Peter Jackson Responds - Jan 12, 2007 - 11:40pm
My sole concern is that, for lack of having Peter Jackson, New Line will get Joel Schumaker or Brett Ratner to direct. (shudder...)

---

"The Simpsons: The Wife Aquatic" - Jan 12, 2007 - 11:33pm
I didn't see this episode, but I really don't understand all the negativity towards The Simpsons. There are a few clunkers here and there, for sure. But amidst all the banality of most other comedy shows (or other cartoons), The Simpsons is still a very good mix of satire, character humor, slapstick, and about 10 other types of comedies that most shows won't even attempt. I think it's just a convenient punching bag. To be honest, the much-fawned over "early years" of The Simpsons were quite terrible. Slowly paced, unfunny gags, not to mention the bad animation. The show didn't really hit its stride till year 5 or so. It may not be as good as it was during that period (approx. seasons 5 to 15 or so), but those who think it's never been as good as it was in the very beginning (meaning the first few years) are simply looking at the show with nostalgia-tinted glasses. SNL is just a shell of what it was, but the only reason it stays on the air because it has no real competition. The Simpsons, on the other hand, continues to do well in the ratings even though it's in a very competitive spot. That's because it's still (very often) at the top of its game. P.S. Why do people who rag on The Simpsons always sing praises to Futurama? On a good day, that show is ten times as stilted and unfunny as a subpar Simpsons episode.

---

Platinum Dunes working on "Friday the 13th" remake - Jan 09, 2007 - 08:47pm
I'm not a big fan of horror movies anyway. But I can't see (aesthetically, at least) the problem in remaking F13 - it can hardly be *worse* than the originals, can it? I would expect the new filmmakers to skip over his mom in Pt. 1, and the fact that he doesn't get a mask until Part 4 or 5 or something. I expect the new film will have Jason already in his mask. By way of example, you don't wait five movies to give Popeye his spinach can. (Not that Popeye should be equated with a mass murderer...but anyway...) I mean, at the end of the day, the only lasting effect these crummy movies have on pop culture is that a kid can buy a hockey mask and have an instant, cheap Halloween costume. Other than that, what is there?

---