the works?
According to OK! Magazine, sources say that she may appear and get her own revenge on Tina Fey. Her security reportedly took a thorough walk-through Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, so perhaps her appearance could be this weekend?
Watch this space.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Al Franken controversy
If any of you watched SNL over the weekend, you may have seen the cold open, a sketch that satirized John McCain's approval of even the most idiotic, over-the-top campaign ads. Well, Al Franken, a former SNL writer who is now running for senate in Minnestota, had a part in the sketch, and this has angered some Republicans.
From the Huffington Post:
A Franken campaign aide said the candidate had been taping an ad earlier in the week and had wondered out loud how McCain could include the disclaimer candidates are required to include in their commercials — "I'm John McCain, and I approved this message" — when his spots were so "over the top."
Later that day, Franken talked to Michaels about topics unrelated to the show and mentioned his thought but did not suggest a sketch.
However, Michaels talked to Meyers about Franken's idea and the current writer, believing there was a funny sketch there, called his predecessor and they discussed it further.
Meyers then wrote it up.
From the Huffington Post:
A Franken campaign aide said the candidate had been taping an ad earlier in the week and had wondered out loud how McCain could include the disclaimer candidates are required to include in their commercials — "I'm John McCain, and I approved this message" — when his spots were so "over the top."
Later that day, Franken talked to Michaels about topics unrelated to the show and mentioned his thought but did not suggest a sketch.
However, Michaels talked to Meyers about Franken's idea and the current writer, believing there was a funny sketch there, called his predecessor and they discussed it further.
Meyers then wrote it up.
Tina Fey fought not to do Sarah Palin:
From MSNBC:
LOS ANGELES - Tina Fey just scored a Best Actress Emmy for playing frazzled head writer Liz Lemon on “30 Rock,” but it was the thought of playing Sarah Palin on “Saturday Night Live” a week ago that left the comedian herself frazzled.
On the Emmy red carpet, Fey revealed to Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush she actually refused to play her political look-a-like when it was first proposed.
“I was fighting them all week on it,” Fey said. “I kept saying, ‘I don’t want to do it, I’m not an impressionist.’ I kept telling (‘SNL’ producer) Lorne (Michaels), ‘No! I’ll show up ... I’ll do anything except play her. I can’t do it.’ Then, I was worn down. Lorne wore me down by the end of the week.”
Fey, whose “30 Rock” also picked up the Emmy for Best Comedy Series, Best Writing for a Comedy Series, and Best Actor (for co-star Alec Baldwin), said she was fortunate the figurehead she had to impersonate had an unusual accent.
“Sarah Palin has a crazy voice. I would say, not since ‘Sling Blade’ has there been a person who’s really easy to imitate, so I got really lucky on that one,” Fey said.
While Gov. Palin herself reportedly enjoyed the impersonation, John McCain advisor Carly Fiorina called Fey’s portrayal “sexist.” So what did Tina think about that response? Apparently, not much.
“I saw one lady trying to form a thought that it was sexist on the news but she didn’t get it together, probably because she was a lady and she was dumb,” Fey said. “Wait is that sexist?”
In related news, as previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Oprah Winfrey recently filmed a cameo for “30 Rock,” and Fey told Billy Bush having the TV talk show queen on set was simply “delightful.”
“Whenever anyone would say, ‘Who is your dream person?’ I would always say, ‘Oprah! Oprah!’” Fey said. “Somehow we convinced her to do it. I think (Oprah’s best friend) Gayle helped talk her into it and then she came and shot with us and she was delightful!”
And Jennifer Aniston, who also appears on this season’s “30 Rock,” made the set another thrilling experience for the cast and crew.
“They were very happy to have a real TV star on our show,” Fey laughed. “She was great, too ... She plays an old Chicago roommate of mine and Jane Krakowski’s character. We have a name for her that you can’t really say on TV.”
LOS ANGELES - Tina Fey just scored a Best Actress Emmy for playing frazzled head writer Liz Lemon on “30 Rock,” but it was the thought of playing Sarah Palin on “Saturday Night Live” a week ago that left the comedian herself frazzled.
On the Emmy red carpet, Fey revealed to Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush she actually refused to play her political look-a-like when it was first proposed.
“I was fighting them all week on it,” Fey said. “I kept saying, ‘I don’t want to do it, I’m not an impressionist.’ I kept telling (‘SNL’ producer) Lorne (Michaels), ‘No! I’ll show up ... I’ll do anything except play her. I can’t do it.’ Then, I was worn down. Lorne wore me down by the end of the week.”
Fey, whose “30 Rock” also picked up the Emmy for Best Comedy Series, Best Writing for a Comedy Series, and Best Actor (for co-star Alec Baldwin), said she was fortunate the figurehead she had to impersonate had an unusual accent.
“Sarah Palin has a crazy voice. I would say, not since ‘Sling Blade’ has there been a person who’s really easy to imitate, so I got really lucky on that one,” Fey said.
While Gov. Palin herself reportedly enjoyed the impersonation, John McCain advisor Carly Fiorina called Fey’s portrayal “sexist.” So what did Tina think about that response? Apparently, not much.
“I saw one lady trying to form a thought that it was sexist on the news but she didn’t get it together, probably because she was a lady and she was dumb,” Fey said. “Wait is that sexist?”
In related news, as previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Oprah Winfrey recently filmed a cameo for “30 Rock,” and Fey told Billy Bush having the TV talk show queen on set was simply “delightful.”
“Whenever anyone would say, ‘Who is your dream person?’ I would always say, ‘Oprah! Oprah!’” Fey said. “Somehow we convinced her to do it. I think (Oprah’s best friend) Gayle helped talk her into it and then she came and shot with us and she was delightful!”
And Jennifer Aniston, who also appears on this season’s “30 Rock,” made the set another thrilling experience for the cast and crew.
“They were very happy to have a real TV star on our show,” Fey laughed. “She was great, too ... She plays an old Chicago roommate of mine and Jane Krakowski’s character. We have a name for her that you can’t really say on TV.”
No Emmy love for SNL
SNL did not win a single Emmy at last night's awards show. It was nominated for direction, writing, bext variety series, best performance by an individual (variety series), and best supporting actress.
It lost the writing award to The Colbert Report, and the title of best variety series to Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Amy Poehler lost the award to the, in my opinion, wholly undeserving Jean Smart. I'm not saying this out of bias, but I thought that all of the other nominees were more deserving of this accolade. Kristin Chenoweth gives a terrific performance in Pushing Daisies, and if Amy were to lose to anyone, it should have been her.
Tina Fey lost the award for Best Performance in a Variety Series to the ever-warm Don Rickles. If anyone missed Don, look him up on YouTube or something, he was brilliant!
Oh well, perhaps next year SNL will capture the elusive Emmy.
It lost the writing award to The Colbert Report, and the title of best variety series to Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Amy Poehler lost the award to the, in my opinion, wholly undeserving Jean Smart. I'm not saying this out of bias, but I thought that all of the other nominees were more deserving of this accolade. Kristin Chenoweth gives a terrific performance in Pushing Daisies, and if Amy were to lose to anyone, it should have been her.
Tina Fey lost the award for Best Performance in a Variety Series to the ever-warm Don Rickles. If anyone missed Don, look him up on YouTube or something, he was brilliant!
Oh well, perhaps next year SNL will capture the elusive Emmy.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
James Franco/Kings of Leon - Review
Okay, so last night's episode was a very consistent and funny episode. Let's review it sketch-by-sketch:
Cold Open: Loved it! Commercials were hilarious! "Barack Obama wants universal healthcare. Healthcare for the entire universe? Even Osama Bin Laden?" Bill Hader absolutely rocked this sketch. :)
Monologue: Pretty funny. Definitely better than last week's. Jason was awesome as the Columbia student. :)
Cougar Den: Excellent! I loved James Franco's emo guy. And, yay Cameron Diaz! :D
Agent 420: It had its moments, but it fell a little flat and felt sort of incomplete. Not one of the best.
OJ Trial: Worst of the night? I don't know what they were really trying to do with this sketch. It just seemed rushed and like it had no ending, :/
Digital Short: I really liked this, primarily because I watch a lot of things on the CW (my guilty pleasures) and this was a great take-off on all those shows. And Blake Lively's appearance was gold.
Kings of Leon: Pretty incredible. Big improvement on Lil Wayne last week.
Weekend Update: I don't think I've ever laughed so much at Weekend Update. I think they were all just having a good time on it. I loved Fred Armisen's impression of the American Apparel CEO. Best character on WU in a long time. Brilliant.
"Stunning!"
NY TIMES: This was good enough. It had its moments, but it kind of dragged on. I loved the epilogue at the end though.
Of Mice and Men: Witty sketch. Bobby Moynihan again stole the sketch. I'm liking this new guy a lot.
Yankee Stadium Brilliant! I wish they'd do more of this sort of thing on SNL. So simple, but hilarious! More Rosie Perez and Martin Scorcese!
Wilem Defoe Sketch Excellent also! They needed a Spiderman reference. And this was gold. It was great to see Bill feature sort of predominantly in more than one sketch, as he has not been getting a lot of face time lately.
I think that's them all. Overall, v.good episode! James Franco was good host. But he did not open his eyes once, I noticed.
Next week: Anna Faris/Duffy
Cold Open: Loved it! Commercials were hilarious! "Barack Obama wants universal healthcare. Healthcare for the entire universe? Even Osama Bin Laden?" Bill Hader absolutely rocked this sketch. :)
Monologue: Pretty funny. Definitely better than last week's. Jason was awesome as the Columbia student. :)
Cougar Den: Excellent! I loved James Franco's emo guy. And, yay Cameron Diaz! :D
Agent 420: It had its moments, but it fell a little flat and felt sort of incomplete. Not one of the best.
OJ Trial: Worst of the night? I don't know what they were really trying to do with this sketch. It just seemed rushed and like it had no ending, :/
Digital Short: I really liked this, primarily because I watch a lot of things on the CW (my guilty pleasures) and this was a great take-off on all those shows. And Blake Lively's appearance was gold.
Kings of Leon: Pretty incredible. Big improvement on Lil Wayne last week.
Weekend Update: I don't think I've ever laughed so much at Weekend Update. I think they were all just having a good time on it. I loved Fred Armisen's impression of the American Apparel CEO. Best character on WU in a long time. Brilliant.
"Stunning!"
NY TIMES: This was good enough. It had its moments, but it kind of dragged on. I loved the epilogue at the end though.
Of Mice and Men: Witty sketch. Bobby Moynihan again stole the sketch. I'm liking this new guy a lot.
Yankee Stadium Brilliant! I wish they'd do more of this sort of thing on SNL. So simple, but hilarious! More Rosie Perez and Martin Scorcese!
Wilem Defoe Sketch Excellent also! They needed a Spiderman reference. And this was gold. It was great to see Bill feature sort of predominantly in more than one sketch, as he has not been getting a lot of face time lately.
I think that's them all. Overall, v.good episode! James Franco was good host. But he did not open his eyes once, I noticed.
Next week: Anna Faris/Duffy
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Michael Phelps/Lil Wayne
Okay, so I have not been updating this mainly because I am sick and back @ school. But here's a little review of what I thought of the season premiere:
Cold Open: This was absolutely terrific. Fey got Sarah Palin down to a tee. I liked that it wasn't totally anti-Palin, but that it got its message across pretty clearly. Seth Meyers wrote this one with input from Fey & Poehler, so props to them for getting the season off to a magnificent start!
Monologue: I rarely like the monologues anyway. The only one I enjoyed from last season was Steve Carell's. But yeah, this wasn't great. Nice appearance from Shatner though!
Quiz Bowl: I enjoyed this one. Everyone was great, especially Kristen and Will Forte.
"What started the first World War?"
"Boys and girls swimming together?"
Glove commercial: A little over-the-top but Kristen's facial expressions were priceless. It's no Annuale though.
Inspirational Song: Had I not seen the Peyton Manning one, this would have been good. But it just felt so recycled, and like they hardly changed anything. And Michael Phelps is not as good a dancer as Peyton Manning. Sorry.
Lil Wayne : Skipped this. Oops.
Weekend Update: Pretty good start. I liked Cathy and Nicholas Fehn a lot. However I hope they don't overuse either this season.
The Charles Barkley Show: I don't really know why they did this. To give Kenan more airtime perhaps? Whatever the reason, this was the worst sketch of the night.
Unos Waiter: I LOVED THIS. Bobby Moynihan is absolutely awesome, and certainly proved himself to me in this sketch. Dearly hope it won't be a recurring character and they can leave it alone, but it's inevitable it will turn up again.
"We have over 4 different flavours of soda!"
Kids at Bosses Party : Wasn't as funny as the Seth Rogen one, but the part where Stacia lifts the yodelling doll and Michael was was lifting weights had me in stitches.
Digital Shorts :Pretty poor in comparison with The Lonely Island's previous efforts. Wish they hadn't tailor-made it especially for Michael. Didn't really work. Hopefully, it'll be better next week.
T-Mobile 5 : Very funny. Great concept. Everyone did well in this sketch. And was it just me or did it appear that Kristen was wearing a prosthetic nose?
Michael Phelps Diet: This was awesome, but I wish that Michael hadn't fluffed up his lines at one point.
It was a pretty decent season opener. Michael did pretty well seeing as how he isn't any kind of performer. I thought he was pretty good in some of the sketches, and so will not be subjecting him to the harsh criticism others have been.
As Lorne Michaels said, it takes the crew a while to get into the swing of things, so I'm excited to
NEXT WEEK : James Franco/Kings Of Leon
Cold Open: This was absolutely terrific. Fey got Sarah Palin down to a tee. I liked that it wasn't totally anti-Palin, but that it got its message across pretty clearly. Seth Meyers wrote this one with input from Fey & Poehler, so props to them for getting the season off to a magnificent start!
Monologue: I rarely like the monologues anyway. The only one I enjoyed from last season was Steve Carell's. But yeah, this wasn't great. Nice appearance from Shatner though!
Quiz Bowl: I enjoyed this one. Everyone was great, especially Kristen and Will Forte.
"What started the first World War?"
"Boys and girls swimming together?"
Glove commercial: A little over-the-top but Kristen's facial expressions were priceless. It's no Annuale though.
Inspirational Song: Had I not seen the Peyton Manning one, this would have been good. But it just felt so recycled, and like they hardly changed anything. And Michael Phelps is not as good a dancer as Peyton Manning. Sorry.
Lil Wayne : Skipped this. Oops.
Weekend Update: Pretty good start. I liked Cathy and Nicholas Fehn a lot. However I hope they don't overuse either this season.
The Charles Barkley Show: I don't really know why they did this. To give Kenan more airtime perhaps? Whatever the reason, this was the worst sketch of the night.
Unos Waiter: I LOVED THIS. Bobby Moynihan is absolutely awesome, and certainly proved himself to me in this sketch. Dearly hope it won't be a recurring character and they can leave it alone, but it's inevitable it will turn up again.
"We have over 4 different flavours of soda!"
Kids at Bosses Party : Wasn't as funny as the Seth Rogen one, but the part where Stacia lifts the yodelling doll and Michael was was lifting weights had me in stitches.
Digital Shorts :Pretty poor in comparison with The Lonely Island's previous efforts. Wish they hadn't tailor-made it especially for Michael. Didn't really work. Hopefully, it'll be better next week.
T-Mobile 5 : Very funny. Great concept. Everyone did well in this sketch. And was it just me or did it appear that Kristen was wearing a prosthetic nose?
Michael Phelps Diet: This was awesome, but I wish that Michael hadn't fluffed up his lines at one point.
It was a pretty decent season opener. Michael did pretty well seeing as how he isn't any kind of performer. I thought he was pretty good in some of the sketches, and so will not be subjecting him to the harsh criticism others have been.
As Lorne Michaels said, it takes the crew a while to get into the swing of things, so I'm excited to
NEXT WEEK : James Franco/Kings Of Leon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
