Pushing Daisies

Holly thankfully reminded me that Pushing Daisies' second season premiers tonight.
If you missed the writer's-strike-shortened first season than you missed the best new show on television. It's the perfect blend of dark comedy, whimsy, and absurdity. Also, it stars Lee Pace who was incredible in The Fall earlier this year. The rest of the ensemble cast is equally good, and they have great guest appearances from the likes of Paul Reubens and Molly Shannon.

It also features great musical numbers like this adaptation of They Might Be Giants' "Birdhouse In Your Soul":


Do yourself a favor and watch it. You'll be hooked instantly.

The Fall

I just got back from a showing of The Fall. I hyped it a while back, and it's been one of my most anticipated movies of the summer.



Fortunately the movie completely lives up to its gorgeous trailer. Everything about the movie is captivating from its huge variety of lush locations, to the heartfelt performances of its two leads. Even the score is really unique and beautiful.

The little girl in the movie is being hyped in all the movie reviews, and for good reason. If your gnarled, blackened heart isn't warmed by this girl than there really is no hope for you.

The guy playing off of her is also excellent. Lee Pace also happens to be the lead in my favorite new television show of last year, Pushing Daisies.

The visuals are breathtaking. It's like sending your eyeballs to an expensive spa. And the remarkable thing is that it's all accomplished without the latest in cutting edge computer effects (eat it, George Lucas!).

The A.V. Club recently ran a terrific interview with The Fall's director, Tarsem (previously Tarsem Singh). It details the unusual way this film was shot, and is a must-read either before or after you see the film.

Go see the film. You won't see anything else like it for a long time.