Imagine that...the IMA on the cover!

Okay, you ever have those days when you just want to get things off your chest? 

It’s time for some RANTS AND RAVES!

See if you agree…

A RANT…

The Indianapolis Star.

Why am I still paying to get this paper? It’s literally shrinking every week. Some entire sections are only two pages…that’s it. One piece of paper!

There are fewer and fewer local articles and bylines. 

And is it just me, or does there seem to be an article, feature or something about the Indianapolis Museum of Art every week!? Seriously, it seems the IMA is in the Sunday feature supplement on a regular basis. The IMA is impressive, but give me a break.

To top it off, I get a letter this week telling me the rate is going up…wonderful. Less for a whole lot more.

A RAVE…

Lio...an inspired new comic strip

But this same paper also has introduced me to a new comic strip called “Lio” that is so halfway bizzare and yet inspired. It almost makes the paper worth it.

Almost.

I got to fly into the brand new Indianapolis International Airport last week after spending a week in New York. Only problem is, I spent two and a half hours on the tarmac in Newark, New Jersey.

So my first flight into the new Indy jewel…happened in the middle of the night, arriving after midnight! Welcome home to a closed down and very quiet facility.

A RAVE…

But it still looked pretty impressive.

A RANT…

Word is that ABC is probably going to pull the plug on “Pushing Daisies,” one of the more innovative and original series in recent years. Darn…I really liked this one. Too bad not enough other people did.

Kicking the holidays off far right

A RAVE…

This Sunday night at 10pm Comedy Central will kick off the holidays right…(or is that far right?) with a Christmas special from Stephen Colbert! 

It’s called, naturally, “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All.”

Colbert started playing the Stephen Colbert character of a right wing blow-hard (take that Bill O’Reilly) for laughs beginning on “The Daily Show” and eventually taking on his own daily show following that Daily Show.

Jon Stewart, Toby Keith, John Legend and Elvis Costello are guests.

I’ll be watching.

ANOTHER RAVE…

The DVD of Disney/Pixar’s “Wall-E” is outstanding.

A Best Picture contender?

I think this ecological animated story of a little robot should get nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, it’s that good. (It WILL win best Animated Feature.) Cool feature in many of the new DVD releases…a digital copy you can download into a computer or I-Phone or other digital player so you can take the movie with you, in whatever format you want.

 PIXAR has yet to make a movie me and my kids didn’t enjoy.

PIXAR is the best.

A RANT…

One of my buddies, Sandwich, the guy that created the Sandwich scale for rating movies, way way way underappreciates the PIXAR movies. What is wrong with this guy that he can’t appreciate great art? I hope he reads this and gives me a good answer. (And if he doesn’t read this, that’s a whole other rant!)

Later

Can you believe it, we are only a couple weeks away from Halloween!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

My kids are dressing up as Harry Potter…and a Tennessee Titan (which is pretty scary right now if you are a Colts fan!)

To celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday, I recently watched a new 2 disc DVD re-release of “Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas.”

The story is told using traditional, painstaking three dimensional animation…essentially using special armatured puppets and minature sets and animating the puppets frame by frame. 

The story conceived by director Tim Burton, centers on Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween, who accidentally stumbles into Christmastown and discovers the magic of the Holiday season. Wanting to emulate the magic of ”Santy Claus,” Jack innocently turns Christmas into a nightmare.

I had seen the movie when it was originally released in theatres in the 90s. Disney re-released this classic over the last couple years in theatres as a 3-D event and had a great run with it.

I had forgotten how throughly enjoyable this movie was!

It’s got a terrific story and a great musical score written by composer AND singer Danny Elfman (he performs the voice of Jack Skellington). And the film looks positively stunning on DVD, especially in a digitally remastered edition. I watched it a couple times just to enjoy the effects and memorable characters. My kids loved it, too. It’s gothic, creepy fun but not too scary.

What makes the special edition even more special is the bonus features. Disney has included Tim Burton’s award-winning original short cartoon “Vincent,” about a little boy who dreams of being Vincent Price (narrated by Mr. Price!) The set also includes Burton’s first film, a 30 minute short called “Frankenweenie,” about a little boy that brings his dead dog back to life. It’s the short that launched Burton’s movie directing career. What especially cool…Burton reveals in a new introduction to the short that he and Disney are currently in production on a full length 3D animated version of “Frankenweenie” that will hit theatres in the next couple of years.

If you are looking for a holiday DVD (Halloween or Christmas) I recommend “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” Special Edition DVD. Generally I’m leary of special editions of movies already released on DVD (studios release them with new features…DVD collectors call it “double-dipping.”) But this special edition is really something special.

***** 

Jonny Lee Miller as

Tuesday night on ABC, one of my favorite new shows from last season returned for a second year. I wrote a post last spring about the charm and wonderful storytelling of “Eli Stone.” I’m happy to report the show returned to decent ratings this week (ranked #2, nearly beating the well established “L&O:SVU.”)

“Eli Stone” follows a San Francisco attorney whose life is turned upside down when he starts having visions that foretell the future. The show stars the terrific Jonny Lee Miller as Stone and has a great supporting cast.   

Now I understand ABC has placed an additional four-episode order for ”Eli Stone” according to The Hollywood Reporter. The series originally debuted as a mid-season replacement last season. The early order may suggest that ABC Studios is “pleased” with the show’s second season thus far, the trade paper says.

If you didn’t get to watch it, be sure to catch it here on the ABC Player on TheIndyChannel.com.

Great show, well worth the look.

The one and original Partridge Family

The 1970s seem to be back.

Last week ABC launched a new drama featuring a modern day cop that wakes up to find himself fighting crime in the 1970s. “Life on Mars” debuted with big ratings. You can check out the premiere online here at the ABC Player on TheIndyChannel.com.

Speaking of the 70s, NBC is going back in time to try to revive an old ABC hit. Believe it or not, they are going to remake “The Partridge Family” for the new century. I know what you are thinking…we need another Partridge Family.

I guess this one will be a little different. It won’t necessarily feature a singing mom or a wildly painted school bus. But a press release announces it will be about a mom pimping out her kids to try to make it big. Oh…that’s nice.

The aliens are coming back, too!

As a boomer, I’m a little put off that favorite shows from my childhood are getting re-do’s. Some (like a re-boot of “Star Trek”) sound inspired. Others, like this one, reek of desperation…especially when its a network like NBC that has been trying to build shows from ideas that worked…in the past. Think about it. NBC has brought back “The Bionic Woman” (cancelled) “American Gladiators” (a hit…then cancelled) and this season’s “Knight Rider.” I mean, com’on, is an “A-Team” reimagining out of the question? Not for these guys…

And just to show that NBC isn’t the only one trying to mine the past for future hits, ABC wants to do a remake of “V” the NBC hit from the 80s about aliens invading Earth.   

I guess I can handle invading lizards. Just don’t give me another Danny Bonaduce. Please.

*****

This weekend 6 NEWS jumped into the HD world.

If you have HD, please take a chance to check it out and let us now what you think. All of the 6 NEWS newscasts, from Good Morning Indiana to the 6 NEWS Nightcast will now be produced and aired live in HD. 

With 6 NEWS joining the HD line-up, a majority of our line-up is now available in the clearer, sharper high-def format.

HD doesn’t just bring sharper pictures. It’s also about increased color clarity. That’s why our design team updated our look with a bolder, brighter color scheme. It’s particularly stunning in HD.

Check it out and let us know what you think. We would love to get your feedback!

The Emmy Awards are this Sunday night airing at 8PM on ABC and RTV 6.

30 ROCK

I have a real love/hate thing for the Emmy Awards.

Sometimes I love the Emmys because they recognize what I think are terrific shows and performances. Then other times I hate the Emmys because once they discover a show or performance, they tend to recognize them year after year, often at the expense of truly outstanding shows and acting.

For example, I thought Dennis Franz of “NYPD Blue” turned in remarkable performances as Detective Andy Sipowitz. Problem is, the Emmy voters thought so too…THREE YEARS IN A ROW! Gimme a break!

The same for Best Supporting Actress Doris Roberts from “Everybody Loves Raymond.” They gave her the statue several years in a row. Same for Allison Janey from “The West Wing.” THey are all fine actors. But winning once is nice, twice is pushing it…more than that is doing a disservice to many other fine actors.

Recently, “Boston Legal,” a show I enjoy and really admire, has gotten more than its share of Emmy love than it really deserves. Shatner and Spader are great, but recognize other great characters and actors, will ya!

LOST

Yeesh!

Now that I got that off my chest, take a peek at the nominees…and my picks! 

COMEDY SERIES
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men

“Entourage” is alright, but I would have preferred to see ABC’s “Pushing Daisies” in this category. Part of the charm of the Emmy Awards to me, is showing some love to shows that may not have been discovered by a bigger audience yet. Thus a show like “Daisies,” one of last year’s more innovative and interesting shows could have gotten a boost here.

Glad to see ”Two and a Half Men” here as it deserves attention. It is certainly one of the funnier shows on the air. But I think “30 ROCK” deserves this year’s Emmy Award. Tina Fey and Alex Baldwin are soooooo good.  

MY PICK: 30 ROCK

ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Tony Shalhoub in “Monk” SHOULD NOT BE NOMINATED ANYMORE!!! GIVE ME A BREAK!!! This is what drives me crazy about the Emmys. But they make up for it by nominating Lee Pace of “Pushing Daisies” But Alec Baldwin deserves this one…

MY PICK: ALEC BALDWIN

ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds

America Ferrera is fine, but borders on Emmy love overkill. Christina Applegate deserves a shot because she is so good as a comedic actor. Plus, this character is so different from her Kelly Bundy from “Married with Children.” Her recent health scare may influence some voters, too.

But Tina Fey has come into her own not only as a writer and a producer, but as a performer as well. Think Sarah Palin can do it all? She’s got nothing on Tina Fey! And Tina Fey is way funnier (and does a better Palin than Palin does!)

MY PICK: TINA FEY

DRAMA SERIES

MAD MEN

Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

Good entries in this catagory. I’m especially happy to see “Mad Men” make this cut. I’m even happier to see “Lost” here again. To me, “Lost” is the best show on TV. It won this catagory its first year. It’s back and better than ever this year. This is a tough one, but since I find LOST obsessive, I gotta go with my gut on this one…

MY PICK: LOST

ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House
James Spader, Boston Legal

Hugh Laurie deserves this one. Or Jon Hamm from “Mad Men.” The Academy may embrace “Mad Men” so if Jon Hamm wins, the best drama nod could go to “Mad Men,” too. Gonna toss it up and go with…

MY PICK: HUGH LAURIE

ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, Damages
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Sally Field is an Academy favorite. So is Mariska Hargitay. Please, oh please Academy, surprise me with either Kyra Sedgwick or Glenn Close. But my gut tells me the thing I hate about the Emmys may come home with this catagory with Mariska winning again.

MY PICK: GLENN CLOSE

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Ted Danson, Damages
Michael Emerson, Lost
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages
William Shatner, Boston Legal
John Slattery, Mad Men

I like John Slattery from “Mad Men.” He also had a good turn as the crooked Mayor on “Desperate Housewives” this season. If there is a “Mad Man” mania, he could get swept up in this…but as I felt “LOST” was so good this year, I have to go with Michael Emerson and his creepy factor. He’s so creepy…and good.

MY PICK: MICHAEL EMERSON

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy

I would love to see Chandra Wilson’s Bailey get this…but her character was neglected on a so-so “Grey’s” last season. So what about Rachael Griffiths? She is Australian and does a remarkable American accent. Why not?

MY PICK: RACHAEL GRIFFITHS 

REALITY COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
Top Chef

I gotta go with the witty and popular “Dancing with the Stars.” It deserves it. Where else could you see Marie Osmond feint…and Helio win! Besides, I do a “Dancing” blog, too!

MY PICK: DANCING WITH THE STARS

HOST FOR A REALITY OR REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars
Heidi Klum, Project Runway
Howie Mandel, Deal or No Deal
Jeff Probst, Survivor
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol

This is the first year for this catagory. I gotta go with the man, Tom Bergeron. The guy has a comeback for anything! Perfect for a live program!

MY PICK: TOM BERGERON

REALITY SERIES
Antiques Roadshow
Dirty Jobs
Extreme Makeover
Intervention
Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List

MY PICK: DIRTY JOBS (Love Mike Rowe…show wouldn’t work without him!)

 VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY SERIES

THE DAILY SHOW

The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Late Show With David Letterman
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live

Four of the five are great…SNL is still pretty lame. I think “The Colbert Report” is a tougher show to write and pull off (which they do almost every night) but in an election year, gotta vote for Jon Stewart and “The Daily Show.”

MY PICK: THE DAILY SHOW

*****

There will be many, many more awards on Sunday night. But I am especially looking forward to seeing Josh Groban performing snippets of dozens of famous TV theme shows. From classics like “Cheers” and “The Andy Griffith Show” to the “Simpsons.” Should be a fun bit.

And hopefully the whole evening will be fun to watch. You can see it Sunday night at 8pm on ABC and RTV 6. BTW, Jimmy Kimmel is doing a special show leading into the awards from 7pm to 8pm.  

Groban works up a tribute to TV Theme songs!

Monday evening opportunity came knocking for a southside family…and they took home prizes for it. And good for them since they were able to take the prizes right into their home! Because “Opportunity Knocks” literally came to their front yard!

The Miller family with Kevin Gregory

The new ABC primetime game show called “Opportunity Knocks” will debut in just a couple weeks on Tuesday, September 23 at 8PM.

The show is produced by actor Ashton Kutcher (who knew this guy could be so prolific as a TV producer) and stars everyday families competing for fabulous prizes.

The game is all based on the premise of how well you know your own family. For example, does Dad remember what day of the week his kids were born? Does Mom know how many girlfriends her young son has? Do the kids know how their parents met? Simple but personal questions, right? If the family members know the answers, they get prizes, culminating in a really big prize.

The Miller Family from Southport found out just how hard it could be.

A traveling, promotional version of the game show, the “Opportunity Knocks” Tour made a stop in Indiana

Tom Davis and Paul Poteet play the game

 on Monday evening. They set up a large truck/stage on the cul-de-sac in front of the Miller home.

Mike and Becki Miller and their kids were selected from hundreds of families that applied to ABC through RTV 6 and TheIndyChannel.com.

Before the Millers played, 6 NEWS GOOD MORNING INDIANA’s Paul Poteet and Tom Davis played a celebrity version of the game, answering questions about each other in front of the hundred plus neighbors gathered to watch.

Paul and Tom played for a couple of lucky audience members winning special ABC give-a-ways. Did you know Tom Davis’ car has over 290,000 miles on it? (Paul did!) And that Paul’s second job when he was starting out as a weatherman at Channel 4 was as a USA Today paper boy/guy? (Tom knew that and that Channel 4 obviously didn’t pay very well!)

When the Millers did get to play their son got his question right, winning a $100 Visa gift card.

But their daughter, Mom and Dad all got their questions WRONG!

Over 100 enjoyed the game

Fortunately they got one last question…Mom knew what kind of fruit are featured in a picture in their dining room (grapes) and the family took home an IPOD Nano and $100 I-Tunes gift card, a $250 ABC gift basket, a Blu-Ray Disc Player and a 46 inch Samsung Plasma TV! A nice little haul for letting your friends and neighbors and a TV show visit!

I was surprised how much fun it would be watching the family dynamics at work when the pressure is on. And I think Hoosiers are going to love this show.

Look for the premiere on Tuesday, September 23 at 8PM on ABC and RTV 6!