Hell on Wheels, Round Two

At least once every television season, I latch onto a new program before it even airs. Some combination of clever commercials and critical buzz - positive or negative - convinces me to become invested in one of these programs, and nothing seems able to dissuade me. This year's "winner" happens to be Hell on Wheels.

Set shortly after the conclusion of the Civil War, Hell on Wheels follows a former Confederate soldier on his quest for vengeance out on the frontier. It stars a cast of barely-known actors - Anson Mount, Colm Meaney, and Common - but it's hooked me nonetheless. I'm not sure where it's going, and I'm not sure it will be able to maintain what little momentum it seems to have. That being said, so far, I'm in, and that qualifies as a good start...

Is This The Hangover for Women?!

Somewhere along the way, I was either told that Bridesmaids was like The Hangover for women, or I came to believe it. My wife & I danced around renting this film for a number of months, and, last night, we finally pulled the trigger. And?! Well, it's not The Hangover.

Does Bridesmaids have some funny moments?! Yes! Melissa McCarthy is hilarious and very much deserving the Best Supporting Actress buzz she's receiving. Beyond that? The film is overly long - how many comedies clock in at 2+ hours? - and, halfway through, it turns overly serious. Producers - it's a comedy, so act like it!