ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY #921
Sure, their film reviews are hated by geeks. Yes, they
follow trends incessantly. And yes, music coverage is generally an
afterthought. But it’s surely the most fun weekly read out there, and
they have television on lock. Plus, they’ll surprise with every now and
then with a great piece on overlooked entertainment industry plebs like
personal assistants and bodyguards. When it’s on, it’s an incredible
value. When it’s not…wait a week.
This issue’s strong points:
- The Lost story affirms their standing as the best print place for TV goodness. This baby is chock full of teases from the producers, speculation, and nuggets that should fuel conspiracy theories from now until the end of…what, this season, maybe?
- Enough of that noise – CHUD’s own Devin is a significant part of "their" Zyzzyx Road story. And although it’s nowhere near fresh, they do a good job of conveying why this story was interesting in the first place, and it’s funny to see the spin that the director and producer are putting on it now.
- Good, but brief pieces on Ricky Gervais and Rashida Jones.
- A half-pager on what the guys from Arrested Development are doing way after the fact is admirable. But speaking of way after the fact…..
This issue’s weak points:
- …The Ricky Gervais piece comes as his show is pretty much ending here in America. Fantastic timing.
- So Matthew Fox and the Lost producers are reluctant to acknowledge the show’s faults, blame the declining popularity on "weak" fans, and think that history will vindicate what seem like ridiculous blunders now? When did The Bush Administration start running this show?
- Thank God they let us know John Mayer is getting into standup comedy!
- Overall, one of the better issues in a bit.
Overall: 7.0 out of 10