Hollywood DVD

Britt Gillette asked:


One of the best sitcoms not just of its time, but of all time, Seinfeld redefined the sitcom genre. No longer was it necessary to have contrived plot, a lesson to be learned, or some other ridiculous cookie-cutter approach. With Seinfeld, an episode could be about nothing and everything all at the same time. The show follows the lives of four friends living in New York City, stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld, his childhood friend George Costanza (Jason Alexander), his eccentric next-door neighbor Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards), and his ex-girlfriend Elaine Benese (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Together, they form one of the most unforgettable comedy teams in television history.

The Seinfeld (Season 4) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere in which Jerry asks George to accompany him on a trip to Los Angeles where he’ll be appearing on The Tonight Show. While in Hollywood, the two attempt to track down Kramer who recently moved there to become a star. But the trip goes awry when hotel maid Lupe can’t grasp the concept of George’s preferred bed tuck, Jerry loses his Tonight Show material, and Kramer is fingered by local police as the prime suspect in the “smog strangler” killings… Other notable episodes from Season 4 include “The Bubble Boy” in which George incurs the wrath of an entire township following his argument over a Trivial Pursuit question with a local handicapped icon who (for medical reasons) lives in a bubble, and “The Contest” (based on a real life Larry David experience) in which Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine place a wager on who can practice self-denial the longest… “The Junior Mint” and “The Handicap Spot” round out a year that is arguably the best season in Seinfeld’s hilarious nine-year run…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Seinfeld (Season 4) DVD:

Episode 41 (The Trip: Part 1) Air Date: 08-12-1992

Episode 42 (The Trip: Part 2) Air Date: 08-19-1992

Episode 43 (The Pitch) Air Date: 09-16-1992

Episode 44 (The Ticket) Air Date: 09-16-1992

Episode 45 (The Wallet) Air Date: 09-23-1992

Episode 46 (The Watch) Air Date: 09-30-1992

Episode 47 (The Bubble Boy) Air Date: 10-07-1992

Episode 48 (The Cheever Letters) Air Date: 10-28-1992

Episode 49 (The Opera) Air Date: 11-04-1992

Episode 50 (The Virgin) Air Date: 11-11-1992

Episode 51 (The Contest) Air Date: 11-18-1992

Episode 52 (The Airport) Air Date: 11-25-1992

Episode 53 (The Pick) Air Date: 12-16-1992

Episode 54 (The Movie) Air Date: 01-06-1993

Episode 55 (The Visa) Air Date: 01-27-1993

Episode 56 (The Shoes) Air Date: 02-04-1993

Episode 57 (The Outing) Air Date: 02-11-1993

Episode 58 (The Old Man) Air Date: 02-18-1993

Episode 59 (The Implant) Air Date: 02-25-1993

Episode 60 (The Junior Mint) Air Date: 03-18-1993

Episode 61 (The Smelly Car) Air Date: 04-15-1993

Episode 62 (The Handicap Spot) Air Date: 05-13-1993

Episode 63 (The Pilot: Part 1) Air Date: 05-20-1993

Episode 64 (The Pilot: Part 2) Air Date: 05-20-1993

Britt Gillette asked:


Recipient of widespread critical and audience acclaim, I Love Lucy is by far one of the greatest, if not the greatest, comedy series in television history. It literally revolutionized the TV landscape forever with its creative thinking, live studio audience, experimental camera angles, and top-notch writing. Created by the talented husband and wife team of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, I Love Lucy became the most celebrated show of its time and helped usher in a whole new era in the American entertainment experience…

The I Love Lucy (Season 5) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “Lucy Visits Grauman’s” in which Lucy is wrapping up her extended trip to Hollywood where she’s collected a number of oddball collectibles, such as a tin can run over by Cary Grant’s car and a napkin used by Lana Turner. But when Lucy learns that John Wayne’s imprints on a concrete block in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater have come loose, she decides to steal a real souvenir to take home… Other notable episodes from Season 5 include “Lucy Goes to a Rodeo” in which Lucy confuses Ricky’s performance on a “radio show” with his performance in a “rodeo show,” and “Paris at Last” in which Lucy’s trip to Paris is marked by her quest to find a famous artist whose paintings will one day be valuable, but the only artist she meets is a con artist who steals her blind…

Below is a list of episodes included on the I Love Lucy (Season 5) DVD:

Episode 128 (Lucy Visits Grauman’s) Air Date: 10-03-1955

Episode 129 (Lucy and John Wayne) Air Date: 10-10-1955

Episode 130 (Lucy and the Dummy) Air Date: 10-17-1955

Episode 131 (Ricky Sells the Car) Air Date: 10-24-1955

Episode 132 (The Great Train Robbery) Air Date: 10-31-1955

Episode 133 (Homecoming) Air Date: 11-07-1955

Episode 134 (The Ricardos are Interviewed) Air Date: 11-14-1955

Episode 135 (Lucy Goes to a Rodeo) Air Date: 11-28-1955

Episode 136 (Nursery School) Air Date: 12-05-1955

Episode 137 (Ricky’s European Booking) Air Date: 12-12-1955

Episode 138 (The Passports) Air Date: 12-19-1955

Episode 139 (Staten Island Ferry) Air Date: 01-02-1956

Episode 140 (Bon Voyage) Air Date: 01-16-1956

Episode 141 (Second Honeymoon) Air Date: 01-23-1956

Episode 142 (Lucy Meets the Queen) Air Date: 01-30-1956

Episode 143 (The Fox Hunt) Air Date: 02-06-1956

Episode 144 (Lucy Goes to Scotland) Air Date: 02-20-1956

Episode 145 (Paris at Last) Air Date: 02-27-1956

Episode 146 (Lucy Meets Charles Boyer) Air Date: 03-05-1956

Episode 147 (Lucy Gets a Paris Gown) Air Date: 03-19-1956

Episode 148 (Lucy in the Swiss Alps) Air Date: 03-26-1956

Episode 149 (Lucy Gets Homesick in Italy) Air Date: 04-09-1956

Episode 150 (Lucy’s Italian Movie) Air Date: 04-16-1956

Episode 151 (Lucy’s Bicycle Trip) Air Date: 04-23-1956

Episode 152 (Lucy Goes to Monte Carlo) Air Date: 05-07-1956

Episode 153 (Return Home from Europe) Air Date: 05-14-1956

Britt Gillette asked:


One of the highest rated TV series of its era, The Andy Griffith Show is enjoyed by people of every age to this day. The show centers around the world of Sheriff Andy Griffith of Mayberry. But the true series star is Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) in the role of the sometimes competent, always wacky sidekick. The onscreen magic between Griffith and Knotts is something to behold. Both men went on to storied careers in Hollywood with Knotts gaining numerous roles, such as that of Mr. Furley on Three’s Company, and Griffith as the lead star on the popular show Matlock…

The Andy Griffith Show (Season 4) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “Opie the Birdman” in which Opie becomes the adoptive father of several orphaned baby birds after he inadvertently kills their mother with his slingshot. Developing a personal attachment to the birds, Opie struggles with the notion that once they’re grown, he’ll have to set them free… Other notable episodes include “Barney’s Sidecar” in which Barney acquires a sidecar for his motorcycle a local auction, but his daily antics quickly have all of Mayberry up in arms, and “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” in which Gomer Pyle joins the Marine Corps in order to become a man, but he’s failing miserably until Andy convinces the drill instructor to take Gomer under his wing…

Below is a list of episodes included on The Andy Griffith Show (Season 4) DVD:

Episode 96 (Opie the Birdman) Air Date: 09-30-1963

Episode 97 (The Haunted House) Air Date: 10-07-1963

Episode 98 (Ernest T. Bass Joins the Army) Air Date: 10-14-1963

Episode 99 (The Sermon for Today) Air Date: 10-21-1963

Episode 100 (Briscoe Declares for Aunt Bee) Air Date: 10-28-1963

Episode 101 (Gomer the House Guest) Air Date: 11-04-1963

Episode 102 (A Black Day for Mayberry) Air Date: 11-11-1963

Episode 103 (Opie’s Ill-Gotten Gain) Air Date: 11-18-1963

Episode 104 (A Date for Gomer) Air Date: 11-25-1963

Episode 105 (Up in Barney’s Room) Air Date: 12-02-1963

Episode 106 (Citizen’s Arrest) Air Date: 12-16-1963

Episode 107 (Opie and His Merry Men) Air Date: 12-30-1963

Episode 108 (Barney and the Cave Rescue) Air Date: 01-06-1964

Episode 109 (Andy and Opie’s Pal) Air Date: 01-13-1964

Episode 110 (Aunt Bee the Crusader) Air Date: 01-20-1964

Episode 111 (Barney’s Sidecar) Air Date: 01-27-1964

Episode 112 (My Fair Ernest T. Bass) Air Date: 02-03-1964

Episode 113 (Prisoner of Love) Air Date: 02-10-1964

Episode 114 (Hot Rod Otis) Air Date: 02-17-1964

Episode 115 (The Song Festers) Air Date: 02-24-1964

Episode 116 (The Shoplifters) Air Date: 03-02-1964

Episode 117 (Andy’s Vacation) Air Date: 03-09-1964

Episode 118 (Andy Saves Gomer) Air Date: 03-16-1964

Episode 119 (Bargain Day) Air Date: 03-23-1964

Episode 120 (Divorce, Mountain Style) Air Date: 03-30-1964

Episode 121 (A Deal is a Deal) Air Date: 04-06-1964

Episode 122 (Fun Girls) Air Date: 04-13-1964

Episode 123 (The Return of Malcolm Merriweather) Air Date: 04-20-1964

Episode 124 (The Rumor) Air Date: 04-27-1964

Episode 125 (Barney and Thelma Lou, Phfftt) Air Date: 05-04-1964

Episode 126 (Back to Nature) Air Date: 05-11-1964

Episode 127 (Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.) Air Date: 05-18-1964

Britt Gillette asked:


Since it first aired in late 1999, The West Wing has been one of the most popular drama series on TV. Hollywood veteran Martin Sheen plays the lead role of President Jed Bartlet in this show which chronicles daily events in the life of a president. The daily operations of Bartlet’s White House are run by varying individuals such as Claudia “C.J.” Cregg (Allison Janney), Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), Leo McGarry (John Spencer), Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford), Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff), and Charlie Young (Dule Hill). The West Wing focuses on these loyal attendants as they work around-the-clock to keep the White House running smoothly. In so doing, the stresses of the job and various personal hardships make for a voyeuristic glimpse into what many believe to be an accurate snap-shot of White House working life…

The West Wing (Season 3) DVD offers a number of dramatic episodes including the season premiere “Manchester: Part 1″ in which C.J. mistakenly reveals during her press conference that President Bartlet suffers from a medical condition, prompting an onslaught of media attention regarding the president’s health. In gearing up to spin the revelation, the staffers discuss whether or not Bartlet should apologize to the nation for failing to reveal the problem. Meanwhile, Abbey is not pleased when she learns that Jed has decided to run for re-election… Other notable episodes from Season 3 include “The Indians in the Lobby” in which a pair of Indians announce their plans to stand in the lobby of the Department of Interior until they receive an answer on their 15-year-old application to buy back lost Indian lands, and “Hartsfield’s Landing” in which the staffers begin to execute their presidential primary strategy (beginning in New Hampshire) in their plan to win Bartlet’s re-election…

Below is a list of episodes included on The West Wing (Season 3) DVD:

Episode 45 (Manchester: Part 1) Air Date: 10-17-2001

Episode 46 (Manchester: Part 2) Air Date: 10-24-2001

Episode 47 (Ways and Means) Air Date: 10-31-2001

Episode 48 (On the Day Before) Air Date: 11-07-2001

Episode 49 (War Crimes) Air Date: 11-14-2001

Episode 50 (Gone Quiet) Air Date: 11-21-2001

Episode 51 (The Indians in the Lobby) Air Date: 11-28-2001

Episode 52 (The Women of Qumar) Air Date: 12-12-2001

Episode 53 (Bartlet for America) Air Date: 01-09-2002

Episode 54 (H. Con-172) Air Date: 01-16-2002

Episode 55 (100,000 Airplanes) Air Date: 01-30-2002

Episode 56 (The Two Bartlets) Air Date: 02-06-2002

Episode 57 (Night Five) Air Date: 02-27-2002

Episode 58 (Hartsfield’s Landing) Air Date: 03-06-2002

Episode 59 (Dead Irish Writers) Air Date: 03-27-2002

Episode 60 (The U.S. Poet Laureate) Air Date: 04-03-2002

Episode 61 (Stirred) Air Date: 05-01-2002

Episode 62 (Enemies Foreign and Domestic) Air Date: 05-08-2002

Episode 63 (The Black Vera Wang) Air Date: 05-15-2002

Episode 64 (We Killed Yamamoto) Air Date: 05-15-2002

Episode 65 (Posse Comitatus) Air Date: 05-22-2002

Britt Gillette asked:


Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and eventual winner of 3 Oscars, On Golden Pond is an unconventional Hollywood blockbuster. Based on the play of the same name by Ernest Thompson, the film offers a character driven storyline that explores numerous themes such as aging, abandonment, and family relationships of various types. Veteran film and TV director Mark Rydell packs the big screen with a star-studded cast for this 1981 release. Because of its well developed characters and realistic portrayal of human interactions, it’s a film that’s almost certain to make you laugh, cry, and/or smile. In fact, if you don’t find Norman to be one of the most hilarious and eccentric characters ever created, then you must not be watching the same film.

On Golden Pond follows the lives of a retired New England couple on their annual summer vacation to Golden Pond. Norman Thayer (Henry Fonda) is an aging, long-retired college professor. Sarcastic and crotchety, he manages to distance himself from just about everyone but his wife Ethel (Katharine Hepburn). In fact, his biting demeanor nearly destroys he and his daughter’s relationship, Chelsea (Jane Fonda). When Chelsea brings her new boyfriend Bill (Dabney Coleman) to visit, it isn’t long before Norman stirs things up once again. But Norman and Ethel get an unexpected summer guest when Bill and Chelsea take a prolonged European vacation and leave Bill’s 13-year-old son Billy in their care. It makes for an odd threesome, but as the three learn to live with each other’s quirks, they also learn from each other. But the true test for the new family comes when Chelsea and Bill return from Europe. Can she learn to accept her father’s vices? And can Norman finally be proud of his daughter for who she is?

Hollywood veterans Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda turn in two of the best performances of their respective careers. Fonda is absolutely brilliant as the doddering and cranky Norman. One can’t help but laugh at his antics, although it helps that he has the best written lines in the entire movie. Dabney Coleman, although brief in his appearance, makes an immediate impression when he engages in a classic dialogue with Henry Fonda over the evening’s sleeping arrangements. However, in the end, On Golden Pond works because of the chemistry between the three characters who encompass the majority of the story – Ethel, Norman, and Billy. They bind together to create an epic drama rife with conflict, conquest, and chaos without all the usual Hollywood blood and gore. It’s truly rare to have a film of this nature capture audiences without boring them, and On Golden Pond pulls it off.

Complimenting this strong cast and screenplay is a simple, yet memorable instrumental soundtrack composed by Dave Grusin, veteran TV and film composer known for such works as Tootsie (1982) and The Goonies (1985). Filmed on location on and around the Squam Lakes in New Hampshire, the beauty and majesty of this untainted landscape blends perfectly with its tailor-made soundtrack to create a theme of endless peace and tranquility. Overall, it makes for a rather enjoyable movie experience. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and watch On Golden Pond. Then, see if you can say “Ethel Thayer” really fast without a lisp!

Britt Gillette asked:


Nominated for 3 Academy Awards and 3 Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, The Phantom Of The Opera is one of the most talked about movies of 2004. Taking the smash commercial success of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage production to the big screen is no easy task, but long-time Hollywood director Joel Schumacher is more than able to get the job done. He takes an otherwise poorly written screenplay (minus the awe of a live performance no less) and manages to thrill the audience with the visual aspects of a film chiefly intended to rehash a successful stage musical. The costumes and set are simply magnificent, and Art Director John Fenner (Raiders Of The Lost Ark) helps Schumacher put together a fabulous production that’s well worth a movie-goer’s time…

The Phantom Of The Opera centers around a mysterious character who dwells underneath the Paris Opera House, imbibing himself on the music that emanates from above. Known as The Phantom (Gerard Butler), he wears a half-mask to cover the hideous ****** scars that have plagued him since birth. A musical genius, the phantom is infatuated with the opera, and when he falls in love with the voice of a young chorus girl named Christine (Emmy Rossum – The Day After Tomorrow (2004), Mystic River (2003)), this love of the opera morphs into an outright obsession. The phantom provides Christine with one-on-one voice lessons, while during his spare time, he terrorizes the opera house in an effort to land his protégé the opera’s leading role. When Christine finally rises to that position, however, she is reunited with childhood friend Raul (Patrick Wilson), and the two begin a torrid love affair. Vengeful and jealous, the phantom kidnaps Christine and holds her prisoner in his underground lair, and Raul is the only one who can save her…

Onscreen, The Phantom Of The Opera is weak by the standards of a traditional film. The cast does its best to make the most of a screenplay peppered with rigid dialogue – a script designed to sell “the music of the night”. The supposed magnetism between Christine and Raul is non-existent and not really believable. As such, the audience is forced into believing that the phantom (who, by contrast, is quite charismatic in this rendition) would end up playing second fiddle to a man who makes Al Gore seem animated. Overall, however, other aspects of the film make up for this flaw…

Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1925 novel of the same name, The Phantom Of The Opera loses much of its original edge given the phantom’s transformation from a frightening and mangled lunatic to a watered down half-scarred/half-babe-magnet figure complete with likeable characteristics. But inevitably, that’s the mark of an enduring franchise – its malleability in the realm of numerous genres and the public’s willingness to embrace such changes. But arguably, the small changes in the original novel’s plot were necessary to achieve Lloyd Webber’s goal of a melodramatic and stirring Broadway musical boasting mass commercial appeal. In a year in which the Oscar nominations were mostly dominated by lower-budget, surprise hit films (such as Sideways, Million Dollar Baby, and Finding Neverland), The Phantom Of The Opera holds its own in many aspects (given its pre-production designation as a commercial success). But those who have not seen the stage version are unlikely to be won over to the ranks of the franchise’s numerous fanatics. My advice is to definitely see the film if you’ve ever seen the stage performance or listened regularly to the soundtrack – otherwise, you might be disappointed. After all, no matter how good The Phantom Of The Opera translates to the big screen, there’s a reason musicals are not the dominate genre in Hollywood…

Britt Gillette asked:


Nominated for six Academy Awards, and winner of three, Memoirs Of A Geisha holds its own as one of the best films of 2005. Veteran Hollywood screenwriter Robin Swicord does a superb job of adapting Arthur Golden’s bestselling novel to the big screen. This film has all the elements of a classic drama – jealousy, politics, intrigue, forbidden love, and an abundance of internal and external conflicts of varying types. Viewers in search of a typical Hollywood blockbuster will be greatly disappointed, but those who appreciate a good character-driven film which takes the time to develop the motivations of its cast and build to a climax will discover a splendid gem which offers a welcome escape from reality.

Memoirs Of A Geisha is narrated from the viewpoint of a nine year-old Japanese girl named Chiyo (Ziyi Zhang). Born into a poor fishing family, Chiyo and her sister are sold into slavery by their father. Chiyo is soon separated from her sister and finds herself in a geisha house where her new master, Mother (Kaori Momoi), will determine her destiny. Although only nine years of age, Chiyo sparks the ire of the much older Hatsumomo (Li Gong), the most celebrated geisha of the house, who accurately perceives Chiyo as a fitting rival.

Li Gong is excellent in her role as the vindictive, yet human, adversary, and her character manages to have Chiyo removed from geisha school and condemned to the life of a common slave. However, Chiyo’s life takes a turn for the better following a chance encounter with The Chairman (Ken Watanabe). Flanked by two geisha, The Chairman extends his kindness to Chiyo, prompting her to develop a lifelong crush and to dream of one day becoming a geisha herself. Chiyo’s wish comes true when a geisha from another house, Mameha (Michelle Yeoh), offers to personally train her, setting up an inevitable conflict between the two and Hatsumomo and her understudy. Meanwhile, the horrors of war and her lifelong pursuit of The Chairman’s love burden Chiyo with additional hardships.

Although some traditionalists and geisha experts might take issue with the portrayal of geishas in general, the film certainly offers an interesting glimpse into a world and culture most Americans will find intriguing. Despite its two hour and twenty-five minute running time, Memoirs Of A Geisha is a captivating film that seems much shorter in duration. Like most films adapted from a novel, those who enjoyed the book will either love it or **** it depending on how well they perceive the switch to the big screen. But even those who **** it must admit that the costume and set design are exquisite and leave little room for improvement. At times, the cast speaks with heavy accents which can be confusing at moments, but overall, the scenes flow well from one to the next. With the exception of some American actors near the conclusion (Ted Levine of Monk fame plays a US Army Colonel), the majority of the cast is composed of Chinese and Japanese actors/actresses who are relatively unknown to American audiences – although Ken Watanabe might be recognizable given recent roles in The Last Samurai (2003) and Batman Begins (2005). The utilization of this cast helps focus audience attention on the merits of the film itself and not on a cast of stars, and this helps, rather than hinders, the film. As such, Memoirs Of A Geisha is a film most fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy.

Britt Gillette asked:


Originally aired in late Fall of 2001, 24 immediately built a cult following of dedicated fans and critics, establishing itself as one of the best new television series of the decade. Founding on the interesting premise that each episode should account for one hour in a day, the show follows the exploits of a James Bond-like government agent named Jack Bauer. Kiefer Sutherland stars in the role of Bauer who often grapples with personal problems as well as world-altering crises. At first glance, 24 could easily be confused with a blockbuster Hollywood action thriller, but it’s so much more…

Season 3 begins almost three years after Jack’s successful thwarting of a terrorist conspiracy to nuke Los Angeles. An extremely powerful drug kingpin, Ramon Salazar, has recently been captured and imprisoned due to Jack’s efforts, but the Salazar case is far from over. Ramon’s brother contacts federal authorities and threatens to release a deadly virus on the American public unless his brother is immediately freed. Yet again, Jack is tasked with hunting down the terrorists in a 24 hour timeframe… Will he succeed? Or will innocent people die in mass?

The 24 (Season 3) DVD features a number of breathtaking episodes including the season premiere in which a dead body is tossed just outside of a healthcare facility in Los Angeles. The Counter Terrorism Unit quickly learns that the body is infected with a deadly virus, a blatant signal of blackmail when the unit learns of a threat to release the virus at large unless drug lord Ramon Salazar is let out of prison. Meanwhile, President Palmer is preparing a presidential debate in the company of his brother (also his chief-of-staff) and his doctor (also his girlfriend), and Kim who now works at CTU with Jack has secretly been dating her father’s partner, Chase Edmunds… Other notable episodes from Season 3 include (#53) in which Jack is taken hostage in an inmate riot while trying to break Ramon out of prison, and (#71) in which Jack is on the verge of discovering the location of the deadly vials…

Below is a list of episodes included on the 24 (Season 3) DVD:

Episode 49 (12:00 A.M. – 1:00 A.M.) Air Date: 10-28-2003

Episode 50 (1:00 A.M. – 2:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-04-2003

Episode 51 (2:00 A.M. – 3:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-11-2003

Episode 52 (3:00 A.M. – 4:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-18-2003

Episode 53 (4:00 A.M. – 5:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-25-2003

Episode 54 (5:00 A.M. – 6:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-02-2003

Episode 55 (6:00 A.M. – 7:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-09-2003

Episode 56 (7:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-16-2003

Episode 57 (8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-06-2004

Episode 58 (9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-13-2004

Episode 59 (10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-27-2004

Episode 60 (11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-03-2004

Episode 61 (12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-10-2004

Episode 62 (1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-17-2004

Episode 63 (2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-24-2004

Episode 64 (3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) Air Date: 03-30-2004

Episode 65 (4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-06-2004

Episode 66 (5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-18-2004

Episode 67 (6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-20-2004

Episode 68 (7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-27-2004

Episode 69 (8:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.) Air Date: 05-04-2004

Episode 70 (9:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.) Air Date: 05-11-2004

Episode 71 (10:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.) Air Date: 05-18-2004

Episode 72 (11:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M.) Air Date: 05-25-2004

Britt Gillette asked:


One of the surprise films of 2005, The Family Stone successfully navigates the often tempestuous waters of big screen family dramas. Quite often these types of family relationship films get lost in a deluge of dialogue, conflict, and argument. And although The Family Stone has plenty of the aforementioned, it hits the audience in manageable doses with well-placed comic relief and an unforgettable cast of eccentric characters. Written and directed by up-and-coming Hollywood talent Thomas Bezucha, the film is a mosaic of fun, laughter, sadness, and family relationships most people will find charming and endearing…

The Family Stone examines the vibrant relationships of the Stone family, a close-knit traditional nuclear family gathering for the holidays. Sybil Stone (Diane Keaton) and her husband Kelly (Craig T. Nelson) host their children for the holidays, but as with most families, conflict is abundant. Sarcasm, backstabbing, blame, and jealousy are evident in almost every encounter, but ironically, so are love and respect. When eldest son Everett (Dermot Mulroney) brings home his current girlfriend Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) to meet the family, her business-like demeanor and uptight mannerisms clash with the rest of the family, particularly Everett’s vindictive sister Amy (Rachel McAdams). Despite Meredith’s best efforts, the only family member she can impress is Everett’s laidback brother Ben (Luke Wilson).

Meredith’s discomfort is compounded when she inadvertently makes a bigoted remark about Everett’s ********** brother Thad (Tyrone Giordano), garnering the wrath of the entire family. Pushed to her breaking point, Meredith moves from the house to a nearby bed and breakfast, while Everett struggles with the idea of proposing to a woman his family obviously dislikes. Meanwhile, Ben helps Meredith to come out of her shell, and Meredith enlists the support of her younger sister Julie (Claire Danes) to smooth things over with the Stones. But the holidays take an interesting twist when unexpected relationships blossom and an unforeseen event takes its toll on the entire family…

The Family Stone certainly succeeds in creating a number of dynamic multidimensional characters, but it fails in a couple respects. The most obvious is the relationship switch that eventually takes place and is quite evidently in the making from the opening scenes of the film. One brother stealing another’s girlfriend is not in-and-of itself unbelievable, but the continuation of a normal relationship between the two brothers is. No awkwardness there? No jealousy? Plot twists are great, but keep them realistic…

The other aspect of The Family Stone that stands out is a bit more peripheral and makes the film teeter on the precipice of Hollywood cliché. Meredith is portrayed as an uptight homophobic bigot in need of a cure, while the Stone family is free-spirited and in touch with their feelings. In the end, Meredith grows because of her proximity to the Stones, but the Stones don’t learn anything from Meredith. It’s probably not a coincidence that Meredith’s views might be construed as conservative, while the Stones’ views are considered liberal (i.e. conservative evil, liberal good). This same theme was prevalent in Meet The Fockers when Robert De Niro’s character learns the error of his uptight ways and engages in the hippie lifestyle of his daughter’s new in-laws. But, of course, the Fockers never learn anything from De Niro… Not necessarily a movie killer, but a cliché nonetheless. Despite the flaws, The Family Stone is still a decent film. Above par dialogue and outstanding performances by a strong cast make it time well spent. Many moments will make you laugh; others will remind you of your own family…

Britt Gillette asked:


Recipient of more than twenty Emmy nominations and winner of a Golden Glober for Best TV Series, Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the more refreshing and original comedy series in recent years. Created by Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, the HBO original series harbors many of the same dominant themes as its successful predecessor. Following the real life world of Larry David as he socializes with the Hollywood elite, the show is more akin to Costanza and what the Seinfeld show would be like if it were to be applied to the daily life of Jerry’s best friend George. Utterly hilarious, the show is one of the best original cable series productions on air today, alongside The Sopranos, Monk, and The Shield.

The Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 2) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “The Car Salesman” in which Larry shocks his friends and family by deciding to take on a job as a car salesman. Meanwhile, Cheryl and Larry purchase a seaside holiday home from Jason Alexander’s agent only to learn that the abode comes with its own disturbing “house sound,” and Larry contemplates launching a new TV series with Jason chronicling the life of an unemployed typecast actor… Other notable episodes from Season 2 include “The Shrimp Incident” in which Larry comes to believe that an HBO executive stole some shrimp from his Chinese takeout order, and “Shaq” in which Larry earns the wrath of L.A. when he inadvertently trips Shaquille O’Neal at a Lakers game…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 2) DVD:

Episode 11 (The Car Salesman) Air Date: 09-23-2001

Episode 12 (Thor) Air Date: 09-30-2001

Episode 13 (Trick or Treat) Air Date: 10-07-2001

Episode 14 (The Shrimp Incident) Air Date: 10-14-2001

Episode 15 (The Thong) Air Date: 10-21-2001

Episode 16 (The Acupuncturist) Air Date: 10-28-2001

Episode 17 (The Doll) Air Date: 11-04-2001

Episode 18 (Shaq) Air Date: 11-11-2001

Episode 19 (The Baptism) Air Date: 11-18-2001

Episode 20 (The Massage) Air Date: 11-25-2001