Things have been rather dour around these parts. These recent sad events have collectively cast a black cloud over our dear site. In an effort to change this sentiment, if only briefly, I present you with Zach Galifianakis’ new edition of “Between Two Ferns.” Here, Zach interviews Charlize Theron on his skewed version of a talk show and she proves to be the funniest guest he’s had thus far. Galifiankis, as always, is great, but Theron showcases a comedic talent I didn’t know she had.
Enjoy.
For more information on fighting hard drugs among our nation’s preschoolers and first graders, see the FSITO website.
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Now, before you decide to come after me for giving free publicity to really sketchy charities, be aware that this is a nice bit of viral marketing for the upcoming seventies blaxsploitation spoof, “Black Dynamite,” which I was fortunate to see at the Los Angeles Film Festival two months back. From cowriter/director Scott Sanders and cowriter star Michael Jai White (“Spawn”), it’s easily the funniest and best made comedy genre homage in a very long time, and its marketing isn’t bad either. The movie’s official site is worth a look, too.
Epix is a brand new premium channel owned by Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, and MGM Studios. Minimal information has been released regarding the fledgling network. Based on what’s known, things haven’t been looking good. DirecTV, Comcast, and Cablevision have confirmed that they would not carry the channel due to the saturated market. With HBO, Showtime, Starz, Encore, Cinemax, and others already on television, it’s clear why Epix would have a tough time getting picked up. You see, the cable providers are the ones who pay out the premium channels in these relationships. There really isn’t any dire need to add Epix to their bills. Luckily, on July 28th, Epix reached a deal with Verizon Communications Inc.’s FiOS network, who became the channel’s very first distributor.
CEO Mark Greenberg has inferred that Epix will be more similar to HBO than Starz, airing comedy specials, original series, and other special features. It’s first original pilot, “Tough Trade,” created by “Weeds” writer Chris Ouffut, is in the works. A mini-series adaptation of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged has also been suggested. Today, Epix took one step forward towards their vision, nabbing Lewis Black’s newest comedy special “Stark Raving Black.”
Standup will star in the special “Stark Raving Black,” which reps the burgeoning pay channel’s first original comedy event.
Spec, to be filmed at Detroit’s Fillmore Theater, will run in December. It will also unspool this fall in theaters in 20 U.S. markets, as well as 25 international territories. An introduction to Epix will be featured during the screenings.
Besides the special, which will run on Epix’s TV and broadband platforms, the deal also includes an online event featuring Black, who will participate in a chat via Epix’s website following the show.
Epix will launch on October 1st and give America yet another reason to stay inside.
Since 1998, The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has honored our nation’s comedians who have made a significant impact in the comedy industry. Using the term “industry” my sound like a bit of a downer, but ever since the vaudeville era, America has always adored their comedians and given them a platform to express their talents. In chronological order, the recipients have included Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner, Jonathan Winters, Whoopie Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, Neil Simon, Billy Crystal, and Geroge Carlin.
Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Willie Nelson, and a host of others will honor the 72 year-old comedian on October 26th. PBS will then air the special on November 4th.
Although Bill Cosby has acted on tad nutty in public appearances over the past couple years, he is undoubtedly one of the funniest people I’ve ever witnessed. I watched The Bill Cosby Show growing up and later got his albums …Is a Very Funny Fellow, I Started Out as a Child, Why Is There Air?, and Wonderfulness. His comedy primarily consisted of storytelling as opposed to using one-liners. It was always clean and silly, but it often contained a strong moral message he hoped Americans would take to heart. His influence is easily apparent in comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal who can be observant and hilarious without being dirty.
Fans of Joss Whedon are probably familiar with Felicia Day. The self-proclaimed fangirl appeared as a Chosen One on the final season of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” co-starred in his hit web musical “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” and recently guest starred on the lost episode of “Dollhouse.” What you may not know, however, is that Day is actually a bit of an auteur herself, writing and starring in her own web series about a group of MMORPG-obsessed geeks called “The Guild.”
Those who haven’t yet seen the first two seasons can do so (for free) on the official site, but she’s also just put out a music video (cleverly titled “Do You Want to Date My Avatar”) in conjunction with the upcoming premiere of Season Three, and suffice it to say, it’s worth checking out. Day has already proven that she can sing, but I’ll be damned if she doesn’t sound even better on this hilarious geek anthem. Is a music career in her future, or will some smart TV executive finally give the redheaded beauty her due? The answer to that is still very much in the air, but for the time being, I’m perfectly happy with swooning over her by whatever means possible.
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