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Parenthood – Giveaway
I am thankful for shows like this.
I’m tired of the bloated guys in sitcoms with their bombshell wives, pontificating on all things funny about the human condition. I would hazard a guess that if I was 80 these kinds of things would appeal to me but they don’t. It’s shows like Parenthood that give a glimpse at the hairy underbelly that is regular life. Season 1 of Parenthood showed just how introspective you could get about the trials and tribulations of fathers, mothers, daughters and sons while also being kindhearted and likable. Peter Krause is just a dominant force, much like he was in Six Feet Under, and he proves to be just as dynamic of a presence in this series, one that I hope keeps going for many more seasons.
For those of you who loved the first season just as much as I loved watching it, e-mail me at Christopher_Stipp@yahoo.com for your chance at winning season 1 on DVD. It absolutely will be worth your while as I cannot say enough about a little show that has a lot of heart, and a lot of smart writing.
About the DVD:
From executive producers Ron Howard Brian Grazer and Jason Katims comes the refreshingly original hit series that critics hail as “hilarious and heartbreaking” (In Touch Weekly) and “in a class of its own” (Mary McNamara Los Angeles Times). Featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) Peter Krause (Six Feet Under) Dax Shepard (Baby Mama) and Craig T. Nelson (Coach) Parenthood follows four grown siblings of the far-from-perfect Braverman clan as they try to balance kids and careers dreams and commitments and romance or a total lack thereof. Join some of the best actors on television for a genuinely funny and heartwarming journey through the most challenging and rewarding role of a lifetime: being a parent. Starring: Craig T. Nelson Lauren Graham Peter Krause
Worth Reviving: Scorsese and Minion Play Cosmic Gods by Ray Schillaci
Some could very well say that from 1973 to 1985 Martin Scorsese delivered us his golden years of film greats defining the very era upon their release (it was another five years before he hit his stride again with 1990’s “Goodfellas”). Imagine a resume that includes such cinematic landmarks as “Mean Streets,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Taxi Driver,” the heralded documentary – “The Last Waltz,” “Raging Bull,” the very quirky “King of Comedy” and the much under-appreciated cult classic “After Hours”. For Scorsese to tackle the Chinese puzzle that Joseph Minion had handed him which walked the fine line of dark comedy and thriller is a feat in itself. To execute it successfully without compromising the artistic integrity over big studio mentality (Warner Bros.) was a miracle. “After Hours” was Marty walking a tightrope without a net and gleefully arriving unharmed and with tremendous applause.
Minion’s story takes us on one ordinarily hapless man’s journey through the weird and wonderful chaos of a near inescapable night in the SoHo District that feels like a very bent version of a Twilight Zone on acid. Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne in a very complex yet funny role) is a lonely word processor that agrees to meet with Marcy Franklin (an engaging yet whacked out performance by Rosanna Arquett before she was typed cast in these obscure character roles) in the hopes to quench his over anxious libido. But once he arrives nothing goes as planned, in fact the poor guy gets mixed up with other whack cases, criminals, psychotics, sadomasochists, punks and a misguided angry mob; wait a second – this almost sounds like the premise of a new Quentin Tarantino movie. But this film predates Tarantino’s relevance by nearly 10 years. That’s right, chalk up another one of QT’s influences.
Scorsese and company bring the wrath of a damned version of Murphy’s Law to Griffin Dunne’s character and we are treated to unexpected laughs, uncomfortable dalliances and outrageous encounters that could only happen in that much maligned city known as the Big Apple. Dunne is the perfect foil after nearly stealing the movie “American Werewolf in London” with his poise and charm. It’s a wonder that he did not go further in his film acting career as time went on. His Paul is a confused mixture of sympathy, empathy and pity. Yes, we pity this poor schlub for everything he goes through just for the idea of possibly getting laid. We find ourselves hanging on to every bit of frustration the man has trying to get back home safely without having his sanity threatened at every turn.
That’s where the fun comes in; Rosanna Arquett’s extremely alluring but vulnerable Marcy and a variety of strange and wondrous appearances by a cast that beautifully realizes every on screen moment – Teri Garr, Linda Fiorentino, John Heard, Will Patton, Verna Bloom, Cheech & Chong (sans the hemp), Catherine O’Hara and the indomitable Dick Miller to name a few! The gifted Griffin Dunne is extremely generous the way he bounces off the others allowing a remarkable ensemble acting coupe rarely seen on the big screen.
Scorsese provides a deft touch for creating a pacing that is as unsettling as it is damningly funny. His direction always feels like it is going to jump into a manic phase and go unhinged, but it never quite goes that far (thank you). The closest he gets is a Mohawk night at an exclusive punk rock club and Marty himself plays the man running the spotlight in control in an out of control situation. But it’s not just the outrageous set pieces that Minion’s story supplies, subtleties abound making the film all the more enjoyable with each viewing.
Beyond the story, pacing and a delightful score by Howard Shore, Scorsese knows where the real power is and that belongs to his performers. From the leather-clad gay guys to the window dressing that we witness via Griffin Dunne’s character; people wildly humping, spousal abuse and obscure conversations heard through walls. Scorsese has a ball with the weirdness of it all and invites us to play along. If this film had been done today, the studio would have taken the ball back and the film might never have seen the light of day.
This is definitely made for those who have a warped sense of humor. It kind of reminds one of viewing Sasha Baron Cohen or Tom Green for the first time. But with a skill set as sharp as a ginsu knife. No matter how you slice it, Scorsese provides another side to his talent that few have seen.
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