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The Fate of Roger Ebert’s Legacy
On February 18, 2010 at 6:00 am
“I’m so relieved to be an elite” –tweet from Roger Ebert Most public figures have done or said something they wish they could take back. When it comes to public intellectuals and film critics specifically, they generally pride themselves on their ability to analyze what they see. Therefore, their responses to culture should be very [...]
Jessica Simpson Finally Gets a Good Review
On February 17, 2010 at 9:02 am
John Mayer gets a lot of press for being a douche. Even though that appears to be the word du jour to describe him, I personally always thought him to be more of a tool. To be honest, I never really judged or thought about him that much, but the recent hype surrounding his Playboy [...]
The Bachelor Double-Standard
On at 8:40 am
So The Bachelor is concerned about their reputation as a quality show. You know, the kind you would feel comfortable watching with your parents or grandparents. Apparently a contestant having a relationship with one of their producers is not keeping with their pristine image. Rozlyn Papa, who was a contestant on the show is the [...]
“A Little More Country Than That” – Maybe the Future of Country Music (and it’s free!)
On at 8:22 am
Country music rising star Easton Corbin is this week’s iTunes free “Single of the Week.” This may not be much of a story now, but in a couple years, when Easton Corbin is headlining sold-out tours and selling millions of albums, you’ll be able to remember the day you got his first single for free. [...]
“The Last Station” (Film Review)
On February 16, 2010 at 8:57 am
*** ½ (out of 4) Starring: Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, James McAvoy Director: Michael Hoffman Rating: R (strong language, brief nudity) Just think – you can now scan the movie listings and announce (a little smugly) “I really want to see the Tolstoy flick!” Seriously, you really can. I highly recommend it. Here’s why… As [...]
“FROZEN” (Film Review)
On February 15, 2010 at 11:37 am
**½ (out of 4) Director: Adam Green Rated: R (strong language, disturbing images) “Frozen” (which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival) stars Shawn Ashmore (“X Men”), Emma Bell, and Kevin Zeger. It tells the harrowing story of three skiers who are stranded on a chairlift. It’s just another day on the slopes for the three [...]
“The Team USA Soundtrack” (Music review)
On at 9:12 am
*** (out of 4) If the Opening Ceremonies to the 2010 Olympic Games got you all excited and optimistic about the achievements of athletes around the world, then have I got a CD for you – the “Team USA Soundtrack.” (Speaking of the Opening ceremonies, let us give credit where credit is due… to David [...]
They will be there… WILL YOU?
On February 14, 2010 at 9:51 amBoth Thursday and Friday evenings this week, if you’re attending CPAC, or are in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, or Delaware areas, you are invited to enjoy “Epic Nites.” On Thursday night, Stephen Baldwin will conduct an insightful conversation between Fox News’ Andrea Tantaros and Sarah Huckabee over the future of the GOP, the ideas [...]
The Endive: Toyota Recalls 400,000 Hondas
On February 13, 2010 at 8:20 amSatire from The Endive… “We are very sorry,” said Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, “We are so, so sorry. We should have been more careful about the quality of Honda’s airbags. A thousand times, I am sorry. Please accept my apology.” Toyota announced two measures the company will be taking in response to [...]
Fed Up Federline
On February 12, 2010 at 9:45 am
Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp premiered February 8th on VH1, combining the fitness trend of boot camps with the cultural trend of watching chubby people sweat and cry. Kevin Federline is getting a lot of press for his involvement in the new season. More than, say, Bobby Brown who at least is famous in his [...]
“The Wolfman” (Review)
On at 9:13 am
I don’t remember hearing anyone ask for a remake of The Wolfman. Monster films have been around for a long time and their source material since time immemorial. What reigns today are a myriad of remakes that fail to live up to the originals. The Wolfman is the latest monster to rise up once again [...]
Not My (Captain) America!
On February 11, 2010 at 9:42 am
Captain America, arguably, is the most patriotic of comic book superheroes. He’s also, historically, the most political. Created in 1941, as a regular Joe (well, actually, Steve) the character tried to enlist in the Army, got rejected, and was so determined to fight the Nazis he signed up to become the supersoldier we know him [...]
Josh Turner – “Haywire” (Music Review)
On at 8:11 am
*** (out of 4) Label: MCA Nashville I have a free Josh Turner “Haywire” CD to give away to one lucky Parcbench reader. As a bonus, the winner will receive some other promotional materials from Josh’s record label as well! To Enter… 1) Email me at: Greg@parcbench.com 2) Leave me a comment telling me what [...]
The Blind Side: Inspiring, Illuminating and Instructive
On at 5:30 am
As someone with a strong aversion to liberal orthodoxy — no matter how subtle — masquerading as entertainment in major motion pictures, I can count on my hand the number of yearly visits I make to the movie theater. Contrary to popular media opinion, even politically astute conservatives enjoy a little escapism every now and [...]
“Dear John” (Film Review)
On February 10, 2010 at 6:00 am
** (out of 4 stars) Starring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried Director: Lasse Hallström Rating: PG-13 (for some sensuality and violence) “Dear John” is nothing to write home about. It is the latest movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, but it just doesn’t have the cast or emotional pull of “The Notebook.” Still, it is [...]
A Look at the Super Blah Ads
On February 9, 2010 at 9:19 am
For two years running, the game has been more exciting than the ads. Good for football, not so good for those of us who watch for the ads. As a hardworking humorist (check out my web site, The Endive (Cha-ching!)) who has worked in advertising, I don’t have much patience for a company who blows [...]
