My Reviews

Drew Barrymore/Regina Spektor - 10/10/09

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:58:00 -0400

Drew Barrymore hosts for her 6th time tonight on the show, and whenever she hosts, it's always a treat to have her on. Drew is always pure energy to the show, and livens up the cast, and she's a joy to watch perform. Our musical guest is Regina Spektor. Regina's album, "Far" is an amazing album, that has deep lyrics, and fun tunes. I definitely recommend this album to anyone.

Obama's Nobel Prize: Obama also wins the lottery in this sketch, which proves he's very lucky. This sketch was a little less punchy than last week's Obama sketch, and a little more weak. It was short, and the 3 AM line, even though I saw it coming right when he said "in the morning", was still a really funny line.

Monologue: This was actually really funny. It reminded me a lot of that Chris Walken sketch a year and a half ago, which some succeeded at, and some failed at. This time around, everyone did the impression prettygood.

Gilly: Another Gilly sketch... don't worry everyone, soon enough this sketch will [hopefully] disappear like Penelope or the A-Holes did. BTW, I miss the A-Holes. Anyways, this sketch was still worth a few laughs. Drew made me laugh. Abby's character was borderline annoying though.

Celebrity Ghost Stories: I love when they do the impression sketches, but tonight's impressions were either completely random, and not that funny, or just bad impressions. Abby and Nasim stood out in this, even though nobody knows who Charlyne Yi is. But, man, I know this is random, but I'm having a late Amy Poehler withdrawal. Last week we had Abby's Nancy Grace, which was okay, but nothing more, and this week we have Drew doing a pretty sloppy Sharon Osbourne. If they do a Rosie Perez impression, or a Dakota Fanning impression next week, I'll snap. Just kidding. But, anyways, this just wasn't all there.

University of Westfield: Look! A funny commercial parody! This actually gave me a lot of laughs, and it was nice to see most of the cast in this. Jenny made me laugh with her mumblin. at the end.

La Revista Della Televisione: I've grown to love this sketch. I absolutely hated it back in 2007, and the Jon Bovi sketch was the one that started turning me around. But, tonight was a little weaker than usual. There were some funny parts, and even though they tried doing something different with Bobby, they've got to go a whole new direction with Vinni's son. I don't exactly know what right yet, but, the alcohol/smoking problem he has is starting to get old.

Musical Performance: Regina performs "Eet" which is a great song, and Regina's voice is so beautiful live.

Weekend Update: This Update seemed a little bit on weak knees. I guess that's what the Weekend Update Thursdays have done, and the damage will have to wait to be fixed until the hiatus after next week, I guess. Bill's Carville was a pleasure to see back, and made me laugh. After that, we had Scrooge, which was okay, but nothing more. Then, we had Kenan's Maya Angelou, which made me laugh at first, but that was it. The poems weren't funny.

Pool Tournament: This was just one big tampon joke, and it didn't payoff. I really can't say anymore. Even the 90's looks weren't making me laugh.

Cooking al Fresco: First off: Is this the millionth Italian reference of the night? Second off: This was almost like an attempt for "Wake Up and Smile" from 1995 with Will Ferrell and Nancy Walls. But, it didn't come off that well. And, there was a bunch of technical gaffes, like Drew messing up her hair too late when the camera got back to her.

Larry King Live: What was this? This was bad. I may have chuckled. MAY have chuckled. I can't remember. But, this wasn't good. This is below All That. Wow... I just don't know what this was. And it's a damn shame, because that Larry King Live sketch from 2 years ago with Amy as J.K. Rowling was so funny, and it had potential to be the new go-to news sketch, like Hardball used to be.

SNL Digital Short: Brenda and Shaun: This was actually really funny, and reminded me of "Jar Glove" because of the scenarios they went through. I also found it interesting that the music used was the exact same music used from Drew Barrymore's last hosting stint: Body Fuzion.

Musical Performance: Regina performs "The Calculation" which is a huge pleasant surprise. "The Calculation" is a great song that's upbeat and happy, and not [yet] a single. I was expecting "Laughing With" which is another great song, but, this was great too.

Book Reading: This was a really funny 5-to-one sketch, that should havebeen placed much earlier in the show. Even right down to the beginning with Jason pointing out how Drew read the whole book made me laugh. And I was surprised that we were doing another "funeral/wedding" but, but it actually just centered around Will's anti-obama character, which really made me laugh.

And that's our show. This was a pretty middling episode, which averaged out to average. The actual writing was below average, but Regina really bumped this episode up. It was definitely a disappointing Drew Barrymore episode, because Drew's episodes, minus the 2004 one, are usually always delights. Her 2007 episode is probably one of the funniest ones from that year. And, Drew definitely didn't phone tonight in. She was there, and you could tell she was loving it. She almost seemed a little off tonight, though. But, otherwise, she, once again, was pure energy, and it's always a treat having her on. And, as I said above, Regina rocked. I don't want to be bias, but she really was great.

I'm liking what I see from Nasim. Nasim seems like a naturally funny actress, and I can't wait for her to really get stuff going. I was proud of Abby tonight. Abby really got some good stuff out, and it's about time. Jenny, though, really needs to get on. I'm not sure if it's her inability to pursue writers to write for her, or if it's because Lorne is scared of her F-bomb the other week, but, seriously, it's old news now, and it's about time she gets stuff on. I really want to seeher succeed on this show.

And, by the way, no Darrell!

6.0

Next week: Gerard Butler hosts with musical guest, Shakira. The history of the 4-episode runs in the past 2 years have shown that the 4th episode is usually the best (Jonah Hill, Anne Hathaway), so I have hope. Hopefully Gerard will be a funny guy. (I really don't know his work). Shakira will be interesting.

Ryan Reynolds/Lady Gaga - 10/3/09

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:49:00 -0400

Now that Weekend Update Thursday is over, SNL will have more focus on it's original hour and a half variety show, so I'm hoping for above average episodes appearing more frequently. Granted, last week was a premiere week on the knees, but hopefully, this week will be back on a surge. This week's WUT was more weak than the last 2 WUTs, which really proves burn-out for the Update set.

Our host tonight is Ryan Reynolds with musical guest Lady GaGa. Ryan Reynolds is more of a left field choice than not, but, left field choices for hosts usually tend to be a in for a good show. Jon Hamm is a spectacular example of that. Who hasn't heard Lady GaGa? And, more importantly, who hasn't said in their minds "Okay. That's enough. I've heard this song plenty of times"? I'll give Ms. Stefani her credit though: She is not a one-hit wonder, and, infact, a bunch of songs from her debut album have hit the top of the charts.

Presidential Message: This was a change of pace. It's taken 9 months, but we finally have our first anti-Obama sketch. As a supporter of Obama I'm still going to say this was a nice breeze. Complaints about SNL sucking up to Obama have been circulating too much, and this will have to seriously put an end to that. There was really no support for Obama in this sketch. Many are probably saying to this "Come on, it's been 9 months. He's doing his job", but remember, it's just SNL people.

Opening Montage: Just a few changes: Kristen's intro to her credit changed, so she has more screen time on the credits than she did last week, and I'm glad to see that we changed up the host and musical guest intros. They looked exactly like last season's last week, so this was a nice change.

Monologue: This was a funny real monologue by Mr. Reynolds about the differences between doing a superhero scene and doing a love scene. It was pretty good.

Mostly Garbage: So far we're 0 for 2 on the commercial parodies this season. It wasn't bad... but it wasn't good. I'm going to assume that this season will be just as inconsistant with commercial parodies as last season.

Family Feud: This was a very raunchy sketch about the Phillips family's new secret, but it was still a pretty well written sketch that was really funny. A few things I noticed was that Nasim didn't have one line, and did Jason's wig turn from blonde to gray in the middle of the sketch?

SNL Digital Short: I'm An Adult: Oh boy. Another musical Andy Samberg DS. Not anywhere as bad as last year's Samberg musical DSes, though, so I'll give him credit. It was good for a chuckle, and the Elijah Wood cameo was pretty cool.

Mike's Fountainry: Before I start this, I had no idea that Ryan Reynolds was married to Scarlett Johansson, so to have her come into this was completely random and puzzling to me. But, now I get it, so I'm all good. Anyways, this was a fun bring-back, because I actually enjoy these. I gotta say though, it would be pretty cool if Rachel Dratch came back to do that wife.

Deep House Dish: Was this the most puzzling Deep House Dish ever? Thefirst two acts were just Kristen and Ryan singing random songs, and, just like any other DHD, there was really no chuckles here. Then all ofa sudden we had Madonna and Lady GaGa perform, and it was more of aconfusing little appearance than something funny. They were doing a cat fight, but, it almost felt like they were out of control at times. It was weird. But, I guess it was nice seeing Madonna on. BTW, did anybody realize that Madonna was in talks with hosting/performing sometime this season for her compilation CD "Celebration"? Talks broke down (I don't know how you break down talks with hosting SNL, but that's okay), so i guess it isn't happening now, but I just found that random.

Musical Performance: Lady GaGa performs "Paparazzi". I think some of GaGa's music is okay as long as it's not overkilled (like it usually is), but, man, I give her props for this performance. I've heard Paparazzi before and thought it was okay, but this performance was really good, and the SNL effects like the flames, smoke, and sparklers in the back were superb.

Weekend Update: A few good jokes here and there, and then there was Darrell appearing as Arnold Schwarzenegger, which was an okay commentary. Then we had Charles Barkley on to talk about China's 60th year anniversary, which was pretty funny. But, the funniest part was Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his wife's commentary. As Fred's Mahmoud didn't say anything, and just stared blank ahead, Nasim pulled off a great peppy Ahmadinejad wife.

So You Commited A Crime & You Think You Can Dance: This was actually a really funny sketch, and almost seemed like something UCB would do, which is a good thing. It was interesting seeing Abby Elliott's Nancy Grace. When K-Fed was introducing Nancy Grace, I really thought Amy would be on as her, but, nope. Abby did good with it though. But, anyways, this was a funny sketch.

International Masterworks: This sketch was pretty one-premise, but I still laughed at the performances at times.

Musical Performance: In what seems to be a medly from the start with "LoveGame" playing to the base part of "Boys Boys Boys" (I only know that because of a friend), Lady GaGa performs the refrain of LoveGame and then goes into her new single "Bad Romance" which she doodles on the piano for a while, and eventually segueways into a piano ballad version of "Poker Face" and back into "Bad Romance". I gotta give her credit. She can play the piano, and even though there was that awkward moment of her trying to fit on the piano seat and stuff because of herwardrobe choice, she pulled it off well.

Fashion: Andy and Lady GaGa realize they're wearing the same outfit (bubbles) and try making out but physically can't do it. This was pretty silly, and a good way to end the show.

That's our show. Ryan demonstrated great versitality, and did a great job, and, even though the cameo choies were really random (Madonna?) it was still a decent show. Lady GaGa actually did a great job. She was a weird musical guest (just her outfit choice for that second song has people scratch their heads), but she was really awesome. I did find it weird, however, that Ryan just kind of disappeared into the episode. By the second half, he did a few things here and there, but disappeared for the last 15 minutes, which, by that time, Lady GaGa took up hosting the show.

As for Jenny Slate, she was not fired, and she'll be fine. She didn't appear in WUT, but I'm sure that was just a huge coincidence. But, meanwhile, she really didn't have a speaking part tonight, but still, I'm sure it'll all work out.

7.0

Next week: Drew Barrymore hosts with musical guest Regina Sepktor. This should be a good show.

Weekend Update Thursday 2009 #3 (10/1/09)

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:46:00 -0400

I'm going to keep this review short. The only thing I'll touch up onbefore the review is the Jenny Slate f-bomb slip, which has finally calmed down, and which I would like to confirm to everyone who hasn't heard yet that Ms. Slate will not be fired for the slip, considering the fact that it was a pure accident, with not purpose behind it.

The biggest wake up call of this whole show was definitely the beginning. We just started. It was awfully weird. No cold open, not even a cold open from Seth. We just started. That really indicated the burn-out in the Weekend Update part of SNL recently. Just last Thursday, SNL Weekend Update Thursday was thriving, and, in one week, we're indicating writing fatigue. Of course, there will always be a chance for revival without a break, but, I've got to say, with the ratings not being so hott, and the specials effecting the actual show, I say they just axe SNL Weekend Update Thursdays. Or at least they should axe WUT specials going in consecutive weeks. Maybe one here or there. But, I hear that we'll be getting Weekend Update Thursdays in January, which is a terrible idea, considering the fact that January is usually the most dryest month in news.

But, let's get back on topic. We had a few joke, then commentators Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg on to comment on the recent arrest on the 30-year-old rape scandal. There was really nothing behind this if you've already seen The View sketches SNL's done in the past year. We then got to Jason being a bitter pilot who worked with Captain Sully oflast January's plane-in-the-Hudson incident. The commentary fit Jason really well, but the energy never started.

We returned with Kristen's Susie Orman which was hilarious. We then went to (Darrell returning as) Dennis Franz and John Malkovich to talk about the Olympic decisions in Chicago. The commentary was actually pretty funny, but the whole random filmed Maya as Oprah cameo was just too much. BTW, while I'm at it, congrats to Maya for being pregnant again! I completely forgot she was until she was on. I heard about the announcement last May.

We then returned with a few more jokes, then a Hall & Oates commentary. These aren't that bad, and this was pretty funny, but it was much like last year's when they broke up and made up again.

I'm a little happy Weekend Update Thursdays are going on hiatus. While the first two editions were both more delightful than not, this one was more of an average edition. It started out very slow, and ended on more of a high note. I'm glad Weekend Update Thursday is over though, because it really is killing the actual Saturday show by taking away original Weekend Update material and such. NBC, which is doing anythingto get inflation in ratings, is trying to make this SNLWUT what it was last year, and, even though I'd like it to be just as big as it was last year, it isn't. The fact that they're also putting it at the deadly NBC 8 o'clock spot, and not the 9:30 spot like last year also isa bad decision by the Peacock.

Hopefully Weekend Update will gain energy and consiousness fast.

6.0

In 23 hours from this post: Ryan Reynolds hosts with musical guest Lady GaGa.

Megan Fox/U2 (9/26/09)

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:24:00 -0400

SNL's premiering tonight, and I'm excited to see how this season will progress. A big thing I noticed was that apparently, Darrell isn't coming back for the 90-minute shows, which is fine, and even though he shall be missed, it was time. I've already really had my opening words in my review for the first Weekend Update Thursday a few weeks ago.

Tonight's host is Megan Fox, and yes, many are worried that she's going to be pretty bad, but I have an open mind. The musical guest is U2, which I'm very excited for, since they have a history of being one ofthe most epic musical guests ever on SNL.

Gadafi Message: We open with Fred doing an impression of Gadafi. The sketch was alright, but the translations just made the delivery a little bit slower than usual. There were still some chuckles here and there.

Opening Montage: Yes! We finally have a new one! Thank god! All and all, everyone is looking good.

Monologue: This was alright, and Bobby's part was pretty funny.

Bladdivan: Talk about a slow commercial parody. They could have donemore with this concept, but it was just slow and long-winded. Then again, many of SNL's recent years have had slow commercial parodies.

Flight Attendants: "WHAT!?! A Kristen Wiig sketch?! How could we?!"Guys, this sketch wasn't that bad. We have to be open minded. Yes, Kristen is known for just stupid characters, but this was, even though slow, fine.

Russian Mail Order Bride: This was, once again, a beat up concept. Fredin drag. And he's ugly. There were a few laughs here and there, but, so far, this is an under whelming premiere, to say the least.

SWAT Team Date: Oh, our first digital short of the season. It was alright, but, once again, long winded!

Grady Wilson's Fire in the Bed Sheets: I'm actually going to say this was a funny sketch. Yes, it's recurring, but it was funny the first time, and it's still pretty funny.

Musical Performance: I have no idea what song U2 performed for their first set. I'm not going to lie. It was energizing, but, not as good as their 2004 round.

Weekend Update: The jokes were pretty good tonight, but, boy, those commentaries. Both recurring? What is this?! Jean K. Jean was actually decent and average, but, Kristen Wiig's Judy Grimes was just the same.

Live Lounge: This was actually our first funny sketch of the night that was all and all very good. I was loving those labels. My only complaint was the awkward beginning with Megan saying how she was not in a different decade and stuff. No audience response to that at all.

Musical Performance: U2 rushed down "Moment of Surrender" which was okay, I guess.

Biker Chit Chat: Oh yes... here we go. Before I get to the actual incident, I just want to say, if it weren't for the distraction, and you didn't have your attention divided, you would have realized thiswas a pretty bad sketch. Not much humor at all. But, anyways, Jenny was the 4th cast member to say the F-Bomb on SNL. I hope there won't be any penalization on her, but let's remember, this was her FIRST sketch that she talked/starred in.

Transformers: This was definitely a Lonely Island digital short. It was alright, but, it was middling, like the rest of the show.

Your Mom Talks to Megan Fox While You Get Ready: I actually liked this sketch. The concept was really cute, and, if they are willing to do more with it next time, this would be a funny recurring 10-to-1 sketch.

Goodnights/Musical Performance: Yes, there is Jenny being hugged by Seth. And, yes, there is U2 performing "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)". And, yes, there is the end of the show.

First things first: this was such a rusty season premiere. This wasn't as bad as last year's premiere, but, man, what was this? Megan Fox surprised me, and was actually good in pretty much everything she did, so that doesn't explain it.

Here's another thing: I read an article how Lorne was saying how worried he is about this season. Well, here's an idea: Instead of trying to clean house, motivate the writers. Motivate the cast. And, also in that article, Lorne said that they try to stay away from recurring characters from the season's past at the beginning of the current season as much as possible. Really? You could have fooled me. We had Judy Grimes, Grady Wilson, and Jean K. Jean.

U2 was not as good as I was expecting. I guess I was expecting the super performances Bono did a few years back, when he was walkin around the studio, and keeping it exciting. And they didn't even perform "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" which was a huge disappointment.

And, my hope goes to Jenny Slate. I'm sure she'll be back for the rest of the season, but, man, she must be petrified. I say we never do that biker's chit chat for two reasons: 1) It's risky. As proven by Jenny. 2) It was not a funny sketch at all to begin with.

Okay, so, yes, this episode was slightly below average, and, I'm not eally worried about the rest of this season. I said the exact same thing last year too. And, last year turned out fine.

5.5

Thursday is the last out of the [first] 3 Weekend Update Thursdays.

Next week: Ryan Reynolds hosts with Lady GaGa.

Weekend Update Thursday #2 (9/24/09)

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:21:00 -0400

Here is our second Weekend Update Thursday out of possibly 9 WUTs this season! Last week's unofficial opener was an above average broadcast, with still more consistency to take care of. The Weekend Update Thursdays have usually been more hit than miss since it's debut last October, and I'm wondering if this week will be more the same.

Obama to Cable: This opener was a lot of fun, and it looked like the cast and writers probably had a lot of fun producing this. This was also Nasim's first sketch, and she did a hilarious Kathy Griffin impression. Other kudos go to Bobby's Guy Fieri, and Jason's Glenn Beck.

WUT Part 1: We started off Weekend Update with a few jokes and then Fred's hilarious David Patterson impression once again. The zingers were just as good as they've ever been, and after 4 Weekend Update appearances, this impression still has no sign of writing fatigue yet.

WUT Part 2: I'm not sure if the Rosie Perez/monkey guy phone call wasin this part or not, but I give kudos to bringing back Amy's hilarious Perez impression while they still have her. Other kudos to the Bill Clinton commentary, and then the same for the Guiding Light spoof. The facial expressions were hilarious, and Bill Clinton appearing again was just the icing on the cake.

WUT Part 3: A few more jokes here, and then the Shep commentary, while, very funny, was a little drawn out, and made you think "Okay. I get it." but nonetheless, a good commentary.

This WUT special was the best out of all 5 so far (Yes, I'm comparing these to last year's set also). It felt like the writers finally got the feel on how to write these episodes. This half hour was fresh and fun, and it was nice seeing Nasim for the first time on the show.

A positive thing I've seen about Update since Seth took over solo is that when there is a slow week and jokes are harder to produce, more commentaries are put in, and they're usually funny. So, instead of going for jokes that really won't have a punch, they will try to write funny commentaries. I feel that it's working for SNL.

Tomorrow: The season officially starts with host Megan Fox and musical guest U2! I'm excited!

7.5

Weekend Update Thursday #1 - 9/17/09

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:07:00 -0400

It's good to be back... but weird at the same time. This is the first time a live shortened/primetime special has premiered before the actual season premiere. It's almost like these are the warm-up shows to get us going for the real goods.

Now, since this was a half and hour show, this will be a short review, but, since I have the space, why not touch up on what the big chatter of the summer is/was?

First I'll scrape through the minors: Don Pardo has officially retired, and there is NO word on who the announcer will be. (The announcing roles this week were all pre-taped from last season to 3 seasons ago) I wish him the best.

Since my last review in May (excluding Rosie/Whitney I did in June) I, and most others, speculated Darrell's final leave. Well, Darrell is apparently back. He said a few weeks ago that he was 'in negotiations' and I guess those negotiations went well.

Also, the writers' staff has hired, I think the final number was 6 new writers to the show. They haven't done that in a while.

Finally, here is the major news. After what seemed like the most boring summer for SNL news, early September dropped an A-bomb. Casey and Michaela had been fired from the show. Now, Casey, many had saw coming. I know she is talented, but SNL and her did not fit. Michaela, on the other hand, was a HUGE surprise to almost every fan of the show. Michaela was a big utility player, and for someone who only did 15 episodes, Michaela did spectacular. Now, there are many 1-year-SNLers that made it big later on in life, and just didn't work on the show, but Michaela will probably be one of the most memorable 1-year-SNLers who did GOOD on the show. I am unhappy with the news, and I've ranted about it (you can go to any big SNL board and probably find my postings on the subject) but I wish both of them the best. I'm not going to get into the whole thing on the review.

And, yes, we have 2 new women cast members: Nasim Pedrad and Jenny Slate. Both are very cute girls (I've also seen some of Jenny's videos, and she seems hilarious), and I'm excited to see how they do.

Republicans Meeting: This was a great way to open the unofficial premiere. It was so silly, and such a great premise. Joe Wilson, last Wednesday, said "You Lie!" to Barack Obama in a joint congress address, incase if you don't know the back story behind this. This seemed almost like a different pace for the SNL political sketches, and it was ahilarious way to open up the season.

Weekend Update: And, right after Jason's LFNY, we segued right into Weekend Update, with, what appears to be a different looking desk, and a refurbished back-drop. Amy and Seth seemed very excited to get everything going off to a bang. After one technical glitch, that Amy and Seth handled very well (and the camera crew, for that matter, also) and a few jokes, we went to Bill as James Carville. Bill's impression of him killed, just like all of Bill's impressions do, and, while the beginning was funny, it seemed to be stretched out after the points were made.

Weekend Update Part 2: After a commercial break, we had Kristen as Madonna. Kristen captured Madonna even better than last season, and the writing was funnier too. One joke later, we had Kenan and Darrell as Michael Steele and Jimmy Carter. This was a very funny commentary, and after this, we went into...

Weekend Update Part 3: This featured a "Really?!" with Seth and Amy over all the anger issues we've been having lately (i.e: Kanye West's VMA melt down, the Williams tennis incident, and Joe Wilson), and it was great. This really initiated the Weekend Update to the audience.

And, that was our show. The show came back with a rejuvenated feel, and turned out to be an above-average broadcast. My only complaint was how this started before the real premiere, and how it's making me hungry for a real show. But, I guess that's the ratings trick.

6.5

As expected by me, the two new women were not seen, and they probably won't be seen until next Saturday.

SNLWU will return next Thursday. Amy will be back for one last Update (she'll probably be back later). And, of course, two weeks from now will be the season premiere with host Megan Fox and musical guest U2.

Tomorrow night, you can catch the repeat of last season's finale: Will Ferrell/Green Day

Season 34 Recap!

Sun, 17 May 2009 15:34:00 -0400

Most Improved Cast Member:

I'm going to say Kenan Thompson. He seemed to be a dead train wreck towards the end of last season, and even though he can still have his bad recurring characters, he just seems funnier now a days.

Best Digital Short:

3. Everyone's A Critic (11/15/08)

2. Party Guys (03/14/09)

1. Mother Lover (05/09/09)

Worst Digital Short:

3. Space Olympics (09/13/08)

2. Cookies (12/13/08)

1. Ras Trent (10/25/08)

Best Cold Open:

3. QVC Visit (11/01/08)

2. A Bi-Partisan Message From HC & SP (09/13/08)

1. Vice-Presidential Debate (10/04/08)

Worst Cold Open:

3. Dick Cheney: A Final Interview (01/17/09)

2. Republican Meeting (02/14/09)

1. Joe Biden and John Murtha (10/25/08)

Best Cast Member:

We're all gone through rough patches with her. Between her way too out there character and such. But, honestly, she's still at the top of my list. Kristen Wiig

Worst Cast Member: Aside from his great McCain and Clinton impressions, there was nothing else significant. Especially after the election. Darrell Hammond.

Worst Hosts:

3. James Franco

2. Josh Brolin

1. Michael Phelps

Best Hosts (Honestly, there were so many good hosts, so it was hard to choose):

3. Anne Hathaway

2. Ben Affleck

1. Justin Timberlake

Honorable Mentions: Will Ferrell, NPH, Jon Hamm

Worst Musical Guests:

3. T.I.

2. Jonas Brothers

1. Kanye West

Best Musical Guests:

3. Kings of Leon

2. Adele

1. Coldplay

Honorable Mentions: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Duffy, The Killers, Beyonce

Bottom 5 Overall Episodes:

5. Alec Baldwin/Jonas Brothers (02/14/09)

4. Josh Brolin/Adele (10/18/08)

3. Steve Martin/Jason Mraz (01/31/08)

2. Rosario Dawson/Fleet Foxes (01/17/08)

1. Michael Phelps/Lil Wayne (09/13/08)

Top 5 Overall Episodes:

5. Dwayne Johnson/Ray LaMontagne (03/07/09)

4. Justin Timberlake/Ciara (05/09/09)

3. Neil Patrick Harris/Taylor Swift (01/10/09)

2. Will Ferrell/Green Day (05/16/09)

1. Anne Hathaway/The Killers (10/04/08)

What It Was: Season 34 was a huge transitional year for SNL. Between the fact that SNL was and still is changing over to a totally different cast and the fact that SNL was going through one of the most exciting elections of America's time, it was a huge success. The season started off with a HUGE amount of pop culture references with the most viewed viral video ever of Sarah and Hillary. But, otherwise from the election, afterwards, SNL kept, for the most part, their popularity intact all the way until now. Hopefully season 35 brings just as much. But, as for the cast, the cast is much different than the 11-man cast that started only 3 years ago, and started this revolution now. We've gotten 3 new cast members, and have lost only 1 since this season has started. And now that all signs point to Darrell finally leaving after his amazing stint on the show, next year should be interesting.

But, it's been a great year. I can't wait for late September/Early October to watch the awesome 35th season premiere. I wish Darrell Hammond and Don Pardo (allegedly) their best with their future works and such.

I also wish the cast to have a great summer break along with the writers! They all deserve it! Great season!

And happy summer to my readers! :) I'll be back in September, and maybe a review here or there over the summer!

Will Ferrell/Green Day - 5/16/09

Sun, 17 May 2009 15:14:00 -0400

Wow. It feels like just a few weeks ago, SNL was premiering with big-shot at the time, Michael Phelps, and big-time rapper, Lil Wayne. It feels like just a few weeks ago I was saying "that was our season premiere? Really? You've got to be serious." and I was under complete worry that this season would fail. To think that we've all seen 22 episodes, and 3 specials of the cast working their butts off to impress us.

Our host for tonight's finale is Will Ferrell, one of the best SNL castmembers ever. Green Day is our musical guest tonight.

Cheney and Bush: GW wonders why Cheney has all of a sudden tried to come out of the rose pedal and start talking to the media. A good opening to get things started, but it almost felt like the energy never really took off. Otherwise, it was great seeing these two buddies work together again, after a 7 year absence of the Ferrell/Hammond-Bush/Cheney chemistry. 7.5

Monologue:What appears to be a big middle finger to the Tony awards, Will tries doing a scene from Broadway. The actual premise was alright, but the sudden "no laughter please" were great. 6.5

Wade Blasingame: An encore presentation of a great Ferrell commercial.

Lawrence Welk Show: Now, I was a little worried that this was starting off our show, but it was still funny. I kind of wish the writers put a little bit more fresh and new stuff into this, other than the lines used from last time. Also, I know the Hathaway cameo was a surprise for later along with the Poehler one, but I'm just saying, if they were there, why not put them in like the original? Anyways, it was a pretty decent sketch, andFerrell's reaction was hilarious to Judice. 7.0

Celebrity Jeopardy: It's always refreshing to see this sketch. This was no different. It was great seeing Hammond's Connery back, and even better seeing Tom Hanks there playing himself. But, even better was NORM MACDONALD back on the stage after an almost 10 year absence from cameos or anything. My only complaint was how the Kathie Lee impression really doesn't work outside those Today sketches. Especially if you use the same lines like "Governor, may I have some more?" and such. 8.5

TNT Basketball: Kenan's Charles Barkley always makes me laugh. This was a really funny sketch, because TNT and TBS are soo annoying when they do these over-advertisements for their 'new' shows. I kind of wish they had Kristen do The Closer again as a pop on, instead of "Court Rachel", even though that was really funny with the whole premise. 7.0

Musical Performance: Green Day performs "Know Your Enemy" which is actually a pretty good song.

Weekend Update: I can only imagine the complainers I'm going to be hearing about Update this week, but nonetheless, it was great seeing Amy again for the finale. I always liked her co-hosting, even though Seth as a solo act has been awesome, too. The Really segment was great as usual, which is a really big hot streak. It has never failed. But, also, Ferrell's Harry Caray was GREAT to see back. 8.0

Funeral: Right when this started, I knew this was going to be a "walk on and interrupt" sketch just like back from the Hugh Laurie show. It was still as funny. Especially the characters who came back. Will's character has cracked me up both times, with his hate for Barack Obama. Maya's appearance was wayy too "more show-off and less humor". 7.0

Musical Performance: Green Day performs "21 Guns" which was a good song. But, it dragged on rather a little too much after the ballad part.

Vietnam: In what appears to be an underwhelming 10 to 1 sketch, Will starts looking back at Vietnam with his trip there, and turns it into "Goodnight Saigon" by Billy Joel. But, this sketch turns into a great great sketch with the whole cast coming out. But, it doesn't stop there. Also coming out are our past cameos tonight, Tom, Amy, Norm, and Maya, along with Green Day. But, we keep on going to cameos by Paul Rudd, Anne Hathaway, Elisabeth Moss, and even Artie Lange! It was just such an overwhelmingly awesome sketch to wrap up the season. Of course,this sketch wasn't as entertaining as it was because of the writing, but because of the performance and people who participated. Any die-hard SNL fan knew they had to watch this over and over again ,because they got such chills when they saw this awesome cast end their year. Great, great last sketch. 9.0

And, that's our show. For the second week in a row, the sketches that were chosen were a little longer than originally thought, which makes theband play "Stand By Me" for 10 seconds. A very great show if you ask me. There was really no phoned in sketch, and the performances were all saying "we're going out with a bang" instead of "we're ending the season, so go easy on us, okay?". Will Ferrell was an effective host who was great in everything he did, while Green Day was also a verygood musical guest.

8.0

And that's our season. Season 34 was definitely a step up from past seasons. The season started on weak knees with the Michael Phelps show,and also kind of had a string of 'averageness' going for the first fewepisodes. And, after the orgasmic presidential election, the show kept all of it's momentum up until post-Christmas, but it then went in to a 4 episode lull where it was looking pretty glum for the rest of the season. Soon enough though, come March, SNL got all their momentum back and ended their season in one of the best line of episodes I've seen.

Even though SNL was great during the election, I was really proud of thewriters and cast towards the end of the season. They showed that theycould create good episodes without political reliance and such. But, I could write a novel on every thing I've thought of this season.

Stay tuned on my season recap!

Justin Timberlake/Ciara - 5/09/09

Sun, 10 May 2009 15:03:00 -0400

Wow, it's the home stretch already. May Sweeps is closing the season out in style with JT this week, then Will Ferrell next week. Musical guest is Ciara.

Making it quick, I'm expecting a pretty good show tonight. May I also note that this is the first show since when I first started watching that I did not stay up for the whole episode. I was on a family trip. But, do not fear. I DVRed the rest.

The Bank Address: Will's Geithner comes back for showing how they're doing. The responses to the questions were very funny, and it's just hilarious to watch Forte do these. 7.0

Monologue: A pretty great monologue, if you ask me. Justin just walks around the studio running into cast members and even Lorne. It's just reminding us that Justin isn't unfamiliar with SNL. Especially after this season, next to Tina Fey, he can probably be a honorable mentioned cast member. 8.0

Mom's Celebrity Translator: This was a pretty average commercial parody, along with all the others this season, save for Jar Glove, which, I found, pretty funny.6.5

Target Greatland: I know many are tired of this sketch, and yes, Kristen alone carrying this sketch has ran it's course even before the LAST time Justin hosted. But, Target sketches are now used as a focus saying "look how good this host is" rather than "look how good Kristen is", which is the way it should have gone. Just like Affleck back in November, this sketch was revived successfully once again with Justin as Peg, the classic old lady, was hilarious. 7.5

The New World: A very funny sketch, if you ask me. My summary sentence basically tells my favorite part of the sketch, but other wise, this was hilarious. The "Jew" line at the end towards Samberg made me laugh too, especially with Andy's reaction being "there it is." 7.5

Mother Lover: Thank GOD they did not do Dick In a Box again. I was afraid they were going to do that. A very sudden hilarious change inpace. The appearances by Sarandon and Clarkson were great too. The performances by all 4 were gold. 8.5

Plasticville: In what you think is going to be that same old annoying sketch, the mascot takes it to a whole new level with parodies of some of the current top pop songs (Lady GaGa, Kelly Clarkson, etc.) Very enjoyable.7.5

Musical Perforamance: Beil's appearance was exciting. Other than that, I've never dug Ciara.

Weekend Update: Jokes were great, and so was the Star Trek commentary with the two current cast members and Leonard Nimoy! But, honestly, the best part was the Spitzer/Paterson commentary. Man, was that just great hilarity. 8.0

Barry Gibb Talk Show: In what is shaping up to be a great show, it takes a bit of a dive when Fallon stars with Justin in this almost dead recurring sketch. As I went to bed I knew there would be one after Update, but I figured "well, they just revived 3 other Justin recurring characters. They're on a stride", but honestly, they did not revive this. Same old sketch. 5.0

Pirates: This was a really silly sketch. Everyone in this was just so funny, even the random Michaela as the telemarketer. 7.0

Musical Performance: mhm.

And, here, we see the band start a song for 5 seconds. I guess it's fair. It would be hard for SNL to cut another sketch into 5 seconds.

And that's the show. Aside from the Barry Gibb Talk Show, and the musical guest, and the awkward band segueway, this was a really good show! Justin brought his A-Game as usual. A bunch of recurring characters which have been speculated as characters that no one wants to see were actually pleasures to see (once again, aside from Barry).

If Justin hosts again, though, which he will, I really hope they don't go for all the recurring characters again. I mean, at least not the 90s pop lovers, and Barry Gibb talk show. I guess the mascot still has alittle left in him, though. But, maybe new characters would be good.

But, I shall not worry about that right now. All that matters is that tonight was a fun show.

7.5

Next week is our season finale. Will Ferrell hosts with musical guest Green Day!

Zac Efron/Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 4/11/09

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:52:00 -0400

3 episodes left in the season! Wowey Wow Wow! To think the Ashton Kutcher episode aired only a year ago is crazy. Also crazy is to think how different the cast is now. Our very own Amy Poehler has started her show "Parks & Recreation" which premiered pretty well by my means.Yes, awkward pilot moments were in the episode, but it was the pilot. Don't tell me you never thought the Office pilot was awkward just a little. But, I wish Amy the best with her show. I really pray it does better than Kath & Kim.

Our host tonight is Zac Efron. I've never seen any work of Zac outside of when I watched High School Musical, and when I was forced to watch High School Musical 2. We found out he was hosting back in early February, so we've had enough time to take in everything and grow an open mind. Musical guests are guests I've been wanting for a while, Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Obama's Back: A pretty funny opening. I always like Jason's Biden, and even though the premise was predictable, I still laughed. 7.0

Monologue: Zac has two tweens and one 40Tween50 guy take a picture with him. I thought Fred made this pretty funny. You don't know how long I thought Abby was Casey in this. 6.5

Today Show: I'm happy to see this sketch back. The Neil Patrick Harris one was awkward, while the Bradley Cooper one was better. This one shaped up to be the best sketch of the night, in my opinion. Very well written, and Fred's Penny Marshall was a pleasant surprise back. I actually watched the real Kathie Lee Gifford one year anniversary. I was sick that day, and I was barely alert, but I still watched. 8.5

Gilly: Oh boy. This sketch. Sorry. It was a little bit of an improvement over last time. Kenan and Bobby's lines were able to be laughed at, but other than that, same old thing. 5.5

Junk Mail Message: I laughed. Kinda. The excuses were good. It reminded me of something they would do with Will Ferrell. 6.0

Drinking Underage: This sketch was almost on the brig of being totally pointless, but Bill Hader's Elliott Spitzer was so random, and so silly, that this was actually a pretty decent sketch. 6.5

Musical Performance: Yeah Yeah Yeahs put a great performance on for "Zero". Karen sure loves that music.

Weekend Update: While the jokes were mostly good, the gay guys from New Jersey were so random to bring back. When were they last used? The Justin Timberlake episode from 2006? I will say though, I am glad SNL is bringing back some of the characters from season 32 that got the shaft last season. Anyways, Bitch Pleeze Blogger was funny, but she needs to have Aunt Linda come in one of these days and chew her apart. The Jon Bovi Members again? Really? Granted, they're a lot better written then they were back in the Jaime Pressley episode oh so long ago, but still. 7.0

High School Musical 4: Troy Bolton comes back to tell everyone that the outside world is nothing like where they live. I thought it was pretty funny, and kudos to Casey playing that wicked annoying drama teacher. The random Walt Disney appearance made the sketch more entertaining, also. 7.5

Off to War: A sketch starring Casey!!! Whoa! Pretty funny. Bobby as the mom really made me laugh. 7.0

Gino's Pizza Roles: Am I the only one who found this sketch hilarious?? It was great. Fred is just hilarious when he cross dresses. Well, most of the time atleast. 8.0

Musical Performance: Yeah Yeah Yeahs perform "Maps" which is an older song, if I'm right.

Foot Rub: Jason playing the normal, yet creepy guy was pretty funny. It was afunny 5-to-one sketch. Actually, lately SNL has been doing a bunch of good 5-to-one sketches (The Rock episode, Tracy Morgan episode, etc.) 7.0

A good show! The show in comedy aspects was decent, but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs made the show above average and enjoyable. Almost all sketches were fun and enjoyable. Zac was a middling host. He was better than expected, and he did good in some of his roles, while others were merely straightmen roles. After barely appearing last week, Fred Armisen would probably be this week's MVP just for the big roles he had.

7.0

In a month, May 9th, Justin Timberlake comes to host with musical guest Ciara.

Next week is The Best of one of our most versatile women, Amy Poehler. I'll be in Boston, but I'll DVR it because I really want to see whatsketches make it.