Gunfighter: A Modern Warrior's Life

A Review - HBO FIlms: John Adams

If you have been reading me for even a little while, you probably remember the fact that I am something of a history geek.  You probably also remember that one of my favorite periods of history is that of the American colonial era in general, and of the American Revolution in particular.  Knowing that, it won't surprise you at all to hear about how I excited I was about the production of David McCullough's biography of John Adams as an HBO miniseries, which debuted on Sunday evening.

John Adams is one of the founders of our republic that although not neglected by history, is not one of the founders that we remember as a thorough-going firebrand, like John Hancock, and Sam Adams (John's cousin).  Despite the way Adams has been served by history, he remains one of the most important figures of the day, and this series goes a long way to tell the viewer why.

The first two episodes detailed the events and the aftermath of the Boston "massacre" as well as  the Battles of Lexington/Concord, as well as Bunker (Breed's) Hill, the appointment of General Washington to command the Continental Army, all the way through the debates and intrigue that led to the eventual adaptation of our Declaration of Independence. 

I am pleased to report you all that HBO has done nothing short of magnificent, brilliant work here.  Not only because the cinematography was brilliant.  Not only because the costuming was so well done, and not only because the acting was superb, but because the producers and directors were able begin to tell us an important story in great detail, without becoming lost in the minutiae.

There will be nit-pickers who will review these episodes and complain about certain inaccuracies, but those complaints leave me cold.  The important thing is that the story gets told.  Does it matter that Major General Knox didn't actually bring the captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga through Braintree, Mass., past Adams house on the way to Boston?  No, not really, this was just a plot device to not only show the importance of that artillery, and to also, briefly, introduce us to Knox, who was Washington's chief artillerist throughout the war.  The producers also used a similar plot device to introduce us to Dr. Joseph Warren, the Patriot Commander who was killed leading the Massachusetts militia against the British at Bunker Hill.

Of the many things I can describe that was done with a great deal of accuracy, was the depiction of the depth of the relationship between John Adams and his wife, Abigail (exquisitely played by Laura Linney).  Abigail Adams, according the the histories that I have read, was quite a formidable woman who was not only a devoted wife and mother, but was also well educated, and was her husband's closest political adviser.

Abigail & John Adams were America's first political power couple.

Another great, historically accurate portrayal depiction was the nomination of George Washington to command the Continental Army.  Washington, played with great restraint, by David Morse,was shown as not only being one of the most experienced American military men of the day, but also as a grand gesture of conciliation to the southern colonies, who were suspicious of the motives of the New England delegations to the Continental Congress.

There are so many more things to say about this series but I don't want to risk boring you... I will close by saying that this incredibly important presentation of this period in history is being done so well that I can barely stand it.  The graphics, sets, and meticulous details to the customs and the accents of the period are superb, but the biggest accolades must go to the acting abilities of Paul Giamatti, who played Adams to the hilt.  He was able to show Adams as a formidable attorney, as a contemplative family man, and as a passionate spokesman for Independence.

If the next five episodes are anything like the first, I may need a cigarette or immediately doze off when I am done.

Bravo, HBO. 

Bravo!

The 2008 Oscars

Well, the 2008 Oscars are in the books.

Let's have a look, shall we?

Please note:  My comments were bing typed nearly in real-time, as I started watching the show at about 9:40.

My friends, the 2008 Oscars are about to start, and if you have been reading me for a while, you know that this is my big TV night!. All of the other award shows, The SAG awards, The Emmy’s, The Grammy’s, The NAACP Image Awards, The Golden Globes, the Juno awards (big ups to my Canadian readers, eh?!), and the Brit Awards (I don’t think any Brits read me anymore… Oi!, you Brits, you can come back now… you know that I love you)….. All of these pale in comparison to the Oscars (although I really do like the BAFTA’s. Before you say anything, the reason that you don’t see any mention of the BET awards is because I am participating in the boycott of BET (Black Entertainment Television)

If you have been reading for any length of time, you know that I love award shows, beyond reason. You also probably know that I seldom have seen any of the nominated films before the show… but hey, that’s me… I’m not watching this show because of who wins what… not at all,

I want to see people say and do really dumb things. I want to see how horribly (or whore-ibly) they are dressed. I want to talk about who seems hammered, who behaved poorly, and to see if Joely Fischer’s breasts make an appearance. Yes, I mean that. I’m a man. Sue me.

As usual, I have Tivo’ed the Red Capet activities from E!… not because of the vapid activities of Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana DiPandi, but because it’s fun to see what these people wear (sometimes it’s REALLLLY bad)

As I type this, we are an hour and a half from start-time, and I am getting a head start on this post as Mrs Gunfighter and I enjoy some wine, and listen to the newest CD in my collection: Gregorian Chill Out. Yes, Gregorian as in Latin monastic chanting. Before you laugh too hard, you should give it a listen some time. Really. Anyway, we are at the kitchen table listening to some music, having a glass of wine, Mrs GF is reading, SG is watching something on television upstairs, and eating her dinner, while I type away here, and keep an ear open for the kitchen timer. I am roasting a chicken, tonight, and I think it’ll be a good ‘un

Well, it’s time for the red carpet…. And after some banal chitchat, the first person up is style guru Kimora Lee-Simmons, that irritating pothead stoner.

Heidi Klum & Seal talk to Seacrest, who were wearing Galliano & Dior… and to be honest, while they look great, does anyone really give a damn who the designer is? Heidi informs us that she isn’t wearing a bra, but she IS wearing “tiny panties” (and thanks for sharing that, Heidi, really).  Heidi says that isn’t interested in seeing any of the movie stars tonight... ash she says: “I have my man!” Um… Heidi? I love you, mein schatz, but that bun on the back of your head looks like some sort of alien appendage.

Ryan gets to talk to George Clooney & his girlfriend Sarah something-or-other. Clooney seems like a good guy.

And then talks to Jason Bateman… Zzzzzzzzzzz.

After Anne Hathaway, he talks to Sairose Ronan…. From Atonement. What a cute Irish brogue.

Hey… The Rock is here! I love that guy!  OK, is it just me, or does he sound a wee bit like Barack Obama?

Here comes James McAvoy! I like that guy. He was great in The Last King of Scotland…

Wait!

Wait!

It’s Helen Mirren… purrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. You know that Gunfighter loves some Helen Mirren. Still sexy. Way sexy.

Oh… It’s Tilda Swinton. I think she is quite a handsome woman... in an unusual sort of way.

Cameron “The Frog” Diaz I still don’t think that she is very good looking.

Alright… it’s show time, kids. Tighten your seat belts.

John Stewart is hosting tonight, and although I don't normally find him to be terribly funny... we will see how he does.

Opening sequence… okay, kinda cool.

Here is John. Hey, it’s Nicholson on the audience, wearing his shades, of course.

Diablo Cody, the screenwriter for Juno has a Sailor Moon (or something) tattoo on her shoulder.l.. and where the hell do you get a name like Diablo Cody?

Stewart:  “The Oscar is 80 this year. Which makes him the automatic front-runner for the Republican nomination”

OK, more stupid political jokes follow, most of which tank.

Jennifer Garner presents first… isn’t she purdy?.  The first award is for:

Costume design

Across the Universe

Atonement

Elizabeth: The Golden Age - Winner

La Vie en Rose

Sweeney Todd

Not surprisingly, the winner, whatever her name is, looks like a complete freak!

Next George Clooney comes out to talk about the history of the Oscar. A montage of presentations etc….

Anne Hathaway and Steve Carrel are next… apparently they are going to star in the upcoming “Get Smart” movie.  They present for:

Animated Feature

Perespolis

Ratatouille - Winner

Surf’s Up

Ratatouille wins! Go Disney!

Here is Katherine Heigl, who looks lovely in red, to present the awards for best makeup... as if anyone outside of the industry really cares.

Amy Adams sings “Happy little Working Song” from Enchanted… I guess it is a best song nominee… it's irritating.

The next Presenter is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson…. Ain’t he cool?  Presenting for best visual effects.

Visual effects

Transformers

Golden Compass - Winner

Pirates of The Caribbean: At World’s End

Take THAT, Catholic League!

Cate Blanchett is next. So hot... even pregnant. Who doesn’t love the Aussie accent? She presents for art direction but I could care less about that, so I am fast forwarding. Why? ‘cuz it’s my Tivo, and my blog, and that what blog owner’s do!  Yeah.

Oooh, it’s Jennifer Hudson… doesn’t she look splendid!? Thank God that not every woman in Hollywood isn’t built like a dinner fork. She is presenting for best supporting actor.

Supporting actor

Casey Affleck

Javier Bardem - Winner

Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Hal Holbrook

Tom Wilkinson

I didn’t see the movie, but the clip looked awesome.

Bardem thanked everyone, and then gave thanks in Spanish for his mother. Very nice

Hey, Dancing With The Stars Starts Monday, The 17^th!

Here is Kerri Russel for another best song nominee A Song called "Raise it up". I like it… it is being sung with a gospel choir.  Apparently the lead female vocal in this song is only 12 years old. Wow.

OK, getting a little tired of Stewart , now.

Owen Wilson presents for live action and animated short film…. I won’t bother with details, because no one cares.

Allen Arkin is next to present for Best Supporting actress.

Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett

Ruby Dee

Saoirse Ronan

Amy Ryan

Tilda Swinton - Winner

Swinton makes funny remarks... completely deadpan.  I love the British humor delivery.

Jessica Alba presents for The scientific and technical awards that you, again, don’t care about.

OK, some guy who talks about how the Oscar decisions are made…. Fill, fill, fill.

Stewart is back to introduce Miley (overexposed) Cyrus. the presenter for…. Another best song nominee.

You know, I think that Jon Stewart is hosting his last Oscars... I think that he isn't doing very well.

Seth Rogan and some other fat, bespectacled, hairy schlumpfs with horn rimmed glasses and bad haircuts are nominating for sound editing!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Forest Whitaker is next, Presenting some award, and he starts with quoting Marlon Brando.... OK, Forest, get on with it.

Actress

Cate Blanchett

Julie Christie

Marion Cotillar - Winner

Laura Linney

Ellen Page

How wonderful. Marion Cotillar seems so nice., and genuine.

OK, it's getting a little late now…. Here is Colin Farrell for the 4^th nominated Best Song

Now comes Nicholson, to introduce best picture montage, and then Renee Zellweger for achievement in film editing.  I wonder who Zellweger's voice coach was, to help her get rid of that God-awful Texas twang she used to have.

Nicole Kidman… the reportedly pregnant Nicole Kidman. She is as white as a sheet… and not very good looking when you get right down to it. Production Design? Fast forward!!!!

Next is Penelope Cruz: Best foreign language film

Foreign Language Film

Beaufort (Israel)

The Counterfeiters (Austria) winner

Katyn (Poland)

Mongol (Kazakhstan)

12 (Russia)

John Travolta presents the best song award, but again, we still don’t care…. Moving on

Hey, after the break, Stewart reintroduces the young woman who did the best song. She apparent;y didn’t have enough time to thank people. So here she is. I guess they were running out of time.

Next is Cameron Diaz… a cinematography award.

OK, I have caught up with the broadcast right at eleven o’clock…

Hilary Swank talks about dead people,shows Montage…

Amy Adams does Best Score…

Tom Hanks with American soldiers from Baghdad, via video... who are presenting the Best Documentary - Short Subject…. Now, I have to ask, what the fuck are you doing on TV if you have a war to fight?

I think those soldiers need to come home. Right now.  If they have time for this bullshit, they aren’t needed in Iraq.

Documentary Short

Freeheld - Winner

La Corona (The Crown)

Salim Baba

Sari’s Mother

Then Hanks presents for..

Documentary Feature

No End In Sight

Operation Homecoming: Writing The Wartime Experience

Sicko

Taxi To The Dark Side - Winner

War/Dance

Harrison Ford presents for Best Screenplay, which is won by Diablo Cody for Juno.  I love the fact she was courageous enough to show her ink.    I don't know about the leopard print dress, though.

Helen Mirren presents for Best actor

Actor

George Clooney

Daniel Day-Lewis - Winner

Johnny Depp

Tommy Lee Jones

Viggo Mortenson

Best Picture

Presented by Denzel… Good God, it’s midnight! I have to get up in 4 hours.!!!!!

Juno

Atonement Best Actor

No Country For Old Men - Winner

There Will Be Blood

Michael Clayton

Paul Thomas Anderson - There will be blood

Ethan & Joel Coen - No Country For Old Men - Winner

Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton

Jason Reitman - Juno

Julian Schnabel - The Living Bell & The Butterfly

Cue the music, big applause.... I gotta go to sleep.

__________________________________________

Wasn't that fun?  I didn't think so.  I think that had to be the dullest Oscar broadcast that I have ever seen!

Jeez!

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

I suspect that no one will be surprised that I watched both nights of the premier of this new show. Considering my rather sophomoric television habits (think immature, randy lawyers, and guns/explosions... it's ok, I'm comfortable with who I am) you would not only expect me to watch it, you would probably expect me to enjoy it as well, wouldn't you?

I'm not going to disappoint you, today.  Aren't you glad?

I watched the first episode with a heart full to the brim with skepticism. I figured that you would have to do an awful lot of work to bring the Terminator to the small screen and make it work. I figured that it would be tough to do this show without a ton of special effects that would be cost prohibitive for a mid-season replacement show.

I was pleasantly surprised.

Most of you know the premise of the original Terminator movie, don't you? Well, there have been three Terminator movies so far, but this television show picks up a few years after Terminator 2. If you are unfamiliar with the movies, have a quick look here, and here.

So, fast forward to 1999. We now find Sarah Connor, and her high-school age son, John, on the run, and hiding in a small New Mexico town, where John is unhappy at the new school because he has to lie to protect his and his mother's identity.

On his first day of school, John is befriended by local hot chick, Cameron (played by veteran actress Summer Glau).

Since this is only an hour long show, it doesn't take long before John is confronted by a Terminator who tries to kill him (with a Glock 19 pistol that apparently has a limitless supply of ammunition). While John is on the ground in the classroom, he is protected from at least two bullets by hot-chick Cameron... which allows John to escape with the Terminator in pursuit. Just before the Terminator can kill John, it is hit by a large pick-up truck being driven by none other than Cameron, who helps John, and later, Sarah, escape.

As it turns out, Cameron is one of many helpers that the older John Connor of the future has sent into the past to lay the groundwork for the protection of John and Sarah, so that John can survive into 2029 to lead that remnants of humanity in it's fight against "the machines".

The first episode of the show ends with John, Sarah, and Cameron escaping pursuit by traveling through time to 2007. Little do our time-travelling friends realize that parts of the Terminator that they believe that they have destroyed in 1999, have made it to 2007 with them.

The pursuit continues, and is full of guns, explosions, stunts, and fight scenes where the slightly built (but cyborg strong) Cameron dukes it out with bigger, heavier Terminators.

OK, there you have it. That's what it is about. I think the show will be alright, even though I don't think it will last beyond a first season... MAYBE a second. You can sort of think of it as "The Fugitive" with cyborgs, disguised as people.

It was fun to watch. I enjoyed it.

I'll be back.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

I suspect that no one will be surprised that I watched both nights of the premier of this new show. Considering my rather sophomoric television habits (think immature, randy lawyers, and guns/explosions) you would not only expect me to watch it, you would probably expect me to enjoy it as well, wouldn't you?

I'm not going to disappoint you, today. Aren't you glad?

I watched the first episode with a heart full to the brim with skepticism. I figured that you would have to do an awful lot of work to bring the Terminator to the small screen and make it work. I figured that it would be tough to do this show without a ton of special effects that would be cost prohibitive for a mid-season replacement show.

I was pleasantly surprised.

Most of you know the premise of the original Terminator movie, don't you? Well, there have been three Terminator movies so far, but this television show picks up a few years after Terminator 2. If you are unfamiliar with the movies, have a quick look here, and here.

So, fast forward to 1999. We now find Sarah Connor, and her high-school age son, John, on the run, and hiding in a small New Mexico town, where John is unhappy at the new school because he has to lie to protect his and his mother's identity.

On his first day of school, John is befriended by local hot chick, Cameron (played by veteran actress, and hottie Summer Glau).

Since this is only an hour long show, it doesn't take long before John is confronted by a Terminator who tries to kill him (with a Glock 19 pistol that apparently has a limitless supply of ammunition). While John is on the ground in the classroom, he is protected from at least two bullets by hot-chick Cameron... which allows John to escape with the Terminator in pursuit. Just before the Terminator can kill John, it is hit by a large pick-up truck being driven by none other than Cameron, who helps John, and later, Sarah, escape.

As it turns out, Cameron is one of many helpers that the older John Connor of the future has sent into the past to lay the groundwork for the protection of John and Sarah, so that John can survive into 2029 to lead that remnants of humanity in it's fight against "the machines".

The first episode of the show ends with John, Sarah, and Cameron escaping pursuit by traveling through time to 2007. Little do our time-travelling friends realize that parts of the Terminator that they believe that they have destroyed in 1999, have made it to 2007 with them.

The pursuit continues, and is full of guns, explosions, stunts, and fight scenes where the slightly built (but cyborg strong) Cameron dukes it out with bigger, heavier Terminators.

OK, there you have it. That's what it is about. I think the show will be alright, even though I don't think it will last beyond a first season... MAYBE a second. You can sort of think of it as "The Fugitive" with cyborgs, disguised as people.

It was fun to watch. I enjoyed it.

I'll be back.

Posted by Gunfighter at 8:10 AM 9 comments

A Guilty Pleasure

Taking a slight break from politics (don't expect it to last too long, considering the time of year).

I thought I would do some sharing today. A little more getting to know you stuff.

Here we go:

My favorite new television show of this season has been NBC's "Bionic Woman"

There.

It's out.

No, it isn't what anyone could call scintillating television, and no one is going to give this show any Emmy awards for the great acting, but I have to say that the show is fun to watch... so, what's the harm? If I want realism, I'll read a Patrick O'Brian novel.

I know that the ratings haven't been stellar, and that this show may not last beyond the first season, but no matter, it would join a great many shows that I have loved and lost.

Happy Hanukkah!

Before the close of The Festival of Lights, which will happen in about 90 minutes, at sundown, I wanted to say Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends, and to give this small, wee gift that makes Hanukkah special for me, too.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Hmr5YOewww&rel=1]

Once again, Happy Hanukkah!

GF

The Country Music Award Show Recap

Well, nobody loves an award show like your truly, so, even though I'm not what anyone would call a huge fan of country music, I watched the show anyway. Why?, because nothing gives me the opportunity for snarky comments like an awards show. I have done award show Recaps for The Oscars, The MTV awards, The NAACP Image awards, and most recently, The Emmy's, so why should the world of Country music get off the hook, eh? As usual, I'll be doing this in real time. So my comments are fresh from the event.

Let's get started.

Sadly, I joined the show eight minutes late, because Mrs GF and I were busy cleaning the kitchen after dinner... and bashing George Bush... which always takes a while, since there is so much material. When I glanced at the clock, and knew the show had started, I went and hit the record button on the DVR. Once Mrs GF was finished getting SG off to bed, I checked my blog and discovered that I went over thirty five thousand page views! Woo hoo.

So, now it’s 9 and I am getting started. Oh, and I have to announce that this is the very first blog post written on my new laptop! Woo hoo! (again)

This show had better be good… I am missing Bionic Woman for this.

So… after the opening, and the first round of commercials, we have a song from “The King of Country” George Straight, who sings "How ‘bout them Cowgirls” I’ve never heard this song (a theme that will cover most of the show). But I have to tell you that I like this song.

"How bout them cowgirls
Boys ain't they something?
Sure are some proud girls
And you can’t beat the lovin’"

Well, I'm all about a little (or a lot of) lovin', so I can't find fault with the lyrics. So, I hope that Mr. Straight gets an award for that song.

The next presenters were Montgomery/Gentry who were presenting the award for Song of the year. The nominated songs were:

Away
Before He Cheats
Give it away
Lost in this moment
Stupid Boy (this title sure as hell made me laugh)

The winner was "Give it away" (and no, I don’t know this one) The only one of those songs that I knew was that "Before He Cheats" song that was so damned popular (and irritating!) This award was for the songwriters,m not necessarily the artist that performed it, and one of the writers of the winning song sounds like Mr. Hainey, from Green Acres.

During this show, all of the young artists who are believed to be on the rise will be showcased, they are nominated for The Horizon Award. The first nominee for this award to perform tonight is a girl (yes, a girl, she is younger than my oldest child) named Taylor Swift. The song she is singing... well I don't know the name of it, and I think it's OK, but... I can't help but think Ms. Swift really think that this young person should should stay in the studio, because she sounds like total shite, live. She is exceptionally breathy, and not on pitch throughout.

Oh My God… did you hear that note she just murdered? Ye God’s! Get the hook! Get the hook! Now.

It’s a good song, really it is... but she needs some serious voice lessons, AND some increased aerobic capacity.

Commercial break… good, more time to clean up my typos not that I have many.... right.

OK, the next presenter is Sarah Evans, who looks great, but sounds so wooden it isn't even funny.

Ms. Evans introduced Brad Paisley, who is singing the song "Online". Have you heard this song?

Funny as hell.

Wait! here comes Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift to “help” Paisely sing! Kellie looks rather hot lovely tonight. I guess any song is better when two young women sashay around the stage when it's being sung.

Then Evans introduced Alison Krauss & Union Station. To tell you the truth, I have never thought of Krauss as a country singer… I always thought of her more as a Bluegrass or Folk singer. The song is OK, but largely formulaic. I fast forward through it.

Sara Evans is still on after the commercial break.

Big & Rich perform “Loud” Hey, they have dancers! Like James Brown! I would have fast forwarded, but I was trying to see what was printed on the backside of the dancer's outfits. Oh, it says Musicmafia… I can fast for… oh, the song is over. Alright.

Hey, it’s Bucky Covington! That kid from American Idol two years ago. He is presenting (with two other guys I have never heard of) the award for Vocal group of the year. The nominees were:

Allison Krauss & Union Station
Dixie Chicks
Emerson Drive
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts were the winners. That’s cool, I like them... sorta. I was surprised the Dixie Chicks were nominated, but I guess enough people are pissed off about the war by now and have figured out that what the Dixie Chicks said a few years ago was right on the money.

Next, Evans introduced Rodney Atkins, the second Horizon award nominee singing his hit song “These Are My People” I’ve heard this song before… it has a catchy hook.

Fast Forward.

OK, next is Kate Walsh to introduce Carrie Underwood. To sing a song from her new album. I don't know the name of the song, but Carrie is wearing some big-ass yellow prom dress! Freakin' terrible.

Fast Forward

Next, Vince Gill introduces “The Eagles”

Come again?

Really?

Yes, those Eagles... you know, "Hotel California" and all of that stuff. Who knew? Everyone but me I reckon.

The Eagles sang a song that don't know, but I know that I don’t like the song. But I guess I’m not the demographic they are aiming for.

Fast Forward.

Commercial break.

Did you know that Mary Kay Cosmetics is a sponsor of the 2007 CMA’s? No? Well, now you do!

Hey, Kate Walsh is back! And she slurs through the introduction of Brooks & Dunn. This song, “God Must Be Busy", is an incredible downer.

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Rant. About. Politics!

Kate Walsh introduces Jason Aldean to sing some song I don't want to hear (Um... can you tell that I'm not loving most of the music?)

FAST FORWARD!!!

Jewel and somebody or other Rodeo rider come out to present the award for the best duo or group, and the nominees were:

Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
The Wreckers

Sugarland were the winners and made a nice, heartfelt acceptance speech. No poofy prom dress for the lady in that duo, by God! She was wearing a black button-down shirt, and some black slacks!

Commercial break.... fast forward

After the break, Dwight Yoakum (remember him?) introduces Sugarland, who sing a song from their new album. Boring! Fast Forward!

Hey, is it just me, or do any of you think that country singers twang on purpose? Some of these gosh-darnit folksy-folks really seem to work hard at sounding like they are from the deep south.

Yoakum comes back to give a memorial tribute to Porter Wagner, who dies this year. Then it was time to present the award for Album of the Year. Here were the nominees:

Brad Paisley
George Straight
Dirks Bentley
Keith Urban
Vince Gill

George straight was the winner, and he, along with the album's producer, made a very gracious speech.

Before heading out to commercial, the announcement was made that earlier in the evening, Brad Paisley won the award for the best country music video for his song "Online".

Commercial break

LeAnn Rimes was the next presenter, and she came out looking ALL grown up… but her makeup looks really overdone. Anyway, she introduces Martina McBride, who sings a song I don't know or like.

You know something?, once upon a time, female country music singers used to look more normal than most women in the entertainment industry… but not anymore. So many of these ladies look like they need a meal or two... or three. Maybe my perspective is skewed since I’m so fat.

Well, Martina is done singing and has taken her bony ass off of the stage. LeAnn Rimes returns to introduces Keith Urban (who could do with a shave).

And again with the twang and warble… and this guy isn’t even American.

Bye Keith.

Next up, Carrie "I just want to thank God" Underwood presents the Horizon award to Taylor Swift. I'm shocked, but I have to assume that Swift was judged on her recorded music, not her performance on this show. Well. Good for her... long may it last, kid. I'd be happier if she wasn't wearing some big-ass yellow prom dress (BAYPD), too.

LeAnn comes back to introduces Reba McIntyre, with whom she is singing a duet.

Damn Reba still looks (and sounds) good to me.

This song was a really good duet... I think I am going to have to buy Reba’s new CD.

Next, Little Big Town performs some song about pride in being from the Boondocks.

Fast Forward.

Dirks Bentley (that sounds like the name of a porn star from the 70's) presents for Female Vocalist of the year. The nominees were:

Allison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McIntyre
Carrie Underwood

Carrie wins... Fast forward.

Next, Rimes introduces the three new inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Ralph Emory (non performer)
Mel Tillis
Vince Gill

After the commercial break

Kimberly Williams Paisley (Brad’s wife) introduces Kenny Chesney, man, is he short.... even with that big cowboy hat, who sings “Don’t Blink”

Fast Forward.

Next, Josh Turner sings "Firecracker"... fast forward.

Commercial break.

The next singer is Kellie Pickler... who did really nice things to that red dress she was wearing...

The poor soul sang a song about her father, and was in tears when it was over.

Next, was Gretchen Wilson and Kid Rock to present the award for Male vocalist of the year... the nominees were:

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Josh Turner
Gorge Straight
Keith Urban

...and the award went to Brad Paisley. Hey!, Nicole Kidman is here!

OK, Cool, it’s 10:40, and I have caught up with the live show, with only 20 minutes to go in the show… so, what do I do? I start a load of laundry (my gym stuff)

Back now, with only 7 minutes to go!

OK, Rascal Flatts are on and surprisingly enough… so is Jamie Fox… really? Yes. THAT Jamie Fox. Um, I guess the song is alright… but the lead singer for Rascal Flatts is in terrible voice, screeching like nobody's business.

Now, last but not least, Reba McIntyre presents Performer of The Year. The nominees were:

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascall Flatts
George Straight
Keith Urban

...and the winner was Kenny Chesney, who was still just as short as he was earlier.

Ah!, a three hour show, watched and commented on in two hours. I love it.

There you have it, kids... now you don't have to watch it for yourselves!

Emmy Recap

Did you watch the Emmy Awards, Sunday night? No? Well, I did, so you didn't have to.

If you have been reading for awhile, you know that TV-wise, I love nothing so much as an award show... unless it is watching some skull-busting, hard-hitting rugby. So, last night, I got prepared, and settled in to watch the prime-time Emmy awards.

I'd like to state for the record that as much as I dislike Ryan Secrest, I give him credit for doing not only his radio show and American Idol, but this guy actually worked the Red Carpet for the pre-Emmy show. He might be an irritationg girly-man, but he gets full credit for the work ethic.

So Secrest starts the show right in time with some really stupid animated bit from some show I never watch... a little kid that talks like a sophisticated adult, and a talking dog. It was wasted on me.

The show is being presented in the round... it seems a little strange to me, but what the hell, right? It's television...

Secrest launches right into girly-man territory by talking fashion with Eva Longoria & Terry Hatcher... she of the phony relationship, and made-for-papparazzi kiss. They gush about designers in a weird way, before Secrest gets William Shatner in on the act. Mildly amusing, but let's move on.

Ryan introduces Ray Romano only four minutes into the show, as a presenter, but then Romano launches into some weird stand-up routine... 10 seconds of which is blanked out... dead air. It turns out he used the word "screw" while he was talking about his former costar, Patty Heaton's new show... geez.

So... stand-up routine finished they get to the first award at 8:11, with the award for Supporting actor in a comedy, which is won by Jeremy Piven, for Entourage. Good for him, but, to tell you the truth, I don't watch his show, nor do I watch the shows of the other nominees... so, whoopee!

Next, America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams present Best Supporting Actor in a drama. I care a bit more about this category, as William Shatner is nominated for his role of Denny Crane in Boston Legal... which is odd, because I never thought of that show as a drama... I mean, how could you? Anyway, Terry O'Quinn, from Lost gets the award. While O'Quinn gave his speech, the cameras cut to his wife at least three times... which worked well for me, because, while Terry O'Quinn might be a fine actor (and I wouldn't know since I have never seen Lost, his wife had spectacular rackage. Really! I need to throw in another aside here: America Ferrera looked great. I don't mean that in a "Oh-I-Loved-Her-Dress" kind of way. No, no. America was HOT!

Next up were Julia Louis Dreyfuss and Tina Fey presented Jamie Pressly with the Best Supporting Actress in a comedy for My Name Is Earl (Nope, I haven't seen that one, either... um, are you noticing a trend?)

By this time, things are moving quite well, it was 8:25, and things are moving right along. Kyle Chandler (whoever the hell he is) and Kathrine Heigl, presented the Best Supporting Actor in a movie or minisereis award to Thomas Hayden Church for Broken Trail... a western, which was apparently, really good. Nothing much to say here, except for the fact that the announcer mispronounced Heigl's name as "Hey-jel". Kathrine corrected the announcer ("actually, it's high-gull"), as soon as she got to the microphone.

Next was a commercial for Audi. Some crap trying to convince me that buying an Audi is smart because they are safe. NEWSFLASH: THERE ARE NO SAFE CARS. NONE.

INTERLUDE: TIME TO FOLD LAUNDRY (don't you love TiVo?)

Next, Ellen DeGeneres (whom I love) introduced a montage of political one-liners. Funny enough, but let's move on, shall we?

It's time for the Best Supporting Actress in a drama. Presenting the award to Kathrine Heigl (the chastened announcer pronounced it right, this time) are Eva Longoria and the cast of Entourage.

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jon Cryer present the Best Writing for a comedy to the Conan O'Brien Show, before Christina Aguilera and Tony Bennett do an unlikely duet, singing "Steppin' Out" Now, you know me, folks: I'm not afraid to say something hurtful when I need to, and this is one of those times. You see, as much as I enjoy Tony Bennet's music, and I truly do, it is time for Mr Bennett to go away gracefully. He is 80 years old, and, God Bless him, he can't sing like he used to. No, I don't expect him to, since he is 80 years old... but some of last night's notes made it a little difficult for me to feel good about the performance. Take a bow, Tony, and bow out!

In a not very subtle segue, Tony Bennett, An American Classic won the next award (it was a big night for him). Alec Baldwin, wearing a white Dinner Jacket, presented the award for Best Director for a music or variety, to the assembled directors of Bennett's music special. Bennett's son made a speech, and when Tony started to ramble like a consufsed old man, they started the music and off they went.

Next up were Kiefer Sutherland and Ali Larter (who, like Debra Messing, is spectactularly flat-chested), with the award for Best Lead Actor in a miniseries or movie, which went to Robert Duvall, for Broken Trail. Duvall is one of my favorite actors, going all the way back to his great role as Colonel Kilgore, in Apocalypse Now, in 1979. Unfortunately, Mr. Duvall got a little long-winded while he talked about westerns and he got themusic, too. Bye Robert!

By now it is 10 minutes after 9, and I have to take another pause to fold laundry, while Ryan Secrest makes a Vanessa Hudgens joke.

Next, Queen Latifah introduces several members of the cast of the miniseries Roots, which is celebrating it's 30th anniversary this year. The cast will be presenting the award for Best Miniseries, but before they do, the cast members each speak briefly about what the show meant to them, or others... with the original music from the miniseries playing in the background. Louis Gossett, Jr. said that the whole experience of the miniseries was still moving for him. I have to report that seeing those film clips from Roots, along with the music was moving for me, too. Not as much for the subject matter but for the memories they evoked of a certain thirteen year old boy in Union, New Jersey, and how the miniseries made him feel, then.

I was in jr high school at the time, and for that entire week, all of the black kids in school were practically numb. I don't think I can adequately explain it right now. Someone remind me to revisit this soon, ok?

OK, so the cast of Roots presented the Best Miniseries award to Broken Trail... and Duvall got the music again.

After this, it was time for Neil Patrick Harris and Hayden Panitierre to give and award for something... I don't really remember what it was, to tell you the truth, my notes are handwritten, and a little less than neat. Anyway, the young Ms Panitierre is a beautiful child... but if you think I am going to use words like sexy or hot, in connection with her name, you are wrong. Why? because she is the same age as my oldest child. Your pal Gunfighter may be a little odd to some, but I don't perv like that!

Where was I?


Oh. Allen Taylor and David Chase won the awards for Best Director for a drama and Best Writing for a drama, respectively, for The Sopranos

Steve Carrel was next, presenting the award to The Daily Show, for best musical or variety show. Can I just take a moment to tell you that I don't theink he is funny? Thank you.

Ghostly pale Marcia Cross and Mark Harmon presented the Best Supporting Actress in a movie or miniseries award to Judy Davis for The Starter Wife.

I took another break to fold laundry, here... because some creep was on, talking about how television helps the world.

Glen Close, Mary Louise Parker and Kyra Sedgewick, presented another award to Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Great. Didn't see THAT either

Ok, it got a little interesting for a few minutes here, as Joe Mantegna introduced The Jersey Boys... a tribute group to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (who I have always enjoyed), as a prelude to the Emmy Award triubute to The Sopranos. I enjoyed the music... I would go see this show if it ever came through DC.

OK, then we get the cast of The Sopranos for great big audience blowjob that they are supposed to get for being so good... personally, I never saw the appeal. Bye, Tony... don't let the doorknob hit you in the ass.

Now we get to Best Actress in a movie or miniseries, presented by Sally "The Flying Nun" Field and Patrick Dempsey.

Ahem. So, the lovely Helen Mirren wins the award. I love Helen Mirren, I do. I bet she would be a shag and a half.... but I digress. Ms. Mirren said that she was going to talk until they plaed the music on her, and proceeded to go on at length at her admiration for Americans (thank you, Helen, we love you Brits, too). She continued to talk, but the music didn't play. I suppose that just goes to show you, iconic American performers like Robert Duvall and Tony Bennett get played off, and as soon as the flag-waving mutual admiration society starts a metaphorical USA-USA chant, they won't make her shut up. Hmm. No matter, I still love you, Helen... I just wonder about some things.

It's 10 P.M. now, and Masi Oka, from Heroes introduces a new category: Creative Achievement in Interactive Televison. Al Gore and Joel Hyatt, of Current TV, accept the award.

Does anyone here know who Brad Garrett is? I have never heard of him, which is no great surprise... but he was the guy who came out next with Joely Fisher's breasts... er, with Joely Fisher. Ms Fisher, resplendent (isn't that a great word?) in a yellow cleavage baring dress, proceeded to make nipple jokes and a Senator Craig joke, before she and her co-presenter gave the Best Individual Performance in a variety or musical award to .... Tony "I wonder if they'll play the music on me again" Bennett (they did).

This is getting long... so I am skipping some dull bits and moving on to Ryan Secrest, who then came out in some weird Henry The VIII costume, and made a joke about how gay it looked. The joke fell flat, Ryan.

O Lord! Please make this end! As much as I love award shoews, they tend to get really dull in the last hour... this one was no different. I think I'll have a drink, now. I was gratified that James Gandolfini didn't get an award for his work as Tony Soprano. Not that I have anything against Gandolfini, but I'm a little tired of the hooplah surrounding this show. Having said that, I am particularly pleased that James Spader did get the award for Best Actor in a drama, for his work as quirky, kinda pervy, but brilliant lawyer, Alan Shore on Boston Legal (Yay! A show I watch!). Spader accepted the award from Kate Walsh, who looked quite splendid in her slinky red dress.

In a stunning upset, 30 Rock won the award for Best Comedy Series! Let's hear it for the little guy!

Next, Sally Field recieved the award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, from Hugh Laurie and Felicity Huffman. During her acceptance, she uttered these words, which were bleeped by FOX: "Let’s face it: If the mothers ruled the world, there would be no goddamn wars in the first place."

EDITORIAL NOTE: You know something? We're grownups. If we can casusally talk about people being murdered here at home, or killed in an immoral war, every night on the night on the fucking news..., hearing to ocassional vulgar word that slips out on an award show shouldn't really scorch anyone's ears. I can't tell you how glad I will be when this current crop of dirtbags leaves Washington. Censorship has become the only real function of the FCC.

Helen Mirren presented the final award for Best Drama Series to The Sopranos, in a complete anit-climax. OK, Sopranos people, get your asses up on stage, get your award and get out of my badda-bing sight!

So there it is, folks... my Emmy recap.

I wish this show was as much fun as award shows can sometimes be, but it was fairly dull. I suppose that is my own fault. I might have found the show to be a little less tedious if I had any attachment to more than one of these shows, but there you have it.

Cheers,

GF

High School Musical

There have been so many great things to write about over the past few days that I can barely crank them out.

I have been resorting to late-night blogging for the past few days because we aren't putting any of our fun plans on hold while I sit at the computer attempting to be interesting or pithy.

I started this post last week, but was overcome by events, what with the Attorney General finally being sent away in disgrace, the guilty plea and subsequent "apology" of Michael Vick, and the reports of the extracurricular activities of a certain perverted U.S. Senator.

Guess what? I don't want to talk about any of those freaks today. No, today, I want to talk about something more important: The incredible star-power of Disney's recently released "High School Musical 2"

Sure, some of you will tell me that you haven't seen it. Some of you will tell me you don't understand why it is so popular, but unless you live in a very far corner of the world, it isn't likely that you haven't heard of this second of two films that have turned the entertainment world on it's ear.

I didn't pay any attention to the first movie... not until I began hearing the music all of the time. You see, Soccer girl is right there in the middle of the target demographic. She loved the movie and the music. Mrs GF was already familiar with the whole swirling mass of movie, books, concert DVD, singalong CD, and soundtrack, but I was a latecomer.

I finally got to see the movie in one of the two trillion and twelve repeats on the Disney Channel, and to tell you the truth, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it a great deal. I could see why it was so popular with so many people. The producers/directors were VERY smart about this film... They used the tried-and-true musical movie formula of a light plot, good visuals, hyper enthusiasm and catchy tunes that, while not being world-changing, were happy, upbeat, and eminently singable. Couple these things with an attractive cast, and you have a winner.

This past April, clan Gunfighter went to our local high-school to see a stage production of the first movie, while the buzz was building for the second movie. We loved it and I was gratified to see that I wasn't the only dad who knew the words to some of the songs.

Fast forward to last week, when we took a pause in our vacation to ensure that we would be settled in and fed and comfortable when it was time to watch "High School Musical 2" I suppose it won't surprise you to hear me say that the Gunfighter household is full of fans of this teen movie sensation! It was really great. It was nicely filmed, not too heavy on teen angst, well directed, scored, and choreographed. It's a winner.

Disney has had such a success a with these movies that there is now a "High School Musical Pep Rally" held several times a day at MGM studios.



The really cool thing about the "Pep Rally" is watching the other parents while the kids are watching it. While I took these pictures...

...you could see a lot of the parents singing along with their tweens!


The second time we saw the rally, I stood well back of the crowd to get some crowd photos and saw this grandmother/granddaughter duo dancing along. It was really great.

So, to summarize, see this movie... if you miss it's run on the Disney Channel, go to your local DVD source and get the first one on DVD, and wait for the second movie to arrive on DVD in November.

Remember, Wildcats, we're all in this together!

Entertainment

There have been so many great things to write about over the past few days that I can barely crank them out.

I have been resorting to late-night blogging for the past few days because we aren't putting any of our fun plans on hold while I sit at the computer attempting to be interesting or pithy.

I started this post last week, but was overcome by events, what with the Attorney General finally being sent away in disgrace, the guilty plea and subsequent "apology" of Michael Vick, and the reports of the extracurricular activities of a certain perverted U.S. Senator.

Guess what? I don't want to talk about any of those freaks today. No, today, I want to talk about something more important: The incredible star-power of Disney's recently released "High School Musical 2"

Sure, some of you will tell me that you haven't seen it. Some of you will tell me you don't understand why it is so popular, but unless you live in a very far corner of the world, it isn't likely that you haven't heard of this second of two films that have turned the entertainment world on it's ear.

I didn't pay any attention to the first movie... not until I bagan hearing the music all of the time. You see, Soccer girl is right there in the middle of the target demographic. She loved the movie and the music. Mrs GF was already familiar with the whole swirlinig mass of movie, books, concert DVD, singalong CD, and soundtrack, but I was a latecomer.

I finally got to see the movie in one of the two trillion and twelve repeats on the Disney Channel, and to tell you the truth, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it a great deal. I could see why it was so popular with so many people. The producers/directors were VERY smart about this film... They used the tried-and-true musical movie formula of a light plot, good visuals, hyper-enthusiasm and catchy tunes that, while not being world-changing, were happy, upbeat, and eminently singable. Couple these things with an attractive cast, and you have a winner.

This past April, clan Gunfighter went to our local high-school to see a stage production of the first movie, while the buzz was building for the second movie. We loved it and I was gratified to see that I wasn't the only dad who knew the words to some of the songs.

Fast forward to last week, when we took a pause in our vacation to ensure that we would be settled in and fed and comfortable when it was time to watch "High School Musical 2" I suppose it won't surprise you te hear me say that the Gunfighter household is full of fans of this teen movie sensation! It was really great. It was nicely filmed, not too heavy on teen angst, well directed, scored, and choreographed. It's a winner.

Disney has had such a success a with these movies that there is now a "High School Musical Pep Rally" held several times a day at MGM studios