—“EVERY NETWORK AIMING TO HAVE ‘MAD MEN’ CLONE THIS FALL”—
The only thing I can add to Ed Driscoll’s coverage is a question: Why? Why would every network look to clone “Mad Men” — a television show that only draws a few million viewers? Listen, I love “Mad Men.” It’s one of the finest shows ever produced, in my opinion. But if I was a network exec interested in capturing the widest audience possible and the largest profits for my stockholders, I would not be copy-catting a low-rated television show, I would be copying “NCIS,” a show that captures five and six times the audience “Mad Men” does.
Hollywood is copy-catting “Mad Men” because Hollywood likes “Mad Men.” This has nothing to do with the audience or making money. This is nothing more than Hollywood indulging itself, which they do when it comes to whatever the latest insider fad is — which they do to shape our culture and politics.
Boys with toys.
—THIRD “BRIDGET JONES” MOVIE GREENLIT?—
The first one was a gem, the second a complete embarrassment, and the luster has long won off star Rene Zellweger.
But both films were huge hits worldwide, though, so why not? Also, Colin Firth is an Oscar-winner now.
Lots of plot news on part three from our friends at Screen Rant. Over the past couple weeks, the pretty wife and I have rewatched both “Pitch Black” and “The Chronicles of Riddick” and not only found them to be as entertaining and enjoyable as the first time we saw them (though they are wildly different movies — which is actually very cool), but perfect late-night viewing after a hard day of home remodeling.
Escapist fare at its best.
You can ask for nothing more.
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LAST NIGHT’S SCREENING
Watched the GOP debate on Fox News. Brett Baier and Chris Wallace were especially good questioners (as expected) in ways no one in the left-wing MSM (but I repeat myself) would ever go after Obama or any Democrat. I liked that Newt Gingrich fought back against the questions designed to get the candidates going after one another, but I disagree with him. There’s plenty of time to attack Obama and right now the President is doing a pretty effective job at hurting his inept self. Right now, what I want to see is this field vigorously debate their differences — I want to see them thrown off balance, taken out of their comfort zones, and challenged on every aspect of their respective records and statements. Good, tough pointed questions and a robust debate makes for better candidates. Period.
Overall, I like our field. They’re an impressive bunch filled with good ideas, love of country, and an understanding that Obama is an utter failure determined to bring the country down around him. Governor Perry getting in will only make for a better race and if Governor Palin chooses to run it will elevate events even more.
We’re 15 months out and I already like what I’m seeing.
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TODAY’S QUICK HITS
WHAT TV SHOWS ARE MOST WATCHED BY MEN?
KYLE SMITH REVIEWS THIS WEEKEND’S RELEASES
SUDDENLY OCTOMOM FINDS HERSELF IN THIRD PLACE AFTER O.J.
LIKE, OHMYGAWD, LIKE OH MY OH-SO-VERY-GAY GAWD.
WHY FRANK DARABONT WAS FIRED FROM “WALKING DEAD”
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CLASSIC PICK FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 13, 2011
TCM:
6:15PM EST: Naked Spur, The (1953) — A captive outlaw uses psychological tactics to prey on a bounty hunter. Dir: Anthony Mann Cast: James Stewart, Janet Leigh, Robert Ryan. C-92 mins, TV-PG, CC.
James Stewart and director Anthony Mann made a series of superbly tough Westerns in the 1950s, and for my money this is the second best, my favorite being 195r’s “Bend of the River.” They’re all outstanding, however, and Robert Ryan makes for a formidable villain in what eventually amounts to a psychological war between the two men with a luscious Janet Leigh caught in the middle.
92-minutes. Man alive, it’s amazing how much story and character Hollywood used to be able to burn through in 92 perfectly paced, gripping minutes.
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