Category: TV

Coffee Talk #287: Cutting the Cable Cord with Consoles

“Cutting the cord” was a popular phrase among tech nerds in 2010. The practice of cancelling cable or satellite service and relying on streaming television will become even more popular in 2011. There are several reasons for this…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, who should replace Regis Philbin, HP’s upcoming WebOS press event, or if Lance Armstrong is a cheater (or not), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

“Cutting the cord” was a popular phrase among tech nerds in 2010. The practice of cancelling cable or satellite service and relying on streaming television will become even more popular in 2011. There are several reasons for this. A lot of people are still struggling financially and it’s cheaper to go with streaming. It’s fashionable among hipster douchebags to rely on modern services. And most importantly, streaming movies and TV shows has gotten really, really good.

A person can subscribe to Hulu Plus and Netflix, as well as rent movies on Vudu, for less than the cost of cable service with a premium channel. The offerings have gotten so good that many consumers are able to watch their favorite TV shows and new movies for a fantastic price. I’m super tempted to cut the cord, but that would leave me without live HBO boxing, live WWE Monday Night Raw, and original HBO shows (Entourage, Curb) when they premiere. Streaming services have gotten pretty excellent…but they’re not quite there yet for me. (To be completely honest, I might have to cut the cord whether I want to or not. Ha!)

How about you? Are any of you considering cutting the cord in 2011? Does the combination of Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Vudu provide you with enough entertainment? Why do cable companies suck so hard? Leave a comment and let me know (please)!

Mortal Kombat Getting 10 Web Episodes

Remember that really dark and really awesome Mortal Kombat movie trailer starring Jeri Ryan and Michael Jai White? The bad news is that it won’t be getting the full movie treatment. The good news is that it’ll be getting 10 online episodes. Here’s the scoop from Bloody Disgusting:

Director Kevin Tancharoen — who directed the awesome online short — will return behind the camera for a 10-episode web series dedicated to the popular video game. Penned by Tancharoen, Todd Helbing, and Aaron Helbing, star Michael Jai White leads the cast as “Major Jackson ‘Jax’ Briggs. Shooting will take place in Vancouver this coming February. Contested expected to be cast are: Shang Tsung, Liu Kang, Sub Zero, Durak, Kabal, Kitana/Mileena and of course Scorpion. No release date is planned, and there’s no word on that R-rated remake. The only plot details we could conjure up is that a few Earthlings will fight to save the planet from Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung, two Gods ruling over parallel universes, or something to that effect.

As I mentioned in June 2010, I have some issues with a few of the changes made to the characters. However, I love the overall tone of this Mortal Kombat. It’s dark and gritty…and doesn’t have Christopher Lambert’s stupid accent.

You guys and dolls looking forward to this one? Or would you have preferred a movie over an online show?

Source

Today’s Poll: Ricky Gervais’ Golden Globes Performance

Actor/comedian Ricky Gervais has been getting skewered by the mainstream press over the way he hosted last night’s Golden Globe Awards. Several mainstream outlets said that his humor was uncomfortable, awkward, and disrespectful. A small number outlets that could be considered “hipster” sites and magazines loved the way Gervais poked fun at a self-important industry that often takes itself too seriously. Naturally, Gervais won hipster points for thanking God for making him an atheist.

Check out these clips, vote in the poll, and share your thoughts on Gervais’ jokes. As for me, I loved it! I’m a big fan of Gervais’ comedy and writing. I loved that he crossed lines and made jokes that made you squirm as well as laugh.

[poll id=”96″]

WrestleMania XXVII…in 3D?!?

Would you be into watching WrestleMania XXVII in 3D? You just might get the chance if The Wrestling Observer is right. According to the dirt sheet, the WWE is planning to make this year’s WrestleMania its first 3D broadcast.

I’m frightened by the prospect of sports entertainment in 3D. Don’t get me wrong — I’m all for seeing as many dimensions of the WWE Divas as possible (especially AJ Lee!). That said, too many wrestlers wear trunks. Seeing Sheamus’ milky thighs in HD is one thing. The thought of seeing them in three dimensions makes me shudder.

I know that most of you are anti-3D. Does WWE programming in 3D interest you or repulse you?

Source via CrunchGear

The Daily Show’s Verizon iPhone 4 Coverage

Here’s an excellent (and surprisingly long) clip of The Daily Show’s coverage of the Verizon iPhone 4 press conference. In addition to poking fun at AT&T, the sketch is funny because…well, it’s always funny when the mainstream media pokes fun at AT&T’s coverage.

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Here’s an excellent (and surprisingly long) clip of The Daily Show’s coverage of the Verizon iPhone 4 press conference. In addition to poking fun at AT&T, the sketch is funny because…well, it’s always funny when the mainstream media pokes fun at AT&T’s coverage. Enjoy the clip and share your feelings like a Care Bear!

Shawn Michaels in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011

On last night’s episode of of Monday Night Raw, WWE announced that “The Hearbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (excellent video above!). The ceremony will take place in Atlanta, GA on the Friday before WrestleMania XXVII.

On last night’s episode of of Monday Night Raw, WWE announced that “The Hearbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (excellent video above!). The ceremony will take place in Atlanta, GA on the Friday before WrestleMania XXVII.

Michaels has been my favorite wrestler of the last 15 years and I love that he’s headlining this year’s hall of fame class…but it seems off. Most of it has to do with the fact that he only stopped wrestling last year. Part of it has to do with Atlanta being a huge NWA/WCW city; I was hoping that this year’s class would focus on old NWA talent, centering around Arn Anderson and Michael “P.S.” Hayes. That said, I’m not going to complain — I’m too big of an HBK mark for that.

Man, I miss watching Michaels on TV. Just seeing him play around with the crowd, dance around like a tool, and deliver an awesome superkick to Alberto Del Rio (video below) reaffirmed that WWE hasn’t been the same for me since he retired. *sigh* Anyway, let me know what you think of Shawn Michaels headlining the WWE hall of fame class of 2011 when you have a moment.

Mattel and THQ Teaming Up for He-Man Games!

Nerds around the world should be psyched by the latest licensing agreement between Mattel and THQ — it includes Masters of the Universe (He-Man)! Here’s a clip from the official press release:

The companies will also collaborate to expand the video game and interactive potential of newer properties such as Monster High and longtime Mattel favorites such as Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket and others.

While enjoying the exploits of a man dressed in a prehistoric bathing suit and sporting a Prince Valiant haircut seems off these days, I absolutely loved the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoons as a kid. I’m hoping for an old-school beat-’em-up that makes me feel like I’m playing with He-Man action figures on my television.

Out of curiosity, who was your favorite Masters of the Universe character? Ram Man was my favorite — both in the cartoon and as an action figure. Also, did anyone else feeling like beating the crap out of Orko every time he was on screen?

Today’s Poll: Will The Miz Be Champion at WrestleMania 27?

The Miz (Mike Mizanin) has been WWE Champion for a little over a month. Some of you think he’s “unworthy” of being WWE Champion, yet he’s drawing real heat and getting all sorts of mainstream exposure. Do you think he’ll keep the strap going into WrestleMania XXVII (April 3, 2011)? Or is he merely a transitional champ that’s keeping the title warm for Randy Orton or John Cena? Kindly vote in today’s poll and discuss!

[poll id=”93″]

Larry Sanders Show and Judd Apatow’s Greatness

I spent a large chunk of yesterday watching The Larry Sanders Show marathon on IFC. A lot of people love the show for the fantastic performances by Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, and Jeffrey Tambor. One of the men behind those performances was Judd Apatow, who directed, produced, and wrote several episodes of the show.

Apatow has been in the entertainment business for decades, but he only recently received mainstream acclaim for movies like The 40-Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. His television series Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared were loved by critics, hipsters, and nerds alike, but didn’t perform well in the ratings department. While Apatow is a household name these days, he flew under the radar during The Larry Sanders Show’s wonder years. Looking back at the the show’s deft writing and directing, it’s clear that Apatow was capable of great and hilarious things. It just took  a long, long time before he struck gold (on his own) with a mainstream audience.

Out of curiosity, do you enjoy any of Judd Apatow’s movies or TV programs? Share some of your favorites (please)!

Shawn Michaels Reveals His Future with the WWE

“The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels has posted a video that reveals his longterm plans with World Wrestling Entertainment. While he has made it clear that he has no plans to return as a regular in-ring performer, he appears eager to help the WWE move forward in various ways.

With his close friend Triple H doing more behind-the-scenes work, perhaps Michaels will contribute to the creative side of the business. Or perhaps he’ll take the ambassador role that Ric Flair had before he bailed to TNA. Whatever he does, I’m just happy that HBK will still be working with the company.