Tuning in on Thursday - Week 6

I missed last week, so now I am probably going to forget to talk about a few things... I should have written things down! Let's see how I make out...

Older Shows

NCIS - We watched maybe one or two episodes of NCIS, but then the other night when it was time to watch something I put a movie on. I just need a change. We will probably resume our re-watching in the New Year.

Bones - I have paused on watching this show. I have too many things that I want to do, so I will probably pick this back up in the New Year, too. I have been dropping many, many hints about getting the seasons of this show on DVD. I don't think they registered...

Big Love - I also paused on this show. I never even finished the first season... I got a bit distracted with other things, but I do at least want to see how it plays out. I will have to find a bit of time for it soon.

Sherlock Holmes - I am not sure where to put this, so I will stick it in here. I decided to finally watch the show that is done by the BBC. I mentioned that I was and now I am buddy watching it with Suey from It's All About Books. I watched the first episode a few nights ago and really enjoyed it. Suey has caught up with me so I should be watching episode 2 tonight or tomorrow.

New Fall Shows

Once Upon a Time - I continue to love this show! I am amazed that every Sunday I watch this show with the guy. This is a very unheard of thing. For one thing, I didn't expect him to even like the show. Then, there is the actual sitting down to watch a show when it is actually on. There is one Sunday a month where the guy is at work for it, but otherwise we are religious watchers.

Grimm - I think we are an episode behind in this show. Friday nights are just a bad night for planned television watching. We will have to catch-up sometime soon. I don't think we are going to be home for this weeks episode either.

Movies

This is where my memory will have to start working...

The Muppets - This is the new movie that is playing at theatres. We went to see it a couple weeks ago. I was very happy to get a chance to see it in theatres. I don't go to the theatres very often, so you know a movie is special when I make the effort (and pay the ridiculous price). It was fun to visit with old friends. It really is The Muppets for a new generation, though. The voices are different. I just can't imagine The Muppets without Frank Oz, for example, but the newer generation wouldn't really know any different. I think they should have made more of this franchise when they had the chance.

This was one of my favourite parts of the movie (this is changed a bit):

Muppet Family Christmas - You can actually watch the entire thing on YouTube. When they released it on DVD they didn't include some of the songs because they didn't want to pay the fees, but this is the original movie in its entirety. I was so excited! I'll probably watching it again with the guy because he was saying he hadn't seen that movie in ages. It was just a nice trip down Memory Lane.

The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson - Jim Henson makes a cameo at the end of the movie above, so it got me thinking about him. I found out that this was made. I probably have seen it before, but it was so long ago I only have vague memories. I think he would have really enjoyed his tribute. It also lead me to finding this video, which everyone should watch:

The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years - It is hard to believe that The Muppets are now 50 years old. I think it was a bit disappointing that more of a big deal wasn't made about it. It really was just a money-making period by releasing the older movies on DVD. I appreciate that, but I still think they should have had some fun with it. I really wish Jim Henson had lived longer. As you can tell the new movie put me in a Muppet mood. I still have to watch Muppet Christmas Carol and I am getting Muppet Treasure Island for Christmas. I just love Jim Henson. I have his other movies, too. I collect them every time they are released on DVD.

Moving on...

A Single Man - I am a bit of a thief, but I am attempting to broaden my music and movie horizons. On Wednesday's I have been posting about music that Ana recommended for Debi. And, well, I have also been browsing the movie selections. I really hope Debi doesn't mind! Anyway, Chris recommended this movie for her and I really like Colin Firth. Apparently this movie had some award buzz. Did I mention I live under a rock? I probably did hear about it, but I didn't pay attention. I really liked this movie, though. It was a very different movie for Colin Firth, but he acted in it very well and the movie itself was overall done well. (And, wow, what a contrast from The Muppets!)

I know there were probably more, but I can't remember.

And, you know what? I can tell you easily where my love of science-fiction came from: Star Trek. I have always struggled with an answer for the fantasy question, but it is so apparent now... Jim Henson. Have you ever seen the greats like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth? (Also, watching the Jim Henson Tribute reminded me that I have misplaced my DVD of The Storyteller. That is sad...) Anyway, he was my earliest influence, so it is easy to trace him from those movies to my fantasy reading. I bet you needed to know that desperately, right? And, yes, I am bit of a nerd. Puppets are cool, though!

Moving back on the correct subject, I came across a challenge tonight that fits with my current goal of attempting to broaden my movie horizons. It is called The 2012 Movie Madness Challenge.

Guidelines:

· Record each movie you watch. You don’t have to review any or all of them but at the end of each month make a post with the list of movies you have seen that month and a final tally of 2012 to help keep track of it all.

· There are four levels in which you can attempt to achieve:
25 Movies: Movie Newbie
50 Movies: Movie Fanatic
75 Movies: Movie Critic
100+ Movies: Movie Master

· Mini Series count but only as ONE movie, as do Television Series (the entire series and not just single episodes)

· The movies don’t need to be new, old favorites also count.

· We will post a monthly update at both The Talking Teacup and A Girl, Books & Other Things where you can also share your progress in the comments if you are not a blogger, and we will show last months leaders and what not.

· Have fun with this guys!

My List:
1. 16 Blocks (Watched January 6, 2011) (review)
2. The Invasion (Watched January 6, 2012) (review)
3. 28 Days (Watched January 7, 2012) (review)
4. Mercury Rising (Watched January 8, 2012) (review)
5. Gothika (Watched January 9, 2012) (review)
6. Horrible Bosses (Watched January 14, 2012)
7. Valkyrie (Watched January 15, 2012)

I still haven't made up my mind about book challenges for 2012, but I am going to join this one for sure. I think I will sign-up for Movie Newbie, watch 25 movies, and then take it from there.

If you are interested in joining yourself the information is all found over here.

I will probably keep these posts up in 2012... If anyone is bored I wouldn't mind a button for it...

The Muppet Show Comic Book: Muppet Mash by Roger Landridge & Company

The Muppet Book Comic Book: Muppet Mash by Robert Landridge & Company

Completion Date: February 28, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the Series

Eisner Award-nominated Roger Langridge’s MUPPET SHOW continues its genius run. After a trip to Eastern Europe, Gonzo’s acting even stranger than what qualifies as normal, displaying a new penchant for avoiding sunlight. And Statler and Waldorf are showing their age when an act strangely reminiscent of the days of the Pharaohs makes the Muppet curmudgeons wax nostalgic for their mummies. The flame of romance is rekindled in the old malcontents for a suspiciously youthful crush.

This is the last book I have to read in this particular series, until they release another one, so I am very happy to be finished a series. In the other Muppet series I am reading, the library hasn't bought Muppet Sherlock Holmes yet. I might have to give them a push in the right direction so I can finish up that series, too!

As you can probably guess from the title, this collection is Halloween in nature. It addresses the large vampire fad right now, so even The Muppets are in on the fun. Gonzo goes on a trip to Eastern Europe and when he comes back he is acting strangely. Obviously, they assume he is a vampire. Honestly, though, the whole point of Gonzo is that he is strange to begin with, so how they think he can possibly be 'different' was a bit beyond me. He's an enjoyable character, though. The show, and comics, wouldn't be the same without him. I think the best part of this comic is that Statler and Waldorf, better known as the 'heckling old men' play a very central role. They have character development. Considering I can never even remember what their names are, this was pretty impressive.

Overall, more fun in the series. Keep this comic in mind for Carl's RIP challenge, actually. Now that I have Netflix, I wish they had the show on there. I have my fingers crossed they will get it! (Currently we are watching the show Community. Very good so far! I wish they had more than just season 1...)

Series:

Meet the Muppets (Read in 2009)
The Treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson
On the Road
Family Reunion
Muppet Mash

Muppet Snow White by Jesse Blaze Snider, Patrick Storck, & Company

Muppet Snow White by Jesse Blaze Snider, Patrick Storck, & Company

Completion Date: February 10, 2011
Reason for Reading: Carry On With Series

It's the classic tale of Snow White, with the Muppet twist! When Queen Piggy learns she's not the fairest in the land, she will stop at nothing to gain back the title...but when Snow White escapes to the woods to live with the Muppet band Electric Mayhem, hilarity will ensue!

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre?
Fiction. Graphic Novel.

What led you to pick up this book?
I have been reading this series so far this year and this is the next one that the library had available.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending!
Obviously this is a Muppets version of Snow White, but with a few twists and turns. Miss Piggy is not exactly happy with the popular story, so she makes a few changes and there are characters that were not exactly in the original story.

What did you like most about the book?
The creativity, of course. The art was really well done and the story changes were entertaining. It is the original story at some points, but with the Muppets flair thrown in. Even when it is attempting to stick close to the original there are lots of liberties taken, of course.

What did you like least?
Nothing really major. It was a fun read.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books?
Not really by the author, but I have read other books in the series.

What did you think of the main character?
Miss Piggy was entertaining, of course. She played the wicked step-mother and was not happy when the prince, Kermit, goes to awaken the sleeping Snow White. Or, well, sort of Snow White. She is a blonde pig in this book. All the characters are lots of fun and there wasn't one that I didn't enjoy.

What about the ending?
The ending changes from the original a lot, but it leads to typically Muppets adventure and was fun.

What did you think about the cover?
I really liked the cover. Great artwork!

Series:

Muppet Robin Hood

Muppet Peter Pan
Muppet King Arthur
Muppet Sherlock Holmes
Muppet Snow White

The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road by Roger Landridge & Company

The Muppet Show Comic Book: On the Road by Roger Landridge & Company

Completion Date: February 9, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with Series.

Roger Langridge's celebrated run on THE MUPPET SHOW comic book begins a new, zany arc, The Muppet Gang takes a road trip in an attempt to discover if it is the performers of the theatre that comprise the heart and soul of the show; and Fozzie Bear takes his act to the streets-literally! All your favorites are backas THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK continues!

So far this year I have been having a bit of a spree with The Muppets, but that's just how it has worked out at the library. I am applauding myself a bit, though, because I stalled on this series in 2009 after only reading the first book and now after reading just one more, I will be caught up! That doesn't happen nearly enough for me. This series is a lot of fun, really. I always enjoyed the characters and to revisit them in graphic novels is a really great idea. It really does feel like the show is back and really captured in the pages.

In this edition the characters go out on a road trip while their theatre is being rebuilt. Fozzie stays behind to take his on show on the road. There are a bunch of "Pigs in Space" in this volume. That was always one of my favourite segments. There is always a lot of humour throughout and you will find yourself laughing at the characters antics. For those that watched the show, they will know that the old men always enjoyed criticizing Fozzie. I enjoyed the fact that when he was gone they actually started to miss him. They of course resume normal behaviour when he returns, but it was still a nice touch. There was lots of fun in this volume.

Series:

Meet the Muppets (Read in 2009)

The Treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson
On the Road
Family Reunion
Muppet Mash

The Muppet Show Comic Book: Family Reunion by Roger Langridge

The Muppet Show Comic Book: Family Reunion by Roger Langridge

Completion Date: January 22, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the series.

The Muppet Theatre has been repaired, and it's time to once again start the Muppet Show! The search new performer leads to an unexpected guest, prompting a family reunion that fans have been asking for but never expected! This is the one Muppet fans have been demanding, and will be talking about for months to come!

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre?
Fiction. Graphic Novel. No idea what you would call it as a genre...

What led you to pick up this book?
I just requested all the Muppet graphic novels the library had and read them as they came in.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending!
This is a perfect way to look at characters that only made guest appearances on the show. It starts with one special one and then the author manages to work in a few others. It was great to see some of the old characters make surprise appearances!

What did you like most about the book?
The guests! It is great to see the regular characters, but there were more that only appeared once in a while. To have one comic book and several guest returns was a very fun idea. This would make a great bunch of episodes for the show if it was still on.

What did you like least?
That it was only a comic...

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books?
I have read two other books in this series. I find the series really fun. That's why I keep reading it!

What did you think of the main character?
There are so many great characters. I love Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, and the list goes on and on. This collection also showcased Robin a bit more than the previous books have. He is a cute kid and I always enjoyed when he was on the show.

What about the ending?
I really liked the ending. It closed up and on-going story throughout the collection and was pretty fun. I am looking forward to seeing where the book goes next. The end of these always wrap up little stories throughout, but there is always the big story to look forward to more from in the future.

What did you think of the cover?
I really liked the cover. It was a lot of fun! I am starting to think I might want to buy this series... They would look nice on my bookshelf. In the meantime I will read them from the library and have lots of fun!

Series:
Meet the Muppets (Read in 2009)
The Treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson
On the Road
Family Reunion
Muppet Mash

The Muppet Show Comic Book: The Treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson by Roger Landridge & Company

The Treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson by Roger Landridge & Company

Completion Date: January 21, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the Series.

Roger Langridge's celebrated run on THE MUPPET SHOW comic book begins a new, zany arc! Scooter discovers old documents which reveal that a cache of treasure is hidden somewhere within the theater...and when Rizzo the Rat overhears this, the news spreads like wildfire! Meanwhile, Animal's acting very strangely—he's now refined and well-mannered! All your favorites are back as THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK continues!

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre?

Fiction. Graphic Novel. No idea what you would call it as a genre...

What led you to pick up this book?
I read the first book in this series way back in 2009 and then promptly forgot to check for more.

I didn't review it...

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending!

Scooter finds a map while cleaning up the storage room and it turns into treasure hunt mania. In the meantime, the show must go on!

What did you like most about the book?
I always loved this TV show and attempted to rewatch it last year. It would be great if it could come back, but if it can't this is really the next best thing. They have brought back acts that you used to see in the show. Every time it happens I can't help smiling. While things are being played out I can hear it all in my mind. I am enjoying this trip down memory lane!

What did you like least?

That it was only a comic?

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books?

I read the first book in 2009, but I enjoyed this book way more. I am not sure if it is a mood or this is just way better. I think before the year is out I am going to have to read the first one again to see if I like it any better.

What did you think of the main character?

Kermit. I am a bit of Kermit fangirl at times. He was always my favourite character when I was a child... I was so sad when Jim Henson died. I love the show, Muppet Treasure Island is a classic comedy, and I watch Muppet Christmas Carol every year.

What about the ending?

The ending was good. There never really is an ending because this is like the show. They show the backstage happenings, but there are also things happening on the stage. All the classics acts are there.

What did you think of the cover?

It's fun, but they can do so much better. I don't understand why they don't!

Series:

Meet the Muppets (Read in 2009)

The Treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson

On the Road

Family Reunion

Muppet Mash

Muppet King Arthur by Paul Benjamin, Patrick Storck, & Company

Muppet King Arthur by Paul Benjamin, Patrick Storck, & Company

Date Completed: January 21, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the Series.

Many have sought the Holy Grail, and many have failed. Now the Muppets present some very good reasons why, as they recount the fantastic quest of King Arthur and his Muppets of the Round Table! This classic tale of adventure, romance, and magic is told once again, but this time with more frogs, chickens, bears, and Whatnots than you can shake Excalibur at! In the words of Fozzie, it will be a "knight" to remember! Features a cover gallery with art from David Petersen, the Eisner Award-winning creator of Mouse Guard!

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre?
Fiction. Classic retelling in graphic novel format.

What led you to pick up this book?

I have all ready read and reviewed Muppet Robin Hood and Muppet Peter Pan.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending!

This is like the classic story meets Monty Python, but with Muppets. It stays to the story a bit, but it also has fun with it. Kermit plays King Arthur. Percival is played by Fozzie. Animal is Gawain. Morgana is Piggy. I expected her to be Guinevere. Dog (?) is Merlin. The annoying hippy woman, I need to look up her name, is the Lady of the Lake. She didn't bother me as much in this one. Gonzo is Lancelot. A chicken plays Guinevere. I know, weird, huh? Think about it, though...

What did you like most about the book?

The humour. This books are just funny and fun. That's really the only reason that I am reading them. They took lots of liberties with the story and I appreciated them. King Arthur is always one of my favourite stories, so I enjoy reading any retellings.

What did you like least?

I thought it was a little strange that a chicken plays Guinevere. It never occurred to me when I was a child that there were so few female characters in the Muppets. That's good, though. Nowadays it would bother me... Yes, the chicken makes sense, but all she does is cluck. (That's another thing that would bother me now that didn't bother me as a child... Think about it...) Although, they did make some homour out of her inability to speak, so it wasn't as bad as it could be.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books?

This author, no, but I have read other books in the series. I liked this book and Muppet Peter Pan way better than Muppet Robin Hood. They took too many liberties with Robin Hood and it was just weird. These stories were just fun...

What did you think of the main character?

Kermit as King Arthur. It makes a lot of sense because he is the leader of the Muppets. It works well for him. I always enjoy Kermit. It's a childhood thing! I sort of wish they would mix things up a bit, though, and I am happy to see it looks like Fozzie plays Sherlock Holmes and obviously Miss Piggy is Snow White.

What about the ending?

The end was something they took a lot of liberties with. The narrator even comments on how they decided to change things drastically for a change and I enjoyed it. It is how Arthur should have played out, but obviously things like that never happen!

What did you think of the cover?

Once again, I liked the cover but I think some of the ones in the galley included at the back are way better!

Series:

Muppet Robin Hood

Muppet Peter Pan

Muppet King Arthur

Muppet Sherlock Holmes

Muppet Snow White

Muppet Peter Pan by Grace Randolph & Company

Muppet Peter Pan by Grace Randolph & Company

Completed: January 21, 2011

Reason for Reading: Becky brought the series to my attention.

The timid Kermie Pan resides in the magical realm of Neverswamp, where the pushy fairy Piggytink tries to toughen him up! One night, while searching for his shadow, Kermie Pan and Piggytink encounter the Darling children, who run away to Neverswamp and encourage Kermie Pan to battle Captain Gonzo!

Features a cover from David Petersen, the Eisner Award-winning creator of Mouse Guard!

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre?

Fiction. Classic Retelling in a Graphic Novel.

What led you to pick up this book?

I read Muppet Robin Hood earlier this month. While I didn't love it, I still was curious.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending!

Peter Pan is played by Kermit. Tinkerbell, or Piggytink, is Piggy. Gonzo stars at Hook. Rizzo is Mr. Smee. It's just all in good fun. They take some liberties with the story. The children are from America, for example, because Sam (the eagle) plays the narrator and the father in the story.

What did you like most about the book?
I love the Muppets. I strongly think they are great no matter how old you are, so it was really fun to visit with them. I love the humor. I mean, Piggy as Tinkerbell? It takes into play a lot of the things that made the show great a lot more than Muppet Robin Hood did.

What did you like least?

The person that played Wendy drove me crazy! What is her name again, I can't even remember... Since there were not a lot of girls in the Muppets (one of its faults) she plays a part in most of these retellings. She's funny as herself, but annoying as anyone else if you have to put up with her too long. I mean, a hippy Wendy is interesting, but not entirely what I want to see.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books?

By the author, no, but I have read other books in what I am calling this series. I started with Muppet Robin Hood and while it was cute, it didn't really appeal to me as much as I was hoping. I thought this one was a lot better done.

What did you think of the main character?

It's Kermit as Peter Pan! He's supposed to be annoying and selfish, but it's still Kermit at the end of the day and I always loved Kermit. I was very sad when Jim Henson died because he has never really been the same since.

What about the ending?

You can tell it is a children's book. The ending is very... safe... Still good, though.

What did you think about the cover?

It was fun, but some of the others that were used when they were released as individual comics were way better!

Series:

Muppet Robin Hood

Muppet Peter Pan

Muppet King Arthur

Muppet Snow White

Muppet Sherlock Holmes

Muppet Robin Hood by Tim Beedle (And, a movie review...)

Muppet Robin Hood by Tim Beedle & company

Date Completed: January 11, 2010
Reason for Reading: Just for fun!

The Muppets tell the Robin Hood legend for laughs, and it’s the reader who will be merry! Robin Hood (Kermit the Frog) joins with the Merry Men — Sherwood Forest’s inf

amous gang of misfit outlaws — to take on the stuffy Sheriff of Muppetham (Sam the Eagle) and the wicked Gonzo of Gisbourne! Features a cover from David Petersen, the Eisner Award-winning creator of Mouse Guard!

I was catching up some blog reading and I happened to notice on Becky's, from Becky's Book Reviews, post wrapping up the Graphic Novel Challenge that she had read classic stories retold with the Muppets in graphic novel format. I was curious... Even the cc was curious. Off to the library website I went and they actually had a few of them. I can sum up my thoughts very easily: This book was really fun, but nothing amazing. I laughed a few times and enjoyed the retelling of the story with Kermit and friends. The cc read a bit over my shoulder and he thinks they should make a movie. I plan to read whatever other ones the library has just for fun.

Then, in one of those weird twists of fate, the movie that we had planned to watch last night was Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

Cary Elwes stars as Robin Hood, the dashing defender of the down-trodden, who along

with his merry men and Maid Marion, resides in Sherwood Forest. There they have

become together to fight against the seriously neurotic Prince John, the not quite-evil Sheriff of Rottingham, and the mad scorceress Latrine.

This was a fun movie! I am pretty sure I have seen it before, but if I did it was a while ago. I just love the movie. I think anything that Mel Brooks does is sure to be an entertainment not easily forgotten. It is just so random that you think it is going to be really bad, but it all works together so well. I mean, picture a bunch of men dressed in tights doing a dance number about how they are manly men. I laughed for a while at that scene. The movie still keeps to the basic story, but adds humour and entertainment, of course.

The characters were casted really well. Cary Elwes also plays Westley in The Princess Bride. The movies reminded me a lot of each other, actually. I think William Goldman and Mel Brooks have the same creative minds in a way. Then, at the end of the movie Patrick Stewart appears as King Richard. I enjoyed that immensely. We were watching the opening credits and kept saying, oh, he is going to be funny and thoughts along those lines. It has a great cast of really funny people. It's a cheesy movie, I am not going to lie, but it is great for a laugh and is easily a movie you can watch over and over again. Now that I remember seeing it, I am going to make sure to add it to the few movies I do rewatch. So, if you are one of very few people, I am sure, that haven't seen this movie... Watch it!

*** I think I might keep track of what I watch in 2011 over on the sidebar and review from time to time. While I love reading, the cc is a TV/movie person. So, when he is around we tend to watch a lot of stuff. When he is not around I hardly even turn the TV on!