Danny McBride: The Eastbound & Down Review

Reviews

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.

Ted’s Burgers

Sponsors

“No Clowns, No Crowns…”

Ted’s Burgers is the latest sponsor of “The NotHans Podcast”. Ted is all personality. Every burger comes with a story, some trivia, or a compliment. Skip the drive-thru and say hi to Ted. Check out his advertisement on Episode 22.

Ted's Burgers

Episode 22: Spring Fever

Podcasts

Spring is in the air at The NotHans Podcast. Huck got a change of water. Hans got some new white shoes to match his all-black outfits. On this week’s episode, Hans Scharler reads some listener email from Hannah from Great Falls, Montana and Stan Smartass gives us some Positive Harmony. This show also features a new sponsor, “Ted’s Burgers.”

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Episode 21: Back in the Saddle

Podcasts

C and D Cups of CoffeeThis show features listener email, Frank Dickens Petting Zoo ad, and a classic clip of The NotHans Podcast. Hans Scharler discusses the new topless coffee shop in Maine — The Grandview — and explores his inner child with Positive Harmony. Hans is back in the saddle with a long over-due episode. 

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Episode 20: The Best of Show

Podcasts

The NotHans Podcast - The Best of Beatles PaintingEvery once in a while (Blackhawk) you have to stop and reflect on the amazing run that you’ve had. That reflection is this new episode of The NotHans Podcast. Hans Scharler explores the volumes of comedic work from the previous 19 episodes and shares his favorite clips and his inspirational moments, all to create a jam packed episode that will mark a watershed moment in podcasting. Does she still think about me? Every once in a while.

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Final Episode…

News

Yes, “Obama Nation” was decided to be the final episode of Season 2 of The NotHans Podcast. I will be back next year with an expanded format and brand-new episodes.

Everyone from The NotHans Podcast (Hans, Hans’ Mom, Huck Fin, Frank Dickens, and Stan Smartass) would like to thank our listeners, fans, critics, paypalers, emailers, and sponsors.

I will see you next year.

Hans “Short Pants” Scharler

Upon Further Review Review

Entertainment, Reviews

Upon Further ReviewThe NotHans Podcast received another review and this on is by the podcasting team of Clea and Greg from their Upon Further Review podcast. They had some very interesting feedback on my “comic stylings” and I appreciate the comments very much.

Here are some quotes from their podcast review of The NotHans Podcast:

“Kind of funny…”

“ADD-style confusing…”

“Impersonations are a bit obvious…”

“Self-Indulgent, but not parody…”

“He has some good comic ideas…”

I am getting close to someone saying “funny”, but I guess “comedic ideas” will have to do for now. I am always working on the show and will work a bit harder to get some laughs by more than my pretend friends.

All in all, Greg and Clea rated the show a hesitant 6 out of 10. On a past review from That Podcast Show, I got a 2.5 out of 5, so that’s a 10% improvement in my book.

I recommend to everybody to check out Episode 64 of Upon Further Review to hear the entire review. I also recommend that you check out their podcast despite that they talk about my podcast. I think they have a smart and entertaining podcast.

Thanks for the review.

Obama Nation

Podcasts

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 Year, Zack and Miri Make a Porno and Quantum Leap of Solace.

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Tina Fey and 30 Rock

Podcasts

Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, and Tracy Morgan on 30 RockHans Scharler of The NotHans Podcast is a big fan of 30 Rock and Tina Fey’s work from SNL to her impression of Sarah Palin. On this episode, Hans interviews Tina Fey and discusses 30 Rock. We also find out that Tina Fey is working on other celebrity impressions like Britney Spears. Other segments on the episode include another message from Frank Dickens, Rock the Vote, Iron Man Halloween costume malfunction, and a new PayPal request.

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Iron Man DVD Movie Review

Entertainment, Movies, Reviews

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.