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OBSESSION OF THE WEEK
Talk to Me came out on DVD the other week. This story of a convict-turned-radio DJ celebrity is not a fantastic movie — but it reminded me of what a damn fine and underappreciated actor Don Cheadle is. There are some guys who get accolades for pretty much playing the same type of character over and over, but every new Cheadle performance differs from the last. From Boogie Nights to Out of Sight to Ocean's Eleven to Hotel Rwanda to Talk to Me, the man runs the gamut of every imaginable personality. Plus, it's just fun to say the word Cheadle. Anyway, just thought I've give some props to the man for refusing to be typecast into any particular role.
READER MAIL
Now you see it, now you don't: CBS' Viva Laughlin was canceled after just two episodes in four days, meaning I'll probably never get the chance to see D.B. Woodside break into song. Good thing I got in that column comparing Viva and Cop Rock while I could. Anyway, here were some of your thoughts about both shows, as well as more on funny old dudes. On to the mailbag!
Dalton, I can't believe no one yet is commenting on the most bizarre aspect of Viva Laughlin (aside from them continually singing ''Viva Las Vegas'' even though the show is called, well, Viva LAUGHLIN): They don't really sing at all; they sing-along. What's up with that? Hugh Jackman doesn't belt out ''Sympathy for the Devil.'' He sings alongside it. And the song itself is cranked up so much that Jackman's voice barely can be heard at all. You could blame it on them having weak-voiced actors they need to cover up, but Jackman's got some real pipes on him, so that can't be it. And anyway, if you are doing a musical, wouldn't you hire people who could sing? No, this was a choice, not a defensive measure. Someone actually said to himself, ''Hey, let's do a show where actors sing a song that is playing so loud they appear to be lip-synching it.'' Then he jumped in his Edsel to get to work and tell everyone his great idea. If I wanted to see someone fake singing, I'd go to an Ashlee Simpson concert. Or at least a Bart Simpson concert. —Michael Lampers
I agree completely, Michael: Either lip-synch or sing. None of this half-and-half garbage. And as for singing quality, I always found it odd that Viva Laughlin, a musical drama, cast a lead (Lloyd Owen) who couldn't sing a lick. Odd strategy, and one that obviously didn't pay off.
Yes, I am reading this AFTER seeing Viva Laughlin. I have to admit I loved it like I love cotton candy at the fair. No nutritional value whatsoever but so much fun! It's different, it has songs we can sing along to, and wouldn't we all love to live in a world where we can freely sing out loud to the soundtracks of our lives? So, I plan to watch Viva for as long as it's on. It's not the usual cookie-cutter crap, which means that it won't be around long, unfortunately. Too bad. —Sue Davi
Wow, Sue. You are the only person I have met or heard from that actually dug this show. And you know what? Good for you! Lord knows I've gone on solo missions championing programs that no one else cared about. (Incidentally, I still stand by The Family.) I will say this: I laughed harder during Viva Laughlin than I have any comedy on the air this fall. Perhaps that wasn't the producer's intent, but enjoyment is enjoyment, right?
Dalton, stop the hating on Cop Rock. Not all the songs, or singers, worked. But at least it was something completely different, original, and completely out of left field. And when it worked well, as when the accused cop sang a bitter song of his toughness as he was led to jail, well, it bordered on sublime. No mere dialogue could have expressed his emotions better in that scene, it was chilling. I just wish it would come out on DVD. —Charles Martin
Damn, Charles, you and Sue should get together and go musical-drama crazy! Of course, I wish Cop Rock would come out on DVD as well, but probably not for the same reasons you do. For those of you really jonesing for it, here's a little taste.
Hey Dalton, how about a little funny-old-guy love for Rip Torn's coach Patches O'Houlihan in Dodgeball? First off, his name is Patches. Seriously. Second, the line ''If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.'' Frankly, for some unfathomable reason, just looking at Rip Torn (or thinking about his name) makes me giggle. —Julie Harter
Always have been a big Rip Torn fan, from his turn in The Cincinnati Kid through his days on The Larry Sanders Show. I guess I just have a thing for anyone who starred in Beastmaster. And you're absolutely right, Julie — Patches O'Houlihan is a stupendous name. Almost as good as Cheadle.
Who's your favorite star in the Walk of Fame, and which ''star'' doesn't deserve the honor? Send your questions, comments, and quibbles to theglutton@ew.com, or just fill out the handy-dandy form below. I'll be away next week, but back after that. See you in two weeks!
