Friday, July 10, 2009

'You're Gonna Laugh'

Details' cover story on Jason Bateman is definitely worth a read ("Not All Former Child Stars Are Felons"). It's fun seeing someone really appreciating their "second time around," and no one is happier with his resurgence than I am. Bateman was easily the best part of "Juno" and "State of Play" and has seven new films coming down the pike, inching him toward leading man again, starting with Mike Judge's "Extract" later this summer. (I must admit, though, that I still have never seen an episode of "Arrested Development," despite getting Season One on DVD for my birthday in 2005, which I still haven't opened!)

  "Teen Wolf Too" aside, I recall liking Bateman growing up. (Oddly, I was gaga for "older man" Michael J. Fox at one point but never really had a crush on Bateman, who is two years my junior. I was also hot for Corey Hart, so maybe it was Canadian lust?!) But as I read Steve Kandell's article I knew it was neither of Bateman's best-known child roles that drew me to him. "Silver Spoons" creeped me out because of that albino kid (who grew up to be kinda hot) and I stopped watching "Valerie" after they killed Valerie Harper off (you know how I love my Rhoda). Then I remembered it was the short-lived sitcom "It's Your Move" that really made me take notice. (The mom, played by Caren Kaye, was a hero of mine too for bedding Matt Lattanzi in "My Tutor" the summer before!) I just rewatched the pilot episode on YouTube and I have to say it holds up incredibly well, with its razor-sharp writing and Bateman's pitch-perfect performance and genius timing going up against his mom's suitor, played nicely by David Garrison. Not unlike some of the groundbreaking Norman Lear shows of the 1970s, I honestly don't think a show this smart could even get on the air today -- even if sitcoms still existed. Its mature humor probably explains why it only lasted 18 episodes, while more middle-of-the-road shows like "Growing Pains" were on for years.

 

7 comments:

Marc Lallanilla said...

Until you watch the pilot episode of "Arrested Development," your blogging privileges should be suspended. It's the funniest, most brilliant comedy in all of TV history - except for maybe that episode of "Strangers With Candy" where Jerri asks a bully, "Why does your finger smell like his ass?"

Matthew said...

I loved IT'S YOUR MOVE, too, and crushed on Jason. Loved him from SILVER SPOON. He was such a hot brat. Also worship CK for bedding MLattanzi.

Deep Dish said...

You like Jason Bateman, but you've never watched Arrested Development? I don't understand. He's wonderful on this brilliant and hilarious show. Not to mention the divine Jessica Walter as his mother. Go watch your DVD box set right now--that's an order.

Bart said...

"It's Your Move" was very funny and was created by Michael Moye & Ron Leavitt, who went on to create the classic "Married...with Children". Tricia Cast (who played Bateman's sister) is now best known as Nina Webster Chancellor on "The Young & The Restless" which I've been watching since 1981!!!

Joe said...

Never watched Arrested Development??? No wonder it was cancelled! I blame you!

Now please watch Arrested (with a brilliant cast including Jessica Walter) and I will forgive you and continue reading your blog :)

twilight news said...

Very humorous trailer. thanks for sharing.

Frank Anthony Polito said...

Don't worry, KW, I haven't seen "Arrested Development" either (except for the scene where some guy gets his hand bit off by a shark or a pirahna or some hand-biting fish). I thought I was the only one who'd seen "It's Your Move" (though I couldn't remember the title.) Every time I see Tricia Cast on Y & R, I think of that show.