This was not a great show at all. Very weak material was evident was practically present in every sketch. Fortunately, however, the show had good performances that improved the quality of some of the sketches.
The Carnival Cruise cold opening featured good performances amidst the juvenile humor. Jason Sudeikis and Cecily Strong were good as the ship's director and they delivered most of the opening's humor. Jay Pharoah, Taran Killam, and Tim Robinson were also good; though the bathroom humor was a lazy attempt to get laughs from the audience. The sketch was an alright way to open the show, though I wish the material had been better.
Christoph Waltz did what he could with the monologue; but unfortunately, there wasn't much memorable humor. The German stereotype humor was a cheap way to get laughs from the audience and the whole monologue seemed very rushed. I am REALLY getting tired of musical monologues; as we have seen many over the season. Christoph Waltz made me laugh but otherwise, this was just weak.
The game show sketch was probably my favorite sketch of the night. I enjoyed Christoph Waltz's performance as the host. The joke of the three contestants realizing that they either accomplished very little in life or not happy with their living situation was a bit harsh, but everyone made me laugh thanks in large part to their performances. Christoph Waltz made me laugh when he enabled his character to break down emotionally upon realizing what he has done with his life and all he wanted to do was be a dancer. The performances in this sketch were good.
Nasim Pedrad's bad conversationalist character wasn't that funny or memorable. While I was happy to see her get the opportunity to play a new character, considering that she hasn't gotten a lot to do lately this season, I was disappointed to see the sketch itself go nowhere. All the performances were good, though I wish Christoph Waltz got to do more than just play a straightman. Not a great sketch.
The CD advertisement spoof was alright; though the joke that Christoph Waltz's character ( being a white, nerdy virgin) performing a long with Jay Pharoah's and Kenan Thompson's R & B singers was a bit repetitive. Though I will say that Waltz's enthusiastic performance made me laugh along with his delivery. In addition, Cecily Strong and Taran Killam were good as well and they had some funny lines. Thompson and Pharoah were good as well. All in all, a weak concept that was vastly improved by everyone's performances.
"Weekend Update" tonight went on a bit too long and the writing wasn't great at all. Aside from one or two jokes, Seth Meyers's jokes weren't very funny; and it seems that he's rushing through his portions to get to the featured segments. Taran Killam gave a very good performance as Sen. Marco Rubio; though I will say that the joke of the Republican senator reactng for a glass of water has been done a lot better on other late night talk shows. Kate McKinnon gave a good performance as her character; though the material wasn't very funny. And Jay Pharoah once again did well as Stephen A. Smith; though the writing wasn't good as well. His delivery made me laugh quite a bit; though the joke of him raising the volume of his voice constantly has gotten old. This was a very long edition of "Weekend Update."
I have nothing to say about Fred Armisen's female character. The sketch was done this October when Daniel Craig hosted; and the sketch basically followed the same format tonight. Fred Armisen hasn't made me laugh much this season; as his sketches haven't been very funny. Being on the show for eleven years is long enough, and I REALLY think it's time for Armisen to leave. Christoph Waltz did what he could with his designated role; but alas, even he could not save it. This was a very weak sketch.
The "Fox and Friends" spoof wasn't very funny either. Taran Killam, Vanessa Bayer, and Bobby Moynihan all turned in decent performances, though the juvenile humor truly made the whole segment wear thin. I found this sketch not very funny and it was weird that Waltz did not appear in the entire segment at all; as he could have even played Fred Armisen's character. All in all, a forgettable sketch.
The secret admirer sketch was good idea, though its execution could have been a little better. The constant joke that Cecily Strong's character did not know which person sent her a very creepy and off-putting Valentine's Day card despite the fact that it was obvious Christoph Waltz's character who did so, was very repetitive. Waltz gave a very humorous performance in this sketch; as did all the castmembers. I did laugh a bit; mainly due to everyone's performances, though the sketch itself wasn't great. All in all, a very appropriate ending to a very weak show.
This was not a very good show. Christoph Waltz did what he could to improve the quality of many of the sketches with his performances. Though the writing very much tarred the quality of the show. Most of the cast were also very good and improved the quality of most of the segments as well, And I will say that Alabama Shakes were a good musical guest. The lead singer has a decent voice and the band itself has a good Alternate-Rock sound.
And that's my review. Thank you all for following my blog. I have no idea how the rest of this season is going to turn out. Hopefully, Kevin Hart will host a decent show.
Thanks again for following me and stay tuned for more Nater-Tainment!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The writing isn't great but the performances are alright
Christoph Waltz is REALLY doing the best he can with the material.
They do this joke everytime they end this sketch
Very wierd that Christoph Waltz didn't appear in that sketch.
The performances in this sketch are alright
Though I don't like the juvenile humor that's been exhibited in this piece.
I do like Bill Hader's Ted Nuget impression though. I just wisht the material was better.
I do like Bill Hader's Ted Nuget impression though. I just wisht the material was better.
Surprised they are doing a "Fox and Friends" spoof so late in the show
Usually they do this sketch at the start of the show. I wonder if this was meant to be the original cold opening.
Christoph Waltz is doing the best with the material he is being given
Fred Armisen hasn't had a great season so far. Practically all of his sketches and performances have been weak. I think it might be time for him to go. Heis been on the show since 2002. He was good at first, though this and his past couple seasons haven't been great.
We are back
This sketch is very similar to one they did with Daniel Craig this past October. I think Fred Armisen is even playing the same character.
This sketch isn't very funny so far.
This sketch isn't very funny so far.
Not that many jokes tonight on "Weekend Update"
Taran Killam's, KatecKinnon's, and Jay Pharoah's performances were very good, though the writing just wasn't great at all. In addition, I will say that Update went on a bit too long tonight; as three featured segments are a BIT much.
Jay Pharoah has been doing A LOT tonight
Everytime he does this character, the joke about him raising the volume of his voice is the main punchline. Pharoah's does give a good performance as Stephen A. Smith though.
Kate McKinnon is REALLY making the best of the material
Much of the writing hasn't been great tonight so far. But, all the performances have been VERY good!
Kate McKinnon is giving a good performance as her character
The writing just isn't that great however. Though I did like th joke about her age.
The material just wasn't great at all in the segment.
Taran Killam's performance was very good though
Commercials are on now
The writing hasn't been entirely great but the performances have been very good tonight.
The performances in this sketch are good
The material isn't great but Christoph Waltz and the castmembers are making the best of the sketches.
Christoph Waltz has been doing well with his roles.
Christoph Waltz has been doing well with his roles.
This sketch isn't that great so far
The performances are alright, but there really aren't that many good jokes so far.
I never would have guessed that Kevin Hart would host SNL!
This season has had A LOT of random choices for host.
Commercials are on now.
Commercials are on now.
I like this turn at poking fun at The Pope retiring
Jason Sudeikis is good as the commercial pitchman,
And Christoph Waltz is good as The Pope.
And Christoph Waltz is good as The Pope.
I like the idea of their older relatives showing up is funny
The writing isn't bad at all.
Christoph Waltz is doing GREAT in this sketch
Christoph Waltz is doing GREAT in this sketch
Christoph Waltz did well in the monologue
Though the writing wasn't that great.
And now, commercials.
And now, commercials.
Christoph Waltz is getting a musical monologue now
We've seen A LOT of musical monologues this season.
Christoph Waltz is doing well so fare
Though I have a feeling this monologue is going to be filled with German jokes.
That was a good joke
I just wish the writing hadn't been juvenile with all the bathroom humor. It gets a little annoying and tiring after a while.
I'm getting tired of all the bathroom humor however
Toilet humor is an easy way to get laughs from the audience and an easy crutch for the writers.
I don't like the eating animal jokes funny as well.
I don't like the eating animal jokes funny as well.
Jason Sudeikis and Cecily Strong are doing well together
Bill Hader is good as well. Tim Robinson is good as well. This isn't a bad opening.
It's Almost That Time
At 11:30pm, my live-blogging of tonight's episode of "Saturday Night Live", which will be hosted by Christoph Waltz and Alabama Shakes will be the musical guest, will begin. I will be commenting on the performances, the sketches, and anything else that comes to mind. Following the show, I will be posting a review that consists of all my opinions in more material.
Feel free to share your own thoughts on the show by clicking the "comment" link underneath any of my posts. Your feedback means a lot and I look forward to seeing your opinions.
Be sure to have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and my blog on your computer screens. Be sure to keep refreshing your computer screens so you can see my latest comments.
Thank you for following my blog and I will see you at 11:30pm!
Feel free to share your own thoughts on the show by clicking the "comment" link underneath any of my posts. Your feedback means a lot and I look forward to seeing your opinions.
Be sure to have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and my blog on your computer screens. Be sure to keep refreshing your computer screens so you can see my latest comments.
Thank you for following my blog and I will see you at 11:30pm!
Tonight I will be Live-Blossing "Saturday Night Live"
Image of "Saturday Night Live" Castmember Fred Armisen and Guest Host Christoph Waltz taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS473US477&biw=1347&bih=678&tbm=isch&tbnid=8dqjp_sPIEyIPM:&imgrefurl=http://www.hollywood.com/news/tv/55001128/christoph-waltz-snl-promo&docid=xNqJD7MfRmC5qM&imgurl=http://cdn-media.hollywood.com/images/638x425/1762881.jpeg&w=638&h=425&ei=bC8gUemHCrGp0AHqqYCgDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=211&vpy=366&dur=4797&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=159&ty=89&sig=108834442758546808520&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=197&start=0&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:0,i:145
Tonight, I will be live-blogging "Saturday Night Live;" which will feature Guest Host Christoph Waltz and Musical Guest Alabama Shakes. Throughout the show, I will be commenting on the performances, the sketches, the writing, and anything else that comes to mind. And following the show, I will be posting a review that lists my opinions in more detail.
Feel free to post your own comments on the sketches by clicking the "comment" link underneath any of my posts. Your feedback means a lot and I look forward to seeing your opinions.
Be sure to have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and have my blog on your computers. Be sure to keep refreshing your computer screens so you can see my latest comments. Thank you for following my blog and I look forward to live-blogging tonight's show.
So stay tuned and I'll see you at 11:30pm!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Notice About this Weekend
Image of "Saturday Night Live" Castmember Fred Armisen and Guest Host Christoph Waltz taken from
http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS473US477&biw=1347&bih=678&tbm=isch&tbnid=YSno3CuL-A9bcM:&imgrefurl=http://screencrush.com/snl-christoph-waltz-alabama-shakes/&docid=34wmU6jKHnBOZM&imgurl=http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/screencrush.com/files/2013/02/snl.jpg&w=630&h=420&ei=9TUdUcXZJebF0AH3hoCgAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=645&vpy=351&dur=1547&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=129&ty=72&sig=108834442758546808520&page=1&tbnh=146&tbnw=256&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0,i:148
This weekend, there is an all-new episode of "Saturday Night Live"; which will feature Guest Host Christoph Waltz and musical Guest Alabama Shakes.
However, there is a chance that I might not be around Saturday night. Thus, if "I'm not, I will be posting a review of this week's episode that includes in-deph opinions on the sketches, the performances, the writing and anything else that needs to be mentioned.
However, if I am around this Saturday night, I WILL be doing my regular live-blogging coverage; commenting on the show as it airs. And following the broadcast, I will be posting a review that illustrates my opinions in more detail.
So either way, I will be posting a review of this weekend's episode of "Saturday Night Live." So please stay tuned and I'll see you this weekend.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
"Saturday Night Live" Episode Review: Justin Bieber (Host and Musical Guest)
When I first heard that pop-singer Justin Bieber would be hosting last night's episode of “Saturday Night Live,”I wasn't exactly thrilled. Having never seen him act before, I was very skeptical as to how the show would turn out. Would Bieber end up imparting a mundane hosting stint; much like Adam Levine-- who basically showed hardly any enthusiasm and spent a majority of the night glued to the cue cards? Or, would Bieber end up like Justin Timberlake; who is naturally funny and bestows memorable performances whenever appearing on the long-running sketch comedy program? When watching Justin Bieber serve as both host and musical guest on last night's show, I was appeased to see him do the best job possible to keep up with the castmembers during the sketches as well as get a considerable grip on the comedic material he was given. However, I will say that, as we have seen very often this season, the episode was significantly marred by weak sketches turned in by the show's writers. Fortunately, the performances of the cast helped improve the quality of the sketches; much as we have seen many times before. In other words, last night's episode of “Saturday Night Live” truly was a mixed bag.
Super Bowl Blackout Cold Opening: This was a creative sketch to open the show. The idea of the Super Bowl sportscasters coming up with ways to keep themselves amused while the power outage took place. Castmember Kenan Thompson was quite humorous as James Brown; who would frequently plug the CBS sitcom “Two Broke Girls” whenever he could in an attempt to fill time. Castmember Jason Sudeikis was also amusing as Dan Marino, as was as Castmember Jay Pharoah as Shannon Sharpe, who used football plays to explain what's going on during the power outage. In addition, Castmember Taran Killam was funny as Steve Tasker; who became more and more frustrated when Kenan Thompson's James Brown kept asking him what was going on during the power outage, and that he had nothing to report. In addition, Castmember Bill Hader was also very funny as a dancer in a quick advertisement-spoof that was borderline random. All in all, a very engaging opening and a good way to start the show.
Justin Bieber's Monologue: Justin Bieber did what he could with the material he was given. Right off the bat, I expected our show's host to break into song, much to the pleasure of his fans in the audience. The joke of Justin Bieber considering Black History Month as the most romantic aspect of February was somewhat interesting, but the writing was fine, but the entire bit appeared slightly rushed. Kenan Thompson frequently coaching Bieber about what to properly say while the latter imparted roses to a couple of his female fans was quite amusing-- thus being the funniest aspect of the entire monologue. Whoopi Goldberg's cameo at the end of the piece was alright, but I had a feeling that we'd be seeing one surprise guest during the monologue before it ended. All and all, a passable monologue, but not one of the season's best.
The Californians: I am more-than-tired of this sketch. The premise of Californian residents speaking in over-the-top valley accents and inserting travel directions in every conversation has completely worn out its welcome. Longtime Castmembers Fred Armisen and Bill Hader perform their reoccurring characters Stuart and Devin respectfully in an amusing manner; though the weak writing derails the sketch. Justin Bieber did alright as a students playing hookey; though he really didn't get a lot to do. Featured Players Kate McKinnon and Tim Robinson turned in amusing performances as two police officers who were initially though of as being sent to apprehend Bieber's character, though I wish they got to do more. All in all, a very weak sketch.
Justin Bieber Decoys” Now this was a creative and humorous sketch. Jason Sudeikis stars as Steve; Justin Bieber's security guard who introduces the eighteen-year-old singer to a group of body-doubles meant to keep him safe-- despite the fact that none of them bare a striking resemblance to him. All the castmembers playing the doppelgangers were amusing; including Bobby Moynihan as an overweight version of the singer. In addition, Justin Bieber had some comical comments aimed towards the body-doubles; though I wish he took the opportunity to poke fun at his own image. However, it was Jason Sudeikis who stole the sketch; as his comical performance brought about genuine laughs. The seven-and-a-half-year castmember had good chemistry with Bieber and expressed some great one-liners in response to Bieber's dissatisfaction with the body-doubles. The whole piece was quite fun, right up to its conclusion. This was easily the best sketch of the night.
Weekend Update: Once again, the weekly news-parody segment proved to be not very funny; as we have seen quite a few times this season. Many of Seth Meyers' jokes weren't humorous, though I did get a good couple of laughs from a quip aimed at reality-star Honey Boo Boo. I will also say that I have grown tired of Meyers explaining why some of his jokes are funny and then making exaggerated expressions afterwards. The whole concept makes him look hungry for audience approval. For the first update feature, Fred Armisen and Fellow Castmember Vanessa Bayer portrayed
“King Richard III's Two Best Friends From Growing Up;” commenting on the legacy of the King of England from 1483-1485. The entire segment was rehash of previous occurrences (during which, the concept of Armisen's and Bayer's characters were previously seen on “Weekend Update” as “Kim Jong-il's Two Best Friends” as well as “Muammar al-Gaddafi's Two Best Friends.” The entire joke of the two characters quietly bad-mouthing their friend has been done whenever they appear; thus now resulting in the joke becoming officially tired. For the second “Weekend Update” segment, Kenan Thompson appeared as “Corey: The Black Guy From Every Commercial.” Thompson performed well as this character; having some good lines, including his popcorn chicken lines as well as his comment that he has to high-five people every twelve seconds, or else, he'd die. Thompson's segment proved to be the most amusing portion of this installment of “Weekend Update.”
“Grease” Parody: This wasn't terrible, but I feel that the writing could have been a little better. The homage to the popular song “Summer Nights” was creative, and everyone's performances were alright. Featured Player Cecily Strong did well as her incarnation of “Sandy Olsen”; who was singing about the childish comments made by “Danny Zucco”; represented in the sketch by Justin Bieber. Our host did an okay job mirroring the speaking manner of John Travolta's character from the 1978 film; though I felt his portions in the sketch appeared slightly rushed. All the performances were fine, though the ending seemed a bit abrupt.
“The Miley Cyrus Show”: I'm surprised we're seeing this piece again, considering that Miley Cyrus has grown up a bit since the segment last appeared. Vanessa Bayer once again enthusiastically portrayed the popular singer/actress, and her comments about being the “New” Miley Cyrus were amusing. And once again, Jason Sudeikis engagingly portrayed Billy Ray Cyrus; who was frequently gushing about his daughter's growing up. In this particular installment, Justin Bieber portrayed the President of the Miley Cyrus Fan Club; who was more-than-excited to be on the talk show. The sketch proved to be the outlet of the night in which our host makes fun of himself; as Bieber, in character, listed some foibles he made, including smoking pot. The quick joke about Vanessa Bayer's Cyrus showing footage of her wedding to Liam Hemsworth and Sudeikis' Billy Ray not being aware of the entire event was very funny. All in all, this was an amusing sketch, though certain parts appeared rushed and could have been expanded.
Older Brother: Now this sketch is a good example of how the performance of a “Saturday Night Live” castmember can improve the quality of the sketch. In this piece, Taran Killam portrayed the older brother of a young girl, played by Fellow Castmember Nasim Pedrad, who was on a date with a well-mannered young man; played by Justin Bieber. After Bieber's character makes the error of combining the words “glad” and “nice” into the word “glice”, Killam's character goes on and on about the slight vocal error that this polite boy mistakenly made. Killam's constant mocking about the in-adverted word “glice” grew a bit old, but the performer's manner of speaking did, in all honesty, bring about a few laughs; as did some of his physical comedy movements. And the idea of Killam's character seeking approval from his father, keenly played by Jason Sudeikis, was humorous, as was some of his lines. Aside from the weak dialogue, the performances made the piece better than it could have been.
A Valentine's Day Message from Justin Bieber: Now this could have been much better. The various disruptions to our host's romantic words were okay, but the whole thing fell flat. What's more, Bobby Moynihan didn't really do anything special as his bizarre character ; which is a shame, because he's been bestowing some very comical performances this season. All in all, just a weak pre-filmed segment.
Valentine's Day School Dance: This wasn't a bad closing sketch, but I feel that it was a little rushed at times. It was nice to see Jay Pharoah's Deep-Breathing and Fast-Talking Principal Frye again, and I got some laughs from some of his announcements; particularly his comments regarding small reptiles that were fighting each other on the dance floor. Justin Bieber did alright as a nerdy student who helped put the dance together, though I feel that he wasn't given a lot of funny material to work with. Kenan Thompson was quite comical; as his delivery brought about some laughter. This piece was good, though the pacing seemed a bit hurried.
And that's basically the show. Justin Bieber was a slightly better host than I expected; considering that he possessed good chemistry with the cast and he generally seemed enthusiastic to be hosting the show. He did fine with the material he was given; although some of his roles just weren't that creative. I'm happy that he got the opportunity to poke fun at himself a few times, though I just wish the writing was better. As for his songs, Justin Bieber performed alright, but he was not this season's best musical guest.
I will also say that Castmembers Kenan Thompson, Jason Sudeikis, and Taran Killam were very good. Killam was very funny in the cold opening and was also vastly able to
was able to improve the quality of the older brother sketch though his physical performance and enthusiastic delivery. Jason Sudeikis starred in possibly the best sketch of the night (Justin Bieber Decoys) and possessed good chemistry with our host. And Kenan Thompson proved to be the main saving grace of “Weekend Update” and also provided some of the most humor in this week's cold opening. Taran Killam, Jason Sudeikis and Kenan Thompson were DEFINITELY the MVPs of the episode.
And that's my review. Thank you for following my blog and stay tuned for more Nater-Tainment!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
A Blogging Update
Image of Justin Bieber and "Saturday Night Live" Castmember Kenan Thompson taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS473US477&biw=1348&bih=678&tbm=isch&tbnid=6AedBwyYx6i_MM:&imgrefurl=http://idolator.com/7438132/justin-bieber-snl-promo-videos&docid=0czHky5ap5SekM&imgurl=http://cdn.idolator.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/06/justin-bieber-snl-promos-600x337.jpg&w=600&h=337&ei=sAYUUaWgNO2I0QGrk4C4Dw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1001&vpy=290&dur=141&hovh=168&hovw=300&tx=124&ty=114&sig=108834442758546808520&page=1&tbnh=145&tbnw=258&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0,i:119
I apologize for the lack of updates. I've been very busy last week and I haven't been able to do any blogging. This week, I've been taking the time to write my next article; which happens to be a mid-season review of the current season of "Saturday Night Live."
I will be away for the weekend, but I'll be back Sunday. Henceforth, I won't be live-blogging this week's episode of "Saturday Night Live"; which will feature Guest Host Junstin Bieber-- who will also serve as the show's musical guest. I will be watching the show, however, and examine just how good Bieber does as the host. I've never seen him act before, so I am skeptical about how this show will go. At some point Sunday night, I will be posting a review of the show that will contain my opinions on the sketches, the writing, and the performances.
Thank you all for following my blog. Have a good and safe weekend and stay tuned for more Nater-Tainment.
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