Bad Decision, Journalists
The White House Correspondents Association is having a bad time under Trump, but its decision to cancel Amber Ruffin’s appearance at its annual dinner is a self-inflicted idiotic move. Here’s why.
A Streaming Recommendation
Since I wrote yesterday about how disappointed I was in a new Apple TV+ series, let me recommend a different streaming show I really enjoyed — on Netflix.
Stop With The Shouting
We were looking for something new to binge-watch and gave “Dope Thief” a try. But by the third episode, it was clear there was a problem. Let me explain.
Not Andy Kaufman Again
With the release of a new documentary about Andy Kaufman, I’ve pulled from my archives a piece explaining how he wasn’t a comic genius, but rather a coddled and spoiled brat.
Review: “Bob Trevino Likes It”
This is the kind of small indie movie I like to champion. It’s about a young woman who can’t please her narcissistic father, but finds a connection with another man who has the same name.
Broadway Video
More Broadway productions, including George Clooney’s “Good Night and Good Luck,” are incorporating video into the proceedings. Having experienced it at another show, let me explain why it’s such a bad idea.
MYMNK: “By Design: The Joe Caroff Story”
If you’re looking for something to stream, check out this documentary about graphic designer Joe Caroff, who created logos and artwork for some of the most iconic movie posters, ads, and promotional items of the last seventy years.
A No On “Anora”
Now that it’s on Hulu, I finally watched “Anora,” which won the Oscar this year for Best Picture. But here’s why it didn’t deserve the award — or all the other praise lavished on it.
Best Thing I’ve Read Today
Here’s an excerpt from a good piece by Rick Ellis, “Why Are We Still Listening To Anything Bill Maher Says?”
Reel Spoilers: “Novocaine”
I returned to the Reel Spoilers podcast this week with Tom, Joe, and Kevin to review “Novocaine.” You can watch us discuss it here — complete with tangents aplenty — or download the audio version.
George Foreman
Although I never interviewed George Foreman, who has died at 76, I do have a couple of quick stories to share about the legendary boxer and grill salesman.
Jean Shepherd & Wanda Hickey
Jean Shepherd was a brilliant monologist, radio personality, and author, who you may know from his classic movie, “A Christmas Story.” Here are some of my memories of him — plus the man himself reading a chapter from one of his books.