January 2015 Television Reviews

Hot in Cleveland: Season 5
TV Land
Street: 11.04.14
Betty White has not entirely faded into obscurity, and neither has Valerie Bertinelli for whatever reason. The reliable viewers at TV Land have pushed Hot in Cleveland into its fifth season, and I just can’t figure out how. I haven’t seen this show before, but come with me on this journey as I try to piece together exactly what this show is about. So far, I’ve deduced that Wendie Malik used to be an actress (in the show…not in real life. But also real life?), one of the ladies is a doctor and Betty White has friends that aren’t the Golden Girls. They are also able to scrounge up money for a variety of celebrity cameos like Ken Jeong, Alex Trebek, Cedric the Entertainer and Dave Foley. The cameos make the show, but the “live-studio audience” ruins it. This is my first venture into TV Land original programming and it’s like TBS is trying to hold my hand and guide me into my golden years. –Rebecca Frost

Jeff Dunham: All Over The Map
Comedy Central
Street: 11.18.14
Ugh. I groaned upon receiving this Jeff Dunham Blu-Ray. Watching one of this comedian’s comedy specials once every five years is enough for me. But what sets All Over The Map apart from previous specials is its documentary approach to comedy.  Dunham traveled over 50,000 miles for this tour and performed on five continents. The DVD highlights only certain jokes and trademark characters in certain countries, and the implications those jokes could have in those countries. His stage performances respectfully mock each country’s various quirks, and are broken up with his ventures into actual culture and interviews. It’s a cool special to watch if you’re into comedy and travel—two things I’d never put together. I have to hand it to Dunham on this one—good job, man. –Rebecca Frost

Looking For Johnny: The Legend of Johnny Thunders
MVD Entertainment Group
Street: 10.14.14
Brought to you by Danny Garcia (The Rise & Fall of The Clash), this film takes the viewer through the charismatically turbulent and legendary life of the rock n’ roll outlaw Johnny Thunders. Garcia navigates Thunders’ story through the testimonies of the people that knew him, like Walter Lure, Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls), the late Lee Black Childers and Alan Vega (Suicide). These fascinating narratives stroll through the explosive dramatics of the New York Dolls, The Heartbreakers, Gang War and Thunders’ solo career.  But that’s just the tip of the iceberg as Garcia further explores his keen relationship with longtime friend/partner-in-crime Jerry Nolan (New York Dolls, Heartbreakers), the infamous deadly waltz with rock n’ roll’s favorite drugs and theories behind the circumstances of Thunders’ untimely death in New Orleans in 1991. If you’re not content with that, this film includes treats like unseen New York Dolls and Heartbreakers footage with loads of additional bonus material that includes deleted interviews along with the music videos for “All By Myself” and “Alone in a Crowd.” Truly, this is a captivating film that requires your attention and is a must own for any rock n’ roller. Now go dig this. –Nick Kuzmack