I sometimes wonder how it is that certain movie directors earn enough cachet in Hollywood to become name brands. Sure, I can understand the idea of a "name brand" being applied to the likes of Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese or a dozen others — although it should be noted that Spielberg is more of a "brand" (because of his mainstream appeal) whereas Scorsese is more of a guy who is thought of as a famous and respected director rather than a "brand." (Read more...)

I just read the most vitriolic and hilarious anti-iPhone post that's probably possible. Read it here. (Read more...)

Note: I've been sitting on the bulk of this review since mid-May because I didn't get around to finishing it. But now that I've wrapped up my ramblings, here it is — decidedly less than timely.

I have an unwritten rule that I occasionally break, which is: I don't write about music. I could feel comfortable being a film or TV critic. But a music critic? No way. (Read more...)

Wednesday's episode did more to confirm than allay my feelings that "Rescue Me" is in need of its own rescue. (Read more...)

Warning: Spoilers through the June 27 episode of "Rescue Me" follow.

I got into "Rescue Me" when FX was repeating the first season. I was entertained by its style, which was one part half-serious drama, and one part scathing insult comedy. It contained a certain reverence for the plight of New York City firefighters but at the same time did not forgive them their sins and bad habits. Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary), often an obnoxious drunk, was shown as just that, and when he'd fall back on 9/11 as an excuse for his boorish behavior, the show did not always agree with him. (Read more...)

I'm on vacation with Kathy and her family in South Haven, Michigan. We're in a house less than a block from the lake. The weather is beautiful. (Read more...)