Is The New Girl Old Hat?

Totally Adorkable

The amazing Zooey Deschanel, loved by all men and equally despised by all women, has a TV show of her very own on FOX called, “The New Girl.” (For information on why women hate her read  the article in Cracked.)  The basic plot involves a girl (Zooey) who finds her boyfriend cheating on her, and in a quarter life crises, packs up her stuff and moves to New York where she finds a place to live with three other guys.  She of course, is nerdy, clumsy, and completely clueless about love and life. The three guys, each representing some different view point, decided to help her along.

Zooey has her very own adjective to describe her: Adorkable. The pretty yet hopelessly lost girl who manages to look cute regardless of whatever socially awkward position she is in. The problem is this girl, often called the manic pixie dream girl in film lore, can’t possibly exist in reality, and yet Zooey embodies her. (See the song Margaret vs. Pauline by Neko Case.)

So here is the summation of the show. Zooey Deschanel being Zooey Deschanel, and it more or less works, for now. Zooey is surprisingly fresh and funny in the show.  If Chuck was a girl it would be her.

The show isn’t hysterical, it’s overly cute and contrived at times, but it has its funny moments. Here is my main problem with it. How long can it last? How long can Zooey being Zooey go on before it gets old? In order for the show to succeed, the other characters must develop into their own funny personas and so far I haven’t been impressed with the rest of the cast.

Think of it this way. The Office was carried by Michael Scott, but not alone. They developed great characters like Dwight, Pam and Jim along the way. If it was just 6 years of Steve Carell how long would it have lasted? This is true of any great sitcom. Sometimes it takes a season or two to get the other characters rolling, like Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, but even then, early on you could see the potential, whereas The New Girl seems to be lacking. If The New Girl is just the Zoo girl, then it’s a one trick pony, a pretty good trick, but one that won’t last for several seasons. So enjoy it while it lasts.

Oh, it is also one giant advertisement for Apple. Justin Long stars as her potential love interest and an Apple product is featured pretty heavily in every episode, just an observation for those who are curious. I’m not sure how I would rate this yet, because there have only been a few episodes

I would probably give it a happy medium of 3 Babbles. Not ground breaking or Emmy winning, but better then  ^%$* My Dad Says.

Walking Out on the Walking Dead…

Okay I have finally decided I am more or less out on Walking Dead. First they lost me, then they sort of won my back and just when I gave them some props, they go and lose me again. Seriously, this show is a directionless as the Cain’s presidential campaign. Here is a summary of the season.

"So dramatic...especially Andrea on the right"

(No Spoilers- because there isn’t anything to spoil)

Episode 1: Little girl Sophia gets lost.

Episode 2: Search for Sophia

Episode 3: Search for Sophia

Episode 4: Search for Sophia

Episode 5: Search for Sophia

Episode 6: Search for Sophia

Episode 7: Search for Sophia

Epiosde 8-8.5: Search for Sophia.

Okay, was it six episodes or 8? I don’t even care enough to look it up. If it was 6 and I accidentally added 2, then I promise you the plot wouldn’t have changed, they would still be looking for Sophia.

Seriously, a little girl gets lost and they spend the whole freaking season looking for her! Could you possibly think of more contrived plot? With all the apocalyptic, zombie, end-of-the- world stuff and all they can do is waste 8 episodes looking for a girl? There are so many more epic plots they could have pick come up with.

Oh to be sure, there is some lame interpersonal stuff thrown in as well. Carl, the boy,  gets shot but sadly doesn’t die and Rick refuses to grow a pair. And what’s up with Carl anyway? Whenever they show him he just sort of has this retarded dazed grin on his face. Seriously, he looks like has special needs.

Ironically, the real zombies are the shows viewers who must be brain dead after watching this offal. Let’s see. It has the makings of a great show, it’s only missing one thing. A PLOT! Man, if only there was a vast volume of engaging, prewritten material the show’s writers could pull from. Oh wait! There is! It’s called 8 books worth of composed graphic novels by Robert Kirkman. They have 80+ comic books worth or material and they STILL can’t find a decent plot. AMC must stand for Aimlessly Mindless Content.

Okay I have ranted enough I suppose. The thing is I really want this show to be good, but the more I think of it from anarrative standpoint the more it makes me mad. The last 10 minutes of the last episode are pretty tasty and they do some heavy zombie brain blasting, but you probably won’t see it because you have already blown your own brains out watching it.

Behind the Scenes of NYCC #1: Under Construction

Hey there Babblers. I’m Aileen, BabbleOn 5′s brand-spanking-new staff writer. I’m here at NYCC, helping out at the Dark Horse Comics booth for the duration of the con, so I’ll be updating and posting as much as possible on all of its happenings.Tonight I met up with some of the Dark Horse crew to help set up the booth at the convention center. It was less than 24 hours to the exhibit floor opening, and most of the booths, even the big name ones, were still in a dire state of under construction.

"...and nerds."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From a marketing and event planning standpoint, the entire process of putting such a large scale event like the NYCC is fascinating. It’s months of scheduling and planning in the making, and set up the night before the opening is that one last push to make everything come together. Last minute decisions are being made, and for awhile it seems like everything is either empty, or one giant mess.

Set up resumes tomorrow at 9 am. Will everything be ready in time? You’ll have to come see for yourself. The show floor opens at 4! I hope to see you there, make sure to stop by the Dark Horse booth and say hi!

Paul Rudd’s No Fool in Our Idiot Brother

by Staff Writer Aileen Cacayorin (@A1L33N)

Ever since Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I’ve wanted to see an entire film based around Paul Rudd’s beach bum stoner character, Kunu. Our Idiot Brother isn’t exactly that, but it’s pretty close.

Paul Rudd plays Ned, a biodynamic farmer, perpetually optimistic, openhearted, sweet, and far too trusting, or, as in the opening scene of the film, far too gullible. So gullible in fact, that he sells pot to a cop in uniform, landing him in jail for 8 months. His arrest is the catalyst that brings him back into the lives of his sisters, and the film sets up each one right away: Miranda (Elizabeth Banks), a neurotic and career driven journalist on the brink of her first major article, Liz (Emily Mortimer), a meek and mousy suburban mom, constantly frazzled by her family life and husband (Steve Coogan), and Natalie (Zooey Deschanel), a bisexual living the hipster lifestyle with partner Cindy (Rashida Jones).

The movie itself is predictable enough and follows a pretty standard formula. Ned takes a turn as a house guest at each of his sisters’ homes and in doing so, disrupts their seemingly perfect lives, bringing their problems front and center, for which they all turn on each other and blame Ned. Even less surprising is the sisters’ realization of how important their brother is, the ties that bind them, and the usual heartwarming resolution that brings them all closer together.

The movies relies on its uniformly strong cast, though mainly on Paul Rudd’s performance. Rudd brings his usual likability and charm, and you can’t help but endear to his upbeat and sweet, genuinely open Ned. He’s as lovable as the loyal golden retriever he is devoted to, aptly named Willie Nelson. Also appearing in the film as Miranda’s “platonic” neighbor friend is Adam Scott, and just as with Seth Rogen in 40 Year Old Virgin, you wish there were a few more scenes of Rudd and Scott just riffing off of each other. I’ve always been a fan of Elizabeth Banks, and her shrill brand of high strung comedy is a welcome addition to the movie. Likewise, Zooey Deschanel also brings her usual wide-eyed, cute aloofness that audiences have come to love.

Occasionally, the movie moves a bit too slowly, almost lackadaisically, perhaps to mirror Ned’s laid back and carefree personality, but I’m not giving the film’s director (Jesse Peretz) that much credit. Our Idiot Brother is never raucously laugh-out-loud funny, but the jokes are consistent enough. The laughs don’t come from visual gags or ridiculous scenarios, but from real and relatable reactions that are true to character. For example, in one scene, Ned reveals to Miranda that her friend (who she had just insisted that she could never be attracted to) likewise does not find her physically attractive. Miranda’s miffed double take to the news is something all girls (and probably their guy friends) can knowingly chuckle at.

The movie also tries to hard too be quirky, but it comes off more uneven. Nevertheless, Our Idiot Brother is well-intentioned and sweet, and just like the brother in question, you can’t help but at least like it.

I give it 3 Babbles out of 5.

Game of Thrones Pwns.

"Yes I can kill you with just my stare"

<spoiler alert>

Hullo dear babblers. Right now I have a tough competition with what is my favorite show but it as most of you know, it comes down to these two: Community and Game of Thrones,  followed closely by Breaking Bad and Dexter (but I digress)

If you are a GoT fan then you should check out this blog, winter-is-coming.net. I can’t tell if it is an official blog or not but they really know their stuff. That being said, Season 2 of GoT is going to introduce some new characters, yes, more names to learn.

I don’t really know much about these characters since I haven’t read the books and to be honest, I haven’t decided if I will. I don’t want to spoil too many plot points on the show.

One new character is a Lannister..yes, more bad news I am sure. All I want to know is, does this Lannister also sleep with his relatives?

Another will be Stanis Baratheon, King Robert brother, which should be very interesting as well.

Lastly, I heard rumors, and mind you these are only rumors, that there was some talk about trying to bring Jason Momoa back as Khal Drogo. Look, Khal was awesome, and sadly, we never got to see him in all his combat glory, but the need to put this fire out right now.  Here is why.

Part of the greatness of Game of Thrones is that they have gone out of their way to establish that nobody is save and that they are more than willing break the rules of TV. If they do bring Khal Drogo back, I will be very disappointed with them, for essentially selling out.

Personally, I don’t think they will. I think this rumor is pretty much fan based hype more than anything else.

I will say this, I impressed with how popular his character was. For a character that didn’t really do a whole lot plot wise, people are crazy about him (he was awesome). Or maybe they are just crazy about Jason Momoa? Either way,  I can’t wait for the next season.

P.S. BTW, the pastor at my church keeps saying, (for our church) that he believes winter is over. Is it bad every time I hear him say that I think to myself, “No, you are wrong. Winter is coming?”

Scientist Report Massive Island of Swag Forming in Pacific

Come visit the luxurious Swag Island

Somewhere, Pacific Ocean, (AP) – Scientist have discovered a new island forming in the Pacific Ocean. The island, located roughly halfway between Midway and Guam, appears to have formed quickly within the last week.  Upon closer examination the new land mass appears to be made entirely of man made materials, such as paper, foam, cardboard. plastic bottles and bits of cloth. The debris has been identified as swag, a filthy material often used to lure nerds out of their basements to conventions, and Oceanographers have traced the current that carried it back to the San Diego area of Southern California.

The new island has left the scientific community in shock. “Traditionally, new land formations are only viable through volcanic activity over long periods of time,” says Dr. Alan Dupree of the Wake Island Pacific Rim Research Center. “The idea that a new island can form out of the unwanted left overs of nerd culture is, quite frankly, both amazing and frightening.”

When asked to comment on it Aquaman, ruler of Atlantis and official spokesman of the seven seas, was quoted as saying, “this is irresponsible and typical of surface dwellers. However, I did find a pretty sweet Shark Week bag in the mix.”

Tentative names for the island have included Swagville and Swag Francisco. The island is growing rapidly and is expected to reach the size of the now infamous BP Gulf Coast oil spill before long. Surprisingly it has quickly developed its own ecosystem, as birds, seals, turtles and fleas have begun inhabiting the island. Those downwind of the island have reported a sickening smell of stale sweat and body odor emanating from the land mass and at least one helicopter reportedly spotted what appeared to be a few zombie like humanoids shuffling across the surface.

Despite this startling discovery, tensions are high as many Super Villains, including Magneto, C.O.B.R.A and Lex Luther have rushed to make their rightful claim to this new realm and establish their headquarters there.Alternately the new island is being considered as the future site of Comic Con.

Obama and GOP Reach Deal on Comic Con Cap!

Washington D.C. (AP) -After weeks and weeks of stalemated talks and partisan bickering President Obama and GOP leaders finally reached an agreement on the Comic-Con population and spending cap issues.  If the talks had failed to produce any deal by Friday night it was feasible that the great Con may not occur at all. The debate raged between Obama, who wanted to raise both ticket prices and the number of attendees, and Republicans who wanted to cut spending by reducing the number of panels while lowering the number of attendees. Both parties, who have lost all credibility among the nations’ nerd and geek communities, were desperate to avoid any more plunging approval ratings.

Just when all seemed lost and another walk-out inevitable, nerd hero’s Nathan Fillion and Zachary Levi, stepped into the panel to offer a reasonable compromise. The final deal, which is being called CapCon, would raise the overall price to $175 but keep the current number of panels and attendees, was signed early in the morning, giving each side the much needed time to get in line for Hall H. Additionally, a special entitlement program for those who couldn’t get SDCC tickets called the Nerd HQ, was signed into existence as well.

President Obama released a statement saying, “This is a win-win for nerds and geeks everywhere. The great American tradition of Comic Con will continue for the foreseeable future. However, much more work needs to be done.  There is still the question of keeping Comic Con in San Diego and the always touchy subject of getting rid of the Twilight panels. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go plan out what panels I am going to.“

The signing of CapCon

Joel Courtney to play Tom Sawyer..

So according to slashfilms.com Joel Courtney, the recent star of Super 8, will be playing Tom Sawyer in an indie adaptation of the Mark Twain novel. While this may all be good and dandy for Joel’s career, I want to see his co-star Ryan Lee, who played the explosive crazed Cary, star in a Tom Petty bio-pic.

Tom Sawyer?

Tom Petty?

Zombie Reality TV Show Revealed!

From Zombieland, to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and The Walking Dead, it would appear that just like skinny jeans, zombies are all the rage. But have these poor, undead, victims of post necrotic animation been given a fair shake in societies eyes? Of course not! They constantly get their heads cut off by chainsaws and swords, their guts blown out by shotguns and their bodies’ burned or thrown off buildings without anyone even giving them a chance! (Like when the hot girl shoots down the nerdy guy before she gets to know him- ahem.)

That being said, there are several new reality TV shows coming out this spring that display the lives of zombies in a more honest and open manner. Ironically enough, if you watch enough reality TV, you risk becoming a zombie yourself. Here are a few of the new shows.

Are You Smarter then a Zombie? – This show, airing on Fox and hosted by Rob Zombie, places a panel of zombies versus one human in a trivia challenge to find out who really does have the most brainnnsss.

The Undeadlist Catch – Zombie fishers off the coast of Alaska risk their un-lives to haul in the mighty Alaskan King Crab. In the most riveting of TV drama the crew of the fishing vessel Big Valley, who drowned in the first season when their ship capsized, now return to continue their life long trade.

The Real Zombies of Orange County – Not all zombies are tattered, torn and in shambles. Watch these metrosexual zombies as they get manicures, massages, rotting skin buffed off and drink Zombie cocktails at the country club, all the while mingling with southern California’s elite and seeing if plastic surgery makes you less human then a zombie.

 16 and Zombie – After the success of 16 and Pregnant, MTV ventures into the world of teen zombies and the hardships they face on a daily basis. School bullies, peer pressure, dating, brain eating disorders, clothing and hygiene issues are all discussed with candid honesty as we learn the many challenges that zombie youths must face on a daily basis.

Survivor, Zombie Apocalypse – In a desperate ratings grab for it’s own survival, Survivor Zombie Apocalypse is the only show that pits zombies in their traditional roll of bad guys. A band of humans are dropped into a zombie filled post apocalyptic city and forced to fight for their survival. As they compete for such necessities as katana’s, chainsaws, food, basic medical gear and even the all powerful shotgun, they must learn to work together if they want to survive.

Well that is a look at the upcoming new reality TV shows this spring. Rest assured us Babblers will be closely watching these shows, and so should you! After all, zombies are former people too.

Defending Defendor

Well, just when you thought you were getting away with no Babble from me this week, the powers that be reminded me it was my turn to post. Fortunately for everyone involved I actually watched a movie last night that might interest you in some way, shape, or form. That movie would be Defendor (Yes, it’s deliberately misspelled.) and it stars Woody Harrelson.

 

First of all, I have to say that Woody Harrelson is one of those actors I really like, in limited doses. One Harrelson movie a year is enough for me, but when that one a year comes around it is usually pretty solid.

Fancy this, if you will. Harrelson plays Arthur Poppington, a man with multiple psychological disorders that manifest themselves by causing him to think he is a superhero called Defendor.

Utilizing the best of children’s spy kit technology, a World War One trench club, black padding and some duct tape, he prowls the city at night looking to take down his arch enemy: Captain Industry.

Along the way he makes friends with a teenage prostitute, druggy, run-away, and tries to help her out. Especially when she claims to know who Captain Industry is. Throw in a corrupt cop, the mafia and some biker gangs, and you have a pretty typical, but decent crime syndicate for Defendor to fight.

The real kicker is that he is certifiably crazy, and a good chunk of the plot involves a psychological evaluation from a court appointed shrink, played by Sandra Oh. He has one good friend, who offers to take him in if he stops with the Defendor bit. I won’t spoil what happens, but suffice it say that of course, he can’t stop being Defendor.

This movie is part dark comedy, part super hero deconstruction and part social commentary. Woody Harrelson plays the part of a down trodden crazy with super hero delusions well. You feel bad for Arthur as he tries to be something he isn’t; a super hero with no real powers who more often then not receives the bad end of a butt kicking. Don’t get me wrong, this is no tear jerker and the end is a little anticlimactic, but overall Woody does a decent job selling the part.

I think people as a whole will enjoy this movie, at least as a rental anyway. (Which is all you can see it as now anyway.) If you like offbeat superhero movies then you should definitely give this one a look.

All in all I give it 3.5 Babbles.

Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon Teaser

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into space, Michael Bay is back for Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon. I thought I had enough with the transformers explosion-fest romp franchise, but this teaser actually looks promising. Granted, the teaser might be totally different from the movie but this has potential if it follows a more subtle and  mature tone. We can only hope. T-3 opens July 11th, 2011.

THOR theatrical trailer