Saturday Night Live, September 24th 2011
Host: Alec Baldwin. Musical Guest: Radiohead.
Opening:
Sorta happy Kristen Wiig isn’t as funny as Michele Bachmann, as Tina Fey was with Sara Palin. Because I’d rather never see anyone ever mention Michele Bachmann ever again.
Credits:
Glad that Nasim Pedrad is finally an official cast member.
Red Flag:
Always glad to see a new commercial parody after the monologue!
All My Children Finale.
For a one-joke idea, this worked better than expected thanks to the power of funny faces.
News Delay:
Loved the snake poking Kristen Wiig in the chest and silly visual ending.
Radiohead.
In general, I’m a fan, even if I’m not in love with the recent “King of Limbs” album.
Weekend Update.
Rather enjoyed Alec Baldwin’s Tony Bennett, even if it did start veering toward Will Ferrell’s Harry Cary impression.
The 2nd song Radiohead performed worked better live than it does on the album. It’s cooler too see 2 human drummers recreate the sound of electronic rhythms.
Not sure why they need to have the TCM bumper. Couldn’t they just have an army sketch?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturday Night Live, April 2nd, 2011
Saturday Night Live, April 2nd, 2011
Host and Musical Guest: Elton John.
The only time I’ve ever seen Elton John act is in The Country Bears movie!
ESPN Classic.
I love that that audience did not cheer or clap for the return of Will Forte. No one even noticed he left the show! Doesn’t help when the same sketches keep coming back with little to no changes.
BBC Special Report: Knights of the Realm.
Fairly entertaining because I like fantasy plotlines. And I enjoyed Elton John’s shameless plug for The Lion King.
Digital Short: Lazer Cats the Musical.
That was…too long! I've never been that into the lazer cats. I remember the last one being okay, but this one just dragged.
I guess Tom Hanks is the secret co-host?
Royal Wedding.
Kind of liked the punk song at the end. But way too much build up.
The Silver Screen.
Elton John was actually really funny in this! I also enjoyed the setup/contrast of classic films to Suckerpunch.
Gay Cowboy.
This could have just been really obvious, but it was surprisingly funny. Partially just because of Elton John’s strange voice and delivery. He kinda reminds me of Paul Williams. Also the twist actually made for a good ending.
Closing thought: Not a lot for the female actresses to do in this episode.
Host and Musical Guest: Elton John.
The only time I’ve ever seen Elton John act is in The Country Bears movie!
ESPN Classic.
I love that that audience did not cheer or clap for the return of Will Forte. No one even noticed he left the show! Doesn’t help when the same sketches keep coming back with little to no changes.
BBC Special Report: Knights of the Realm.
Fairly entertaining because I like fantasy plotlines. And I enjoyed Elton John’s shameless plug for The Lion King.
Digital Short: Lazer Cats the Musical.
That was…too long! I've never been that into the lazer cats. I remember the last one being okay, but this one just dragged.
I guess Tom Hanks is the secret co-host?
Royal Wedding.
Kind of liked the punk song at the end. But way too much build up.
The Silver Screen.
Elton John was actually really funny in this! I also enjoyed the setup/contrast of classic films to Suckerpunch.
Gay Cowboy.
This could have just been really obvious, but it was surprisingly funny. Partially just because of Elton John’s strange voice and delivery. He kinda reminds me of Paul Williams. Also the twist actually made for a good ending.
Closing thought: Not a lot for the female actresses to do in this episode.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday Night Live, February 13th, 2011
Saturday Night Live, February 13th, 2011
Host: Zack Galifianakis
Music: Jessie J.
Monolog.
‘A’ for effort!
The Talk.
At first I thought they’d just start doing The Talk instead of The View sketches, but I liked how there was a bit of commentary to it. And it was actually pretty funny. Not sure why they didn’t have Jay Pharaoh play Holly Robinson.
Kings of Catchphrase Comedy.
I was ready to write this off, but the gags picked up in the last round.
Scared Straight.
Really? I guess it’s been a while. But really? Just for the decent “Colon First” gag?
Digital Short.
Those kids could have been funnier.
Jessie J.
Decent enough. Not much more to say.
Weekend Update.
Julie Taymor was the funniest thing Kristen Wiig has done in a while.
Loved Liam, the teenager who just woke up.
Dead Dog.
This one also came together in the end.
Celebrity Scoop.
Not the best Canadian accents, but charming, none the less. Not sure about Zack Galifianakis’ extended “ohhhhs.”
Host: Zack Galifianakis
Music: Jessie J.
Monolog.
‘A’ for effort!
The Talk.
At first I thought they’d just start doing The Talk instead of The View sketches, but I liked how there was a bit of commentary to it. And it was actually pretty funny. Not sure why they didn’t have Jay Pharaoh play Holly Robinson.
Kings of Catchphrase Comedy.
I was ready to write this off, but the gags picked up in the last round.
Scared Straight.
Really? I guess it’s been a while. But really? Just for the decent “Colon First” gag?
Digital Short.
Those kids could have been funnier.
Jessie J.
Decent enough. Not much more to say.
Weekend Update.
Julie Taymor was the funniest thing Kristen Wiig has done in a while.
Loved Liam, the teenager who just woke up.
Dead Dog.
This one also came together in the end.
Celebrity Scoop.
Not the best Canadian accents, but charming, none the less. Not sure about Zack Galifianakis’ extended “ohhhhs.”
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday Night Live, February 12th, 2011
Saturday Night Live, February 12th, 2011
Host: Russell Brand
Music: Chris Brown
Cold Open.
Decent Bill O’Reilly impression by Jason Sudeikis.
Monologue.
I know it’s an SNL tradition for stand up comedians to do their “material” for the opening monologue, but it’s always made me a bit squeamish.
Gublin & Green.
Since they’ve already made plenty of jokes about the injuries related to Spider-man: Turn of the Dark, it was refreshing to see a joke about how the show “insulted the Legacy of Spider-man.”
Publishers Clearance House.
It must save a lot of time not having to write new sketches for every episode. Swapping out 2-5 words from the previous Kristen Wiig Publishers Clearance House sketch and replacing the people she interacts with, is really not worth sitting through, though. I tune out once I see the start of the sketch.
Digital Short: Don' You Go Rounin' Roun To Re Ro
A lot of time spent on a single joke.
Royal Taster.
The most dialog Taran Gillam has ever had in a sketch?
Chris Brown.
Considering Rihanna has been on SNL twice, I’m surprised the producers would invite the guy who beat her up on the show.
Weekend Update.
Taran Gillam’s Eminem impression was the best thing he’s done on the show so far. Hope he doesn’t get knifed! And of all the overly repetitious SNL characters, Bill Hader’s Stefon manages to make me laugh. And these last two appearances have at least changed it up in small ways. Mostly in the little moments between Hader and Myers.
Livin’ Single.
It’s probably the wrong attitude to view every new sketch through the lens of “I hope this doesn’t become a recurring thing because I already see how it would play out.” Points for Kristen Wiig not being the main character. Random thought: Russell Brand looked like magician David Copperfield.
A Spot of Tea.
Not exactly Monty Python.
Chris Brown.
I feel bad for any girl who gets that song sent to her on a mixtape.
George Washington travels through time.
That was kinda good! Good thing they hid it at the end so no one will see it.
Host: Russell Brand
Music: Chris Brown
Cold Open.
Decent Bill O’Reilly impression by Jason Sudeikis.
Monologue.
I know it’s an SNL tradition for stand up comedians to do their “material” for the opening monologue, but it’s always made me a bit squeamish.
Gublin & Green.
Since they’ve already made plenty of jokes about the injuries related to Spider-man: Turn of the Dark, it was refreshing to see a joke about how the show “insulted the Legacy of Spider-man.”
Publishers Clearance House.
It must save a lot of time not having to write new sketches for every episode. Swapping out 2-5 words from the previous Kristen Wiig Publishers Clearance House sketch and replacing the people she interacts with, is really not worth sitting through, though. I tune out once I see the start of the sketch.
Digital Short: Don' You Go Rounin' Roun To Re Ro
A lot of time spent on a single joke.
Royal Taster.
The most dialog Taran Gillam has ever had in a sketch?
Chris Brown.
Considering Rihanna has been on SNL twice, I’m surprised the producers would invite the guy who beat her up on the show.
Weekend Update.
Taran Gillam’s Eminem impression was the best thing he’s done on the show so far. Hope he doesn’t get knifed! And of all the overly repetitious SNL characters, Bill Hader’s Stefon manages to make me laugh. And these last two appearances have at least changed it up in small ways. Mostly in the little moments between Hader and Myers.
Livin’ Single.
It’s probably the wrong attitude to view every new sketch through the lens of “I hope this doesn’t become a recurring thing because I already see how it would play out.” Points for Kristen Wiig not being the main character. Random thought: Russell Brand looked like magician David Copperfield.
A Spot of Tea.
Not exactly Monty Python.
Chris Brown.
I feel bad for any girl who gets that song sent to her on a mixtape.
George Washington travels through time.
That was kinda good! Good thing they hid it at the end so no one will see it.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday Night Live, February 5th, 2011
Saturday Night Live, February 5th, 2011
Host: Dana Carvey
Musical Guest: Linkin Park
Cold Opening: Wayne’s World. Considering their ages, Dana Carvey and Mike Myers managed to pull this off pretty seamlessly. The material even managed to feel very of the time, despite the current references. Very satisfying for this SNL nerd.
Monologue.
It’s a bit weird how Dana Carvey’s mannerisms are starting to resemble his impression of Johnny Carson. Considering I first started watching SNL in the late 80s, I totally agree that Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz’s cast WAS the best. But I’m sure if Bill Murray came out at the end it would have been equally true. Also, I was expecting to see G.E. Smith!
VH1: Celebrity Teen Crisis Center
Yet another lame excuse for cast members to dole out their most overdone impressions. Abby Elliot still hanging on to that semi-obscure Anna Farris impression.
Digital Short.
Roommate horror film parody. Surprisingly straightforward with no real twist. Since Justin Bieber was around I guess it makes sense to film another thing with him in the hopes it could get linked to on Facebook. I wonder of Linkin Park fell left out.
Linkin Park.
I really liked the effect of projecting all those stars and lines on the band members. I’ve never really seen anyone do that before without wearing any kind of special outfit. The song sounded like 80s synth music, but with less keyboard.
Weekend Update.
Paul Brittain’s James Franco impression was just okay. This is a really off year for Kristen Wiig. She’s becoming the new Will Forte.
Live! With Regis and Kelly.
I wish Nasim Pedrad’s voice didn’t grate on me with 40% of her impressions. Otherwise she's risen to the top of the cast this year.
Kids Beauty Pageant.
This felt like it could have been funnier, but it at least seemed to be trying.
Abby Elliot thing.
I’m starting to wonder if she can play someone who isn’t kinda ditzy or Angelina Jolie. But at least this was sort of a character and pretty much worked as a sketch.
Linkin Park Intro.
It makes me happy to see Jon Lovitz, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey together. And it’s been a long time since Mike Myers has done anything to make me happy.
Sports Bar.
Speaking of synth-pop… I actually really liked the song. Dana Carvey’s mustache seemed out of place My wife said Paul Brittain looked like Matt Smith’s Doctor Who. Maybe SNL they should do a Doctor Who parody?
Final thoughts:
Dana Carvey hasn’t been on SNL for years and he’s way better at not looking like he’s reading the teleprompter compared to all the current cast members. He’s also better at fully inhabiting his celebrity impressions so they feel like fleshed out characters. In so many current SNL sketches, the cast members do celebrity impressions that can only be sustained for a minute before they have to cut to ANOTHER cast member doing another limited impression.
Host: Dana Carvey
Musical Guest: Linkin Park
Cold Opening: Wayne’s World. Considering their ages, Dana Carvey and Mike Myers managed to pull this off pretty seamlessly. The material even managed to feel very of the time, despite the current references. Very satisfying for this SNL nerd.
Monologue.
It’s a bit weird how Dana Carvey’s mannerisms are starting to resemble his impression of Johnny Carson. Considering I first started watching SNL in the late 80s, I totally agree that Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz’s cast WAS the best. But I’m sure if Bill Murray came out at the end it would have been equally true. Also, I was expecting to see G.E. Smith!
VH1: Celebrity Teen Crisis Center
Yet another lame excuse for cast members to dole out their most overdone impressions. Abby Elliot still hanging on to that semi-obscure Anna Farris impression.
Digital Short.
Roommate horror film parody. Surprisingly straightforward with no real twist. Since Justin Bieber was around I guess it makes sense to film another thing with him in the hopes it could get linked to on Facebook. I wonder of Linkin Park fell left out.
Linkin Park.
I really liked the effect of projecting all those stars and lines on the band members. I’ve never really seen anyone do that before without wearing any kind of special outfit. The song sounded like 80s synth music, but with less keyboard.
Weekend Update.
Paul Brittain’s James Franco impression was just okay. This is a really off year for Kristen Wiig. She’s becoming the new Will Forte.
Live! With Regis and Kelly.
I wish Nasim Pedrad’s voice didn’t grate on me with 40% of her impressions. Otherwise she's risen to the top of the cast this year.
Kids Beauty Pageant.
This felt like it could have been funnier, but it at least seemed to be trying.
Abby Elliot thing.
I’m starting to wonder if she can play someone who isn’t kinda ditzy or Angelina Jolie. But at least this was sort of a character and pretty much worked as a sketch.
Linkin Park Intro.
It makes me happy to see Jon Lovitz, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey together. And it’s been a long time since Mike Myers has done anything to make me happy.
Sports Bar.
Speaking of synth-pop… I actually really liked the song. Dana Carvey’s mustache seemed out of place My wife said Paul Brittain looked like Matt Smith’s Doctor Who. Maybe SNL they should do a Doctor Who parody?
Final thoughts:
Dana Carvey hasn’t been on SNL for years and he’s way better at not looking like he’s reading the teleprompter compared to all the current cast members. He’s also better at fully inhabiting his celebrity impressions so they feel like fleshed out characters. In so many current SNL sketches, the cast members do celebrity impressions that can only be sustained for a minute before they have to cut to ANOTHER cast member doing another limited impression.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
