Few characters in the history of film have been more derided than that of Jar Jar Binks, the infamous Gungun who first debuted in The Phantom Menace over twenty years ago. So imagine the surprise many fans faced when they logged on to Twitter this morning to see the controversial Star Wars figure trending.
But have no fear, Jar Jar isn’t trending because he’s popping up in the upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Instead, it seems like he’s only trending because people won’t stop asking why #JarJarBinks is trending, essentially multiplying the use of his name on the site.
Ok so all I figure for why Jar Jar Binks is trending is people asking why it's trending. All I want to know is how it got started. pic.twitter.com/hAig2OZ0HB
— Rob Edwards (@MISTAK3S) July 8, 2019
Jar Jar Binks trending because people...
But have no fear, Jar Jar isn’t trending because he’s popping up in the upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Instead, it seems like he’s only trending because people won’t stop asking why #JarJarBinks is trending, essentially multiplying the use of his name on the site.
Ok so all I figure for why Jar Jar Binks is trending is people asking why it's trending. All I want to know is how it got started. pic.twitter.com/hAig2OZ0HB
— Rob Edwards (@MISTAK3S) July 8, 2019
Jar Jar Binks trending because people...
- 7/8/2019
- by Mike Lee
- We Got This Covered
You wouldn’t say that Saturday Night Live had an off year per se — any season that gave us the sight of Adam Driver crushing stuffed birds with a cane is not a complete flaming trash-heap of a failure. But there was a certain sense of SNL fatigue that started to hit around the halfway point of Season 44; you began to dread the inevitable big-political-story-of-the-week opener, the fake music videos, the surprisingly weak meta-monologues and beaucoup celebrity cameos. It was an odd year out, with the usual dominating forces (God bless you,...
- 5/20/2019
- by David Fear and Ryan McGee
- Rollingstone.com
You could argue (and I would, although not in this post) that the two biggest cultural happenings this year are Hamilton: An American Musical and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. So when The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams revealed that he had secretly collaborated with Hamilton writer/composer/star Lin-Manuel Miranda on the music for a new cantina scene, twitter exploded in mashup memes and gifs. You know, the way twitter does. They are all collected under #Force4Ham, and they are worth checking out. I’ve included a few of my favorites, plus a special treat from Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton’s Music Director, orchestrator, and co-arranger.
All of the tweets in this collection feature stills or gifs from Star Wars paired with lyrics from Hamilton. They are the most accessible to people unfamiliar with the show. If these pique your interest in the show, you can (and should!) check...
All of the tweets in this collection feature stills or gifs from Star Wars paired with lyrics from Hamilton. They are the most accessible to people unfamiliar with the show. If these pique your interest in the show, you can (and should!) check...
- 12/1/2015
- by Mily Dunbar
- GeekTyrant
For the next three weeks, Vulture is holding a High-School-tv Showdown to determine the greatest teen show of the past 30 years. Each day, a different writer will be charged with determining the winner of a round of the bracket, until New York Magazine TV critic Matt Zoller Seitz judges the finals on November 13. Today's battle: Ryan McGee judges The Wonder Years versus Veronica Mars. After you read, be sure to visit Vulture's Facebook page to vote on which show you think should advance. Apples and oranges. That’s what it looks like on the surface when comparing The Wonder Years and Veronica Mars. The former’s a nostalgia-laced late-’80s dramedy about American life in the Vietnam War era, while the latter’s a wide-eyed modern-day detective noir. How does one compare Wayne Arnold to Wallace Fennell? How does one draw the line between Paul Pfeiffer and Stosh Piznarski? The...
- 10/29/2015
- by Ryan McGee
- Vulture
There are still more summer series starting up, including one of our favorites from last year, giving us plenty to talk about this week on the podcast. We start with the comedies, including a preview of Review s2 and the Rick & Morty premiere. Next are the genre and drama offerings, including a preview of Strike Back: Legacy. Afterward, Ryan McGee of Boob Tube Dude joins us to look at the dearly departed new classic Mad Men.
But before all that, we have a giveaway! Click here to get more information on the Silicon Valley s2 Digital HD and Veep s4 Digital HD downloads we’ll be giving away, then listen to the podcast to find out how to enter!
Our Week in Comedy and Reality (8:55-27:55): Preview Review s2, Sytycd, Rick & Morty premiere, Married, Key & Peele
Our Week in Genre and Drama (28:54-1:07:...
But before all that, we have a giveaway! Click here to get more information on the Silicon Valley s2 Digital HD and Veep s4 Digital HD downloads we’ll be giving away, then listen to the podcast to find out how to enter!
Our Week in Comedy and Reality (8:55-27:55): Preview Review s2, Sytycd, Rick & Morty premiere, Married, Key & Peele
Our Week in Genre and Drama (28:54-1:07:...
- 7/29/2015
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
It's goodbye for The Mindy Project, and the show's loyal fans are not taking the news well.
Mindy Kaling's rom-com sitcom will not be picked up for a fourth season at Fox, Entertainment Weekly reported on Wednesday. All hope is not lost for those rooting for the show's pregnant protagonist, Dr. Mindy Lahiri, however. It's possible that Hulu could pick up the show.
For now, fans are taking to Twitter to vent anger and sadness at the show's uncertain fate. Here's a sampling of what they're saying.
how could they cancel mindy project?!?!?! if i don't get to see...
Mindy Kaling's rom-com sitcom will not be picked up for a fourth season at Fox, Entertainment Weekly reported on Wednesday. All hope is not lost for those rooting for the show's pregnant protagonist, Dr. Mindy Lahiri, however. It's possible that Hulu could pick up the show.
For now, fans are taking to Twitter to vent anger and sadness at the show's uncertain fate. Here's a sampling of what they're saying.
how could they cancel mindy project?!?!?! if i don't get to see...
- 5/7/2015
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- People.com - TV Watch
Our weekly column in which writers share their off-beat, wacky and unexpected current obsessions. The ladies on "SNL" are killing it this season, particularly the unstoppable trio of Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant and Vanessa Bayer. Speaking of Bayer, I am currently obsessed with one particular facet of the underrated cast member's formidable skill set: her obvious knack for portraying repressed suburban housewives. We first became aware of her genius in this regard during the hilarious Totino's Activity Pack Super Bowl ad this year, which for once took us behind the scenes of every male-driven beer and pizza roll ad in existence to show us what really goes down on the other side of that sunny kitchen threshold: a slow descent into madness. Bayer's vapid Stepford Wife sunniness, delivered with a plastered-on smile that shows signs of breaking into a wail at any moment, perfectly encapsulates the outdated "doting housewife" persona...
- 4/15/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Not only is "Saturday Night Live's" recurring "Game Night" parody a great excuse for Kate McKinnon to do her excellent Jane Lynch impression, but for the rest of the cast to spoof some other well known celebrities. This version of "Game Night" included Vin Diesel (Taran Killam), Wynonna Judd (Aidy Bryant), Common (Jay Pharaoh), Nick Offerman (Beck Bennett), Marion Cotillard (Cecily Strong) and Wanda Sykes (host Taraji P. Henson). Pharoah's Common and Bryant's Judd are fantastic, but Henson steals the sketch as Sykes. It's so good we honestly can't wait to see what the actual Sykes thinks about it. Check out the skit in embedded video below. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out Ryan McGee's regular and quite popular recap.
- 4/12/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
There have been a bunch of funny "Game of Thrones" parodies over the years, but "Saturday Night Live" came up with a fresh take by looking to none other than John Singleton's 1991 classic "Boyz n the Hood" for inspiration. Imagine an eighth previously unrevealed kingdom, South Centros, that seems a lot like the South Central Tre and Doughboy are trying to survive in the "Hood." Not only does Ice Cube (Kenan Thompson) make a cameo, but Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) lets him know the Lannister's have their eyes on him. Check out a parody that is probably much funnier if you've seen "Hood" than if you haven't in the embedded video below. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out Ryan McGee's regular and quite popular recap. ...
- 4/12/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
With Taraji P. Henson hosting "Saturday Night Live" this week you might have expected a complete "Empire" parody, but the show did one better: they finally brought Cookie and Cookie together. That's right, Cookie Lyon made her way to "Sesame Street" to meet Cookie Monster and some of his friends including Big Bird, Mr. Snuffaluffagus, Bert and Ernie and more. Major kudos to PBS and the Children's Television Workshop for making this happen even if it means some kids may not get the joke about Elmo's fate (eke!). In any event, it's pretty great and we're still dying over Cookie's blunt reading of Mr. Snuffaluffagus. Check it out for yourself in the embedded clip below. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out Ryan McGee's regular and quite popular recap.
- 4/12/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Ever wonder what would happen if a serial killer was asked to participate in a comedy improv skit? Probably not, but "Saturday Night Live" thought that was the perfect way for the world to experience Kate McKinnon's impersonation of Robert Durst, the infamous subject of HBO's critically acclaimed docu-series "The Jinx." The good news is that McKinnon's impersonation is spot on (she also looks oddly like fellow cast member Pete Davidson). The bad news is that the entire skit feels like it was chopped in half or severely edited in rehearsals. Still, if you wonder why McKinnon gets so much hype this is another great example of her impressive talents. Check the skit out in the embedded clip at the bottom of this post. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out Ryan McGee's popular recap.
- 3/29/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
It's still unclear if Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will appear at Wrestlemania 31 tonight, but he had a little fun with his WWE roots in a skit on "Saturday Night Live." Johnson played fictional wrestler Coco Watch Out and Bobby Moynihan appeared as Trashyard Mutt. The two wrestlers are just professionals there to film a promo, but once the camera begins filming Watch Out takes the jabs to another level. Like, he really takes them to places you nor Mutt could ever imagine. The skit also prompts the question: "Is there really 'Family Guy' porn?" (Actually, don't answer that. Please, don't answer.) This was one of the better skits on "SNL" last night and you can watch embedded at the bottom of this post. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out Ryan McGee's popular recap.
- 3/29/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
You don't want to get Barack Obama angry. At least not when Dwayne Johnson is hosting "SNL." The "Fast 7" star appeared in the opening of "Saturday Night Live" tonight reprising his role as "The Rock Obama," a character he first played on the show six years ago to demonstrate what happens when our generally kind and patient President loses his cool. This time, however, just before Sen. Ted Cruz (Bobby Moynihan) is going to face The Rock Obama's wrath, Michelle Obama (Sasheer Zamata) intervenes. Of course, what happens when the First Lady discovers someone's been squating in her garden? Turns out she might have a temper of her own. Find out in the embed clip below. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out Ryan McGee's popular recap.
- 3/29/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Katy Perry's halftime show was an impressive production, featuring the singer riding on a giant metal lion, show-stopping cameos from Missy Elliot and more costume changes than we could keep track of. But several of the performance's more memorable moments set off social media fireworks.
Perry's flaming gold dress at the start of the set conjured up dozens of comparisons from fans, including a throwback to the singer’s Flamin’ Cheeto Halloween costume last year.
Katy Perry been trying to look like a flamin' hot cheeto since halloween pic.twitter.com/VcNFQeMO18
— zac (@thuglier) February 2, 2015
Katy Perry wants to be Emboar so bad...
Perry's flaming gold dress at the start of the set conjured up dozens of comparisons from fans, including a throwback to the singer’s Flamin’ Cheeto Halloween costume last year.
Katy Perry been trying to look like a flamin' hot cheeto since halloween pic.twitter.com/VcNFQeMO18
— zac (@thuglier) February 2, 2015
Katy Perry wants to be Emboar so bad...
- 2/2/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
Don't get us wrong: we love "Saturday Night Live." But let's not forget these other brilliant comedy shows. From "Portlandia" to "Key & Peele" to "Jimmy Fallon" to "Inside Amy Schumer," 2014 was a great year for sketch comedy - and with "SNL" on hiatus this weekend, we thought we'd shine a spotlight on 14 spoofs outside the Studio 8H sphere that rocked and rolled us over the last 12 months. Partial to the Saturday night stalwart? No problem - you can check out Ryan McGee's list of the Top 10 "SNL" sketches of Fall 2014 here. Otherwise, continue on to the gallery below for our picks of the best 2014 sketches that Lorne Michaels had (mostly) nothing to do with. Anything you think we missed? Let us know in the comments.
- 1/4/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Nicki Minaj performed double-duty on last night's "SNL" - or at least, she popped up more than I expected her to. In addition to performing three songs from her forthcoming "Pinkprint" album on last night's James Franco-hosted episode, the pop-rap superstar went the extra mile by performing in a number of sketches. So how did she do overall? While our own Ryan McGee predicts a dual hosting/performing gig on "SNL" sometime in Minaj's future, I wasn't as keen as he was on her sketch work. Her Kim Kardashian impersonation on "Weekend Update" was far less successful than some are making it out to be, and though her Beyonce was definitely an improvement, it was a relatively brief moment in a much larger sketch. So is she ready for a full-time hosting gig? Mmmm...let her try, why not. She couldn't be worse than Katy Perry. Musically, Minaj's performances...
- 12/8/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Our own Ryan McGee wasn't a particular fan of last night's "Grow a Guy" sketch on "SNL," but it seems to have been one of the more popular bits amongst viewers on social media. The Mike O'Brien-directed video short was certainly one of the oddest things on last night's show - and certainly not as immediate as, say, "Jingle Ballerz" or the "Star Wars" parody - but it was nevertheless a chuckle-worthy curiosity that lingered in the mind longer than any of the episode's more traditional spoofs. Though there are broader moments - we've all encountered an obnoxious, aggro partygoer like the one played by Beck Bennett - the loopy, "Weird Science"-esque sci-fi bit is a grower, not a shower. Watch below as James Franco's mail-order friend gets a lesson in how to be human.
- 12/7/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
NBC's live musical spectacle Peter Pan Live! drew scores of commenters to Twitter, where it inspired a litany of hilarious memes that picked apart specific moments of the three-hour show.
News: Peter Pan Live! 00 The Best, Worst and Most Wtf Moments From the Musical
Many of the fan creations poked fun at Christopher Walken's less-then-exuberant dancing…
Here's your obligatory Christopher Walken dancing #Gif pic.twitter.com/6u8spvLie5 #PeterPanLive
— Mashable (@mashable) December 5, 2014
Saw this and laughed so hard. #PeterPanLive #WalkenThePlank pic.twitter.com/VEQ0N8RKIt
— Andy Whisney (@andywhisney) December 5, 2014
While some people just wanted to see Walken fly around on wires like he did in the iconic music video for Fatboy Slim's "Weapon Of Choice."
He hasn't forgotten how to fly. #PeterPanLive #TeamWalken pic.twitter.com/1jW6qIwE1D
— Accordion Man (@Accordion617) December 5, 2014
Some pointed out the ridiculousness of Peter Pan Live!'s creepy crocodile…
Amazing meme by @lemirelaw #PeterPanLive pic.twitter.com/hVOIXf...
News: Peter Pan Live! 00 The Best, Worst and Most Wtf Moments From the Musical
Many of the fan creations poked fun at Christopher Walken's less-then-exuberant dancing…
Here's your obligatory Christopher Walken dancing #Gif pic.twitter.com/6u8spvLie5 #PeterPanLive
— Mashable (@mashable) December 5, 2014
Saw this and laughed so hard. #PeterPanLive #WalkenThePlank pic.twitter.com/VEQ0N8RKIt
— Andy Whisney (@andywhisney) December 5, 2014
While some people just wanted to see Walken fly around on wires like he did in the iconic music video for Fatboy Slim's "Weapon Of Choice."
He hasn't forgotten how to fly. #PeterPanLive #TeamWalken pic.twitter.com/1jW6qIwE1D
— Accordion Man (@Accordion617) December 5, 2014
Some pointed out the ridiculousness of Peter Pan Live!'s creepy crocodile…
Amazing meme by @lemirelaw #PeterPanLive pic.twitter.com/hVOIXf...
- 12/5/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Back in the day, awards shows were a chance to get together with friends on the couch to simultaneously celebrate and mock pop culture. Nowadays, the couch has given way to the soft, loving glow of the laptop monitor and our friends populate Twitter. One thing that remains the same? The snark. Here’s some of the best jabs at the 2014 American Music Awards. Amish dreams do come true. Bless your stylists heart @harry_styles pic.twitter.com/qzBC6cKj8L #AMAs2014 — helen castillo (@designer_helen) November 24, 2014 Pop starlets’ blinged-out in-ear monitors are the equivalent of suburban moms’ bedazzled iphone cases. #AMAs — Emily Volman (@emilyvolman) November 24, 2014 More real singing, less pole dancing please. #AMAs — Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) November 24, 2014 Hope Iggy Azalea wins for Best Rap That Sounds Like Gagging. #AMAs2014 — Todd Spence (@Todd_Spence) November 24, 2014 Katy Perry put more effort into her fruit and vegetable costume than conveying any sincerity in her thank you message.
- 11/24/2014
- by Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
‘Starry Eyes’: The feel disturbed movie of the year
This film is at its very core a success story. A very demented, gory, horrifying and darkly comical success story – one with tinges of satanic cult horror wrapped in psychological terror. The plot follows a young aspiring actress, Sarah, as she is called back to audition for a horror film that is being produced by a mysterious production company that pushes her to her limits – a dark exchange for fame and fortune… click here to read the article.
‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I’ is all prologue
In a previous review of the second instalment of The Hunger Games series for this website, I expressed some dismay that Catching Fire didn’t really have a conclusion to speak of, with its cliffhanger ending reminding me less of The Empire Strikes Back and more of The Matrix Reloaded orPirates of...
This film is at its very core a success story. A very demented, gory, horrifying and darkly comical success story – one with tinges of satanic cult horror wrapped in psychological terror. The plot follows a young aspiring actress, Sarah, as she is called back to audition for a horror film that is being produced by a mysterious production company that pushes her to her limits – a dark exchange for fame and fortune… click here to read the article.
‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I’ is all prologue
In a previous review of the second instalment of The Hunger Games series for this website, I expressed some dismay that Catching Fire didn’t really have a conclusion to speak of, with its cliffhanger ending reminding me less of The Empire Strikes Back and more of The Matrix Reloaded orPirates of...
- 11/22/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
With so many eventful episodes of TV airing, it’s another long podcast this week. First we start with the comedies, including the still fantastic Jane the Virgin. Then we talk genre, including Supernatural’s musical 200th episode, and we round out our week in TV with the dramas, including a twisty The Affair, revealing The Good Wife, and series-best The Newsroom. Afterward, Ryan McGee from ScreenCrush, HitFix, Talking TV with Ryan and Ryan, and The Not Ready for Primetime Podcast returns to the DVD Shelf to break down what has been a fantastic year for freshman comedies.
Our Week in Comedy (14:50-26:17): Kate’s Roundup (blackish, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Selfie), Getting On, Jane the Virgin
Our Week in Genre (27:13-42:09): Kate’s Roundup (Agents of Shield, The Legend of Korra, Sleepy Hollow), American Horror Story: Freak Show, Supernatural
Our Week in Drama (43:10-1:14:56): Kingdom,...
Our Week in Comedy (14:50-26:17): Kate’s Roundup (blackish, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Selfie), Getting On, Jane the Virgin
Our Week in Genre (27:13-42:09): Kate’s Roundup (Agents of Shield, The Legend of Korra, Sleepy Hollow), American Horror Story: Freak Show, Supernatural
Our Week in Drama (43:10-1:14:56): Kingdom,...
- 11/18/2014
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
Chris Rock always sings for the fences. Sometimes he's gonna knock it out of the park and sometimes he's going to go for something that might make you slightly uncomfortable. That's why he's arguably one of the greatest stand up comedians of his generation. If you can't deal with that you probably shouldn't have watched his return to "Saturday Night Live" last night. Rock's traditional host monologue was basically an abbreviated stand up routine and he didn't leave anything in the dressing room. Once you get by what is an awkward attempt to find humor in the Boston Marathon Bombings (it just doesn't quite gel), the former Oscar host goes on a fantastically funny rant on why he won't go in the new Freedom Tower ("They better have the IRS or Family Court in there!") and how we're just five years away from the commercialization of Sept. 11 (sad, but scarily...
- 11/2/2014
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Poor Janelle. All she wants to do is entertain her 3 million viewers with yet another edition of her show "How 2 Dance with Janelle" YouTube show. Unfortunately, dad isn't having any of it. Yes, "Saturday Night Live" is probably skewering the YouTube star phenomenon about three years too late, but this sketch from last night's episode gives featured players Sasheer Zamata and Kyle Mooney a rare chance to shine. Check it out in the embedded clip below. For more on tonight's "SNL" read our popular recap by Ryan McGee. ...
- 11/2/2014
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
Did you hear? Beyonce and Jay Z's HBO concert special aired last night. No one's talking about it! And by "no one" I of course mean "millions of people." Let's be clear: people tuned in to this thing for Beyonce. Jay Z was there too, sure, but Beyonce is the Queen, not only a talented performer but a Businesswoman, and a Brand, and a Mother, and a Fierce Advocate Of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Revere her or die. And now for a roundup of reactions and assorted GIFs to this very important news story from across the internet: Beyoncé hangover. Beyoncangover. — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) September 21, 2014 "These Beyonce/Jay-z home videos are like looking into a mirror, man." -- No one on earth #OnTheRunHBO — Ryan McGee (@TVMcGee) September 21, 2014 Y'all. #OnTheRunHBO pic.twitter.com/TdWLmeVbEs — VibeMagazine (@VibeMagazine) September 21, 2014 I feel so bad for Beyonce. She will never get to see Beyonce...
- 9/22/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
First off, special thanks to Ryan McGee for filling in last week when Louis and I were up to our necks in Comic-Con. Second off, can we please put an end to Caleb/Amber as an available pairing? Other than serving as stealth promotion for CBS' "Stalker," the non-showmance has accomplished nothing beyond sheer creepiness. And since "Stalker" is horrible, I'm not sure that stealth promotion for it is something I want to endorse away. Will the hamsters send Amber home? Let's find out... 9:02 p.m. It's Day 42 in The House and we're picking up in the aftermath of Amber going up on the Block. "I'm sorry, Zach. You don't get under my skin one bit and I'm not going to cry over your words," Amber says. Meanwhile, although she faced no new words from Zach, Jocasta is crying up a storm. In the Have-Not room, Caleb is still...
- 8/1/2014
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
"Saturday Night Live" hasn't had a lot of luck with politically themed opening skits this season, but that hasn't stopped them trying. Since this week's show coincided with the Coachella Music Festival and midterm elections are starting to heat up, "SNL" imagined how none other than Jeb Bush (Beck Bennett) and Paul Ryan (Taran Killam) would try to sell a "new Gop" to the crowd. Bennett's Bush is pretty weak, but there are some strong one liners in there. Plus, why do we think it's not that hard to believe DJ Rand Paul would be spinning in a Coachella tent somewhere? Watch the whole clip in the video below. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out our regular recap from Ryan McGee here.
- 4/13/2014
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
Seth Rogen returned to host "Saturday Night Live" for the third time and, as you'd expect, there were a bunch of cameos. Rogen's good buddy and frequent co-star James Franco came on to try and make light of his recent Instagram/teenage girl "scandal." Zooey Deschanel brought her banjo. And, Taylor Swift? Well, we're 99% sure she isn't actually good friends with Rogen and his crew (but then again?). Still, she did have a reason which worked in context. Trust us. The bigger question is: Where was Rogen's "Neighbors'" co-star Zac Efron? Check out the good times in the video embedded below. For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" check out our regular recap from Ryan McGee here.
- 4/13/2014
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
“Two Swords” opens the season with a moment of great victory for the banner of the lion, and with the weddings of Joffrey and Cersei on the horizon, the Lannister’s power continues to grow. Joining us this week to discuss the season four premiere is special guest Ryan McGee, from the Av Club, Boobtubedude.com, and Talking TV with Ryan and Ryan (among other things).
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The post Game of Thrones Podcast #21: “Two Swords” appeared first on Sound On Sight.
Give us a rating on Itunes! It would be greatly appreciated and it helps us reach a wider audience.
Listen on iTunes Follow Ricky on Twitter Follow Kate on Twitter Like us on Facebook
The post Game of Thrones Podcast #21: “Two Swords” appeared first on Sound On Sight.
- 4/8/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
"Saturday Night Live" has brought us a number of memorable comedy songs over the years. "D**k in a Box," "Lazy Sunday," "Jack Sparrow" and "I'm on a Boat" were highlights of the Andy Samberg era. Now that's he's gone it appears the ladies have taken over. On "SNL" this weekend host Anna Kendrick and a number of the cast members premiered an opus that we'll assume will be known "Dongs All Over the World." They are four international "nasty girls" who are doing every "dong" in he world. It features Kendrick rapping (and arguably better than her stylings in "Pitch Perfect") and a cameo from dance music stars Icona Pop. You may love it, you may hate it, but you can't stop watching. Check it out below. For more on this week's very musical "SNL" check out Ryan McGee's regular recap.
- 4/6/2014
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
"Saturday Night Live" has skewered the game show "Jeopardy" for decades, but the show's writers made a very specific point with "Black Jeopardy" last night. Jay Pharoah and Sasheer Zamata played typical contestants, but the host (Keenan Thompson) raised an eyebrow when he introduced the third, a Byu Professor in African American studies (Louis C.K.). And, yes, this wasn't the sort of Black History the Prof. was expecting. The audience didn't get all of the jokes, but it was still one of the funniest skits of the night. (Certainly for some of us watching at home.) Watch it in the embedded video below, just be careful if you pick "White People" for $100. For more on this weekend's "SNL" read Ryan McGee's regular recap here.
- 3/30/2014
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
Last night's "SNL" sketch "Pimpin' Pimpin' Pimpin' with Katt WIlliams" (embedded below) only got a "B-" from our famed "SNL" recapper Ryan McGee, but I actually think it was one of the strongest sketches of the Lena Dunham-hosted episode. Not only was Jay Pharoah brilliant as the controversy-plagued comedian, but the rest of the celebrity impersonations were spot-on as well. Take, for instance: Jared "Most Zac Efron-Lookin' Son Of A Bitch" Leto (Brooks Wheelan) And how about: Liza "Ellen Said You Looked Like a Transvestite" Minnelli (Lena Dunham) Also, let's give it up for: Harrison "What The Hell Happened To You" Ford (Taran Killam) And last but not least, who could forget: Lena "Some Lady Named Lena Dunham" Dunham (Noel Wells) Oh, and these products. I mean, c'mon. Honestly, this gets an A+ for the "Darth Vader wearing Uggs" joke alone. Follow Riot on Twitter...
- 3/10/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Jay Pharoah, Kenan Thompson and Sasheer Zamata rang in Black History Month with "28 reasons to hug a black guy" on "Saturday Night Live" this weekend. Well, actually there is just one real reason. And no, don't even try to play devil's advocate. No, we said don't even try. Check it out below. (On a side note, is Zamata a really good singer or what?) For more on this weekend's "Saturday Night Live" read Ryan McGee's recap here.
- 2/2/2014
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
The best movie culture writing from around the internet-o-sphere. Just leave a tab open for us, will ya? “65 Science Fiction and Fantasy Movies to Watch Out for in 2014” — io9 offers a massive list for you to add to the calendar in your palm pilot. “How Martin Scorsese Pushed The Wolf of Wall Street into Mattering” — Anne Thompson interviews the director about human nature. “What I Learned on the Set of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” — Peter Sciretta provides some context and a dutch angle on Kenneth Branagh’s reboot. “Buster Keaton Retrospective at the BFI London” — Oh, to be in London. Antonia Quirke at Financial Times provides a colorful history of the black & white star for the occasion. “Maligned when not ignored, Undressed still made MTV history” — Ryan McGee at Av Club sets the sex-heavy show as a product of its time that used a small budget to push beyond it.
- 1/7/2014
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
If "Saturday Night Live" can expertly spoof Wes Anderson movies and "Gravity" than it should easily be able to take on "12 Years A Slave," right? I mean, Jay Pharoah as a newly freed slave in "12 Days Not A Slave" should be hilarious. Shouldn't it? Um, well, we're guessing this will make "12 Years" director Steve McQueen scratch his head, but check it out. Hey - spoiler alert - a Bangerz favorite even makes a cameo at the end. Isn't that something to look forward to? For more on this week's "Saturday Night Live," read Ryan McGee's recap here.
- 10/27/2013
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
Hey everyone, this is Ryan McGee filling in for Liane tonight. She’s off doing some deep investigative work about Operation Remington, and I’m holding down the fort in her absence… I’ve of two minds about tonight’s episode of “Scandal,” and the beauty of reviewing the installment instantly in the aftermath of it airing is that I can work out how to balance those two views in real time while I type. “Mrs. Smith Goes To Washington” was in many ways vintage “Scandal”: breathless pacing, plenty of twists and turns, and had progression on the latest serialized arc. On top of...
- 10/18/2013
- by Ryan McGee
- Hitfix
The broadcast networks’ fall seasons have kicked off, giving us plenty to talk about this week on the podcast. First we look at the comedies, including Simon’s take on the Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Mom pilots and New Girl, The Mindy Project, and Key & Peele premiere talk. Then Kate previews several upcoming season premieres (Revolution, Law & Order: Svu, Chicago Fire, Parenthood) and Simon joins in to discuss Sunday’s Homeland premiere, and we finish up a full week in drama. Finally, Ryan McGee of Boob Tube Dude, Talking TV with Ryan and Ryan, and many, many other places joins us to break down season one of the fabulous new Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
Our Week in Comedy (12:33-31:39): Brooklyn Nine-Nine pilot, Mom pilot, New Girl and The Mindy Project premieres, Key & Peele premiere, It’s Always Sunny… and The League, Childrens Hospital and Ntsf:sd:suv::...
Our Week in Comedy (12:33-31:39): Brooklyn Nine-Nine pilot, Mom pilot, New Girl and The Mindy Project premieres, Key & Peele premiere, It’s Always Sunny… and The League, Childrens Hospital and Ntsf:sd:suv::...
- 9/25/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
The broadcast networks’ fall seasons have kicked off, giving us plenty to talk about this week on the podcast. First we look at the comedies, including Simon’s take on the Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Mom pilots and New Girl, The Mindy Project, and Key & Peele premiere talk. Then Kate previews several upcoming season premieres (Revolution, Law & Order: Svu, Chicago Fire, Parenthood) and Simon joins in to discuss Sunday’s Homeland premiere, and we finish up a full week in drama. Finally, Ryan McGee of Boob Tube Dude, Talking TV with Ryan and Ryan, and many, many other places joins us to break down season one of the fabulous new Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
Our Week in Comedy (12:33-31:39): Brooklyn Nine-Nine pilot, Mom pilot, New Girl and The Mindy Project premieres, Key & Peele premiere, It’s Always Sunny… and The League, Childrens Hospital and Ntsf:sd:suv::...
Our Week in Comedy (12:33-31:39): Brooklyn Nine-Nine pilot, Mom pilot, New Girl and The Mindy Project premieres, Key & Peele premiere, It’s Always Sunny… and The League, Childrens Hospital and Ntsf:sd:suv::...
- 9/24/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
Michelle Williams will officially star with Tony-winner Alan Cumming in an upcoming Broadway revival of "Cabaret." Broadway World Could "One Life to Live" be a casualty of Prospect Park's continued legal battle with ABC? The long-running serial recently completed its first season since moving to the web. Deadline Weinstein Company has acquired the biographical drama "Tracks," starring Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Los Angeles Times Ryan McGee singles out 20 deserving actors and shows that weren't among this year's Emmy nominees, including Jake Johnson ("New Girl"), Tatiana Maslany ("Orphan Black"), and Mads Mikkelsen ("Hannibal"). Zap2It Award shows compete for awards in Emmy's apples-and-oranges variety categories. Variety New Republic's David Thomson on the Telluride Film Festival's recent history of premiering Oscar winners for Best Picture, including "Slumdog Milli...
- 9/5/2013
- Gold Derby
"Breaking Bad" has done a lot of things well over the years, but it's been exceptionally adept at serving our twin desires for intellectual stimulation and visceral thrills.
Creator Vince Gilligan is a fan of television -- proving his "X-Files" devotion to Chris Carter was how Gilligan got his first job in TV -- and over the years he's gotten very good at serving the reptile brain that lives inside all of us: the preconscious, non-verbal, instinctive part of the mind that wants to laugh, likes to be scared and enjoys things blowing up real good. Part of the reason "Breaking Bad" was able to create so many memorable shocks and so much delicious payback is because Gilligan wants those things too. He understands the cathartic uses of vengeance, and he knows what it's like to watch a show because you want to end up stunned and shouting, "Holy sh*t!
Creator Vince Gilligan is a fan of television -- proving his "X-Files" devotion to Chris Carter was how Gilligan got his first job in TV -- and over the years he's gotten very good at serving the reptile brain that lives inside all of us: the preconscious, non-verbal, instinctive part of the mind that wants to laugh, likes to be scared and enjoys things blowing up real good. Part of the reason "Breaking Bad" was able to create so many memorable shocks and so much delicious payback is because Gilligan wants those things too. He understands the cathartic uses of vengeance, and he knows what it's like to watch a show because you want to end up stunned and shouting, "Holy sh*t!
- 8/8/2013
- by Maureen Ryan
- Huffington Post
Few people have as much insight into the rise and run of "The X-Files" as Frank Spotnitz.
Spotnitz joined the show as a writer in its second season and worked as a writer/producer until the Fox drama ended its nine-season run. He rose to the level of executive producer, directed episodes of the show and worked on the "X-Files" movies that were released during and after the show's run.
None of it was easy.
Part of the reason an obscure show that aired on Friday nights rose to such heights of popularity and influence was because Chris Carter, the show's creator and executive producer, was a demanding boss.
"He was really uncompromising," Spotnitz said in an interview about his time on "The X-Files." "He didn’t care if you didn't like him because he was being so difficult, but he just insisted that you do your best."
In my experience,...
Spotnitz joined the show as a writer in its second season and worked as a writer/producer until the Fox drama ended its nine-season run. He rose to the level of executive producer, directed episodes of the show and worked on the "X-Files" movies that were released during and after the show's run.
None of it was easy.
Part of the reason an obscure show that aired on Friday nights rose to such heights of popularity and influence was because Chris Carter, the show's creator and executive producer, was a demanding boss.
"He was really uncompromising," Spotnitz said in an interview about his time on "The X-Files." "He didn’t care if you didn't like him because he was being so difficult, but he just insisted that you do your best."
In my experience,...
- 7/16/2013
- by Maureen Ryan
- Huffington Post
"Sharknado" was more than a Syfy Original Movie when it aired on Thursday (July 11) night. It was a cultural phenomenon. Both normal people and celebrities -- including Mia Farrow, Damon Lindelof, Wil Wheaton and more -- got in on the action with their Twitter feeds.
Here is a round-up of some of the best "Sharknado" tweets of the night.
Need more "Sharknado"? Check out our full blog recap here.
Mia Farrow 13m
"Omg omg Omg #sharknado"
Also from Ms. Farrow:
"We're watching #sharknado"
Apparently, Philip Roth liked "Sharknado" too.
Among his many, many "Sharknado" tweets, CNN's Jake Tapper posted in response to Farrow:
"The Human Stain That the SharkNado Left On My SUV #PhilipRothSharkNadoBooks cc: @MiaFarrow"
Wil Wheaton
"David Latt is also the benevolent overlord who gives us movies like #SharkNado. Bless him and his name."
And ...
"'We lost the night to #SharkNado? What the hell is that?'" -...
Here is a round-up of some of the best "Sharknado" tweets of the night.
Need more "Sharknado"? Check out our full blog recap here.
Mia Farrow 13m
"Omg omg Omg #sharknado"
Also from Ms. Farrow:
"We're watching #sharknado"
Apparently, Philip Roth liked "Sharknado" too.
Among his many, many "Sharknado" tweets, CNN's Jake Tapper posted in response to Farrow:
"The Human Stain That the SharkNado Left On My SUV #PhilipRothSharkNadoBooks cc: @MiaFarrow"
Wil Wheaton
"David Latt is also the benevolent overlord who gives us movies like #SharkNado. Bless him and his name."
And ...
"'We lost the night to #SharkNado? What the hell is that?'" -...
- 7/12/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
On Sept. 10, 1993, a show called "The X-Files" premiered on Fox, and just over 20 years later "Breaking Bad" will air its series finale on AMC. Those events have a lot more in common than you might think.
Vince Gilligan, the creator of "Breaking Bad," got his start in television by writing for "The X-Files." He was toiling away as a film writer and living in Virginia when a meeting with "X-Files" creator Chris Carter changed his life.
"I learned everything I pretty much know about TV from 'The X-Files' and from working for Chris, and from working with ['X-Files writer/producers] Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban," Gilligan said in a phone interview with The Huffington Post. "It was a great learning experience, and one that I always liken to film school, except it was a film school that paid me to attend."
As part of our commemoration of the 20th anniversary of "The X-Files,...
Vince Gilligan, the creator of "Breaking Bad," got his start in television by writing for "The X-Files." He was toiling away as a film writer and living in Virginia when a meeting with "X-Files" creator Chris Carter changed his life.
"I learned everything I pretty much know about TV from 'The X-Files' and from working for Chris, and from working with ['X-Files writer/producers] Frank Spotnitz and John Shiban," Gilligan said in a phone interview with The Huffington Post. "It was a great learning experience, and one that I always liken to film school, except it was a film school that paid me to attend."
As part of our commemoration of the 20th anniversary of "The X-Files,...
- 7/11/2013
- by Maureen Ryan
- Huffington Post
"Friday Night Lights" may have ended before its time, but fans were transported right back to Dillion this weekend at the Atx Television Festival in Austin, Texas, which played host to a cast reunion that brought stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton back together to reminisce about the show's stellar run.
Joining Chandler and Britton (Coach and Mrs. Coach) on the panel were Gaius Charles (Brian "Smash" Williams), Brad Leland (Buddy Garrity), Louanne Stephens (Grandma Lorraine Saracen), Matt Lauria (Luke Cafferty), Scott Porter (Jason Street) and writer/producer David Hudgins.
Chandler and Britton's appearance at the festival was kept secret from fans until they emerged on stage, and their arrival was met with teary eyes, full hearts and a standing ovation from the crowd. Throughout the panel, the pair demonstrated that their characters' affectionate rapport was still going strong in real life, even after two years apart, with Britton offering...
Joining Chandler and Britton (Coach and Mrs. Coach) on the panel were Gaius Charles (Brian "Smash" Williams), Brad Leland (Buddy Garrity), Louanne Stephens (Grandma Lorraine Saracen), Matt Lauria (Luke Cafferty), Scott Porter (Jason Street) and writer/producer David Hudgins.
Chandler and Britton's appearance at the festival was kept secret from fans until they emerged on stage, and their arrival was met with teary eyes, full hearts and a standing ovation from the crowd. Throughout the panel, the pair demonstrated that their characters' affectionate rapport was still going strong in real life, even after two years apart, with Britton offering...
- 6/10/2013
- by Laura Prudom
- Huffington Post
Eyes may have been clear, if a bit wet, and hearts were very full when the Atx Television Festival staged a surprise reunion of Friday Night Lights stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton — aka Coach and Mrs. Coach.
The inaugural Atx Festival in 2012 featured an Fnl panel, but neither Britton nor Chandler could attend. This year’s RSVP list promised Scott Porter, Gaius Charles, Matt Lauria and Brad Leland — aka Jason, Smash, Luke and Buddy — as well as “special guests,” and when both Chandler and Britton (now a star of ABC’s Nashville) arrived on stage, the room erupted with cheers.
The inaugural Atx Festival in 2012 featured an Fnl panel, but neither Britton nor Chandler could attend. This year’s RSVP list promised Scott Porter, Gaius Charles, Matt Lauria and Brad Leland — aka Jason, Smash, Luke and Buddy — as well as “special guests,” and when both Chandler and Britton (now a star of ABC’s Nashville) arrived on stage, the room erupted with cheers.
- 6/8/2013
- by Team TVLine
- TVLine.com
Hey, Austin, Texas, residents and attendees of the Austin Television Festival! The A.V. Club has several writers in the area for the weekend festivities, and we’d like to meet you all Saturday night! Come to Mugshots (407 E. 7th Street in downtown Austin) at 9 p.m. Saturday night for our official A.V. Club meetup, and you’ll get to hang out with TV Editor Todd VanDerWerff and TV Club contributors Ryan McGee, Carrie Raisler, and Scott Von Doviak. With special appearances by TV On The Internet co-host Libby Hill and a cast of thousands! If you ...
- 6/7/2013
- avclub.com
Ryan McGee from the Av Club, Boobtubedude.com, and Talking TV with Ryan and Ryan (among other things, joins Kate and Ricky to discuss the seventh episode of the third season of Game of Thrones titled “The Bear and the Maiden Fair.” We’ve now come to expect author George R. R. Martin to write one episode per season. Last year, he gave us the truly excellent “Blackwater”, but how does “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” compare? Tune in and find out what we think.
Give us a rating on Itunes! It would be greatly appreciated and it helps us reach a wider audience.
Listen on iTunes Follow Ricky on Twitter Follow Kate on Twitter Like us on Facebook...
Give us a rating on Itunes! It would be greatly appreciated and it helps us reach a wider audience.
Listen on iTunes Follow Ricky on Twitter Follow Kate on Twitter Like us on Facebook...
- 5/14/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Of last night's "Game of Game of Thrones" sketch on "Saturday Night Live," which sees a "Got" uber-fan (Zach Galifianakis in a dragon costume) being thrown a curveball on the titular game show when he's forced to try and answer questions about the real world, HitFix's resident "SNL" recapper Ryan McGee had this to say: "I know I’m overthinking this, but it really bugs me when the show takes a popular piece of pop culture and then exhibits something approaching to contempt for them. Jaime Lannister himself, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, shows up for added credibility, but it can’t be fun for him...
- 5/5/2013
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
It's hard not to look at the array of cover identities Matthew Rhys has used on the FX network spy drama "The Americans" and not conclude that they should star in a Web spinoff called "The Porn Identity."
"That's brilliant!" Rhys said with a laugh, when pitched the idea.
We actually did get into a reasonably non-silly discussion of identity and how Rhys approached the theme of assimilation within the context of the drama, in which he and Keri Russell play Russian spies posing as American suburbanites. But we'll get to that after Rhys divulges the details on some of the secret identities he's used on the show.
Rhys thought a lot about the backstories of Philip and Elizabeth, but he also devoted a great deal of time to thinking up histories for his various undercover getups.
"You know how it is, there's so much tedium on a set that...
"That's brilliant!" Rhys said with a laugh, when pitched the idea.
We actually did get into a reasonably non-silly discussion of identity and how Rhys approached the theme of assimilation within the context of the drama, in which he and Keri Russell play Russian spies posing as American suburbanites. But we'll get to that after Rhys divulges the details on some of the secret identities he's used on the show.
Rhys thought a lot about the backstories of Philip and Elizabeth, but he also devoted a great deal of time to thinking up histories for his various undercover getups.
"You know how it is, there's so much tedium on a set that...
- 5/2/2013
- by Maureen Ryan
- Huffington Post
Spoiler Alert! Don't read this interview unless you've seen "The Colonel," the Season 1 finale of FX's "The Americans."
Watching "The Americans" evolve over the course of the show's first season has been a gratifying process. It not only provided Keri Russell, who gave a brilliantly calibrated performance as Soviet spy Elizabeth Jennings, with an opportunity to blow away any preconceptions that might have lingered in the minds of fans of "Felicity," it also elicited a terrifically subtle performance from Matthew Rhys, who played her husband, Philip, with quiet intensity and a broodingly romantic air. And far from being an intellectual exercise in Soviet-u.S. gamesmanship, the show also provided an array of fight scenes, car chases and undercover identities that proved, once and for all, that Soviet wig technology of the '80s was far more advanced than anyone knew.
As if that wasn't enough, Noah Emmerich, Margo Martindale, Richard Thomas...
Watching "The Americans" evolve over the course of the show's first season has been a gratifying process. It not only provided Keri Russell, who gave a brilliantly calibrated performance as Soviet spy Elizabeth Jennings, with an opportunity to blow away any preconceptions that might have lingered in the minds of fans of "Felicity," it also elicited a terrifically subtle performance from Matthew Rhys, who played her husband, Philip, with quiet intensity and a broodingly romantic air. And far from being an intellectual exercise in Soviet-u.S. gamesmanship, the show also provided an array of fight scenes, car chases and undercover identities that proved, once and for all, that Soviet wig technology of the '80s was far more advanced than anyone knew.
As if that wasn't enough, Noah Emmerich, Margo Martindale, Richard Thomas...
- 5/2/2013
- by Maureen Ryan
- Huffington Post
It was a lighter week of television, with many shows taking a break before the end-of-season push, but there’s still plenty to talk about on the podcast. After looking at the rather meager week in comedy, we talk genre, then reality, and finally drama, including the finale of Southland and premiere of Rectify. Then Ryan McGee from the Av Club, Boobtubedude.com, and Talking TV with Ryan and Ryan (among other things) joins us at the DVD Shelf to break down the underappreciated and utterly amazing Spartacus.
**It should go without saying, but as we’re discussing Spartacus, there’s some Nsfw language.
Our Week in Comedy (6:57-11:03): Veep, Parks and Rec
Our Week in Genre (11:03-22:58): Doctor Who, Orphan Black
Our Week in Reality (22:58-26:26): The Voice, The Amazing Race
Our Week in Drama (26:26-51:46): The Good Wife,...
**It should go without saying, but as we’re discussing Spartacus, there’s some Nsfw language.
Our Week in Comedy (6:57-11:03): Veep, Parks and Rec
Our Week in Genre (11:03-22:58): Doctor Who, Orphan Black
Our Week in Reality (22:58-26:26): The Voice, The Amazing Race
Our Week in Drama (26:26-51:46): The Good Wife,...
- 4/24/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
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