The decade before the word 'tween' was invented offered much in the way of young adult television and I myself have a sentimental soft spot for most of the shows preteens spent the 90s in front of (Breaker High, Swan's Crossing, Flash Forward, etc); so you can imagine I was looking forward to filling this week's TV pick with Nickelodeon's semi-forgotten spooky anthology series, Are You Afraid of the Dark??/p>

But from the wildly disappointed comments of fellow Netflix subscribers and Jim's own pretty clear memories of the show, I've learned that the “freaky favorites” double disc (the only one currently available on Netflix) is, contrary to what the title suggests, not representative of the best of the show at all. The three episodes on the DVD feature a “new” cast of kids making up the Midnight Society (an admittedly nerdy nocturnal story-telling club) who, according to Jim, are way lamer than Gary and the original dorks.

Still, it's a fun late afternoon view and, while the episodes we saw weren't particularly mind-blowing, this sweetly nostalgic Canadian show (one episode is actually about a demonic hockey stick) is certainly a hell of a lot better than most other horror anthology shows out there (the dreadful Hitchhiker and, what is bound to be my worst TV show of the year, Masters of Horror quickly come to mind).

Despite a seemingly vast fan base, the seven seasons of the show are particularly hard to find on DVD…

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Posted on October 26, 2009

Flight of the Conchords is a mild mannered, good-natured kiwi take on the increasingly popular novelty song duo comedy genre, so recently taken to extraordinary heights by The Mighty Boosh. Jemaine and Bret are super charming protagonists and get great support from a cast of lovable oddballs: Murray, their ginger-balled band manager being my favorite; creepy/cutesy stalker Mel, a criminally underused Eugene Mirman and Thoroughly Modern Millie as Brett's girlfriend are also noteworthy.

I have to say, I liked the show a lot it premiered on HBO a couple of years ago, but I think The Boosh has spoiled me since and when Netflix sent season one last week it took a little while for me to fall under its milder, subtler spell – but it did win me over and I find myself just feeling nice when I think of the hours I've spent with the boys.

The musical numbers themselves are pretty great too – whether it's the freaky voice of David Bowie or the imitable sounds of the Pet Shop Boys lamenting life on the mean streets, the songs are pretty right on and always funny, but sometimes, you know, they could be a little shorter. .. but why quibble over small imperfections? It's a fun show made by people that seem genuinely nice, so enjoy it!

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Posted on October 12, 2009

Have you heard about the Newark airport? It's like the Newark of airports! That's the kind of joke that the optimistic and inspiring mayor of the city, Cory Booker would like to see fade away. Once a thriving community, Newark has become a symbol of crime, drugs, and everything people once feared about the “inner city”. To see the real life struggle to turn that around is harrowing, uplifting, heartbreaking, and intense.

The documentary series Brick City is definitely going to be touted as a real life version of The Wire and the similarities seem intentional on the part of the makers (including producer? Forest Whtiacker). Each segment begins with a quote from one of the main characters and every aspect of the city is explored – from politics, schools, families, and police.

While it may seem too close a structure to the popular fictional series, I think it was wise for the filmmakers to structure this in a familiar way. Looking at the real life darkness and struggle of such a torn apart area is not always easy and any way the film makers can get our attention is fine with me.

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Posted on September 28, 2009

You may not think it, from his hoodlum roles past,?but Ray Winstone makes a brilliant Henry VIII in this most entertaining television miniseries from a few years back. It's an oft told and adapted tale, but this production which also features a great performance from Helena Bonham Carter as Anne Boleyn is the best I have seen.

Angry reviewers, and there always will be angry reviewers online cry with outrage at the lack of historical correctness, on which I can't comment, but if you are not using this as a history lesson and merely want to be entertained, enjoy.

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Posted on September 14, 2009

I was noticing that the dapper Dominick Dunne was looking a bit ill in the latest episodes of Power Privilege and Justice and I was terribly saddened to hear that he passed away last week. The channel played a thirteen hour marathon of his true crime show and if you missed it, I highly recommend recording repeat episodes.

The show focuses on high profile crimes committed by or against the rich and or famous. Many of the cases made headlines and many of those headlines were written by Dunne. He was an insightful and entertaining correspondent for Vanity Fair and essayist on celebrity crime. He brings his wit and expertise to the show as well as a meticulous fashion sense and a collection of smart and unconventional ties.

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Posted on August 31, 2009