BuzzSugar

The Rocker: Major Points For Trying

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:45:22 PDT

There is this undeniable, crazy-intense talent that I think Rainn Wilson has yet to unleash on us, that goes beyond his hilarious and iconic portrayal of Dwight Schrute on The Office. Thanks to smaller roles that he's had, including his creepy character on Six Feet Under, I've had faith that Wilson is not a one-note actor, and that he possesses the tools to take part in a variety of genres. So, I was looking forward to his first time out as a comedic lead in The Rocker. And while the movie is far from perfect and not the laugh-riot that will launch him into major stardom, it's an excellent start.

What strikes me most about this movie is how good-natured it is underneath its gimmicky concept. If I had some teenagers to entertain this weekend, this is the kind of movie I'd love to watch with them. It's hard not to compare the overall spirit of this funny high school tale with that of other recent Summer comedies, and the biggest difference to me is that it has a warm and fuzzy center (despite the groin pain it causes the main character).

To see what I mean by "groin pain" and why I think The Rocker is a pleasant addition to this Summer's comedies,

The Rocker is a feel-good movie, and I think some people might take that as code for lame. But I was actually relieved to leave a comedy in an emotional space that was, well, good. The movie opens in the '80s at a concert where the heavy metal band Vesuvius is bringing down the house. Robert "Fish" Fishman (Wilson) is the drummer whose performance high is quickly killed when the band's label insists that they replace him. His buddies in the band, including lead singer Lex (played by the always hilarious Will Arnett in giant hair and eyeliner) and bassist Trash (Bradley Cooper doing an amazing Slash impression) don't bat an eye before kicking Fish out and then, to Fish's dismay, rocket to mega-stardom.

Years later, the out-of-work Fish is persuaded to join his nephew Matt's high school band, and it's not exactly smooth sailing. Fish is middle-aged, unhinged, and more interested in being "rock stars" than his teen bandmates. As the movie progresses, Fish actually helps the band make a name for itself, and though he is an unlikely source of wisdom, Fish ends up coming to terms with his own failures and immaturities by helping his bandmates through their teenage issues.

Here's the bad news: there is often way too much time that goes by without a good laugh. But when they do score one, it's genuinely funny. Christina Applegate is especially believable as a single mom, and despite the fact that Fish is such a spaz, I was cheering for these two to get together. Fish's little heart-to-hearts with the kids are mostly contrived, but all the actors are so freaking likable it's hard not to forgive the script a little. Wilson also takes one for the team and endures a steady stream of physical assaults - including many hits to the groin - and it's funny about two-thirds of the time, I'd estimate.

Most of all, however, I realized about three-fourths of the way through The Rocker that there had been zero blow job jokes. No - seriously. And then I noted that no one had said "mangina," not once. And while those kinds of jokes have their place and have made us all chuckle at some point, I have to say it was refreshing to see a whole other group of comedians with a whole new set of jokes attempting to make us laugh.

I can't give this movie a whole lot of stars, but I genuinely appreciate the effort and left the theater with a smile.

Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Movie Preview: The Rocker

BuzzSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:29:00 PDT

Finally! I have been looking forward to seeing a trailer for The Rocker for what feels like forever, especially when we get trailers for things that aren't even coming out until December and The Rocker is opening August 1.

Billed as "a comedy for the rocker in all of us," The Rocker stars Rainn Wilson and an assortment of comedic actors, like Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad (21) and Superbad's Emma Stone as a group of kids (and one of their uncles) who aim to rock out as the prom band. After the prom's over, they set off on tour and, I presume, ill-advised antics ensue.

The trailer's pretty funny, and Rainn Wilson is as straight-faced and hilarious as ever, so to check it out,

Source

NBC Pilots: Find Out About the New Shows Joining the Lineup

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:40:00 PDT

The networks will trot out their brand-new TV shows at next week's upfronts, but before we get a look at previews and find out the schedules, we're going to acquaint you with the upcoming series. First up are the shows coming to NBC, so check out the comedies and dramas that the network has picked up for the Fall 2012 season.

COMEDIES

Go On: Matthew Perry stars as a sportscaster who starts attending group therapy sessions after he suffers from a loss and bonds with the members of his group.
Animal Practice: Weeds star Justin Kirk plays a veterinarian who loves his furry subjects but doesn't like their human owners.
The New Normal: A gay couple played by Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells use a surrogate to start their family in this comedy from Glee creator Ryan Murphy.
Guys With Kids: Three dudes (Jesse Bradford, Nick Cregger, and Anthony Anderson) experience the joys of being dads together.
Save Me: Anne Heche plays a woman who thinks she can channel God after she has an accident.
1600 Penn: This White House-set comedy follows a fictional president played by Bill Pullman, his first lady (Jenna Elfman), and his goofy son (Josh Gad).
Next Caller: This workplace comedy takes place in a radio station and stars Dane Cook as a chauvinistic DJ who butts heads with his female colleague.

DRAMAS:

Revolution: This drama, produced by J.J. Abrams and written by Supernatural's creator, depicts a world where all technology has suddenly stopped working and its characters (played by Giancarlo Esposito and Billy Burke) struggle to connect with their loved ones.
Hannibal: This drama explores the relationship of notorious character Dr. Hannibal Lecter as he mentors detective Will Graham, played by Hugh Dancy.
Chicago Fire: The staff of a Chicago firehouse is the focus of this action-packed drama, which stars Taylor Kinney of The Vampire Diaries and House's Jesse Spencer.
Do No Harm: A neurosurgeon struggles with his job and personal life because he also has a Jekyll & Hyde-like alter ego.
Infamous: A female detective (Meagan Good) goes undercover to return to the home of the wealthy family her mother was a maid in and solve a murder.

Photos courtesy of NBC

What to TiVo: Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:59:00 PDT

8:00 Last Man Standing (repeat)
8:30 Cougar Town (new)
9:00 The River (new)
10:00 Body of Proof (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Will Ferrell and Ellie Kemper)

8:00 NCIS (repeat)
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (repeat)
10:00 Unforgettable (repeat)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guests Amanda Peet and Nick Offerman)
12:37 The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guest Jason Segel)

8:00 Raising Hope (new)
8:30 I Hate My Teenage Daughter (new)
9:00 New Girl (new)
9:30 Breaking In (new)

8:00 The Biggest Loser (new)
9:30 Fashion Star (new, series premiere)
11:35 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests Jonah Hill and Bethenny Frankel)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (repeat, with guests Zooey Deschanel and Chris Hardwick)

8:00 90210 (new)
9:00 Ringer (new)

Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy Take Their Boys on a Weekend Away

Allie Merriam — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:42:27 PST

Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy spent the weekend with their sons Ryder and Bingham near LA. The foursome packed up and headed back to their home in the city yesterday. It was their latest fun getaway after a recent stint in Cabo, where Kate Hudson broke out her bikini. The breaks came as Kate gears up for a return to moviemaking with two new projects. She'll lend her voice to the animated Dreamworks picture Me & My Shadow, along with Bill Hader and Book of Mormon's Josh Gad. Kate's also making a transition to action star. She'll star in Everly, a thriller about a woman who has to fend off assassins after breaking up with her mob boss boyfriend. It should be an interesting film, since the whole plot takes place in just one room.

What to TiVo: Monday

BuzzSugar — Sun, 08 May 2011 23:59:00 PDT

8:00 Dancing With the Stars (new)
10:00 Castle (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Rob Lowe and Ty Pennington)

8:00 How I Met Your Mother (new)
8:30 Mad Love (new)
9:00 Two and a Half Men (repeat)
9:30 Mike & Molly (new)
10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guests Albert Brooks and Kristen Wiig)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guests Jeff Goldblum and Sarah Chalke)

8:00 House (new)
9:00 The Chicago Code (new)

8:00 Chuck (new)
9:0o The Event (new)
10:00 Law & Order: Los Angeles (new)
11:35 Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guest Jennifer Lopez)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Chelsea Handler and Josh Gad)

8:00 90210 (new)
9:00 Gossip Girl (new)

More shows to watch after the jump.