Rocket Science

FLICK “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strain.” Stuttering in rock music has helped to create cool-sounding songs but it can be very troublesome when it happens to a teenager in high school. So imagine what it’s like for nerdy Hal Hefner (Reece Thompson) when he’s asked to join the debate team by the brainy and attractive Ginny Ryerson (Anna Kendrick).
Director and screenwriter Jeffrey Blitz makes a nice transition from his documentary Spellbound, about training for the national spelling bee, to dramatic features with another teen tale Rocket Science.
When telling the story, Blitz doesn’t make expected choices, which is what really works here. While we want Hal to succeed and win the debate, it becomes more about self-discovery and being triumphant with oneself.
Themes and situations that suggest reasons for Hal’s lack of social skills and "disfluency" are presented but not always explored, allowing the viewer to make their own connections with the characters.
Hal’s stuttering represents the inability to express what is inside. His unstable home life with separated parents and a bullying brother serves to fester his insecurity, making him feel at odds with other adolescents while trying to find a way to fit in.
There is a lot humor but we never laugh at Hal. Thompson has a natural sincerity and is incredibly convincing at showing frustration one moment and a desire for achievement the next. You feel his embarrassment as he stammers in front of the cafeteria ladies waiting for him to decide if he’ll order fish or pizza for lunch. Though you can’t be certain of Ginny’s motivations, she has given him a goal and something to accomplish. You still wonder whether he’ll get the nerve to go a step further and make that love connection with her, even as she moves away from him.
Rocket Science is “not trying to cause a big s-s-sensation talking about my g-g-generation.” But it does simply comment on the missteps of adolescence while avoiding predictability. However you say it, this is a refreshing coming-of-age film that is certainly un-debatable. My Score: 8 out of 10.

Flight of the Conchords – The Actor

TELEVISION All the world’s a stage, and Saturday Night Live’s Will Forte isn’t the only one who gets to search for his inner thespian in this episode. Forte perfectly plays dry cleaner and semiprofessional actor Ben, who, at the urging of Bret and Jemaine, takes on the task of trying to lift Murray’s spirits. Pretending to be Stefan Gucci, a producer from Sony records, Ben ends up offering Murray a $2 million contract for the band. Thinking of promotion, Murray then gets all of the regular cast members into the act for Bret and Jemaine’s Lord of the Rings spoof-video “Frodo, Don’t Wear the Ring.” You can read my recap at TV Guide.com then check out the video below.

TOP CHEF – Second Helping

TELEVISION Someone came up with a good recipe for entertainment when it was decided that this episode would be a continuation of the Restaurant Wars because the non-stop excitement was served speedier than burgers at a fast food joint. Beginning with the appropriately titled Quickfire Challenge, swiftness was essential when creating mise en place, the prep work done to make the kitchen or dining room of a restaurant run more smoothly. Keeping the same teams as before, the first to finish shucking oysters, dicing onions, breaking down chickens and whisking egg whites would have the benefit of spending an extra $200 plus the assistance of a sommelier. With Brian’s experience working with seafood, Team April started off fine but failed dismally when Casey took dicing onions to a creative instead of practical level, (in other words she’s slooow), and never giving CJ and Tre a chance to compete before The Garage team won the challenge.
Before diving into day two, the chefs were able to reassess what failed the first time and were offered critiques by the surprise blogger, Andrea Strong, and assistance from interior designer, Christopher Ciccone. Though he actually helped to fine tune the décor, everyone was reluctant to meet up with the smug Ciccone, who later disagreed with The Garage’s name change to Quatre, saying the word for four in French was not pretty. It’s a good thing Ciccone is not on every week or this show would become the nasty dish-fest like Simon Cowell promotes on American Idol.
Familiar faces appeared as service began. Past season three chef-testants like Sara N, Lia and Joey were guest diners, and season one’s Stephen was the wine steward for restaurant Quatre. I don’t know if it helped, but Dale politely asked him to tone down his intrusively talkative style.
As both teams suck it up and make changes, Quatre takes a bigger gulp with their more extreme makeover. It helped that there were two offerings per course this time instead of one. Dale contributed a dish of Mint Gnocchi and Poussin with Split Pea Puree but was totally dissed by Ted Allen for wearing a polo shirt and jeans to greet and serve the guests. Quatre also got rid of Howie’s disastrous risotto and substituted Halibut with Braised Leeks and Grapes. Sticking with the previously successful Tuna Tartare, guest judge Geoffrey Zakarian, chef and author of "Town/Country," called the dish clichéd. So does that mean one should never serve it again?
The criticisms for restaurant Quatre were minimal and it won the war. As executive chef, Sara held it together and was voted the winner on the team. Quite the opposite happened with restaurant April. CJ, who assembled “the dream team,” was sited for not keeping them focused and for spending too much time making only one dish – an overly-salted Lobster Salad. Padma called Casey’s Seared Monkfish with Buerre Blanc overcooked, though her Chilled Carrot and Ginger Soup worked. But poor executive chef Tre was grilled for re-serving the Seared Tenderloin with Gorgonzola, combining too many flavors in a beet-marinated Salmon over Macadamia Pesto with Grapefruit, and not smoothing out a chunky Apple Brioche Bread Pudding. Though I thought he would make it as a finalist, Tre was asked to pack his knives and go.

Flight of the Conchords – New Fans

TELEVISION It was fun spending a little more time with our faithful fan Mel who was not too pleased with newbies Summer and Rain as they wanted more than just dinner with Jemaine and Bret. And learning a little about Mel and Doug’s past, it seems there may have been legal issues concerning possibly a restraining order against Mel with Doug’s former family shortly after they met. Mel says she always gets what she wants. She got Doug, but Bret and Jemaine left with the girls to get whacked out – on drugs.

Check out my FOTC posting at TV Guide, and then take a psychedelic trip with the "Prince of Parties."

Death at a Funeral

The wacky world of mourning is laid to rest in Frank Oz’s Death at a Funeral, a black comedy that becomes a solemn occasion. When a British family gathers at the memorial service for their patriarch, a series of non-stop farcical moments follow that fall flat and feel strained. Things begin humorously enough when the wrong coffin is delivered to the country house of the deceased’s son Daniel (Matthew MacFayden), a relatively calm man who lives in the shadow of his novelist brother, Robert (Rupert Graves). But pacing problems and strained jokes about bowel movements, hypochondria and blackmail become grave errors.
One unoriginal plot point about a mislabeled pill bottle comes to life when Simon (Alan Tudyk), nervous about making a good impression on his fiancée’s family, swallows hallucinogens instead of Valium. Appearing nude on the rooftop limply shows his rebirth and regaining confidence. Tudyk’s performance is way over the top but his pratfalls and silly expressions breathe life amid ridiculously unmoving elements of surprise. As an unexpected mysterious guest, Peter Dinklage elicits an emotional response, as he is simultaneously a victim and an attempted extortionist.
But the real nail in the coffin is the element of the gay surprise, when the characters are horrified to discover that someone has a secret life. We can’t know everything about a person but this supposed scandal doesn’t need to paralyze straight people. You’d think by now people would become accustomed to individuality. Is it funny when one presumes that everyone behaves the same in his or her bedroom only to find out that that they don’t? You’re killing me. My Score: 6 out of 10.

The Invasion

FLICK Anytime a science fiction classic is remade, or any good film is updated for that matter, the new version usually will have to redefine it to make the venture worthwhile and escape the wrath of moviegoers and critics. As John Water’s once said, it’s the bad movies that should be remade, not the good ones.
In The Invasion, the latest incarnation of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the story has stayed relatively the same, but it has a slicker look than the prior adaptations and stars Nicole Kidman. Though Daniel Craig is given second billing, he has way too little screen time.
It all begins when a space shuttle reenters the earth’s atmosphere and crashes, releasing a strange substance unknown to scientists as well as doctors at the Center for Disease Control. Jeremy Northam is one of those doctors as well as Kidman’s estranged ex-husband who gives good stares and is our first clue that at the signpost up ahead our next stop will be the twilight zone. Kidman is a mother and a psychiatrist who deals with the emotions of her patients, yet everywhere she turns people are starting to lose their personalities and possess the same blank expressions. I wouldn’t say she’s miscast, but Kidman has this same tabula rasa look from the beginning and creates little distinction later when she’s trying to blend in.
Creepier than The Stepford Wives, and more effectively suspenseful than Kidman’s ex-husband’s assault movie War of the Worlds, The Invasion is successful as an action thriller plus uses subtle political undertones that were present in the earlier works. When it's announced that they come in peace, and later you see George Bush signing a treaty on the television, you might question why allowing the takeover would be a bad thing. That this “danger” is never explored is just one of the film's faults. You could question the implausibility of some scenes, but it’s a sci-fi mystery so it’s fair game.
Though directed by Oscar-nominated Oliver Hirschbiegel (Downfall) much has been made about the Wachowski brothers’ uncredited overhaul of the chase scenes, which work but seem to go on a bit longer than needed. The sections apparently by Hirschbiegel are more nightmarish and create a sense of paranoia.

Oh, and don’t go to sleep. My Score: 7.5 out of 10.

TOP CHEF – Restaurant Wars

TELEVISION If you’re going to have a competition to create a gourmet burger, it’s most appropriate to have renowned chef Daniel Boulud, who offers $32 burgers at his DB Bistro Moderne in New York City, as the evening’s guest judge. The Quickfire Challenge had the majority of the chefs creating assorted seafood burgers but, playing to Boulud’s strong suit, only the sweaty Howie used truffles with his burger and was one of the favorites. Sara made a crab burger with a citrus remoulade that looked delicious but while trying to keep it light in carbs, she was criticized for serving it on lettuce instead of a bun. The big winner was CJ serving a Scallop Mousse and Shrimp Burger with Tangerine. Speedy Padma was prompt in telling him that from this point on the QF winner will no longer have immunity in the Elimination Challenge.
Having worked in many restaurants, the EC in this episode was one of my favorites. The chef-testants were to divide into two groups and open a restaurant from scratch. CJ was given an advantage for winning the QFC and was allowed to choose his own team. Though he picked what I thought would be a strong team, Brian, Casey and Tre, what he didn’t consider was the lack of restaurant experience three of the four had.
Beyond creating a menu, starting up a restaurant has many variables that need to come together, like a concept, décor, service and a catchy name that could come from anything. CJ’s sister is named April, so his team went with that. Inspired by the blank slate of a room, the other team named their bistro The Garage, which might be nice for a supply store but maybe not so great for a dining experience.
While shopping for the front of the house, Casey mentioned to Brian about getting something that smelled for the table but Brian knew better and went with a décor that was soft and light. Unfortunately, Dale and Hung went with an industrial look of black table cloths with strong vanilla-scented candles that everyone found offensive. Does Dale really have a weak sense of smell? And it was funny to hear Dale say that Queer Eye has nothing on his decorating sense. You can check out Ted Allen’s response at his blog.

Restaurant April: Tre was executive chef and CJ was sous chef. The first thing Padma mentions after being seated is the dust on the plates. Yuck! Brian took care of service and was told he was sweating a lot. (Did no one ever see Howie in the kitchen?)
Menu
1. Seared Sea Scallop on Corn and Truffle Custard (I assume this was Casey’s dish)
2. Grouper with Shellfish and Artichoke Hearts was CJ’s and the fish looked great.
3. Wild Mushroom and Gorgonzola Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Smoked Potatoes. Tre created this dish but the smoked potatoes overpowered it all.
4. Apple Tart Tatin

The Garage: Sara was head chef, Howie sous chef, Dale did no cooking. This menu was considered too rich for a warm summer night.
Menu
1. Tuna Tartare with Nicoise Olive Puree was Hung’s and was told it was delicate and successful, though with too much white asparagus
2. Mushroom Risotto with Foie Gras and Truffles was thick and “gluey.” Howie nonetheless liked the way he made it with heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
3. Braised Lamb Shanks by Sara only added to the overall heaviness of the menu.
4. Crepes with Dark Chocolate Again, something lighter was needed

Brian and Dale, the two in front of the house, were called to face the judges, who made a good decision. They were told that no one was going home. They all have another chance to make changes and reopen their restaurants next week. Tom said to consider it a soft opening.
Taking notes throughout dinner was Andrea Strong, a writer of a weekly blog pertaining to dining out in NYC. Check Gail Simmon’s blog for her experience with Chef Daniel Boulud, who thoughtfully handed out copies of his book of essays, Letters to a Young Chef, to the contenders.
I tend to agree with the Text Poll: At which restaurant would you make reservations? April 75%, The Garage 15%

RAOUL BOVA

Though he’s been hot on the Italian scene for a while, I first took notice of actor Raoul Bova when he did a Gap jeans commercial in 2003. Suddenly I saw him everywhere, courting Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun and the object of Giovanna Mezzogiorno’s affection in Facing Windows (La Finestra di fronte). It’s this second film, directed by Ferzan Ozpetek (His Secret Life), about an unhappily married mother and housewife (Mezzogiorno) who daydreams about the man next door that made an impact on me. In his complicated and passionate role of Lorenzo, the Clark Kent-glasses (or mini-windows) Raoul wears do nothing to detract from the Italian heartthrob.

Born August 14, 1971 in Rome, Italy, Raoul was a swimming champion in his teens and began acting after serving in the Italian Army. His first starring role was for television but he easily moved into a wide variety of film parts. Somewhat accessible to Americans, Bova can be seen, when not wearing a space helmet, in diverse parts such an archaeologist in Alien vs. Predator, a priest in the 2005 TV movie Karol: A Man Who Became Pope, and briefly as Rosanna Arquette’s husband Lorenzo on the ABC show “What About Brian.” He has been happily married to Chiara Giordano since March 2000 and has squashed the dreams of many hoping to make a love connection with him. With several upcoming English and Italian-language movies, Raoul Bova is someone you'll want to keep your eyes on.

Buon compleanno, Raoul!

• Apparently successful with the first, Raoul made a second Gap ad.
• Another Italian, Madonna Louise Ciccone, had lips stuck with Raoul in a Max Factor commercial in 1999.
• And be sure to check out Raoul's Official Website.

My Best Friend

FLICK Friendship. What’s the perfect blendship? Director Patrice Leconte explores what goes into personal relationships in My Best Friend (Mon meilleur ami), a light comedy that would most likely become overly sentimental in the hands of a typical American director. The acting and directing capture appropriate tone and details to give insight to the main characters without becoming a thorough psychological examination on the nature of sociology.
Daniel Auteuil has a way of choosing just the right expressions and inflections when playing François, a successful businessman who has no problems dealing with antiques but doesn’t realize he lacks the necessary skills to deal with people on a close intimate basis. We get a glimpse of him caring more for things in the first scene when, at a funeral, he finagles a piece of furniture from the wife of the deceased.
When his business partner makes a bet with him that he can’t produce a best friend within 10 days, he finds the challenge is harder than he imagined. Searching for a pal, he meets taxi driver Bruno (Dany Boon) who is willing to show him ways of connecting with people and learning that if you’re ever in a jam, here I am. But becoming the other half of this odd couple may not have all the rewards Bruno is looking for.
The film shows that human interactions are not to be taken for granted and the difference between being a nice or friendly person is subtly distinguished with the bonds we make. In the end, you’ll wonder how many people you can truly say when other friendships have been forgot, ours will still be hot. My Score: 8 out of 10.

Flight of the Conchords – What Goes on Tour

TELEVISION It’s raining mermaids, hallelujah! But for Bret and Jemaine, they are no match for a women’s water-polo team that they meet at the hotel where they are staying. That rain also does a number on their new leather suits, which not only shrink but rides up a little too close in the crotch for Jemaine. Amen.

If you’re having fun watching Flight of the Conchords or want to find out what they’re all about, go on and get yourself absolutely soaking wet by checking out my episode recap blog at TV Guide. Then go see the video for the song "Mermaids. "