The Girls of Comedy

Superbad was certainly a summer comedy targeted at a mostly male audience with its leading actors the kinds of goofy oddballs most guys were in their awkwards teen years. And what better way to tell a tale of boys becoming, well, older boys, than with some lovely young women as the objects of their affections. In any case, we have some extremely talented young actresses who are just coming up in the acting world and who are taking on roles in these kinds of comedies. Check them out below.

Emma Stone
Emma (or should I say Emily) got her start on a little known Partridge Family reality show from Sony, where she gained a small following. From there she became bit by the acting bug, and before long she landed a starring role in the FOX series "DRIVE." While the series itself was short-lived, Emma's talents shined through and before long she was starring in Superbad. Be sure to catch her in two movies due out next year: I Know What Boys Like (Anna Faris/Colin Hanks) and The Rocker (Rainn Wilson/Christina Applegate). I told you guys she was someone to know here...

Kat Dennings
While Kat wasn't actually in Superbad, she is no stranger to Judd Apatow comedy, starring as the rebellious teenage daughter in cult fave The 40-Year-Old Virgin. You might also recognize her as 13-going-on-30-year-old Jenny Brier from a memorable episode of "Sex and the City." This girl has certainly got a great comedic flair that has a real sense of heart. She'll appear alongside Emma Stone in the forthcoming I Know What Boys Like.

Martha MacIsaac also stole some hearts as off-beat and sweet Becca in Superbad. She was joined by Aviva, playing the hot and shallow Nicola who Christopher Mintz-Plasse's Fogell wins over in the end, and newcomer Carla Gallo, who makes the movie's most memorable scene as "Period Blood Girl."

What's great about all of these girls is that they're young, fun, quirky, and most importantly, they really look like high school students. Sure, they're no Megan Fox, but they certainly bring their own style and beauty to the screen and its really refreshing to see.

It's Always Funny in Philadelphia...

I'm loving all the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Season 3 teasers going around. Aside from the myspace preview, this little beauty just cropped up on the popular humor site FunnyorDie.com. Definitely NSFW... this little gem made me laugh out loud (as I watched it at work...haha). Enjoy!

*UPDATE* I love them so much!! Awesome new commercial :)

"I Got a Crush...on OBAMA!"

I just love it when Politics and Entertainment merge together. At the very least it shows that people our age are acknowledging that there's more out there than just the latest Britney gossip. Lately, there have been a whole slew of Political Candidate themed YouTube parodies. It all started with "The Obama Girl," who launched this love letter to Barack in early June.
Now, personally, I TOO have a crush on Barack Obama. Ever since reading his book "The Audacity of Hope," I've been a thorough supporter. He's such an amazing and fascinating man, really this book is a must read for anyone who is concerned about the future of our country (and that should be ALL Y'ALL, so READ IT).

Now, back to the YouTube parodies...there have been Guiliani Girls and McCain Mamas, but so far my favorite parody is the ode to Hilary Clinton entitled "Hott 4 Hill," featuring one of my favorite up-and-coming young actresses Taryn Southern. Taryn is a lovely actress and I love how she wrote and executive produced this little clip as well. You go girl :)
Ha, I see that this clip was co-produced by an actress named Meg Cionni who was in my office this very morning...such a small world.

The best thing about these clips is the intense political debates that ensue underneath the videos in the YouTube comment section. Who knew YouTube would turn into such a heated political marketplace? LOVE IT!

"Sunny" Returns...on Myspace!

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is an amazingly under-rated sitcom on the FX network. Since FX is known for its dark and edgy programming, it might seem a little odd that it would have a comedy thrown in the mix, but believe me, "Sunny" is no ordinary sitcom. Its a brilliant social satire that presents some pretty controversial subject matter in a way that is just scandalous and hilarious all at the same time. Its tagline "Its Seinfeld...on crack" says it all really. You wouldn't believe some of the escapades this "gang" of egocentric and judgemental young twenty-somethings and their father who own a bar in Philadelphia get into. With titles like "Dennis and Dee go on Welfare" and "Mac Bangs Dennis' Mom," you've just gotta love it. The cast is amazingly talented, not only starring in the series itself but working to create, produce, and write it as well. Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Rob McElhenney (the shows male stars) really do an amazing job of capturing an American attitude of comedy, selfishness, passion, and political correctness that really characterizes our generation. Kaitlin Olsen's character "Dee" is nothing like the typical leading female character you see on TV, and its so refreshing to see. She's one of the guys yet still a strong female character who's storylines never revolve around a latest love fling (This isn't TBS's "My Boys"). The edition of Danny Devitto to the cast as Dee and Dennis's crass father who is anything but paternal is really fun too. "Sunny" is so great because it has a sense of raw realism to it that it just so relateable even though it is so over-the-top. I mean the pilot was supposedly made for less that $100 dollars by the boys, and the entire first season with a meager budget of only $400,000. That's amazing! I just can't say enough great things about this show.

So what sparked this rave? Well, "Sunny" is set to premiere on September 13th, and the creators decided that that was just too long to make the viewers wait (I couldn't agree more). Therefore, they have decided to stream the newest episode "Mac is a Serial Killer" on MYSPACE Aug. 16th-23rd. You've gotta love a network that goes out of its way to appease it fans. I'm so excited. Check it out at www.myspace.com/sunnyfx starting tomorrow!!

PS, I love Mac...like woah. :) This scene is beyond amazing also:

**UPDATE** "Mac Is A Serial Killer" is my favorite episode yet!! Its amazing!! Please check it out on their myspace above and watch all 4 parts. The PepperJack scene is awesome...I mean "PepperJack love Fraggle Rock." Genius. If you haven't seen this show, you're missing out big.

JustSomeRandomGuy is Awesome

"Hi, I'm a Marvel…and I'm a DC." by JustSomeRandomGuy
We've all seen the popular and witty Mac vs. PC commercials with funny guy Justin Long (j'adore.)and John Hodgman, but you might have missed the popular YouTube parody that focuses on the two comic book giants. The series of now 16 clips hosted exclusively on YouTube appear to be written, directed, and produced by "JustSomeRandomGuy." Who are you JustSomeRandomGuy? Put some more info out there on yourself so us network peeps can discover you and make you work for the man! The clips themselves are really quite impressive--extremely witty and well-made--and the skits are "acted out" by action figures...Genius. Yes, I am a nerd, but it's really funny stuff. Apparently there are a lot of fellow nerds out there because the original clip has had almost 2.5 million views. Check it out below:

JustSomeRandomGuy is one clever dude. Check out this precious video he made to apologize for not sticking to the delivery date. Love it.

Worst Interviewer Ever.

Who the hell did this chick sleep with to get on TV? I mean really, its New York for crying out loud, not St. George, Utah. The city breeds good-looking well-spoken people. I just feel bad for Holly Hunter. The interviewer Merry Miller is practically unintelligible. Could she say "I love..." anymore? And who says "true true true" on the air? Just awful. This tape should be presented to all aspiring newscasters as the perfect example of what not to do in an on-air interview. Wow.

Little Monster Man

This is phenomenal. The little guy looks so real and the poor PETA guy is absolutely petrified. One word: AMAZING. I wish they'd bring this show back. Ashton Kutcher's "Room 401" on MTV can't hold at candle to its VH1 predecessor "Scare Tactics."

Who All Seen da Leprechaun, Say Yeah!

An oldie, but a goodie! This news story from Mobile, AL in 2006 cracks me up everytime. So many amazingly quotable memories. It has spawned yet another internet sensation with "Where Da Gold At" music videos and "Amateur Sketch" t-shirts. For more information, check out WhereDaGoldAt.com.

I mean, it's got to be a crackhead, got ahold to the wrong stuff, and it told'm to get up in the tree and play a leprechaun. Obviously.

The Newest Pearl

Pearl vs. Will Ferrell Pt. 2
Certainly by now you have heard of a famous clip floating around the internet of Will Ferrell and his young daughter on Funnyordie.com entitled "The Landlord." Its some pretty funny stuff. Well, they just released the next and final chapter in the adventures of young Pearl. Check it out below:

For those of you who miss the original, check out this entertaining blooper reel that illustrates the difficulty of working with young actors. Its pretty adorable how this little girl is coaxed to say hilarious things that she doesn't understand to "daddy." Love it!

Flight of the Conchords: A Rockin' Review

FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS

Okay, so the few reviews I've read of this show have been pretty negative. One writer for the Hollywood Reporter cited one of the biggest problems of the show as being "Our slacker-nerd heroes are always sweating." Well, I don't know about all that, but I'm gonna stand up for these boys. I really really liked this show. I had very low expectations going in, but following an epic episode of Entourage, I was in a particularly good mood. I found the duo of Kiwis Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clement to be especially likeable in fact. Sure, they're doofy, but its in a very self-aware and satiric kind of way. As I had hoped, the best part of the series is the spontaneous breaks into song.
I mean with lyrics like "You could be a part-time model...but you'll probably still have to keep your normal job," what could possibly go wrong? I don't know how this show will fair against a judgemental and often oblivious American audience, but we'll soon find out.

"Affirmative. I poked one it was dead."

"What Not to Say!" Episode 1

Welcome to the first installment of "What NOT to Say!" brought to you by the world's most self-indulgent actors! Below is a list of real taglines and gimmicks used on headshot postcards that I found to be particularly abhorant in the sea that comes across my desk. Look, Laugh, and Learn people! These are guaranteed to keep you from getting the job!

Annoying Postcard Taglines

“Call me when you need to cast ‘short, pale, and stunningly average-looking'!” (Way to sell yourself)

“I’m holding my breath until you check out my new reel…please take a look so I can breathe again!” (Please refrain from theatening the casting directors...)

“Armed and Dangerous with Aspirations and tremendous determination” (Danger not so appealing)

“Agents and Casting Directors beware! This actress is armed, dangerously funny, and gunning for you!” (Again with the threats...)

“Think Cameron Diaz meets Scarlett Johannson.” (Ugh...where to begin)

“New Chinese Face” (Wow.)

“It’s Time to Meet!” (Oh Really...)

“Seeking Opportunity!” (I bet you are.)

“Jack of all Trades: The Actor, The Musician, The Reality TV Star, The Author” (Those are not pros...)

“3 Accents for the Price of 1: Buy Me!!” (Buy you, since when are people for sale?)

“I just have to stay on your mind…and maybe your desk too” (Creepy come-hither looking picture--I'm afraid)

“Remember, I’m here for your last minute day planner needs this season—Give me a call!” (Way to sell yourself short)

“J. Keane, the acting machine. Sidekick to the Stars Since 1952.” (rhyming, really?)

“You get me work. Humperdink suffers.” (Who?)

“I feel like my castability is perfect.” (oh really?)

“The Funny Girl Next Door.” (Good for you.)

“Available Immediately: Leading Man Ready to Take Career to Next Level!” (Sad)

Giving it the 1-2-How-Do-Ya-Do?

Remember when I mentioned Clark and Michael here ? Well, here they are again. Their CBS Innertube Show "Clark and Michael" debuted today. Just as expected, its quite a hoot. I had the pleasure of seeing the original that they shot themselves to pitch the show, which was genius and I'm so glad that CBS saw what great comedians these guys are and gave them their own series. These boys aren't just actors or comedians, they worked their butts off for all aspects of this show and it really looks great. If you're craving a laugh, you won't want to miss this. They bring out the comedy in the little things of life. Check it out at www.clarkandmichael.com

If you like these guys, make sure to check out the new episodes every Wednesday on their website above!

Read About Reid.

Billy Reid
Reid is a Canadian comedian/director/producer that has been popping up in popular YouTube clips lately. He's hilarious. His quick songs about seemingly monotonous things are really quite funny, and his sketch stuff is pretty good too (I love his John Stossel parodies!). For more information, check him out at www.verytasteful.com.



I dedicate this Billy Reid clip to my lovely sister (who will probably kill me for this...but oh well...love ya, sis!)

Kelly's F#cking Rad! (Awesome.)

OH MY GOSH, OBSESSION!!! SHOES!! I have watched this video probably 100 times now and it still makes me laugh hysterically. The comedian playing "Kelly" is LIAM SULLIVAN. You can find out more information about him at THE LIAM SHOW. He's so so funny. I found his older stuff to be a little bit weak, but he's definitely found his niche with the "Kelly" videos. All of his characters are so creative and relateable on a comedic level. While now you can catch him in LA's Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre and all over youtube, I would expect him to expand to a larger scale audience in the near future.



His most-recent video: Text Message Break-up. The sketch stuff at the beginning is so hilarious. I love the subtlety from the "Don't Eat the Daisies" song in the background to the hilarity of the day to day. This guy really knows comedy. I just can't get enough.

I'm a Geek for GREEK

So, I'm sorry to admit that I was in fact a sorority girl in college...I know, I know...credibility out the window. But I feel that admission is necessary in understanding my obsession with a pilot recently picked up by ABC Family. ABC Family is a network most people know very little about...they syndicate some of our favorite shows of yester-year (TGIF anyone?) and those of the extinct WB. Still, apparently they have some of their own original programming as well, and I'm not just talking about those Christmas movies our parents make us watch each year. If you're into horses, I hear "Wildfire" is pretty interesting. Similarly, their newest shows "Kyle XY" and "Lincoln Heights" have gotten pretty decent reviews. Now, I've never really watched any of these, but the recently leaked pilot GREEK is a whole different ballgame. Its young and hip and fresh. As someone that lived it, it really does grasp the world of Greek life from its greatest moments to its biggest disappointments. More importantly, it does all of this while poking fun at the very things that it also works to promote. Never before have I felt such a sense of accuracy and amusement at this kind of teenage/young adult dramedy. I have to say, it got me hooked, and it does this through its quick-witted writing and really intriguing young cast. Introducing:

Spencer Grammer as "Casey Cartwright." I don't know if its necessarily raw talent, but this girl definitely keeps your intention. She's funny and sharp, and you really can see her as this struggling girl caught up in her own upward social mobility within her greek realm, which conflicts, of course, with her inherent good nature.

Jacob Zachar as "Rusty Cartwright." I'd seen this kid in a commercial or two before getting my hands on the pilot. He's got a unique look and acting style that works well for his socially awkward and yet adorably naive character. Think Adam Brody meets Topher Grace...he's cute, he's weird, and he's oddly relatable on a variety of levels.

Jake McDorman as "Evan Chambers." Jake is perhaps the most seasoned actor on this cast, having starred in decently successful shows and movies like "Quints" and "Aquamarine." He's definitely got a sexy quality to him, and while he might be used to playing a hearthrob, he's really quite good at playing someone with a little bit of a darker side to his all-american exterior. I like it.


Scott Michael Foster as "Cappie." I think this is the real breakout star here folks. Can you say CHARISMA? His lines are the ones that get the real laughs, and yet there's definitely a very human quality to his character. He was the most interesting to watch, for me at least. He's a real guy's guy too, which will help the show win over the male audience.



Clark Duke as "Dale." I told you guys before, this kid has real comedic talent. He serves as the outsider to the whole Greek experience in this series, giving new life to a bible-thumping confederate flag-waving freshman roommate character.



Paul James as "Calvin Owens." His character is definitely something new to bring to cable TV, and Paul tackles this task head-on. He effortlessly portrays the quintessential frat boy who is secretly happily homosexual, and he does it with style. By no means a stereotype, he brings real depth to an already complicated character.

Dilshad Vadsaria as "Rebecca Logan" and Amber Stevens as "Ashleigh." The sorority girls. In the pilot their characters are a bit along stereotypical lines, but I'm definitely interested to see where they end up. Amber is just adorable: she adds real personality to an already invigorating cast. Dilshad is a bit of a mystery to me, so we'll have to see what is revealed through her as the season progresses.

Aside from these series regulars, there is a fabulous supporting cast including some really funny and talented young actors like Aaron Hill (The Beaver), Zack Lively (Heath), Tiffany Dupont (Frannie), and Johanna Flores(Libby). All of which stick out in their own right against an immensely talented cast.

XOXOXO

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! In honor of this LOVE-ly holiday, I wanted to note some of my favorite on-screen couples that might not fit into the typical love conventions, but certainly have plenty of chemistry to go around.

JIM AND PAM
We've all been there, and anyone that watches "The Office" knows that the back and forth of John Krasinki's JIM and Jenna Fischer's PAM really pulls on our heartstrings. He likes her, she likes him, but its not the right time, place, etc. Once these two do finally find themselves in each other's arms, we'll all be in a puddle of emotion on the floor. LOVE THEM.

CLAIRE AND ZACH
Unlikely best friends: Hayden Pannetiere's popular cheerleader CLAIRE to Thomas Dekker's tech geek ZACH. They may never have come together if it hadn't been for the forces of fate in one hero's unlikely journey. Without him, Claire is alone with no one to trust. Together, they can make things happen. I just can't get enough of these two.

EARL AND JOY
Okay, okay, so these two are supposed to be the opposite of a couple. But I love the turbulent relationship of Jason Lee's EARL to Jaime Pressly's JOY. Both abusive, and yet both devoted in their own ways. Despite it all, you know they would still be there for each other when they really needed it (like when Earl had to raise some cash to keep Joy out of Jail). No matter what the situation, these two make me love to laugh, and laugh at love.

MR. AND MRS. ARI GOLD
From the outside, you might think this "Entourage" relationship is a mess. Jeremy Piven's ARI is constantly saying mean things about his wife, and Perry Reeves' MRS. ARI is always yelling at him to put him in his place. Still, when you break through the layers, there is a sweetness to these two. She's got him wrapped around her finger and while he may say mean things in jest, we all know where his heart lies. I just love how she's the one person that can take super-agent Ari Gold off of his pedestal.

CHARLIE AND CLAIRE
Most people who watch "LOST" are caught up in the love triangle that is Jack-Kate-Sawyer. However, the love-spark that I'm really interested in is that between Dominic Monaghan's CHARLIE and Emilie de Ravin's CLAIRE. New mom Claire has always been my favorite character because of her obvious vulnerability yet strong-willed attitude. The match between her and troubled yet always upbeat and funny Charlie is so adorable. They're the closest thing to a working family unit on that show.

Hey You, Anonymous Actor.

It kinda bugs me that actors aren't credited in commercials. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've seen someone on one of these ads with real talent and then spent the next few hours trying to hunt them down via the internet, only to become frustrated and discouraged...abandoning my plight. There should be some kind of resource for these people or something. Note to actors: If you're on a commercial, make sure that when someone googles it, your name comes up. You never know who might be interested in that kind of information...

Speaking of which, these chicks are pretty funny. Can anyone out there identify them?

**UPDATE** The first girl is JULIA LEHMAN. She also has guest-starred on a recent episode of "Veronica Mars."

"These Guys are Incredible...They're Princes."

CLARK and MICHAEL

The comedy of this duo is SPOT ON.


You're probably already familiar with Michael Cera as the quirky yet lovable "George-Michael" on the critically acclaimed series Arrested Development. However, unless you follow YouTube and Myspace videos closely, you might have missed the equally comedic Clark Duke. As close friends, both share a subtle humor that is laugh-out-loud hilarious in my opinion. Check out their stuff at ClarkandMichael.com. According to the trades, they're working on a pilot for the new CBS internet channel INNERTUBE. I can't wait.