Entertainment

I've been watching the series Flight of the Conchords on HBO. It's a wacky comedy coupled with a variety of context appropriate novelty songs. And it's really funny. The best thing on TV right now, in my opinion (admittedly, not much new is on in the summer...but FotC would hold up to the best of competition). 'A great combo of comedy and music. Check it out if you get the chance.

Last night we finished watching the documentary Spellbound (2002). From Wikipedia:

Spellbound is a 2002 documentary, directed by Jeffrey Blitz, nominated for the Academy Award for Documentary Feature. It follows eight competitors in the 1999 Scripps National Spelling Bee: Harry Altman, Angela Arenivar, Ted Brigham, April DeGideo, Neil Kadakia, Nupur Lala, Emily Stagg and Ashley White.

We enjoyed it. The kids are pretty amazing, and it was also quite interesting to the engagement of the parents and how the whole thing is quite an experience (and lots of hard work) for both parents and children. I give it 4 out of 5.

Tonight we watched Little Miss Sunshine (2006,R) (ScreenIt! Review). From the ScreenIt! review:

A dysfunctional family must deal with their differences and idiosyncrasies as they try to drive the younger daughter out to a California beauty pageant.

Lisa tried to watch this sometime when I was out of town but fell asleep. She made it through tonight and we enjoyed it. I give it 4 out of 5.

Last night we watched You, Me and Dupree (2006,PG-13) (ScreenIt! Review). We started out watching My Super Ex-Girlfriend, but it was so lame we had to stop. From Wikipedia:

The film revolves around newlyweds Carl and Molly Peterson (Matt Dillon and Kate Hudson), inviting the best man of their wedding, Randolph Dupree (Wilson), to move in with them, after he has lost his job and apartment. But Dupree inevitably overstays his welcome.

The film had some laughs, but I couldn't figure out why Matt Dillon kept doing a Johnny Drama impression. I give it 3 out of 5.

Friday night we watched Great Expectations (1998,R) (ScreenIt! Review). From Wikipedia:

Great Expectations is a 1998 contemporary film adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel of the same name, directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert DeNiro, Anne Bancroft and Chris Cooper. Despite its popular and respected cast of actors, the movie received mixed reviews.

I like Ethan Hawke (especially the Before... couple of films). I enjoyed this version of Great Expectations. I give it 4 out of 5.