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Holiday Spirit, Courtesy of Stephen Colbert

BuzzSugar — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:30:22 -0800

Not surprisingly, given what I do for a living, I often turn to my favorite TV specials (A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Snowman, and A Muppet Family Christmas, among many others) to get me in the holiday spirit. Well, this year, there's a new special on the scene, and it already seems destined to become a seasonal classic.

A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All (hee) premieres Sunday at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central and will hit DVD two days later. The skewering of celebrity holiday specials looks hilarious, with special guests ranging from Toby Keith to Elvis Costello to Willie Nelson. Oh, and if it's not obvious from that list, it's a musical!

The songs are the handiwork of Fountains of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger and Daily Show producer David Javerbaum, and they include a tune sung by Jon Stewart as he tries to interest Colbert in Hanukkah and a vaguely dirty song about nutmeg courtesy of Colbert and John Legend. Also, Feist appears as an angel, and she sings a song of her own and then joins the whole cast in a rendition of "(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love And Understanding." You setting that DVR yet?

There's actually some good to go along with the funny: a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the DVD and soundtrack (also available on Tuesday, exclusively on iTunes) will go to Feeding America. Hysterical and generous? That's our Colbert. To check out a clip from the show with Stewart and Colbert, just read more.

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

A Colbert Christmas: Preview - Jon Stewart

Ron Paul Interview
Bob Barr Interview

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Photo courtesy of Comedy Central

Rocking Out with "The Office"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:52:14 -0800

Last week's holiday episode of "The Office" featured so many priceless karaoke moments. Among my favorites were Kevin's deadpan rendition of "You Oughta Know," Angela's thundering take on "Little Drummer Boy," and Kelly's "We belong together ... Ryan!" But this may be the best story of them all: It turns out Creed was singing his own song.

In his other life, Creed Bratton, the actor who plays Creed, is Creed Bratton: Rocker. He was in a group called The Grass Roots in the '60s, and he has since released three solo albums. The song he performed on the show was "Spinnin' N Reelin,'" from his album The 80's. You can hear a clip of the song - or even buy the whole album - here.

I can't get over how much more exuberant Creed sounds on the recorded clip than he did on the show. I think of him as the gross old curmudgeon who steals toys from needy children, so the bright guitars and synth-heavy beats on his album just crack me up.

Meanwhile, John Mayer talks about his decision to let Michael Scott have his way with "Your Body is a Wonderland." In exchange for letting the show use his song for the Karaoke party, Mayer asked for a Dundie Award.

The Office Recap: "A Benihana Christmas"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:28:13 -0800

In last night's one-hour holiday episode of "The Office," Michael learns that it's always bros before ho-ho-ho's. This was the perfect holiday episode, touching on all of the ongoing stories for each character. There's not too much drama that you're left crying (remember "Casino Night"?), and every joke is on-key for each of the characters.

The show opens with Dwight hauling in a dead goose and plopping it down on Pam's desk: "Don't worry, she's dead. No wait... he's dead. I accidentally ran over it. It's a Christmas miracle!" After some argument, Tobey convinces Dwight to put the goose in his car.

Michael enters, riding his old bike with a bow on it. After greeting Pam with, "I would like a slice of Christmas Pam, side of candied Pams and perhaps some Pam chops, with mint," Michael proceeds to place his old bike in the pile of gifts for needy children.

In his office, Michael reveals that he's bought tickets for a Sandals vacation in Jamaica for himself and his girlfriend, Carol. She soon comes into the office, however, and asks Michael why he Photoshopped his face over her ex-husband's face in an old family photo, creating a Christmas card featuring Carol, her kids, and Michael's face on Carol's ex's body. Jim calls this a "bold move." After some bumbling explanation on Michael's part, Carol breaks up with him.

Meanwhile, Pam tells Jim about her Christmas gift to him: She's been sending Dwight letters from "the CIA," and she tells Jim that he can be the one to decide what Dwight's "top-secret mission" should be. Jim says he thinks he shouldn't be doing these kinds of pranks anymore, "because of the promotion," though it's clear he also thinks he shouldn't be in cahoots with Pam when he's dating Karen. But that's only a taste of the drama, so read more

Michael, newly dumped, declares that Christmas is canceled, prompting the following exchange:

Stanley: "You can't cancel a holiday."
Michael: "Keep it up Stanley, and you'll lose New Year's."
Stanley: "What does that mean?"
Michael: "Jim, take New Year's away from Stanley."

Meanwhile, during the meeting for the Party Planning Committee, Angela shoots Karen's ideas and then kicks her out of the Committee. Feeling bad for Karen, Pam befriends her, and the two form their own Committee to Plan Parties. They tell everyone that they will be having a more fun party, with margaritas, karaoke, and a raffle. There are several shots of Jim looking nervous and uncomfortable about Karen and Pam are getting so chummy, which is oddly satisfying

Andy, in his continuous efforts to brownnose, takes Michael to Benihana's for a cheering-up lunch, and Jim and Dwight come alone. This is when Michael declares:

"Bros before ho's! Why? Because your bros are always there for you. They have got your back after your ho rips your heart out for no good reason. And you were nothing but great to the ho, and you told her that she was the only ho for you and that she was better than all the other ho's in the world, and then... then suddenly she is not your ho no mo'."

It's war of the holiday parties back at the office. Pam and Karen start their party 15 minutes earlier than Angela's is scheduled to begin. When Angela calls Dwight at Benihana's to see if she can get permission to start her party early, Dwight exhibits a rare moment of rebellion, and tells her to go ahead, without consulting Michael first. Pam lures Meredith with the promise of vodka, while Kevin goes to Angela's party for the brownies and cupcakes. Most everyone ends up at Pam and Karen's more fun party, where Roy and Pam are getting along so sweetly, it's almost like they're flirting again.

Can I just say that Roy looks hot for once? What happened to him? His body looks more trim, and the beard is really working. Okay, I'm done.

At Benihana's, Michael and Andy decide to invite some of the waitresses back to the office party. When the two walk in with their waitress companions, Angela demands, "Where's Dwight?" Michael's waitress asks, "Is he the hot one or the giant baby?" "The giant baby," Michael says quietly.

Pam and Karen reconcile with Angela and suggest merging the two parties. Suddenly, Angela is able to locate the power strip needed for the karaoke machine, and we are treated to Kevin's rendition of Alanis Morrisette's "You Oughta Know."

The Pam-and-Jim thing continues, as Pam watches Jim and Karen exchange gifts and then hug, and Jim watches Pam and Roy exchange gifts and then hug. Looks of longing all around, as it should be. Of course, many viewers are rooting for Pam and Jim, but if the writers give us their relationship too soon it could prove disappointing. It's more enjoyable to keep getting these little moments heavy with feeling to let the anticipation build.

In true clueless Michael fashion, he can't keep straight which Benihana's waitress is which. Finally, the two women decide to leave, and Michael tells "his" waitress, "I like you. So much I'd like you to accompany me on a Sandals trip to Jamaica."

She responds, "Nah. I have school," and wheels away Michael's old bike. Soon after, Michael admits to Jim that he'd marked the arm of "his" waitress so he wouldn't confuse them. Jim then makes a speech about rebound girls that clearly parallels his own experiences with Pam and Karen:

"You just had a rebound... Which, don't get me wrong, can be a really fun distraction. But when it's over you're left thinking about the girl you really like. The one that broke your heart."

As the episode wraps up, Michael is on the phone, asking a mystery person to go on the Sandals trip with him. Oscar and his partner walk into the party, see Angela singing "Little Drummer Boy," prompting Oscar to say, "Too soon," and they leave. And Jim tells Pam about the CIA prank he'd decided to play on Dwight. In the last scene, Dwight is on the roof, awaiting a helicopter when he gets a text message: "You have been compromised. Abort mission. Destroy phone." He throws the phone off the roof and hurries away.

TV Tonight: The O.C., "Chrismukk-huh?"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:27:43 -0800

If you're looking for some good over-the-top holiday TV, I highly recommend tonight's special holiday episode of "The O.C.," titled "Chrismukk-huh?" I was lucky enough to screen an advanced copy of this episode, and it's truly entertaining. I don't want to reveal too much, but I will say that the premise will be somewhat familiar to fans of It's a Wonderful Life and that somehow, "The O.C." manages to pull this off with minimal hokiness.

Even though I haven't been loving "The O.C." lately, this year's Chrismukkah special gives me hope that the show is returning to its early brilliance. If you agree, check out this petition to save "The O.C." on the Fox web site, where fans can pledge their allegiance:

"I promise to cancel dinner dates, skip night school classes, trade shifts with a co-worker, walk the dog after dinner and do whatever else is necessary to ensure that I am on my couch each and every Thursday night at 9 p.m. Or 8 central."

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0800

It's Tuesday, so you know what that means - new DVD releases just in time for the Thanksgiving break! I've already shared some fresh music picks, but here are three movies to add to your Netflix queue for the weekend.

Funny People

Adam Sandler plays a comedian who tries to turn his life around and befriend a past love (Leslie Mann) after being diagnosed with a blood disorder; Seth Rogen steps in as his idealistic assistant. Both men turn in solid performances in Funny People, and there are laughs, even though this is way more serious than director Judd Apatow's previous work. One of my complaints in the theater was that it was much too long, but that's the good thing about DVDs - you can always hit pause and go back later.

The single disc version includes a gag reel and a feature commentary with Apatow, Rogen, and Sandler. (Normally I don't watch with the commentary on, but in this case, I might just tune in for their wise cracks.) The special two-disc collector's version is loaded with extras, including a 13-year old Seth Rogen doing stand-up!

68%

Two more DVD releases to check out when you read more.

Four Christmases

I love Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, and while they don't necessarily have any sparks in Four Christmases, they still serve up a cute comedy. The pair star as a couple stuck visiting four sets of relatives around the holidays - his mom, her mom, his dad, her dad. And while it's not the funniest or most charming film that either actor has done, I still had a few laughs, especially thanks to the supporting cast of quirky characters (Jon Favreau and Kristin Chenoweth in particular). Even if it doesn't stack up against the classics in my holiday movie faceoff, it's worth trying if you're looking to get into the spirit of the season.

25%

Angels and Demons

Tom Hanks fans have Angels and Demons to look forward to. The actor is incredibly long-winded in the follow-up film to The DaVinci Code, but at least he's no longer sporting that ridiculous bouffant hairdo. This time, Robert Langdon tries to save the Vatican from an ancient group known as the Illuminati. Personally, I was bored by the first half when I saw the film in theaters, but the second part is actually fun - so if you catch it at home, you may want to fast forward a bit to get to the good stuff.

Special features include behind-the-scenes featurettes.

36%

Buzz Gift Guide: The Party Hostess

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:00 -0800

Got a friend who always loves to entertain? Don't forget to repay her for all those awesome nights with a little something special. I'm digging Alice in Wonderland tumblers which feel very Tim Burton-esque, a cute and functional Joan Holloway apron, and Cash Cab Trivia, which should create a heated game among her party guests. Or if she's like me and dreams of spinning on the turntables for everyone, DJ Hero is guaranteed good times.

Check out my picks, and then take a peek through all of my gift guides plus holiday coverage across the PopSugar Network!

Buzz-Worthy Video: Comedian Christmas Carol

BuzzSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:30:48 -0800

Is it too early for a holiday music video? Not when it's one starring a host of comedians like Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Weird Al Yankovic, and Rob Huebel, plus many more. Even Mary Lynn Rajskub pops up for a verse or two!

The song, "Do They Know It's Christmas?", was originally written in the '80s for a group of celeb musicians, but this one is very different, and very tongue-in-cheek. Just take the, um, "special appearance" by Thomas Lennon and Ed Helms.

For a holiday chuckle, watch the video when you read more.

Buzz In: What Are Your Favorite Halloween-Themed TV Episodes?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:30:53 -0700

October is almost halfway through, and Halloween is everywhere you turn. There's plenty of fun to be had beyond the candy and costumes - like special episodes of some of my favorite TV shows. CBS is already gearing up for the holiday with special episodes of NCIS, The Mentalist, Ghost Whisperer, Medium, and, Numb3rs, but I hope the fun doesn't stop there.

I'd love to see something extra spooky on The Vampire Diaries (especially since there's a pivotal Halloween event in the book), and maybe this year How I Met Your Mother can match "The Slutty Pumpkin" episode from a few seasons ago. We've still got a couple of weeks to go, but what are some of your favorite Halloween-themed episodes of the past?

Oh, and don't forget to fill out my Scariest Movie Bracket for a chance to win a prize!

Mad Men: This Week's 5 Maddest Moments

BuzzSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:30:23 -0700

It's Summer in the '60s in this week's Mad Men, and the latest episode, "Souvenir" is all about getting out of dodge or being left behind, and how it affects relationships.

Pete, Don and Betty are the focus of this week, though for once, Don isn't the one getting into trouble. Lots of mad moments from this episode, so to see what I thought (spoilers ahead!), just read more.

The kiss: Betty lets Henry kiss her after the reservoir victory at city hall. For all her previous flirtatiousness, she acts reluctant as Henry butts his head into the car aggressively - not that she doesn't kiss back or anything. Later, she tells Sally how special first kisses are and that you can never have the first one with someone again. This wistful speech sounds like it's coming from a blushing 15-year-old, and you know she's thinking of her own encounter. "I'm done with that," she says to Francine about the reservoir, but she means Henry, and I believe her - not because her guilty conscience will stop it, but because of Betty's immaturity. She got chased by a boy she liked, kissed him, now she's over it.
Roman holiday: How glam were Don and Betty arriving in Rome? The '60s Italian movie star getup on Betty is a bit jarring, but I was into their sexy "strangers in Rome" game. As much as these two hurt each other in their marriage, I still find myself rooting for them, and when things are going great, their Ken and Barbie perfection is impossibly romantic. But when they come home and back to their real lives and real problems, it's heartbreaking to see Betty's bitterness.
The affair of the party dress: Pete, Pete, Pete. The German au pair next door first brings out Pete's decent side, when he kindly offers to help the distraught girl with a stained dress. That is, until booze, loneliness, and general Pete Campbell-ness propel him into dirtbag territory. How far do things go? We can guess, but either way, it's horrible and a new low for Pete. Ugh, and how smarmy is the neighbor from next door when he comes over to confront Pete? It's totally OK to sexually assault nannies, bro, just not my nanny! Great advice.
Willful wifely ignorance: I didn't completely hate Pete toward the end, because his sullen face when Trudy comes home actually showed shame, which is more than you can say for Mr. Donald Draper. Trudy seems to know exactly what went on in her absence, but stalking off and then accepting Pete's proposal that she not leave town without him again are all she needs to move past her husband's infidelity. Some things in this show are pretty hard to watch as a woman, and the relationship behavior is one of them. It's a bummer: the women are doormats because they were expected to be.
Joanie & Petie: I was thrilled when Joan shows up at the department store to help Pete, looking all gorgeous and chic. Her interaction with Pete is a little more relaxed than it was at the agency, but the whole thing is still a little awkward. She's got to come back to Sterling Cooper, and I hope we don't have to wait too long; she's one of my favorite characters.

There was a lot of action for a show that's not usually known for it, and I love when we get to see the 1960s in another setting; in this case, Italy. What did you think? Do you really think Betty is done with Henry? What's your opinion of Pete now? And to talk more about the show, check out the Mad Men Group in the BuzzSugar community!

Photo courtesy of AMC