'Soup's' on

The tastiest show on television remains E!'s "The Soup."
Can't watch every bad reality show on TV? "Soup" host Joel McHale is there for you. "The Soup" compiles the seediest bits from across the TV landscape and prepares them in the funniest ways imaginable. McHale, who follows in the footsteps of Greg Kinnear and John Henson, is quirky, affable and always as relaxed as a college sweatshirt. It's amazing what you can produce with a tiny budget, a TiVo and a little creativity. Now Comcast's On Demand service lets viewers catch "The Soup" any day of the week. Get it while it's hot.

Good Day 'Sunshine?'

Danny Boyle earned my everlasting affection by creating two brilliant, couldn't-be-more-different dramas back to back -- "Millions" and "28 Days Later."
Now, he gives us "Sunshine" and I'm sad to say how disappointed I am.
Read my review here:
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070727/ENTERTAINMENT/107270036/1007/entertainment
It isn't a bad movie by any stretch. It's just not another brilliant Boyle movie.
Maybe next time.

D'oh!

I'm a critic, therefore I love "The Simpson." They don't let you critique unless you can say that.
Of course, I mean I love the old "Simpsons," the first brilliant seasons where the show turned the traditional family sitcom on its head. Now, the Fox show is in its umpteenth season, I've lost count, and it's a shadow of its former glory.
Along comes "The Simpsons Movie" and Matt Groening's creation finds some new life. It's rigorously clever and often laugh-out-loud funny, but it's still trotting out the same absurd subplots that mar the current series. "Simpsons" fans will adore it, but for those who pine for those classic early episodes, the new film is merely a fine visit from old friends.
An ideological note: "The Simpsons" is often fair and balanced in lashing out at the powers that be. Here, the beating given out is far more one sided. Take a guess on which side ...

Plenty of 'Reservations'

I'm getting burned out on the romantic comedy formula, but perhaps it's because Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are no longer in the warm-fuzzy business.
So when I took in "No Reservations" this week I wasn't expecting much.
The film surprised me. Catherine Zeta-Jones can be icy on screen, but here it works to her advantage. And while the movie can't help but follow the rom-com formula, there's enough humor and heart here to pass over those dramatic speedbumps. Bonus points for the perpetually underrated Aaron Eckhart, who couldn't be more charming as the chef who brings CZJ out of her shell.

'Invasion' fever

Must be something about pods.
The new film "The Invasion" is set for release Aug. 17. It's the third remake of the classic '50s chiller "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." The trailer doesn't inspire confidence, but we'll hold out hope until then.
Those who can't wait until August can check out the 1978 version, available now on DVD and also to be released in a collector's edition come September. I recently watched that version again, wondering if the film would be as thrilling as it was when I first saw it as a young lad.
Some things don't change. The '78 film is smart, sophisticated and engrossing, all the qualities too many horror films lack these days. The cast is also a hoot -- from a young, wired Jeff Goldblum to Leonard Nimoy as an early Dr. Phil type. And then there's Veronica Cartwright, who can play scared better than anyone. Just check out "Alien" if you don't believe me.

The Simpsons ...

Saw "The Simpsons Movie" this morning and would love to share my thoughts about it. But the film's studio insists all review-type comments be held until Friday.

Not sure why the film deserves the state secret approach, but perhaps it's another way of generating buzz in an increasingly noisy media world.

Tune in Friday for my review.

Oh, what a "Price"

It's official. Drew Carey, according to published reports, will take over for Bob Barker on "The Price is Right."
Might be a cushy gig for Carey, who in recent years has been accompanied by strippers, not the regular-sized gals who will be coming on down to squeeze him for luck.
It's hard to believe Carey was once a power broker in the industry on the strength of his self-titled show.
Still, he's a much better fit for the position than Rosie O'Donnell, who likely would have had to slip on her faux Queen of Nice robe to fit in on the squeaky clean showcase.

I Now Pronounce You ...

My review of Adam Sandler's new comedy "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" is up on www.washingtontimes.com

Check it out here:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070720/ENTERTAINMENT/107200005/1007

I'm far from a politically correct critic. Still, it's odd that a film that tries so hard to defend homosexual rights manages to marginalize the female roles while trotting out a supporting character with a strained, and some will say demeaning, Asian accent.

Less than meets the eye

"Transformers" is still raking in dough at a cineplex near you. Too bad the terrific first half gives way to a stupefying finale.

For my review, check out this link:

http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070702/ENTERTAINMENT/107020012/1007

Say no to torture

This week, Reuters reports that the 'torture porn' movement -- "Saw," "Hostel" and their ilk -- may be over.

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/07/16/film.horror.reut/index.html

I say 'good riddance.' "Hostel" director Eli Roth has talent and potential to burn, so maybe he'll turn his abilities in a new direction.

Harry reigns supreme

It's hardly a shock that "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" would conquer the box office this past weekend. Still, the numbers are astounding. No burnout in this franchise, apparently.

See for yourself:

www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/ny-etboxoffice0716,0,4799428.story?coll=ny-entertainment-headlines

Scott Baio is 45 ... and surprisingly candid

Today's Washington Times features my interview with Scott Baio, star of the new VH1 series "Scott Baio is 45 ... and Single." I'm no fan of reality television, but I found this show a cut above the usual dreck. Give it a chance. Or, better yet, read for yourself.

http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070713/ENTERTAINMENT/107130039/1007

The Trouble With Harry

The latest "Harry Potter" movie is a letdown, but the screening audience clapped madly at the end anyway. I don't mind the "Potter" franchise getting darker, but the magic spell it cast over me may be at an end.

To see my review, click this:

http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070711/ENTERTAINMENT/107110021/1007

This just in ...

I've joined the World Wide Web! Now I need to ditch this beeper and get me a cell phone.

This web site is a work in progress. Eventually, it will be a place to link to my articles, rant about the entertainment industry and let assignment editors know where to find me online.

Keep watching the stars,

Christian