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Scene Staff Report | Monday, March 26, 2012
“Psych” season 5
Season 5 of this USA comedy didn’t hold back any punches. Shawn (James Roday) faced his fear of commitment, only to stumble in chasing his dreams. Gus (Dulé Hill) explored his love of tap dancing. Despereaux (Cary Elwes) returned. And in the case of Yin (Peter Weller) and Yang (Ally Sheedy) was finally resolved, though not without drama. Despite the action-packed season with lots of guest stars, the show retained its typical, offbeat humor, and even surpassed expectations from previous seasons.
“Wet Hot American Summer”
This 2001 summer camp parody wasn’t a big hit with the critics, but like so many critically panned comedies before it, that doesn’t mean it isn’t hilarious from start to finish. It’s the last day of camp and the end of summer, which means the last chance for a summer romance for a cast brimming with comedic stars in the making. The whole movie is worth it just to see Christopher Meloni (seen in a more serious role on “Law and Order: SVU”) as a deranged Vietnam veteran cook.
“Primal Fear”
Edward Norton is known for the colorful range of characters he’s played over the course of his career, but this film introduced him to the world, and his portrayal as a young altar boy in the midst of a murder scandal instantly established him as a serious star. Richard Gere stars as a cynical defense attorney trying to unravel the controversy, and the movie thrills throughout, all the way up to the stunning finale.
“Saved By the Bell”
Bayside High was the how-to guide for the ’90s. Premiering in 1989, the gang led by cool troublemaker Zach Morris and the object of his affections, Kelly Kapowski, showed us how to live the decade right. Think of the fashion advice Lisa Turtle can give, about Slater’s pecs, Screech’s nerdiness and Jessie Spano’s smarts. Hanging out at the Max and getting called into Mr. Belding’s office are essential ’90s experiences that need to be relived. The original show is streaming, but unfortunately we’ll just have to wait for the new class and college years spinoffs and “Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style/Wedding in Vegas.”
“Art & Copy”
Even as modern media and technology are changing, the power of good advertising remains true. From the Budweiser frogs to Nike’s “Just Do It,” there are certain ad campaigns that stick in our memory as stubbornly as a first kiss or the best slice of pizza you’ve ever eaten. This documentary goes behind-the-scenes of some of the world’s most successful advertising campaigns, interviewing the creative minds behind famous taglines and characters and giving an insider’s look at the world of advertising. Pair it with “Mad Men” and some Super Bowl commercials on YouTube for a complete view of the importance of advertising.
