SEASON PREMIERE: Aaron Sorkin’s TV news drama series is back, with two immediate changes. The opening credit sequence is new, and so is the story structure, with this entire season devoted to one ongoing plot about a volatile news story gone wrong. Some people, even fans of Sorkin’s previous efforts, hate this show, and even enjoy hating it – but I’m still in the “enjoying it” camp. Jeff Daniels stars. For a full review, see or hear my report for NPR&rsq

2013

Jul

RAY DONOVAN By David Bianculli

Jon Voight, as Ray’s out-of-prison dad, manages to hurt, destroy, infect or annoy just about anything he touches – except for his son’s wife and kids, which infuriates Ray (Liev Schreiber) to no end. Sometimes, Voight’s Mickey Donovan is a terror. Other times, as when he uses a public library computer to access porn sites, he’s a riot. What a role for Voight – and what a great job he does with it.

2013

Jul

TED By David Bianculli

Seth MacFarlane was underestimated twice by Hollywood: once when Fox canceled Family Guy early in its run, before impressively and unprecedentedly high DVD sales prompted an order for new episodes, and again with this 2012 live-action comedy, which MacFarlane directed and co-wrote. Ted stars Mark Wahlberg as a man whose childhood wish for a living teddy bear came true – with no expiration date. It was such a box-office hit that MacFarlane was asked to host the Academy Awards, which was the

2013

Jul

THE WOMEN By David Bianculli

Clare Boothe Luce’s play was filmed, in this 1939 version, by George Cukor, who already had a well-deserved reputation as an actress’ director. As a result, this film is filled with women who were eager to take part: Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Rosalind Russell and Joan Fontaine, for starters.

2013

Jul

666 PARK AVENUE By David Bianculli

SERIES FINALE: The devil gets his due tonight – or something like that, as this series about a demonic New York landlord deals with the fact that its own lease is up, and is not being renewed. So if this final episode of 666 Park Avenue feels a little frenzied, that’s because the writers scrambled to tie up loose ends, knowing that there would be no additional episodes. And don’t expect too much closure, because this final episode is called “Lazarus: Part 1.”

2013

Jul

BEING HUMAN By David Bianculli

SEASON PREMIERE: Though Syfy presents its own Americanized version of this genre series, this is the British original – embarking on what it has announced is its final season. The season begins with a flashback involving a bedroom showdown between a female werewolf and a male vampire, then returns to the present, where ghosts join in the fun as well. All of them almost supernaturally good-looking.

2013

Jul

BREAKING BAD FROM BELOW: BEST OF THE UP-SHOTS By Eric Gould

After supplying reviews for two years on the local version of Fresh Air in Philadelphia, this was my first TV review for the nationally broadcast NPR version – included as part of the opening-day broadcast. On May 11, 2012, NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross celebrates its 25th anniversary. Note, if you will, that I didn’t even include a clip, just the theme music. (What a missed opportunity.) Notice, too, that I sound clipped and stiff and drained of all emotion, like Jack Webb on ele

2013

Jul

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE By David Bianculli

This is a repeat, but a decent one: It’s the second time Zach Galifianakis shows up as guest host – this time with an extended musical number to kick off the show.

2013

Jul

TRUE GRIT By David Bianculli

This 2010 Coen Brothers remake of the 1969 John Wayne movie casts Jeff Bridges in the role of crusty U.S. Marshal Rooster – and puts most of the weight of the movie on Bridges’ shoulders. He handles it effortlessly, and with a twinkle in his eyes. Well, make that eye. Hailee Steinfeld co-stars as the persistent young girl who hires Cogburn to help her find her father’s killer, and Matt Damon plays another person who joins their quest. It’s a well-staged, enjoyable Western

2013

Jul

CULT By David Bianculli

SERIES FINALE: This is a note, not a recommendation. The show that CW canceled and yanked from its schedule almost immediately after it premiered, then brought back for a summer burn-off run, presents its final episodes tonight in a yawn-inducing doubleheader. At this point, Cult has so few fans, and viewers, they don’t even qualify as a cult. More like a gaggle.

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