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.
Showing posts with label saturday night live. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saturday night live. Show all posts
Saturday, April 2, 2011
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, December 18, 2010
Saturday Night Live December 19th, 2010
December 19th, 2010
Host: Jeff Bridges.
Musical Guest: Eminem and Lil’ Wayne.
Cold Open.
One of the best political ones they’ve done in a while.
Monologue.
Not sure it was the best use of Cookie Monster, but I’m a sucker for Christmas songs.
Miley Cyrus Show.
Not as tightly written as the last installment, but still a decent sketch. The clips from Miley’s acting are always the best. It still makes me laugh to think about the clip of her and Batman. Also. I know it’s weird to say as a longtime SNL watcher, but I always find it weird when one celebrity plays another celebrity within their peer group.
Digital Short.
The rap and R&B songs still seem to be their strength.
Larry King. Great make-up job on Kenan as Jermaine Jackson.
Crunkmas.
I don’t really want to like these sketches, but usually there are 2 random things that make me laugh. Like a 2-D screening of Owls of Ga’Hoole.
Weekend Update.
Kenan’s impression of Michael Steel almost makes me feel sorry for him. Tarran Killam’s Brad Pitt impression just confused me. I guess I haven’t seen Brad Pitt in a long time. Patterson, Stefon and Snookie are the new Tarzan, Tonto, Frankenstein.
It’s a Wonderful Life.
The movie parody was so-so, but I’m a nerd for TCM host impressions.
Jeff’d.
I liked how calm and relaxing this was. I could watch 10 more minutes of the narration segments.
Old Western Gift Wrapping.
Not sure what they were going for, but aI’ll give them credit for trying something different.
Holiday Message from Kardashians.
I almost like their impression of these people I don’t know, except the voices get a bit grating.
Ack! They showed Cookie Monster's performer in the farewell!
Host: Jeff Bridges.
Musical Guest: Eminem and Lil’ Wayne.
Cold Open.
One of the best political ones they’ve done in a while.
Monologue.
Not sure it was the best use of Cookie Monster, but I’m a sucker for Christmas songs.
Miley Cyrus Show.
Not as tightly written as the last installment, but still a decent sketch. The clips from Miley’s acting are always the best. It still makes me laugh to think about the clip of her and Batman. Also. I know it’s weird to say as a longtime SNL watcher, but I always find it weird when one celebrity plays another celebrity within their peer group.
Digital Short.
The rap and R&B songs still seem to be their strength.
Larry King. Great make-up job on Kenan as Jermaine Jackson.
Crunkmas.
I don’t really want to like these sketches, but usually there are 2 random things that make me laugh. Like a 2-D screening of Owls of Ga’Hoole.
Weekend Update.
Kenan’s impression of Michael Steel almost makes me feel sorry for him. Tarran Killam’s Brad Pitt impression just confused me. I guess I haven’t seen Brad Pitt in a long time. Patterson, Stefon and Snookie are the new Tarzan, Tonto, Frankenstein.
It’s a Wonderful Life.
The movie parody was so-so, but I’m a nerd for TCM host impressions.
Jeff’d.
I liked how calm and relaxing this was. I could watch 10 more minutes of the narration segments.
Old Western Gift Wrapping.
Not sure what they were going for, but aI’ll give them credit for trying something different.
Holiday Message from Kardashians.
I almost like their impression of these people I don’t know, except the voices get a bit grating.
Ack! They showed Cookie Monster's performer in the farewell!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Saturday Night Live 13th, 2009
Saturday Night Live
March 13th, 2009
Host: Jude Law
Musical Guest: Pearl Jam
Opening: Tickle Party
“NO!” Yes!
Monologue.
I love Hamlet, but this recap seemed pointless.
Commercial Parody: Ford Hybrid.
Well filmed!
Game Show Parody.
I hate to admit it, but the concept behind this Kristen Wiig character (albeit stupid) kinda makes me laugh.
Commercial Parody: Another Security System commercial.
Not hilarious, but it worked well enough.
Parody of Vicky Christina Barcelona?
One joke, mildly executed. Second sketch about potential abuse against women.
Digital Short: Another Andy Samberg music video.
Had no idea who the other singer was. A notch below the “Threw it on the Ground” song.
Weekend Update.
Jerry Seinfield is a perfect fit for the “Really?!” segments.
Twilight Zone Parody.
Is this the first time SNL has riffed on the episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet"? Seems like everyone else already has. I do always like when the bands show up in sketches.
Hamlet Audition.
Just an excuse for celebrity impressions, but Andy Samberg’s Nick Cage STILL makes me smile.
Kicksplit Underground Music Festival.
This was the same exact sketch as last time, right? Seems a bit long for a total commercial repeat. Did they really not have any other ideas for new sketches?
Pearl Jam.
It’s been a while since I’ve listened to Pearl Jam and was mostly disappointed by these newer songs. I remember liking the song they played on Conan last year, though.
Court Stenographer, Round Two.
Sorry, Fred Armisen. I still hate this character.
Ravish.
I’ll never understand why they choose to break out a new character/sketch in the last ten minutes of the show. Not hilarious, but more interesting than a lot of the other things they’ve tried out this year. I enjoyed the “Jay Leno Walking” segment and the violin-playing sister.
March 13th, 2009
Host: Jude Law
Musical Guest: Pearl Jam
Opening: Tickle Party
“NO!” Yes!
Monologue.
I love Hamlet, but this recap seemed pointless.
Commercial Parody: Ford Hybrid.
Well filmed!
Game Show Parody.
I hate to admit it, but the concept behind this Kristen Wiig character (albeit stupid) kinda makes me laugh.
Commercial Parody: Another Security System commercial.
Not hilarious, but it worked well enough.
Parody of Vicky Christina Barcelona?
One joke, mildly executed. Second sketch about potential abuse against women.
Digital Short: Another Andy Samberg music video.
Had no idea who the other singer was. A notch below the “Threw it on the Ground” song.
Weekend Update.
Jerry Seinfield is a perfect fit for the “Really?!” segments.
Twilight Zone Parody.
Is this the first time SNL has riffed on the episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet"? Seems like everyone else already has. I do always like when the bands show up in sketches.
Hamlet Audition.
Just an excuse for celebrity impressions, but Andy Samberg’s Nick Cage STILL makes me smile.
Kicksplit Underground Music Festival.
This was the same exact sketch as last time, right? Seems a bit long for a total commercial repeat. Did they really not have any other ideas for new sketches?
Pearl Jam.
It’s been a while since I’ve listened to Pearl Jam and was mostly disappointed by these newer songs. I remember liking the song they played on Conan last year, though.
Court Stenographer, Round Two.
Sorry, Fred Armisen. I still hate this character.
Ravish.
I’ll never understand why they choose to break out a new character/sketch in the last ten minutes of the show. Not hilarious, but more interesting than a lot of the other things they’ve tried out this year. I enjoyed the “Jay Leno Walking” segment and the violin-playing sister.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Saturday Night Live March 7th, 2010
Saturday Night Live
March 6th, 2009
Host: Zach Galifianakis
Musical Guest: Vampire Weekend
Opening.
Intentionally giving fodder to Conservatives?
Monologue.
I haven’t seen his stand up routine in a while so I’m not sure if it was new material or not.
Vogelcheck Family Funeral.
You think they spend a lot of time practicing these sketches? I hope they washed that dog’s mouth! I loved how the audience had such a strong reaction to Fred Armisen the minute he started walking over toward the casket. And the corpse kissing back definitely cracked me up. But I was disappointed James Franco didn’t do a cameo since he was in the last one.
Bidet Crazy.
Not really enough material to warrant an entire sketch. I fear that means it will become a reoccurring sketch.
Zack on the set.
Kinda fun. Kid with beard was a good climax.
Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb.
One of the meaner parodies on SNL. Makes me worry that the real Hoda is equally abused by the real Kathie Lee (considering most of what I’ve seen in the previous sketches has turned out to be too close for comfort).
Vampire Weekend.
I always think this band sounds interesting when I first hear them. But I find I tire of them fairly quickly. But this song was short enough to go down easy.
Weekend Update.
Kenan’s hairstyle and impression didn’t really come across as Mo’nique.
A lot of set up for another annoying Will Forte nonsense song. I’m fair enough to admit that this was actually one of his more tolerable ones. Points for the Miss Piggy reference.
What Up With That?
I really wish they could find a way to change these up a bit more beyond just loading up random guests and background dancers. They can never get back the initial surprise factor and energy of the original. But this one seemed better than last time, mostly because grown-up Baby Jessica in the well was brilliant.
The Situation Room.
Kind of an obvious commentary on the overuse of social media on CNN…but well played. Well played.
Vampire Weekend.
Another okay song.
Pageant Song.
Did the makeup artists cover Zach’s beard? Did he shave between sketches?
March 6th, 2009
Host: Zach Galifianakis
Musical Guest: Vampire Weekend
Opening.
Intentionally giving fodder to Conservatives?
Monologue.
I haven’t seen his stand up routine in a while so I’m not sure if it was new material or not.
Vogelcheck Family Funeral.
You think they spend a lot of time practicing these sketches? I hope they washed that dog’s mouth! I loved how the audience had such a strong reaction to Fred Armisen the minute he started walking over toward the casket. And the corpse kissing back definitely cracked me up. But I was disappointed James Franco didn’t do a cameo since he was in the last one.
Bidet Crazy.
Not really enough material to warrant an entire sketch. I fear that means it will become a reoccurring sketch.
Zack on the set.
Kinda fun. Kid with beard was a good climax.
Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb.
One of the meaner parodies on SNL. Makes me worry that the real Hoda is equally abused by the real Kathie Lee (considering most of what I’ve seen in the previous sketches has turned out to be too close for comfort).
Vampire Weekend.
I always think this band sounds interesting when I first hear them. But I find I tire of them fairly quickly. But this song was short enough to go down easy.
Weekend Update.
Kenan’s hairstyle and impression didn’t really come across as Mo’nique.
A lot of set up for another annoying Will Forte nonsense song. I’m fair enough to admit that this was actually one of his more tolerable ones. Points for the Miss Piggy reference.
What Up With That?
I really wish they could find a way to change these up a bit more beyond just loading up random guests and background dancers. They can never get back the initial surprise factor and energy of the original. But this one seemed better than last time, mostly because grown-up Baby Jessica in the well was brilliant.
The Situation Room.
Kind of an obvious commentary on the overuse of social media on CNN…but well played. Well played.
Vampire Weekend.
Another okay song.
Pageant Song.
Did the makeup artists cover Zach’s beard? Did he shave between sketches?
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday Night Live February 28th, 2010
Saturday Night Live
February 27th, 2009
Host: Jennifer Lopez
Musical Guest: Jennifer Lopez
I was caught off guard, not expecting a new episode till after the Olympics. But here’s what I did catch. I’ll watch the rest on DVR later.
Romance Commentary 2
Second time out, I was ready to write off this reoccurring sketch as semi-stupid, semi-guilty pleasure. But Kenan found new ways to really sell it, and kept it from being a total repeat of last time. I found myself laughing several times, so I guess I’m a fan. I even liked Jennifer Lopez as the weird ventriloquist.
Smashmouth in the Closet.
Totally ridiculous in the best possible way. Surprisingly pitch perfect. I’ll never hear those songs the same way again.
Custom Car Horns.
I’m still not sure what nationality this racial stereotype is supposed to be. I guess Puerto Rican, because of the Jennifer Lopez connection? The car horns are a bit funnier than the doorbells but still not as genius as Scarlett Johanson in the chandelier sketch.
February 27th, 2009
Host: Jennifer Lopez
Musical Guest: Jennifer Lopez
I was caught off guard, not expecting a new episode till after the Olympics. But here’s what I did catch. I’ll watch the rest on DVR later.
Romance Commentary 2
Second time out, I was ready to write off this reoccurring sketch as semi-stupid, semi-guilty pleasure. But Kenan found new ways to really sell it, and kept it from being a total repeat of last time. I found myself laughing several times, so I guess I’m a fan. I even liked Jennifer Lopez as the weird ventriloquist.
Smashmouth in the Closet.
Totally ridiculous in the best possible way. Surprisingly pitch perfect. I’ll never hear those songs the same way again.
Custom Car Horns.
I’m still not sure what nationality this racial stereotype is supposed to be. I guess Puerto Rican, because of the Jennifer Lopez connection? The car horns are a bit funnier than the doorbells but still not as genius as Scarlett Johanson in the chandelier sketch.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday Night Live February 6th, 2010
Saturday Night Live
February 6th, 2009
Host: Ashton Kutcher
Musical Guest: Them Crooked Vultures
Cold Open.
Moderately funny! I like the idea of random "attractive blonde lady," and there were some decent lines including Karl Rove only having a problem with gay men, not gay women.
Monologue.
I can't believe he's hosted 3 other times. Not sure I remember any of those episodes. I didn't catch who was dressed as the old lady break dancing. I liked the set up of Ashton trying not to react to the "awesome" stuff in the audience. And most of the examples were good up till Mark Twain getting punched in the nuts. What's he have against Mark Twain?
Pool boy at reading of the will.
The only thing the sketch had going for it was "gross out" humor, and yet it felt surprisingly tame. Even the STD names weren’t very imaginative. “Foreigner’s Cough”?
The View.
Second sketch to address "Don't Ask Don't Tell." I guess Elisabeth Hasselback likes to repeat things for emphasis? I don't remember that from previous View sketches, but I’ll roll with it. I did like Kenan/Whoopie's complaint about not liking to go to the movies because they play at different times. Overall, this was another decent View sketch, one of he more reliable repeating bits.
Commercial Parody: Cialis for threeways. Almost made me smile, but mostly made me roll my eyes.
Rome/Grapes
Will Forte seemed to be playing a villain in a Hanna Barbera cartoon. I’ll give them credit for doing an old-fashioned style sketch.
Musical Guest: Them Crooked Vultures.
I usually like Dave Grohl’s various bands, but this song didn’t really do anything for me.
Didn’t sound so great and the lyrics were pretty unintelligible.
Weekend Update.
Fairly long segment this week.
Andy Samberg’s new character “Liam, the teenager who just woke up” was surprisingly funny (and real).
Game Show: What is Burn Notice?
Snarky! But accurate!
Access Hollywood/Oscar Nominations.
Also accurate?
Statement from Rahm Emanuel.
More of a rant than a sketch, but it felt fresh and different! Kind of amazing, actually.
Wedding Band.
Crisis of Conformity rocked it. Worked because the song “Fistfight in the parking lot” was actually pretty good and Fred Armisen is a good singer. And of course Dave Grohl on drums. Nice live moment where his mic didn’t work.
February 6th, 2009
Host: Ashton Kutcher
Musical Guest: Them Crooked Vultures
Cold Open.
Moderately funny! I like the idea of random "attractive blonde lady," and there were some decent lines including Karl Rove only having a problem with gay men, not gay women.
Monologue.
I can't believe he's hosted 3 other times. Not sure I remember any of those episodes. I didn't catch who was dressed as the old lady break dancing. I liked the set up of Ashton trying not to react to the "awesome" stuff in the audience. And most of the examples were good up till Mark Twain getting punched in the nuts. What's he have against Mark Twain?
Pool boy at reading of the will.
The only thing the sketch had going for it was "gross out" humor, and yet it felt surprisingly tame. Even the STD names weren’t very imaginative. “Foreigner’s Cough”?
The View.
Second sketch to address "Don't Ask Don't Tell." I guess Elisabeth Hasselback likes to repeat things for emphasis? I don't remember that from previous View sketches, but I’ll roll with it. I did like Kenan/Whoopie's complaint about not liking to go to the movies because they play at different times. Overall, this was another decent View sketch, one of he more reliable repeating bits.
Commercial Parody: Cialis for threeways. Almost made me smile, but mostly made me roll my eyes.
Rome/Grapes
Will Forte seemed to be playing a villain in a Hanna Barbera cartoon. I’ll give them credit for doing an old-fashioned style sketch.
Musical Guest: Them Crooked Vultures.
I usually like Dave Grohl’s various bands, but this song didn’t really do anything for me.
Didn’t sound so great and the lyrics were pretty unintelligible.
Weekend Update.
Fairly long segment this week.
Andy Samberg’s new character “Liam, the teenager who just woke up” was surprisingly funny (and real).
Game Show: What is Burn Notice?
Snarky! But accurate!
Access Hollywood/Oscar Nominations.
Also accurate?
Statement from Rahm Emanuel.
More of a rant than a sketch, but it felt fresh and different! Kind of amazing, actually.
Wedding Band.
Crisis of Conformity rocked it. Worked because the song “Fistfight in the parking lot” was actually pretty good and Fred Armisen is a good singer. And of course Dave Grohl on drums. Nice live moment where his mic didn’t work.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday Night Live January 30th, 2010
Saturday Night Live
January 30th 2009
Host: Jon Hamm
Musical Guest: Michael Buble.
Cold Open: State of the Union.
Not too many actual jokes or insight. Just a lot of cuts to audience from the actual event with one random shot of Brendan Fraser thrown in for good measure.
Monologue.
The idea of putting the bleak character from Mad Men into other shows was probably a bit funnier in concept than execution.
Don’t Make Me Sing.
It feels like the SNL writers just sit around brainstorming catch phrases to run into the ground. If the sketch was 1 minutelong, it might have been JUST okay. But instead they just dragged it out, with the only redeeming element being the dancing cats on the balcony.
Digital Short: Sergio.
The final image was strangely satisfying.
(Is Ashton Kutcher hosting SNL to promote his Coolpix commercials?)
Democrats meet Scott Brown.
Mostly an eye-roller, but I give them credit for not having the Barney Frank fantasy be the final twist.
Musical Guest: Michael Bublé.
BLAAAH. ZZZZZZZ
Weekend Update.
Bobby Moynihan returns as Snookie from the Jersey Shore with even more red face paint.
ESPN: Greg the Alien co-host.
Only Bill Hader can pull off the freaky alien stuff. The other guys just looked stiff.
Hamm & Bublé.
A silly idea pulled off purely on the conviction of the performers.
Commercial Parody: Zip-do Closet Organizer.
It’s no Bathroom Monkey. Kind of a weak commercial (usually I love them).
Courtroom Stenographer.
“I can’t find my crackers” is an even more annoying catch phrase than “Don’t make me sing.” Don’t go printing up any T-shirts, just yet.
Musical Guest: Michael Bublé.
Cute performance, boring song. I’d rather just see more Sharon Jones. She’s great!
Two Guys in a Bar.
Has SNL ever done a follow up to one of the commercials in one of the sketches before?
That was sort of interesting, for SNL…very much in the sprit of Mr. Show and the Upright Citizens Brigade TV show.
Barnes & Noble.
Actually pretty funny! Although maybe less so if you don’t live in NYC?
God bless Barnes and Noble’s free bathrooms!
January 30th 2009
Host: Jon Hamm
Musical Guest: Michael Buble.
Cold Open: State of the Union.
Not too many actual jokes or insight. Just a lot of cuts to audience from the actual event with one random shot of Brendan Fraser thrown in for good measure.
Monologue.
The idea of putting the bleak character from Mad Men into other shows was probably a bit funnier in concept than execution.
Don’t Make Me Sing.
It feels like the SNL writers just sit around brainstorming catch phrases to run into the ground. If the sketch was 1 minutelong, it might have been JUST okay. But instead they just dragged it out, with the only redeeming element being the dancing cats on the balcony.
Digital Short: Sergio.
The final image was strangely satisfying.
(Is Ashton Kutcher hosting SNL to promote his Coolpix commercials?)
Democrats meet Scott Brown.
Mostly an eye-roller, but I give them credit for not having the Barney Frank fantasy be the final twist.
Musical Guest: Michael Bublé.
BLAAAH. ZZZZZZZ
Weekend Update.
Bobby Moynihan returns as Snookie from the Jersey Shore with even more red face paint.
ESPN: Greg the Alien co-host.
Only Bill Hader can pull off the freaky alien stuff. The other guys just looked stiff.
Hamm & Bublé.
A silly idea pulled off purely on the conviction of the performers.
Commercial Parody: Zip-do Closet Organizer.
It’s no Bathroom Monkey. Kind of a weak commercial (usually I love them).
Courtroom Stenographer.
“I can’t find my crackers” is an even more annoying catch phrase than “Don’t make me sing.” Don’t go printing up any T-shirts, just yet.
Musical Guest: Michael Bublé.
Cute performance, boring song. I’d rather just see more Sharon Jones. She’s great!
Two Guys in a Bar.
Has SNL ever done a follow up to one of the commercials in one of the sketches before?
That was sort of interesting, for SNL…very much in the sprit of Mr. Show and the Upright Citizens Brigade TV show.
Barnes & Noble.
Actually pretty funny! Although maybe less so if you don’t live in NYC?
God bless Barnes and Noble’s free bathrooms!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday Night Live January 16th, 2010
Saturday Night Live
January 16th 2009
Host: Sigourney Weaver
Musical Guest: The Ting Tings
Cold Open: Larry King Live.
Not much insight or commentary on the Late Night controversy, but several good impressions! I can’t remember if Daryl Hammond ever did Jay Leno when he was a cast member on the show, but he came back for this. The best part was Jason Sudeikis, who was brilliantly deranged as Dave Letterman. I wonder if he told him he’d be doing it when he was on his show earlier in the week. Bill Hader was surprisingly serious as Conan, but he got the look down perfect. Another good bit was Larry King explaining how to access his blog on the internet.
Monologue.
Confident, classy and surprisingly funny. The idea of Sigourney Weaver being scared of everything shouldn’t have worked, but something about her delivery sold it for me.
“Are you an alien? You have to tell me if you are.” I also had no idea about her parents.
ESPN Classic: Women’s Darts
The way Jason Sudeikis says “Summer’s Eve” just isn’t as funny as “Tampax” or “Vagisil.” I guess that’s why he had to add the qualifier “douche,” but still not funny enough to warrant a third incarnation of the sketch.
Digital Short: Laser Cats 5
A fun homage to a bunch of James Cameron movies, and obviously a nice SNL touch to have the real director do a cameo. I appreciated the callouts to Ash and Bishop from the Alien films, and the fact that there was a character named Admiral Spaceship. But the Unobtanium reference at the end almost killed it.
Disco Booty Junction.
I love the way it opened with Kenan Thompson talking to someone off camera about his dressing room. But I didn’t care for the way it segued into a short song a la the Deep House Dish sketches before it devolved into an inane debate about the guests’ names: Amber and Cream. But the ending was pretty good as Kenan asked why he had to show up to work again if the show was cancelled.
Musical Guest: The Ting Tings.
I like the song (after first hearing it in a Puppetbenders web video), but the performance was underwhelming. And the outfit looked a little second-hand Lady Gaga.
Weekend Update.
Abby Elliot’s impression reminds me of someone else’s impression/commentary of Diane Keaton—but I can’t remember whose!
Seth’s Best line: “I can’t go back to being in a sketch every 3 weeks!”
Avatar Sex.
I guess they couldn’t resist playing into the growing nerd interest in Navi sex.
The fake legs were a nice touch. And it was interesting to see how they adapted the CGI characters into live action costumes and make up. A nice testament to the production values of the show’s crew.
Riley.
This was the introduction to a horrible character that I hope they never bring back. It almost makes Gilly seem like a good idea.
I’m guessing Fred Armisen was supposed to be channeling Harvey Fierstein? Cartman from South Park? I’m sure someone thought it was funny every time he said “bitch” but I thought it was flat and totally forced. I expect more from Fred Armisen.
Sigourney Weaver reads her online comments.
This was ADORABLE and endearing. My favorite sketch of the night. I wonder if they modeled the set off her real apartment and she told them to put up the Lolita poster.
Musical Guest: The Ting Tings.
Overall, I like their sound but wish their songs weren’t AS repetitive as they are. Just a tad more variation would go a long way. Was the cowbell SNL pandering?
Fire and Rice.
Something about this performance evoked Jan Hooks—in a good way.
January 16th 2009
Host: Sigourney Weaver
Musical Guest: The Ting Tings
Cold Open: Larry King Live.
Not much insight or commentary on the Late Night controversy, but several good impressions! I can’t remember if Daryl Hammond ever did Jay Leno when he was a cast member on the show, but he came back for this. The best part was Jason Sudeikis, who was brilliantly deranged as Dave Letterman. I wonder if he told him he’d be doing it when he was on his show earlier in the week. Bill Hader was surprisingly serious as Conan, but he got the look down perfect. Another good bit was Larry King explaining how to access his blog on the internet.
Monologue.
Confident, classy and surprisingly funny. The idea of Sigourney Weaver being scared of everything shouldn’t have worked, but something about her delivery sold it for me.
“Are you an alien? You have to tell me if you are.” I also had no idea about her parents.
ESPN Classic: Women’s Darts
The way Jason Sudeikis says “Summer’s Eve” just isn’t as funny as “Tampax” or “Vagisil.” I guess that’s why he had to add the qualifier “douche,” but still not funny enough to warrant a third incarnation of the sketch.
Digital Short: Laser Cats 5
A fun homage to a bunch of James Cameron movies, and obviously a nice SNL touch to have the real director do a cameo. I appreciated the callouts to Ash and Bishop from the Alien films, and the fact that there was a character named Admiral Spaceship. But the Unobtanium reference at the end almost killed it.
Disco Booty Junction.
I love the way it opened with Kenan Thompson talking to someone off camera about his dressing room. But I didn’t care for the way it segued into a short song a la the Deep House Dish sketches before it devolved into an inane debate about the guests’ names: Amber and Cream. But the ending was pretty good as Kenan asked why he had to show up to work again if the show was cancelled.
Musical Guest: The Ting Tings.
I like the song (after first hearing it in a Puppetbenders web video), but the performance was underwhelming. And the outfit looked a little second-hand Lady Gaga.
Weekend Update.
Abby Elliot’s impression reminds me of someone else’s impression/commentary of Diane Keaton—but I can’t remember whose!
Seth’s Best line: “I can’t go back to being in a sketch every 3 weeks!”
Avatar Sex.
I guess they couldn’t resist playing into the growing nerd interest in Navi sex.
The fake legs were a nice touch. And it was interesting to see how they adapted the CGI characters into live action costumes and make up. A nice testament to the production values of the show’s crew.
Riley.
This was the introduction to a horrible character that I hope they never bring back. It almost makes Gilly seem like a good idea.
I’m guessing Fred Armisen was supposed to be channeling Harvey Fierstein? Cartman from South Park? I’m sure someone thought it was funny every time he said “bitch” but I thought it was flat and totally forced. I expect more from Fred Armisen.
Sigourney Weaver reads her online comments.
This was ADORABLE and endearing. My favorite sketch of the night. I wonder if they modeled the set off her real apartment and she told them to put up the Lolita poster.
Musical Guest: The Ting Tings.
Overall, I like their sound but wish their songs weren’t AS repetitive as they are. Just a tad more variation would go a long way. Was the cowbell SNL pandering?
Fire and Rice.
Something about this performance evoked Jan Hooks—in a good way.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Saturday Night Live January 9th, 2010
Saturday Night Live
January 09th 2009
Host: Charles Barkley
Musical Guest: Alicia Keys
Cold Open.
Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.
Like so many politically-themed cold opens: Sad but probably true. But this one also had some actual laughs. Fred Armisen was great as the Yemeni President.
Monologue.
My wife commented that Charles Barkley was like an awkward middle school student on stage. I doubt that’s what he was going for, but it worked for us.
Commercial Parody: Thomas Peepers Insurance.
Bill Hader’s facial expressions made this a good sketch. His pervy reactions very similar to his raised eyebrow Chris Hansen impression.
Game Show: Reel Quotes.
Considering how many game shows they’ve done where the only joke that is the contestants are idiots, I was surprised how often this sketch cracked me up. There was a surprising logic to it, and both Charles Barkley and Kristen Wiig had tons of great material to work. They both sold the gags with conviction and perfect comic timing.
Great quotes: “Shark BAG!” “You shouldn’t be looking at kids, Rege.”
Sexy Woman.
This sketch was close to brilliance. Kristen Wiig as a Marilyn Monroe-style sexpot who turns out to be more awkward than seductive. Lots of great moments like the way she giggles when she gets over excited and the stilted pole dance moves. Jenny Slate was also good as the contrasting “straight woman.” As was Charles Barkley as the one person turned on by Kristen Wiig’s antics. It’s a shame that he tripped up some of his lines, because they were funny! “That was superior.”
MacGruber.
I surprisingly enjoyed the first two installments. Maybe they’re growing on me just because they are so short.
NBA Booth.
Eh. I’m not a fan of sketches where someone keeps saying the same thing over and over. Except when it was Fred Armisen saying “I’m YOUR mother!” Seems like the fumbling likes were contagious.
Alicia Keys.
Obviously talented, but her songs do nothing for me.
Weekend Update.
Bill Hader still does a good James Carville, but this appearance wasn’t as funny as the first time.
Considering how in his first episode they made fun of Andy Samberg not being good with impressions, I’ve been surprised at how good he’s been at it lately. His Nicholas Cage is dead on.
The Haney Project.
A little too predictable. Just having Charles Barkley fumble at everyday things wasn’t funny enough.
Booty Call.
Alicia did a good job with her half, but the Andy Samberg bits just seemed too over the top to be funny.
Alicia Keys.
I didn’t realize there was a full song to go with the “New York” chorus from the Jay Z rap anthem. Does that make it a sample? Or did Alicia Keys flesh out the rest of the song AFTER the Jay Z bits were recorded? I guess that’s what Wikipedia is for…
Scared Straight.
I really wish they’d stop doing this. The first 5 times were sporadically amusing, but they’ve pretty much run it into the ground. The only redeeming quality is watching people try to keep a straight face.
Barkley’s Banks.
Did they cut to the title card screen too soon? The sketch ended abruptly but I thought I heard mumbling.
January 09th 2009
Host: Charles Barkley
Musical Guest: Alicia Keys
Cold Open.
Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.
Like so many politically-themed cold opens: Sad but probably true. But this one also had some actual laughs. Fred Armisen was great as the Yemeni President.
Monologue.
My wife commented that Charles Barkley was like an awkward middle school student on stage. I doubt that’s what he was going for, but it worked for us.
Commercial Parody: Thomas Peepers Insurance.
Bill Hader’s facial expressions made this a good sketch. His pervy reactions very similar to his raised eyebrow Chris Hansen impression.
Game Show: Reel Quotes.
Considering how many game shows they’ve done where the only joke that is the contestants are idiots, I was surprised how often this sketch cracked me up. There was a surprising logic to it, and both Charles Barkley and Kristen Wiig had tons of great material to work. They both sold the gags with conviction and perfect comic timing.
Great quotes: “Shark BAG!” “You shouldn’t be looking at kids, Rege.”
Sexy Woman.
This sketch was close to brilliance. Kristen Wiig as a Marilyn Monroe-style sexpot who turns out to be more awkward than seductive. Lots of great moments like the way she giggles when she gets over excited and the stilted pole dance moves. Jenny Slate was also good as the contrasting “straight woman.” As was Charles Barkley as the one person turned on by Kristen Wiig’s antics. It’s a shame that he tripped up some of his lines, because they were funny! “That was superior.”
MacGruber.
I surprisingly enjoyed the first two installments. Maybe they’re growing on me just because they are so short.
NBA Booth.
Eh. I’m not a fan of sketches where someone keeps saying the same thing over and over. Except when it was Fred Armisen saying “I’m YOUR mother!” Seems like the fumbling likes were contagious.
Alicia Keys.
Obviously talented, but her songs do nothing for me.
Weekend Update.
Bill Hader still does a good James Carville, but this appearance wasn’t as funny as the first time.
Considering how in his first episode they made fun of Andy Samberg not being good with impressions, I’ve been surprised at how good he’s been at it lately. His Nicholas Cage is dead on.
The Haney Project.
A little too predictable. Just having Charles Barkley fumble at everyday things wasn’t funny enough.
Booty Call.
Alicia did a good job with her half, but the Andy Samberg bits just seemed too over the top to be funny.
Alicia Keys.
I didn’t realize there was a full song to go with the “New York” chorus from the Jay Z rap anthem. Does that make it a sample? Or did Alicia Keys flesh out the rest of the song AFTER the Jay Z bits were recorded? I guess that’s what Wikipedia is for…
Scared Straight.
I really wish they’d stop doing this. The first 5 times were sporadically amusing, but they’ve pretty much run it into the ground. The only redeeming quality is watching people try to keep a straight face.
Barkley’s Banks.
Did they cut to the title card screen too soon? The sketch ended abruptly but I thought I heard mumbling.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday Night Live December 20th, 2009
Saturday Night Live
December 19th, 2009
Host: James Franco
Musical Guest: Muse.
I missed the beginning because I was watching the snow storm on the news. Hope the audience gets home okay.
What Up With That?
Third time out, it’s getting a bit tired, but I still get some enjoyment from it. Sadly, this installment felt the most off. Maybe because everyone seemed tired. I’d like to see them find a way to change up the format or at least the song. The best part was just seeing Jack McBrayer sitting next to Mike Tyson.
Awkwardly kissing family.
You gotta give them all credit for going at it with such vigor. Something about it seems to be a classic SNL sketch.
Digital Short: Jammy Party.
Not much of an original spin on the innocent kid show going horribly wrong…but it still worked for me.
Manuel Ortiz Show.
How many Spanish television parodies is Fred Armisen in? Mildly amusing if just for the amount of energy the cast put into the non-stop dancing.
Musical Guest: Muse.
I don’t know that much about the band except that they sometimes sound like old Radiohead and a bit like the band, Ours. Something about this particular song reminds me a bit of Brian Setzer with an electronic twist. I like it well enough.
Weekend Update.
Bill Hader as the Jersey Shore’s The Situation had a tight six pack on his back!
I enjoyed Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig’s matching outfits and wigs for Garth & Cat. Not sure I got what they were trying to do though.
College Kids.
Kind of zoned out during this one.
Vincent Price Christmas Special.
Still using that Harry Potter font. I’ve never been a big fan of this reoccurring sketch but I enjoyed this one a bit more than normal. Mostly because of Katherine Hepburn fighting the raccoon.
Christmas Tree Lot.
James Franco is a man who really loves his Christmas trees. I LOVED THIS SKETCH!
“Carol, Hold My Calls” is one SNL quote that will never be on a t-shirt (god willing).
Mark Walberg talks to Christmas animals.
Not much new here. But it's short enough that it goes down easy.
FAVORITE CLIP:
December 19th, 2009
Host: James Franco
Musical Guest: Muse.
I missed the beginning because I was watching the snow storm on the news. Hope the audience gets home okay.
What Up With That?
Third time out, it’s getting a bit tired, but I still get some enjoyment from it. Sadly, this installment felt the most off. Maybe because everyone seemed tired. I’d like to see them find a way to change up the format or at least the song. The best part was just seeing Jack McBrayer sitting next to Mike Tyson.
Awkwardly kissing family.
You gotta give them all credit for going at it with such vigor. Something about it seems to be a classic SNL sketch.
Digital Short: Jammy Party.
Not much of an original spin on the innocent kid show going horribly wrong…but it still worked for me.
Manuel Ortiz Show.
How many Spanish television parodies is Fred Armisen in? Mildly amusing if just for the amount of energy the cast put into the non-stop dancing.
Musical Guest: Muse.
I don’t know that much about the band except that they sometimes sound like old Radiohead and a bit like the band, Ours. Something about this particular song reminds me a bit of Brian Setzer with an electronic twist. I like it well enough.
Weekend Update.
Bill Hader as the Jersey Shore’s The Situation had a tight six pack on his back!
I enjoyed Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig’s matching outfits and wigs for Garth & Cat. Not sure I got what they were trying to do though.
College Kids.
Kind of zoned out during this one.
Vincent Price Christmas Special.
Still using that Harry Potter font. I’ve never been a big fan of this reoccurring sketch but I enjoyed this one a bit more than normal. Mostly because of Katherine Hepburn fighting the raccoon.
Christmas Tree Lot.
James Franco is a man who really loves his Christmas trees. I LOVED THIS SKETCH!
“Carol, Hold My Calls” is one SNL quote that will never be on a t-shirt (god willing).
Mark Walberg talks to Christmas animals.
Not much new here. But it's short enough that it goes down easy.
FAVORITE CLIP:
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Saturday Night Live November 1st 2008
Saturday Night Live
November 1st, 2008
Host: Ben Affleck
Musical Guest: David Cook.
Kind of a low-key episode with some solid moments.
Cold Open.
I always enjoyed John McCain's many appearances on SNL, and thought he was a great host (loved the McCain Sings CD ad). He's a natural comedian and it's the context in which I like him best. The QVC follow-up to Obama's paid programming was an inspired idea and well executed. Creepy cameo by Cindy McCain modeling McCain's Fine Gold (cute pun).
Commercial.
They FINALLY show a commercial parody after the monologue and it's a repeat from earlier in the season? They really need to make some new fake commercials!! And bring back TV Funhouse!
The View.
An okay sketch made great by really funny impersonations by all the players. Kenan's Whoopi stare is priceless.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
Keith used to be a pretty tongue-in-cheek personality, who I equated with John Stewart and Stephen Colbert. But considering how intense and over the top he's gotten lately, he's pretty ripe for parody. Because as much as I agree with a lot of his politics, he's been hard to watch go off the handle on a daily basis. I imagine Ben Affleck and Keith Olbermann are on good terms and Keith won't lose too much sleep over the parody. It reveals how much political TV I watch, that I mostly appreciated Fred Armisen's imitation of Newsweek's Richard Wolf.
[I can't believe I just saw a commercial for the notoriously delayed Guns n' Roses album, Chinese Democracy. Is it a sign of the apocalypse? ]
Return of the Target Lady.
For a second, I thought Ben Affleck was reprising Bobby Moynihan's Pepper Sketch character. It was kind of creepy. I like the Target Lady's reaction to having a day off, "They make me take one!"
Staten Island Zoo.
The Giraffe with a forked tongue made the video worthwhile. I forget what animal they did a similar video for last time.
David Cook.
SNL makes it darn near impossible not to say something snarky about their musical guests lately. I kind of feel bad about being out of touch and not knowing who they are…and yet I can't imagine ever sitting through them again.
Weekend Update.
It's felt weird not to have a co-host for Seth Meyers, until I remember that Weekend Update only had one host for years and years! But for some reason Seth comes across as nervous and unsure without Amy there. I’m glad John McCain came back to show off his new campaign strategy, "The Sad Grandpa."
I started rolling my eyes at Will Forte and Fred Armisen doing another one of their stupid songs. But this one was better than most.
She used to annoy me, but much to my own surprise, Kristen Wiig's reoccurring Aunt Linda is actually starting to grow on me.
Night School Musical.
A decent idea that just barely came together. I liked Andy Samberg needing a time out and Bill Hader's narration. Always nice of Darrel Hammond to make a cameo on his own show.
Disney Pitch Meeting.
A solid character showpiece for Bill Hader. I liked it.
Times Square Coat.
Another funny idea, that wasn't all that funny to watch. I liked the idea of the coat turning into a tent. Two guys screaming at the screen with Austrian accents gave the sketch echoes of Hanz and Franz.
Credits.
Tina Fey looked awkward around Cindy McCain. I was sad Obama didn't do a last minute surprise cameo.
November 1st, 2008
Host: Ben Affleck
Musical Guest: David Cook.
Kind of a low-key episode with some solid moments.
Cold Open.
I always enjoyed John McCain's many appearances on SNL, and thought he was a great host (loved the McCain Sings CD ad). He's a natural comedian and it's the context in which I like him best. The QVC follow-up to Obama's paid programming was an inspired idea and well executed. Creepy cameo by Cindy McCain modeling McCain's Fine Gold (cute pun).
Commercial.
They FINALLY show a commercial parody after the monologue and it's a repeat from earlier in the season? They really need to make some new fake commercials!! And bring back TV Funhouse!
The View.
An okay sketch made great by really funny impersonations by all the players. Kenan's Whoopi stare is priceless.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
Keith used to be a pretty tongue-in-cheek personality, who I equated with John Stewart and Stephen Colbert. But considering how intense and over the top he's gotten lately, he's pretty ripe for parody. Because as much as I agree with a lot of his politics, he's been hard to watch go off the handle on a daily basis. I imagine Ben Affleck and Keith Olbermann are on good terms and Keith won't lose too much sleep over the parody. It reveals how much political TV I watch, that I mostly appreciated Fred Armisen's imitation of Newsweek's Richard Wolf.
[I can't believe I just saw a commercial for the notoriously delayed Guns n' Roses album, Chinese Democracy. Is it a sign of the apocalypse? ]
Return of the Target Lady.
For a second, I thought Ben Affleck was reprising Bobby Moynihan's Pepper Sketch character. It was kind of creepy. I like the Target Lady's reaction to having a day off, "They make me take one!"
Staten Island Zoo.
The Giraffe with a forked tongue made the video worthwhile. I forget what animal they did a similar video for last time.
David Cook.
SNL makes it darn near impossible not to say something snarky about their musical guests lately. I kind of feel bad about being out of touch and not knowing who they are…and yet I can't imagine ever sitting through them again.
Weekend Update.
It's felt weird not to have a co-host for Seth Meyers, until I remember that Weekend Update only had one host for years and years! But for some reason Seth comes across as nervous and unsure without Amy there. I’m glad John McCain came back to show off his new campaign strategy, "The Sad Grandpa."
I started rolling my eyes at Will Forte and Fred Armisen doing another one of their stupid songs. But this one was better than most.
She used to annoy me, but much to my own surprise, Kristen Wiig's reoccurring Aunt Linda is actually starting to grow on me.
Night School Musical.
A decent idea that just barely came together. I liked Andy Samberg needing a time out and Bill Hader's narration. Always nice of Darrel Hammond to make a cameo on his own show.
Disney Pitch Meeting.
A solid character showpiece for Bill Hader. I liked it.
Times Square Coat.
Another funny idea, that wasn't all that funny to watch. I liked the idea of the coat turning into a tent. Two guys screaming at the screen with Austrian accents gave the sketch echoes of Hanz and Franz.
Credits.
Tina Fey looked awkward around Cindy McCain. I was sad Obama didn't do a last minute surprise cameo.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saturday Night Live: September 27th, 2008
SNL Season 34, Episode 3
Host: Anna Farris
Musical Guest: Duffy
Opening.
More Tina Fey = more YAY! And she is more "adorable!" Still, I hope people don't elect McCain president because they like seeing Sarah Palin sketches. Tina has her own show to work on!
Monologue.
I don't know if I've seen Anna Farris before except in commercials for the House Bunny.
She reminds me of Britney Spears crossed with Courtney Love.
Driving Home.
Best ending to a pointless sketch ever! I also liked the line about suicide puns.
Debate.
It took me about a minute before I remembered Chris Parnel is no longer on SNL!I like that he KEEPS coming back though!
I was glad they did a bit about last night's debate because it shows that SNL can still write a sketch in less than 14 hours. If you watched the event it was a pretty good parody of it, and I liked the running gag about McCain trying to come up with alternatives to debating. And it was good they threw in some jabs at Obama to avoid seeming too biased. Fred Armisen’s impersonation is getting a lot better.
Lake Singing.
Gossip Girl, she's always gossiping! This was a super cute sketch and that would have been FUNNY ENOUGH but the singing took it over the edge to ACTUALLY FUNNY! Great lyrics and perfect delivery. I could actually watch this one again! It kind of reminded me of the Tracy Morgan homeless guy sketch with Britney Spears. Hope that doesn’t make me racist!
Musical Guest: Seemed like Amy Winehouse without the catchy hooks. When I squinted my eyes I thought I was watching Charo. I don't enjoy being snarky about musicians I've never heard of, but I wasn't impressed.
Weekend Update.
A pretty great Weekend Update overall. Darrel Hammond as Bill Clinton is always enjoyable and this week, extremely relevant. It built off Chris Rock's material in two completely different ways. I can already see this clip showing up on a lot of political pundit shows. I love Kristen Wiig, but I think her Judy Grimes character freaks me out.
Scores.
Moderately funny sketch, but I found all the obvious reading of teleprompters distracting.
Deep House Dish.
This is one my favorite Kenan Thompson re-occurring sketches. I just wish the performer's songs were longer. “GRRL PLEASE” is my new favorite song ever. Goodness throughout.
Slightly stained wedding dresses.
PVC pipe is comedy gold. And in SNL tradition, they found another way to sort of curse and not get censored. By this sketch I felt like I was okay with Anna Farris and will look forward to seeing more from her.
Beer Garden
Astoria Represent!
I thought this was a great sketch that most everyone can relate to it on some level with a great visual gag as its climax. A genuine laugh-out-loud moment to end a completely solid episode.
Closing thought: With this episode it feels like the SNL cast and writers are finally hitting their groove. But no commercial parodies or Digital Short? Are they still doing TV funhouse?
SNL HIGHLIGHT CLIPS:
Host: Anna Farris
Musical Guest: Duffy
Opening.
More Tina Fey = more YAY! And she is more "adorable!" Still, I hope people don't elect McCain president because they like seeing Sarah Palin sketches. Tina has her own show to work on!
Monologue.
I don't know if I've seen Anna Farris before except in commercials for the House Bunny.
She reminds me of Britney Spears crossed with Courtney Love.
Driving Home.
Best ending to a pointless sketch ever! I also liked the line about suicide puns.
Debate.
It took me about a minute before I remembered Chris Parnel is no longer on SNL!I like that he KEEPS coming back though!
I was glad they did a bit about last night's debate because it shows that SNL can still write a sketch in less than 14 hours. If you watched the event it was a pretty good parody of it, and I liked the running gag about McCain trying to come up with alternatives to debating. And it was good they threw in some jabs at Obama to avoid seeming too biased. Fred Armisen’s impersonation is getting a lot better.
Lake Singing.
Gossip Girl, she's always gossiping! This was a super cute sketch and that would have been FUNNY ENOUGH but the singing took it over the edge to ACTUALLY FUNNY! Great lyrics and perfect delivery. I could actually watch this one again! It kind of reminded me of the Tracy Morgan homeless guy sketch with Britney Spears. Hope that doesn’t make me racist!
Musical Guest: Seemed like Amy Winehouse without the catchy hooks. When I squinted my eyes I thought I was watching Charo. I don't enjoy being snarky about musicians I've never heard of, but I wasn't impressed.
Weekend Update.
A pretty great Weekend Update overall. Darrel Hammond as Bill Clinton is always enjoyable and this week, extremely relevant. It built off Chris Rock's material in two completely different ways. I can already see this clip showing up on a lot of political pundit shows. I love Kristen Wiig, but I think her Judy Grimes character freaks me out.
Scores.
Moderately funny sketch, but I found all the obvious reading of teleprompters distracting.
Deep House Dish.
This is one my favorite Kenan Thompson re-occurring sketches. I just wish the performer's songs were longer. “GRRL PLEASE” is my new favorite song ever. Goodness throughout.
Slightly stained wedding dresses.
PVC pipe is comedy gold. And in SNL tradition, they found another way to sort of curse and not get censored. By this sketch I felt like I was okay with Anna Farris and will look forward to seeing more from her.
Beer Garden
Astoria Represent!
I thought this was a great sketch that most everyone can relate to it on some level with a great visual gag as its climax. A genuine laugh-out-loud moment to end a completely solid episode.
Closing thought: With this episode it feels like the SNL cast and writers are finally hitting their groove. But no commercial parodies or Digital Short? Are they still doing TV funhouse?
SNL HIGHLIGHT CLIPS:
Monday, September 15, 2008
SNL: September 13, 2008
SNL Season 34, Episode 1.
September 13, 2008
Host: Michael Phelps
Musical Guest: Lil’ Wayne
OPENING: After weeks of cracking out on political coverage, I was really excited about the season premiere of SNL. And like many others, I had my fingers crossed that Tina Fey would do a cameo as Sarah Palin—and ideally face off against Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton. Much to my delight, the opening sketch was EXACTLY what I wanted to see. Fey’s delivery was spot on (love the accent!) and there were lots of great gags.
Palin: Can you believe it, Hillary?
Hillary: I CANNOT!
Hillary: I probably should have wanted it more.
I really WANT Tina Fey to come back for more!
MONOLOGUE: I usually don’t pay close attention to monologues and don’t expect much from the guest, except for them to not come across as a jerk (see Ashton Kutcher’s recent monologue). Michael Phelps certainly passed that test, and seemed enthused enough. POSITIVE NOTE: Amy Poehler as Phelp’s mom was cute.
COMMERCIAL BREAK: I’m always cranky when the first commercial of the show is a REAL one and not a parody. It’s a lost opportunity.
QUIZ BOWL: With so much anticipation about a new season of SNL, in part due to all the political news and my ongoing desire to see the show hit new creative heights, I couldn’t help but be disappointed when I saw the first sketch was ANOTHER game show about stupid contestants. A million new viewers checking you out and this is how you want to lose them? It wasn’t a horrible sketch, but it felt like a parody of SNL itself. POSITIVE NOTE: Kristen Wiig and some funny answers from the home schooled contestants.
LOCKER ROOM: This was like a dare to change the channel and stop watching the show forever. They already did this exact same sketch last year. Changing the sport and celebrity guest doesn’t warrant doing it again! I know it’s a long tradition of SNL to bring back popular characters and scenarios. But I somehow doubt the Peyton Manning bit was so beloved that people were begging them for more. And to start the show off with such derivative material is a bad show of faith from the writing staff. This sketch may have been the death nail in my growing dislike of Will Forte. I think he is a funny guy, but he is currently most guilty of beating the same jokes and characters to death (Tim Calhoun, McGruber, The Falconer). POSITIVE NOTE: Glad Michael Phelps got to dance—but it was too little too late.
I SAID WEEE! Last year, Kristen Wiig became my favorite cast member on SNL. But this ugly girl character doesn’t do it for me. It feels too derivative of stuff by Gilda Radner, Cheri Oteri, and a million others. Just slurring words and being short tempered isn’t enough of a twist on an old formula. It also felt more mean-for-meanness’-sake than funny. This sketch would have felt more at home on Mad TV but it still would’ve been a waste of talent. POSITIVE NOTE: Reaction shots of Kenan Thompson looking terrified.
COMMERCIAL: Not their best, but I’m always glad when they have a commercial parody.
MUSICAL GUEST: Didn't watch.
WEEKEND UPDATE: I can’t believe how little political humor there was! Will Forte as a Lumberjack and then the next thing you know it’s all bizarre local news and whatnot. After a whole summer off, this was all the news they had to comment on? I was very disappointed. Andy Samberg as Cathy was okay, if not completely dated. Not a lot of people keeping up with comic strips these days (sadly). But he gets points for the sweat drop reference. POSITIVE NOTE: Fred Armison’s political commentator character always surprises me in a good way. I usually roll my eyes when I see him, and then find myself very impressed by how many variations on the beginnings of sentences he can do. I’d love to read his script for these bits.
CHARLES BARKLEY SHOW: Always good to see Kenan Thompson in anything. This sketch had good moments but never really found a groove. Darrel Hammond as Béla Károlyi was a solid impersonation of my favorite Olympic personality and yet kind of wasted because he had no good lines. I did like the gag about the Jamaican runner coming and going too fast, and Barkley reflecting on his Olympic memories.
DIGITAL SHORT: As a fan of randomness and power ballads I wanted to like Space Olympics. But adding the word "space" to things doesn’t guarantee it’s funny (ask the Jetsons...or Astronaut Elementary). So even though it made me smile toward the end, the overall vibe it gave off was pointlessness. If Space Olympics was a random clip on Awesometown it would have been OKAY, and not memorable. But in the context of SNL it just feels out of place and more of a let down.
PEPPER SKETCH: This ALMOST made me laugh in between the moments of agony. “Come on, let’s just go see The Women” may be the most forced dialogue ever. POSITIVE NOTE: I always give new performers the benefit of the doubt and give them a few weeks to find their footing. I hope this pepper/hostess character isn’t the reason why Bobby Moynihan got hired. I’ll be very happy to never see that again. My sister pointed out that Moynihan looks like a young Artie Lang.
T-MOBILE COMMERCIAL: This should have been right after the monologue, or at least a lot earlier in the show. It was one of their strongest sketches because everyone who saw the commercial about “who’s in your five” probably had the same reaction to the dad character. This is the kind of funny-because-it’s-true observational humor that goes over very well! Much more so than Will Forte dancing for 10 minutes. NEGATIVE NOTE: the commercial is kind of old at this point.
MICHEAL PHELPS’ DIET: Not really much to comment on this one. I’m sure some people found it cute. Definitely belonged at the end of the episode.
CLOSING THOUGHTS: I’m really surprised that Casey Wilson is still a featured player considering how much screen time she got! I hope Amy Poehler’s baby isn’t due until at least mid November!
September 13, 2008
Host: Michael Phelps
Musical Guest: Lil’ Wayne
OPENING: After weeks of cracking out on political coverage, I was really excited about the season premiere of SNL. And like many others, I had my fingers crossed that Tina Fey would do a cameo as Sarah Palin—and ideally face off against Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton. Much to my delight, the opening sketch was EXACTLY what I wanted to see. Fey’s delivery was spot on (love the accent!) and there were lots of great gags.
Palin: Can you believe it, Hillary?
Hillary: I CANNOT!
Hillary: I probably should have wanted it more.
I really WANT Tina Fey to come back for more!
MONOLOGUE: I usually don’t pay close attention to monologues and don’t expect much from the guest, except for them to not come across as a jerk (see Ashton Kutcher’s recent monologue). Michael Phelps certainly passed that test, and seemed enthused enough. POSITIVE NOTE: Amy Poehler as Phelp’s mom was cute.
COMMERCIAL BREAK: I’m always cranky when the first commercial of the show is a REAL one and not a parody. It’s a lost opportunity.
QUIZ BOWL: With so much anticipation about a new season of SNL, in part due to all the political news and my ongoing desire to see the show hit new creative heights, I couldn’t help but be disappointed when I saw the first sketch was ANOTHER game show about stupid contestants. A million new viewers checking you out and this is how you want to lose them? It wasn’t a horrible sketch, but it felt like a parody of SNL itself. POSITIVE NOTE: Kristen Wiig and some funny answers from the home schooled contestants.
LOCKER ROOM: This was like a dare to change the channel and stop watching the show forever. They already did this exact same sketch last year. Changing the sport and celebrity guest doesn’t warrant doing it again! I know it’s a long tradition of SNL to bring back popular characters and scenarios. But I somehow doubt the Peyton Manning bit was so beloved that people were begging them for more. And to start the show off with such derivative material is a bad show of faith from the writing staff. This sketch may have been the death nail in my growing dislike of Will Forte. I think he is a funny guy, but he is currently most guilty of beating the same jokes and characters to death (Tim Calhoun, McGruber, The Falconer). POSITIVE NOTE: Glad Michael Phelps got to dance—but it was too little too late.
I SAID WEEE! Last year, Kristen Wiig became my favorite cast member on SNL. But this ugly girl character doesn’t do it for me. It feels too derivative of stuff by Gilda Radner, Cheri Oteri, and a million others. Just slurring words and being short tempered isn’t enough of a twist on an old formula. It also felt more mean-for-meanness’-sake than funny. This sketch would have felt more at home on Mad TV but it still would’ve been a waste of talent. POSITIVE NOTE: Reaction shots of Kenan Thompson looking terrified.
COMMERCIAL: Not their best, but I’m always glad when they have a commercial parody.
MUSICAL GUEST: Didn't watch.
WEEKEND UPDATE: I can’t believe how little political humor there was! Will Forte as a Lumberjack and then the next thing you know it’s all bizarre local news and whatnot. After a whole summer off, this was all the news they had to comment on? I was very disappointed. Andy Samberg as Cathy was okay, if not completely dated. Not a lot of people keeping up with comic strips these days (sadly). But he gets points for the sweat drop reference. POSITIVE NOTE: Fred Armison’s political commentator character always surprises me in a good way. I usually roll my eyes when I see him, and then find myself very impressed by how many variations on the beginnings of sentences he can do. I’d love to read his script for these bits.
CHARLES BARKLEY SHOW: Always good to see Kenan Thompson in anything. This sketch had good moments but never really found a groove. Darrel Hammond as Béla Károlyi was a solid impersonation of my favorite Olympic personality and yet kind of wasted because he had no good lines. I did like the gag about the Jamaican runner coming and going too fast, and Barkley reflecting on his Olympic memories.
DIGITAL SHORT: As a fan of randomness and power ballads I wanted to like Space Olympics. But adding the word "space" to things doesn’t guarantee it’s funny (ask the Jetsons...or Astronaut Elementary). So even though it made me smile toward the end, the overall vibe it gave off was pointlessness. If Space Olympics was a random clip on Awesometown it would have been OKAY, and not memorable. But in the context of SNL it just feels out of place and more of a let down.
PEPPER SKETCH: This ALMOST made me laugh in between the moments of agony. “Come on, let’s just go see The Women” may be the most forced dialogue ever. POSITIVE NOTE: I always give new performers the benefit of the doubt and give them a few weeks to find their footing. I hope this pepper/hostess character isn’t the reason why Bobby Moynihan got hired. I’ll be very happy to never see that again. My sister pointed out that Moynihan looks like a young Artie Lang.
T-MOBILE COMMERCIAL: This should have been right after the monologue, or at least a lot earlier in the show. It was one of their strongest sketches because everyone who saw the commercial about “who’s in your five” probably had the same reaction to the dad character. This is the kind of funny-because-it’s-true observational humor that goes over very well! Much more so than Will Forte dancing for 10 minutes. NEGATIVE NOTE: the commercial is kind of old at this point.
MICHEAL PHELPS’ DIET: Not really much to comment on this one. I’m sure some people found it cute. Definitely belonged at the end of the episode.
CLOSING THOUGHTS: I’m really surprised that Casey Wilson is still a featured player considering how much screen time she got! I hope Amy Poehler’s baby isn’t due until at least mid November!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A blog about Saturday Night Live and sketch comedy.
I pretty much still watch SNL every week. Mostly for the “you just never know...” factor. And because I’m a huge fan of the sketch comedy format. It probably started with You Can’t Do That on Television and Turkey Television as a kid! I remember other kids quoting Hanz and Franz in elementary school and feeling left out for not knowing who they were. And when I finally started watching I fell in love with Dana Carvey, John Lovitz, Phil Hartman and the rest of that cast. And it wasn’t long after that they started showing classic episodes of SNL in 30-minute chunks on Nick at Night (I think?) and soon I was fan of the entire SNL legacy. And that spun off into SCTV because of the cast crossover and misc. related projects and films (Three Amigos?) I didn’t have HBO as a kid but once I was in a hotel and caught an early episode of the Kids in the Hall, it totally blew my mind. Soon my dad was renting me compilation tapes of Monty Python, and my obsession with sketch comedy never wavered.
Going to college in New York City during the late 90s I discovered the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and got to see amazing live comedy for five dollars a show. The best part about going there is watching new comedians get their break, develop their skills and end up in various places. Rob Corddry from a group called the Naked Babies ends up on the Daily Show, and Rob Riggle from Respecto Montalbán ends up a cast member on SNL (and then later the Daily Show!)which makes me very happy! And that leads me to one of my favorite things about Saturday Night Live. Watching performers start out as “featuring,” then finding their footing, creating new characters, and becoming huge stars. I’m USUALLY rooting for them. If they came from the UCB or some other venue, then doubly so. Every now and then there’s a performer who I end up hating and hope they get no screen time on SNL. This is the closest thing I have to being a sports fan.
Most of my friends say they USED to watch SNL, “Back when it was funny.” For me the show never really stopped being funny. I fully admit there are dry periods. Weaker casts, weaker writers that come and go over the years. But what may be considered a golden age for some viewers is considered totally unfunny to others. A lot of time people don’t realize how much overlap there is between the good and the bad. Even during the seemingly worst times, there are still some amazing sketches in the mix. The commercial parodies and Weekend Updates are evergreen in their consistent quality. And because of the show’s esteemed history, you never know who is going to come back for a cameo, or an unannounced celebrity guest that will show up just for something silly. Tom Hanks joining the 5-Timers Club is still one of my favorite moments ever.
And I admit to having a teenage nerdgasm when Aerosmith was in Wayne's breakfast nook. That kind of stuff never happens anywhere else on TV. And when someone screws up a line or improvs because of the live format ALL THE BETTER! Is it worth suffering through the especially unfunny game show parodies? Maybe not! And yet I still do! Because I’ve already invested so much time into the legacy of SNL and I like that it’s something I’ve consistently watched since my childhood. Like a hardcore Mets fan who sticks with his team through thick and thin. Luckily I don’t watch a lot of primetime TV shows during the week, so an hour and half Saturday nights is not a huge investment of time for me! Plus I’m a pop culture nerd who doesn’t like to party. So if 1-3 sketches really hit, then I’m stoked. Judge me all you want!
Since I spend a lot of time thinking about the ins and outs of SNL, I figured I’d start a blog with reactions to episodes. And I figure I’ll also write about other sketch comedy I watch (currently enjoying the Human Giant Season 1 DVD). I don’t have a lot of people to talk about this stuff with, so all comments are welcome!
Going to college in New York City during the late 90s I discovered the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and got to see amazing live comedy for five dollars a show. The best part about going there is watching new comedians get their break, develop their skills and end up in various places. Rob Corddry from a group called the Naked Babies ends up on the Daily Show, and Rob Riggle from Respecto Montalbán ends up a cast member on SNL (and then later the Daily Show!)which makes me very happy! And that leads me to one of my favorite things about Saturday Night Live. Watching performers start out as “featuring,” then finding their footing, creating new characters, and becoming huge stars. I’m USUALLY rooting for them. If they came from the UCB or some other venue, then doubly so. Every now and then there’s a performer who I end up hating and hope they get no screen time on SNL. This is the closest thing I have to being a sports fan.
Most of my friends say they USED to watch SNL, “Back when it was funny.” For me the show never really stopped being funny. I fully admit there are dry periods. Weaker casts, weaker writers that come and go over the years. But what may be considered a golden age for some viewers is considered totally unfunny to others. A lot of time people don’t realize how much overlap there is between the good and the bad. Even during the seemingly worst times, there are still some amazing sketches in the mix. The commercial parodies and Weekend Updates are evergreen in their consistent quality. And because of the show’s esteemed history, you never know who is going to come back for a cameo, or an unannounced celebrity guest that will show up just for something silly. Tom Hanks joining the 5-Timers Club is still one of my favorite moments ever.
And I admit to having a teenage nerdgasm when Aerosmith was in Wayne's breakfast nook. That kind of stuff never happens anywhere else on TV. And when someone screws up a line or improvs because of the live format ALL THE BETTER! Is it worth suffering through the especially unfunny game show parodies? Maybe not! And yet I still do! Because I’ve already invested so much time into the legacy of SNL and I like that it’s something I’ve consistently watched since my childhood. Like a hardcore Mets fan who sticks with his team through thick and thin. Luckily I don’t watch a lot of primetime TV shows during the week, so an hour and half Saturday nights is not a huge investment of time for me! Plus I’m a pop culture nerd who doesn’t like to party. So if 1-3 sketches really hit, then I’m stoked. Judge me all you want!
Since I spend a lot of time thinking about the ins and outs of SNL, I figured I’d start a blog with reactions to episodes. And I figure I’ll also write about other sketch comedy I watch (currently enjoying the Human Giant Season 1 DVD). I don’t have a lot of people to talk about this stuff with, so all comments are welcome!
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