Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip by Aaron Sorkin

Studio 60 was the best TV show to come out in a long time. Having already been a huge fan of Sports Night I knew to expect intelligent and comedic writing, however, the show far exceeded my expectations. The show was canceled after one season and a number of reasons have been sited: ratings, the time slot, the cost, but I think Sorkin probably pissed off a lot of his “bosses”. From the first episode when the head of Studio 60 gets on camera and berates every exec, producer, and industry worker that promotes the dumbing down and voyeurism of television I knew this show was a platform for Sorkin. He managed to get on the soapbox without being preachy. As always Sorkin’s writing is spot on.

As great as Sorkin’s writing is, the cast is where Studio 60 shines. From the first episode you feel like Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) and Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford) have been working together forever and you’re already a fan. As the series progresses Matt and Danny’s back story is fleshed out and you can’t help but get sucked in, they are underdogs that finally get a shot on top. The three main actors on Studio 60 give you that behind the scenes look at preparing for a show along with the problems of balancing real life with stage life. Steven Webber as Studio Executive, Jack Rudolph, gives a remarkable performance; first you hate him and by the end you love him.

This show is smart and witty, sad and enlightening, and totally entertaining. It is a real shame that it was only kept for one season, however, it was Aaron Sorkin and anything to good just can’t last on television.

The Namesake by Mira Nair

Gogol’s name is major source of stress in his life. As a second generation Indian, a name like Gogol does nothing for him in American schools. Constantly ridiculed he changes his name just out of high school. He doesn’t understand his father’s decision for his name. After his Father’s death Gogol reassesses what his priorities in life are and rebuilds from his life from scratch while discovering the life changing events that made his father leave India and name his only son Gogol*.

This movie was absolutely incredible! Not only was it a visual masterpiece, the movie creates memorable characters you don’t want to leave at the film’s conclusion.

*Gogol, is refering to Nikolai Gogol a Russian author of epics and a short stories,one of his most famous pieces is The Overcoat. The father tells his son that “We all came Gogol’s Overcoat“