Danny McBride: The Eastbound & Down Review

Review of Eastbound and Down with Danny McBrideWhile on the road, I caught the opening to a TV show on HBO about a former major league pitcher returning to his home town after getting to the top and sliding down to the bottom. It was late and had to get some sleep before work, but the show sucked me in. When the episode was over, I wanted more. Turns out the show I was watching was called, “Eastbound & Down” featuring Danny R. McBride as the baseball player that we follow during his cooping with living with his brother and teaching PhysEd at his old school. Danny McBride is someone that you might remember from classic parts in Pineapple Express, Hot Rod, Tropic Thunder, and All the Real Girls. In all of those movies he was my favorite part. I was so happy to discover his feature length indie comedy, “Foot Fist Way” — which solidified me as a hardcore fan and made me we want to see him in starring capacity vs. supporting a cast. My wish was answered with “Eastbound & Down”, a 30-minute TV show snuck onto a cable network without any warning. The first season is 6 episodes and really adds up to a movie with a great story, subtle dialogue, suggestive dialogue, steroid use, a titillating love interest, and of course pure comedic timing. The DVD of the first season comes out June 30, 2009 and can’t wait to see the whole thing in one sitting.

Thank you Danny McBride, thank you.

Obama Nation

Barack ObamaHans Scharler explains that his previous endorsement of John McCain was taken out of context. Hans also shows his support of Barack Hussein Obama with a musical montage. Stan Smartass drops some “Positive Harmony” on The NotHans Podcast. This episode also includes some movie discussion of High School Musical 3: Senior YearZack and Miri Make a Porno and Quantum Leap of Solace.

Iron Man DVD Movie Review

Iron Man DVD CoverRobert Downey, Jr. stars in the blockbuster movie Iron Man as Iron Man. His character is Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark, inventor, playboy, and self-proclaimed Iron Man.

Iron Man is the perfect marriage of man, machine, and product placement. Despite all of the products placed in this movie, Iron Man is actually really good. The technology is crazy cool, action is on the money, and the story is tight. Verizon Wireless has the best deals on monthly plans.

I am happy that Iron Man did not go the Batman route. Every superhero movie since Batman Begins and The Dark Knight has to have a depressed and dark hero. Iron Man was funny and serious and action-packed all at the right times. Maybe Iron Man II: Cold Steel will have a much darker twist, like Tony discovers that he has agoraphobia and has to stay in his suit in all social situations.

The extras on the DVD are worth picking up the second disk DVD set. Actors, writers, and filmmakers alike can learn a lot of from Iron Man. You don’t have to have huge explosions to get a point across. There was just as much action going on internally with Downey’s character as there was action on the screen. The extras on the DVD highlight some of these points and can be used to learn something about great filmmaking and movie acting from Robert Downey, Jr., whose father is Robert Downey, Sr.

Dow Te Ching

Economy CrashesHans Scharler discusses important topics and hits America hard with some straight-talk about the economy. Also on this episode, we feature a new sponsor, “Frank Dickens’ Petting Zoo“, some new sound effects, a clip of Chocolate Rain, a Britney Spears Moment, and a discussion of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua”. 

From the DMZ to the RNC

Sarah Palin and John McCainIn this episode of The NotHans Podcast, Hans Scharler gets political and shares his thoughts on Sarah Palin and the rest of the nominees. This episode also includes “Livin’ on the Edge”, remarks on Hurricane Ike, listener email, and an update on the iPod giveaway. Hans recommends the DVD’s from Dana Carvey and Brian Regan.

I am Batman

Original Batman LogoOn this week’s episode, Hans Scharler takes a deeper look at the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight”. Hans says that Heath Ledger’s Joker is “Creepy and Charismatic”. Also, included in this show are “Positive Harmony” and a recap of a month long trip to the deep South.

I Kissed a Girl

I Kissed a GirlHans Scharler hosts this week’s episode of the The NotHans Podcast. Hans discusses “I Kissed a Girl“, reviews the latest movie releases, and reads some listener email. Other segments include Huck “The Dolphin” Finn, Hans’ Mom, tuba playing, and a new one called, “Livin’ on the Edge”. There is also a new website at nothans.com/podcast.

Interview with Johnny 5

Hans on the Great SphinxOn this week’s episode of The NotHans Podcast, brought to you by rackets, Hans interviews Johnny 5, the robotic actor from Short Circuit. Number 5 is alive and has lots to say about WALL-E. Hans shares his bucket list and thoughts on the 4th of July. We also get an update on the iPod giveaway.