Where tonight we’re not just dangerous…we’re Bangkok Dangerous! Episode 16

iconogeek — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:43:56 +0000

As the 16th episode of iconogeek kicks off, Chuck and Jason delve into the much-anticipated “Preschoolers” HBO series, adventures in parenting, the dangers of Capri Sun, and why pets suck.

The term “Postal” is discussed and Chuck and Jason put it to the listeners to coin a new term. After which the discussion turns to Bangkok Dangerous, Elvis, Bubba Ho-tep’s sequel, and how cool Bruce Campbell is.

Chuck tasks Jason with reading Watchmen in preparation for the film, then the two discuss Fox’s bogus lawsuit against the WB and touch on the amazing story that is Watchmen.

The show continues with Jason professing his love for Tilda Swinton as the conversation moves from “Burn After Reading to Michael Clayton. RocknRolla enters into the conversation as Jason marvels at Guy Ritchie’s crazy cast of characters and then finishes up with a quick review of Babylon AD. But not before Chuck allows himself to lay into Doomsday once more (as if the post wasn’t enough).

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You’re officially on notice.

Chuck — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:17:58 +0000

Seriously, if you haven’t been watching Burn Notice, now’s the time to get on board. In its second season, this USA series is light, fun and action packed. Kind of like a cross between MacGyver, the A-Team, and Magnum PI the show features Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Weston, a covert operative burned by the CIA. Left out in the field, with no resources, his accounts frozen and dumped in Miami (his hometown) Michael has nothing but his wits and a few friends to get his life back on track. Michael is a classic hero-type, trying to solve the puzzle of his burn notice, while helping out Joe Average with his worse-than-average-problems.

The show delivers a lot of heart, great stories and humor with an excellent cast that reads right out of the nostalgia fanbook. First up, Sam Axe played by…wait for it…Bruce Campbell, a boozing, philandering ex-seal. He’s the trustee side-kick and confidant. The girlfriend, played deliciously by Gabrielle Anwar (“Things to do in Denver when your dead”, and the cancelled-too-soon “John Doe”) is tough, sexy, smart, and tough. She’s the on again, off again flame and all-around goto girl.

Sharon Gless shows up as Michael’s chain-smoking, neurotic, psycho-somatic mother. Excellent job, and it’s great to see a veteran actress of Gless’s caliber on the screen again.

The thing I really like about this show is that it is total escapism. It’s a great balance for LOST with all it’s heady intrigue and mystery. Burn Notice allows you to jump in at any time, and enjoy the ride. Much like X-Files, it has a longer running mythology (why was Michael burned, who did it, what do they want him for) with episode long stories that start, fulfill and end satisfyingly. The show has a great visual style with some touches of Guy Ritchie thrown in (but not too much) and all those great whooshing sound effects to keep it fun. Oh and Jeffrey Donovan’s cheeky, dead-pan VO lends great exposition without being corny.

Oh and for those of you STILL not interested, Tricia Helfer has made a cameo as one of the Burners (maybe 2nd in command?). Not sure what side of her bread is buttered, but judging by the hoops she’s had Michael jump through, it can’t be the good side.

All-in-all I’ll give this show a solid 8. Real good TV.

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iconogeek » Bruce Campbell

Where tonight we’re not just dangerous…we’re Bangkok Dangerous! Episode 16

You’re officially on notice.