tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post5213491582728504900..comments2024-03-18T13:50:45.615-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Freaks and Geeks Rewind: The Little ThingsAlan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-51864583088696752052011-10-24T09:51:51.868-04:002011-10-24T09:51:51.868-04:00I was reading some of the comments in Boyfriends A...I was reading some of the comments in Boyfriends And Girlfriends, and I think Alan's assessment of them in his Smooching And Mooching recap is pretty spot on: Cindy curiously dating Sam isn't too far out of the question, because Sam is decidedly less geeky than Bill and Neil - he's not as spacey as Bill or socially inept as Neil, and in a lot of ways, his "geekiness" seems to stem mostly just from the fact that he's more into Star Wars than basketball (although it IS indicated that he's a fan of pro sports - witness the Detroit Lions helmet in Carded And Discarded). <br /><br />Plus, in real life, the popular/unpopular divide generally isn't nearly as pronounced as what you typically see in movies (Revenge Of The Nerds) and TV shows (Popular). There are varying degrees of popularity/unpopularity. And, while Sam was technically "unpopular," he wasn't quite unpopular enough for Cindy to be embarassed about dating him. In fact, she probably didn't even totally notice his lack of popularity, since he wasn't routinely bullied or picked on by the other kids the way Bill and Neil sometimes were. <br /><br />Heck, if you were unpopular in high school, it's very possible one of the popular girls had a secret crush on you but knew she couldn't act on it for fear of jeopardizing her social standing!Martynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-64399538321315220032011-04-21T14:19:14.506-04:002011-04-21T14:19:14.506-04:00What's particularly great about the Cindy/Sam ...What's particularly great about the Cindy/Sam break-up is that, even when Sam is totally fed up with her, he's a nice and understanding enough guy to not succumb to any kind of malicious feelings towards her. He simply admits that the two have nothing in common and really aren't compatible with each other, but he never spitefully judges her as a "bad person" or plots any kind of needless revenge. Cindy's final scene in the episode, where she tearfully introduces George Bush Sr., is also interesting in that it suggests she realizes that she lost a really good guy in Sam and, perhaps, learned something from her time with him.<br /><br />If only more television producers would learn from the realism of the Sam/Cindy relationship. We then wouldn't have so many would-be-disasterous-in-real-life couples like Ross and Rachel.<br /><br />I also like the Ken/Amy angle, because of the way it demonstrates a simple relationship reality: No matter how great somebody may seem, he/she is bound to have at least one quirk or flaw that bothers you in some way. The question is whether or not you can accept it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-31619833560946080812010-10-28T17:43:24.645-04:002010-10-28T17:43:24.645-04:00I'm finally watching this on IFC and love it. ...I'm finally watching this on IFC and love it. The one thing I didn't buy was Sam's mom giving him a family heirloom to give to his 14 year old girlfriend. Seriously?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-56838394983291917422009-05-01T15:14:00.000-04:002009-05-01T15:14:00.000-04:00Even later to the party: I was really surprised to...Even later to the party: I was really surprised to read your take on the sleepover. My assumption was that Daniel thought Ken was being a complete idiot and was mocking him for thinking that he was teetering on the edge of gayness because of his girlfriend's gun/holster situation.<br />Am I giving him too much credit?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-86227872047264477092009-03-24T20:55:00.000-04:002009-03-24T20:55:00.000-04:00As long as we're doing the "late to the party"-thi...As long as we're doing the "late to the party"-thing I want to mention Nick's panic after Daniel kept going "coup, coup, coup...". "Don't joke about that, man!" Cracked me up for some reason.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-81342300565092368402009-03-03T01:43:00.000-05:002009-03-03T01:43:00.000-05:00Concerning the Comedic Movie Parthenon, I would st...Concerning the Comedic Movie Parthenon, I would strongly lobby for Robert Zemeckis' "Used Cars". It's not as well-known as the others on the list, but I find it to be one of the funniest and most eminently quotable comedies of that late '70s/early '80s period. <BR/><BR/>A little late to the party here, I know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-86772243904742655442008-08-15T03:04:00.000-04:002008-08-15T03:04:00.000-04:00i didn't mind stiller. i thought it was kind of sw...i didn't mind stiller. i thought it was kind of sweet. i really like that last joke about working with major appliances. "that would be a yes" :D<BR/><BR/>i guess knowing they were getting cancelled anyway they took the opportunity to get a big political 'up yours' in with this episode<BR/><BR/>sort of like mr. rossoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-54686987759755413642008-02-25T08:04:00.000-05:002008-02-25T08:04:00.000-05:00I also found Stiller's presence annoying and distr...I also found Stiller's presence annoying and distracting in this episode. It's a shame.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-69807639549495261902007-09-01T15:17:00.000-04:002007-09-01T15:17:00.000-04:00Love F&G and this blog is great. Wayne's World as ...Love F&G and this blog is great. <BR/><BR/>Wayne's World as a top comedy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-60950647548695871522007-08-26T20:12:00.000-04:002007-08-26T20:12:00.000-04:00Ken grasping Amy's tuba as he kisses her is one of...Ken grasping Amy's tuba as he kisses her is one of the best images in the show. I love the Ken/Amy relationship--what a shame Jessica Campbell only appears on two episodes. Nick's and Daniel's reactions to the news is perfectly in character for each--Nick's optimistic, kind of "who cares if you're in love (I wish I were)" attitude vs. Daniel's pessimismAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-42093467650534715152007-08-26T03:27:00.000-04:002007-08-26T03:27:00.000-04:00Haven't seen anyone mention one of my favorite exc...Haven't seen anyone mention one of my favorite exchange of the whole series, so I thought I'd toss it in:<BR/><BR/>"George Bush is coming."<BR/>"The porn star?"<BR/>"No, the Vice President."<BR/><BR/>Can't believe it's almost over. Thanks for doing this, Alan. My vote for next summer goes to Firefly.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05498229045397191604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-62645501502312524592007-08-25T11:19:00.000-04:002007-08-25T11:19:00.000-04:00Karen: After these posts I found myself looking at...Karen: After these posts I found myself looking at our DVD collection. I saw Ghostbusters and immediately smiled. You're right. That movie is very funny and so quotable. By the way, it's nice to have another gal giving her opinion now. ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47613720895566797522007-08-25T09:28:00.000-04:002007-08-25T09:28:00.000-04:00If we're going overseas for inspiration for future...If we're going overseas for inspiration for future summertime blogging, there's also the British series (two seasons, twelve episodes) Spaced, by the folks behind Hot Fuzz/Shaun of the Dead. Very clever stuff.Cinemaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742365356939303431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-25905804885210009242007-08-25T01:35:00.000-04:002007-08-25T01:35:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01288100796201737845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-18950158361126271152007-08-25T01:34:00.000-04:002007-08-25T01:34:00.000-04:00Wow. Seriously? No one mentioned "Ghostbusters"?...Wow. Seriously? No one mentioned "Ghostbusters"? That movie leaves me paralyzed, and I quote from it constantly. Even in class--if you're trying to describe an implausible situation, all you have to say is "DOGS and cats, LIVING together!" and the whole room--no matter the ages involved--will dissolve with laughter.<BR/><BR/>About Daniel in the confession scene--I thought he was being pragmatic and realistic, just as he was with Lindsay when she set up Nick's drums audition: "He's just got a little time before he ships out. Let him enjoy himself." Daniel understands all the freaks so well (Kim is one big exposed nerve; he's been waiting for Ken to like someone since the third grade; he's terrified of what will happen if Lindsay breaks up with Nick), and he harbors no illusions. What makes Ken's actions in the end so admirable is that he stepped up and was a man about it--not a lot of teenage boys would act that way, in the final event. And, frankly, I don't think Daniel would, himself. Not at this point in his life, anyway, and not once all his best friends knew about the situation.<BR/><BR/>About Ben Stiller--I have never been a fan, and I found his presence extremely disruptive in what was otherwise an incredibly powerful episode. So much going on: Sam and Cindy, Ken and Amy, Lindsay and Bush--and up pops Stiller doing shtick. The final scene with Rosso, where he's taking the test...it's not even believable, and if there's one thing F&G was uncompromising on it was its realism.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to propose--as I think I have elsewhere--that for a DVD blogging event you take a look at the British series "Shameless." It's simply remarkable! And only one 7-episode season is available on DVD, so it wouldn't even take up that much of your time. Probably not a lot of your readers have seen it, but it's looked like a lot of commenters hadn't seen F&G before you started blogging it, so that's almost moot.<BR/><BR/>But if you want to go strictly American, then I second the nomination of "Firefly."Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01288100796201737845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1743790984221120152007-08-23T13:20:00.000-04:002007-08-23T13:20:00.000-04:00Rover: you are completely right. It wouldn't take ...Rover: you are completely right. It wouldn't take their place. As I'm a woman, I choose to have a group of 20! Solves *my* problem! ;)PAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-38187714348788459132007-08-23T03:40:00.000-04:002007-08-23T03:40:00.000-04:00Have you seen this casting story re: an F&G alumnu...Have you seen this casting story re: an F&G alumnus?<BR/><BR/>http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN2132132520070822Toby O'Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06999037844031101965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-17020938058656127922007-08-22T22:32:00.000-04:002007-08-22T22:32:00.000-04:00Big Lebowski is a very solid candidate. Perfect fi...Big Lebowski is a very solid candidate. Perfect fit for the kind of movies on the list. <BR/><BR/>I disagree about Austin Powers, though -- the fact that the catch phrases don't hold up is exactly why it wouldn't make the cut.<BR/><BR/>Jennifer: to put something on the list, you have to knock something off. Do you really think Dodgeball is funnier or more quotable than Caddyshack or Blazing Saddles? I mean, maybe its a male thing, or a generational thing (as originally noted, this is a specific demographic we were talking about), but: you gotta be kidding me.<BR/><BR/>Good talk, Russ.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-66665543595781961792007-08-22T15:48:00.000-04:002007-08-22T15:48:00.000-04:00Talledega is hysterical. I really love the outtak...Talledega is hysterical. I really love the outtakes on the DVD.<BR/> Cable Guy I have to watch again, I think I'm more ready for it now.Homertojeebushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14716825626940216299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-39416382025871965332007-08-22T15:41:00.000-04:002007-08-22T15:41:00.000-04:00Arriving late to the party. Just seeing you mentio...Arriving late to the party. Just seeing you mention it's the "penultimate" episode chokes me up. I, too, fell hard watching this show again this summer. I don't even feel as if I'm watching a TV show. Does anyone else feel this way? I feel like they're real people torn from my life...which sucks! In a weird way, it reminds me of the documentaries where they revisit the British group every 7 years.<BR/><BR/>This is one of my favorite episodes. I wish, wish, wish we had gotten more Amy. ( also can't believe that actress isn't doing more) Seth Rogen blows me away in this episode. His declaration of love to his "tuba girl" is fantastic. It's small, I know, but I just like that they worded his line at the end with "*and* I'm sorry." <BR/><BR/>The only other things I can say about that episode are: 1) my dad would totally have pulled out that "you're with the Weir party" if he could have in my youth and 2) Kim's response to Lindsay's crush," Yeah, if you like guys that look like Jesus!"<BR/><BR/>As to Alan's question about comedy lines. I'll be honest. My husband got me to watch The Jerk which my father wouldn't let me watch at the time. I thought it was very funny, but it could never hold a candle to Caddyshack for me. I could watch that movie every day.<BR/><BR/>I'm typically a guy's gal so most typical guy humor is not lost on me. As for Rover's list it's a really good one. I'm not the biggest fan of "There's Something About Mary" only b/c it doesn't hold up too well; Chris Elliott skeeves me out too much by the end and, every once in awhile, there's only so much I can take of Cameron Diaz. There, I said it.<BR/><BR/>My Dad introduced me to all of those movies, but Spinal Tap (college) and Mary (after college.) On your HM's list he intro'd me to YF and BB. Love BB. The whole family of Jaroch's quotes Caddyshack and BB the most at family gatherings. Maybe it's a Chicago thing.<BR/><BR/>Of all the other HM's mentioned throughout: never seen Life of Brian, but my hubby loves it; dig Fast Times; Best in Show is scary/funny; loved Real Genius the more I saw it growing up.<BR/><BR/>Alan: I love "I love lamp." Here's one of my favorite lines from Anchorman...about Odeon's Sex Panther, "They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time."<BR/><BR/>Today's comedies that I watch the most: Dodgeball (I can't *not* quote this movie!);Borat; Old School; The Big Lebowski; Anchorman; Wedding Crashers. I imagine Knocked Up and Superbad will get added to that list.<BR/><BR/>By the way, I'd love to hear anyone's opinions on The Cable Guy; Zoolander and Talledega Nights.<BR/><BR/>"Pepper needs new shorts."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-40333839240940858812007-08-22T13:49:00.000-04:002007-08-22T13:49:00.000-04:00I second the Pete & Pete suggestion.I second the Pete & Pete suggestion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-26072279329456045382007-08-22T13:35:00.000-04:002007-08-22T13:35:00.000-04:00Well, if the Pantheon is open to all eras, I would...Well, if the Pantheon is open to all eras, I would have to put in a vote for the way-overexposed, but still genuinely hilarious, Austin Powers. Being pelted endlessly by it's catchphrases has blunted it's impact somewhat, but the quality is there.Homertojeebushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14716825626940216299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-26911286927678997012007-08-22T07:14:00.000-04:002007-08-22T07:14:00.000-04:00Swingers you could argure for as a slightly differ...Swingers you could argure for as a slightly different genre (getting awfully close to romantic comedy, despite it being a "guy" film), but Big Lebowski I think has to be included. Besides it being, you know, really amazingly funny, I think it might be the most commonly owned dvd among People My Age. Besides maybe the Shawshank Redemption?rhamiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02697134869139534503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-77239992802064412912007-08-22T04:15:00.000-04:002007-08-22T04:15:00.000-04:00I love that the deleted Sam/Cindy scene is labeled...I love that the deleted Sam/Cindy scene is labeled "our creepiest moment" on the DVD. Because really, for as much as they (rightfully, don't get me wrong) go on about Nick being waaaaay too into Lindsay, wow, is that cringeworthy.<BR/><BR/>(BTW, I've really been enjoying these posts, Alan. I rewatched the series this summer too, and fell in love with it all over again. I'd just started getting over the cancellation, too. Oh, well. At least it's a righteous anger.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-76894955418659957612007-08-21T22:36:00.001-04:002007-08-21T22:36:00.001-04:00Notably absent from the list of essential Geek fil...Notably absent from the list of essential Geek films: STRIPES and BLUES BROTHERS from the F&G era. And I would argue heavily in favor of 2 films of more recent vintage (actually about 10 years old now - where did the time go?): SWINGERS and THE BIG LEBOWSKI. I'm about to turn 40, which makes me just a year or two younger than Sam, and those four loom large in my psyche and are quoted incessantly by me and my buddies.<BR/><BR/>Dig:<BR/>"That's the Fact, Jack"<BR/>"Your problems is no ones' ever given you the Aunt Jemima treatment."<BR/>"Talk about massive potential for growth!"<BR/>"We're On a mission from God."<BR/>"Where's my cheese whiz?"<BR/>"You're money and you don't even know it!"<BR/>"This is the guy behind the guy behind the guy..."<BR/>"Vegas, Baby, Vegas!!!"<BR/>"That rug really pulled the room together."<BR/>"Donnie, you're out of your element."<BR/><BR/>etc. etc. etc.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16103145648059577871noreply@blogger.com