Issues With Apatow

Monday night, I watched "Inside The Actors Studio," which sometimes features interesting actors and others affiliated with the entertainment industry. But this episode really made my blood boil.
I'll preface this by saying I strongly disagree with the practice of putting a star or well-known personality on the show around the same time their movie is about to open in theatres. This show used to be above such cheap Hollywood marketing tactics, but not even host James Lipton is above it now.
This week's guest was writer/director Judd Apatow, best known for resurrecting the teen sex & drug comedies that were popular 20 years ago. I'm not a big fan at all. It's just not my cup of tea. So, as they were discussing his work, which includes "The 40 Year Old Virgin," and his latest effort, "Funny People," one particular comment from Lipton made me cringe.
He was leading in to a clip from the movie "Knocked Up," with Seth Rogen, and was quoting from a highly resputable source (something like "Time" magazine, "Newsweek," or a major newspaper) about how that was the "summer that Apatow & (Seth) Rogen saved comedy," then spouted this stomach-turning phrase: "Let's take a look at a clip to see why (he named the publication) calls it "an instant classic."
Hang on a second. Back up a moment. Excuse me, whaaaaaaaat?!? "Knocked Up" an "instant classic"? I almost became instantly ill. Yes, I saw it, and I'm no prude, but in no way, shape or form should that, or any of Apatow's work be considered "classics." It's rude, crude humor that succeeds where it's meant to, and doesn't rise above the level of the lowest common denominator of moviegoers.
So, I take issue with Mr. Apatow, as well as James Lipton, for labeling such material (or at least repeating it) and addressing it as "classic."
These are movies that will never win Oscars. They're popcorn movies good for a few immature laughs and nothing more. And please, spare me the "well, it had a good message" argument. The only one of his movies I'll buy with that defense is "The 40 Year Old Virgin" which did wind up with a positive message (at the very end of the movie).
They just don't make movies like we used to, and unfortunately, most people, like sheep, will agree with whatever the Hollywood machine feeds them. They'll say it's good, even if it's garbage.
Take my advice, if you want to watch a classic comedy, dig deep and pick something like a Marx Brothers or Charlie Chaplin film. Trust me, there are hundreds of choices of real humor out there. Tickle your funny bone with something that won't make you squeamish and wish you had 90 minutes of your life back.

Comic-Con 2009 Comes To A Close

It's over. Finis. Kaput. This year's Comic-Con in San Diego has come to a close. But for thousands of fans from all over, it was a huge success, giving sneak previews of big budget movies and highly anticipated TV shows.
And don't forget, we'll have a special PopSnap! podcast this week to highlight some of the bits and pieces.
Most every media outlet was there, but here's /Film's wrap of the big event:

Comic-Con: A Massive Round-Up of All Our Comic-Con Coverage | /Film

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Ben Silverman Leaves NBC

There goes another NBC Programming exec. Not a big surprise. For my money, no NBC Programming chief will ever match Brandon Tartikoff, king of '80s TV.
Ben Silverman Leaves NBC: Exit the Hitmaker (with No Hits)

Does This Ad Freak You Out?

Personally, I hate these (not so new) Six Flags TV spots. Time magazine now has an article behind them, with some pretty harsh criticism. Judge for yourself. While we're on the subject, I think a lot of people have forgotten about the semi-racist Six Flags ads featuring the same campaign with an Asian character a few years ago. He spoke with a thick accent using the same "More flags, more fun" motto. Not long after that, he was replaced with the old man. The music in the ads is equally annoying.

Revenge Of The Clarinet

A "Star Wars" concert tour is flying across the planet. "Star Wars in Concert" will feature a symphony orchestra and choir performing composer John Williams' music from the six films. C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels will narrate, accompanied by a high-def screen displaying movie footage synchronized to live music.

The galaxy extravaganza will begin in Anaheim, California, on October 1, and make stops in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, Seattle, Portland, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. If your city isn't on the list, no need to worry. The "Jedi Council" will more than likely add a few more cities before the "Death Star" is complete.

5 Things To Look For At Comic-Con

Five Things To Look For At Comic-Con 2009

5) New TV Shows - Get an early glimpse of the Fall preview by some of the popular new shows coming to a network near you.

4) Casting Announcements - Some of the most anticipated roles in big budget movies happen in San Diego. Studios also use certain panels to announce guest stars and cameos in upcoming movies and TV shows.

3) Special Guests - This is the 40th anniversary of Comic-Con. There are sure to be plenty of special guests besides the expected black balloons that come with 40.

2) Movies - Some of the most anticipated movies of the year wait until Comic-Con to begin their "press junket." These aren't just superhero movies we're talking about. Some of the biggest panels in San Diego don't have anything to do with men in costume or ladies in distress.

1) Fans - There is one reason and one reason alone that Comic-Con is a huge success -- YOU. Where else can you fight an 8-hour crowd just to get a glimpse of Jon Favreau unveiling footage of "Iron Man 2?" The quickest way to see what the next blockbuster movie is going to be -- follow the swarms of people through the booths and you will more than likely locate the next golden ticket.

I found this "Comic-Con Preview" on CNN. It's a firsthand account of one fan's journey. More to come.