By DNA Smith
PICKS OF THE WEEK
“The Waltons Seasons 1 and 2” Boxed Set — Y’know, as much as I love sci-fi, horror and cheesy action flicks, I’m still a sucker for great television, and in 1971 one of the best-written, superbly acted television programs of the decade debuted. “The Waltons” was and is one of my all-time favorite shows. Set during the Depression, the show told over nine seasons is the story of an extended family struggling to survive that era. Its recurring themes of honesty, self-sacrifice and hard work were — and are — the kinds of lessons that we simply don’t see enough of on television. Although the series has been released before, this new boxed set collects the first two seasons at a discounted price of $19.99 — quite a bargain in these tough economic times.
“Paranormal Activity” — This is one of those horror movies that you will either love or hate with a passion. Here’s the litmus test: If you thought “The Blair Witch Project” was an awesome, innovative film, you will love the heck out of “Paranormal Activity,” a movie about a newlywed couple who videotape the ghosties haunting their house. Conversely, if you thought “Blair Witch” was a boring, pretentious student film and that everyone involved with the production should’ve been ground up and fed to feral pigs … well, you get the idea. In case you’re wondering where I stand: “Bon appétit, Porky” should pretty much sum it up.
DOG OF THE WEEK
“Jennifer’s Body” — One of the worst films of 2009. It’s not even in the “so bad it’s good” department. Megan Fox stars as a small-town cheerleader who longs to leave her hometown and become famous. When she hooks up with an indie band, she thinks she’s found her ticket to fame. Little does she know that the only reason they want her is so they can have a virgin sacrifice to seal a deal with El Diablo. Sadly, li’l Jen lied to them, and she comes back from the dead and starts killing boys in her school. What makes this film so horrible is the cringe-worthy dialogue by “Juno’s” Diablo Cody and the lifeless acting by everyone. Avoid this film like you would, well, any movie with Megan Fox or Diablo Cody’s participation. Duh.
TV SERIES
“Glee, Vol. One: Road to Sectionals”
“United States of Tara” Season One
“Emily of New Moon” The Complete Second Season
“Whale Wars: Season 2”
“Gilligan’s Island” Complete Seasons 1 and 2
“Baccano!” The Complete Series Box Set
“The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet” Volume 16
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.