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TURN-ONS
March 2007
Serenity and Firefly – I never watched the short-lived series Firefly. Looking back on it now, it seems strange actually. A funny, exciting adventure in space, several centuries into a future that looks like the dark side of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s all-too-utopian vision? What’s not to like? And a cast that is both skilled and darn easy on the eyes? Still, the show was on the WB, and the creative force behind the series, Joss Whedon, was the creative force behind Buffy and Angel. To recap: WB, Buffy, Angel. Even a minor league ballplayer can tell you, three strikes and you’re out! Honestly, I don’t even remember the show’s existence once entering my personal radar.
Then, in 2005, Serenity, a feature film sequel to the series was released and though I was sick the day it was in theatres, I was aware of the overwhelmingly positive reviews the film received from critics. The, oh, ONE PERSON I know who saw it (take a bow Dean Haglund) claimed to enjoy it. So, when it came to DVD I checked it out. And I immediately watched it again. I mean, two complete viewings back-to-back! I’ve now seen the film a half dozen times and I’m halfway through the fourteen episodes that comprised the series. Simply put, the writing, the cast, the direction, the costumes and production design, the special effects, the SHOW all kick ass! If I’ve convinced you to check the series out on DVD, take this small bit of advice: scan through the opening credits. The theme song is nothing short of hideous. I mean Captivity-billboard hideous (and if you don’t understand that reference check out the PL.com Gazette for my column on Captivity)
30 Rock – Alec Baldwin’s always been fantastic. Even in otherwise crappy films like Along Came Polly, he’s unbelievably outstanding. Finally, he gets to be the best thing in something truly terrific. And he’s getting a lot of press and accolades for being so good. Now, if he and the show could only get some viewers. The entire supporting cast is amazing and I love that Tina Fey. She’s adorable.
Contemporary Ladies of Song – Corinne Bailey Rae, “Put Your Records On” – After seeing posters of this lovely lady all over my beloved Los Feliz, as well as the West Village in Manhattan, I first heard her voice on the soundtrack to the recent Peter O’Toole starrer, Venus. Honestly, much as I love Mr. O’Toole, it is this song that will always be my fondest memory of that film, and it, like the next two is in regular rotation on my ipod. Amy Winehouse, “You Know I’m No Good” – I became aware of Miss Winehouse while watching videos of Paul Weller performing on Jools Holland’s Hootenany (God bless YouTube), and catching her outstanding duets with the Modfather on that New Year’s Eve show. This song is, I believe, the second single from her latest LP. It’s funny, funky, sassy and the lady’s got serious pipes. Aya Peard, “This Mess” – I grew up with Miss Peard and have always respected her profound intellect and appreciated her musical gifts. Still, more than two decades of friendship did NOT prepare me for this. I was floored. Great stuff. TURN-ONS ARCHIVES: January 2007 |
