What I’m…

…Sitting In a Theater For- Mission Impossible: 3
It’s always nice when a film actually exceeds expectations. The third Mission installment (I still refuse to call it M:I:III) is not only superior to the first two but also makes up for the disappointment of 1 and 2. As a fan of director JJ Abrams' TV shows I must say this is an impressive film debut. He also managed to work his shows into the film by casting Felicity as a kick ass agent (who knew she had that in her), Weiss from Alias in a brief wisecracking role (what else is new), and a special thank you to the Hanso Foundation (if you don’t know, keep reading).

…Surfing- www.thehansofoundation.org
Anyone notice the Hanso ads that have aired during the last commercial breaks of Lost the past two weeks? I missed them on first airing thanks to magic of DVR, but after reading about the ad I went back and watched. What they reveal is a phone/web game that reveals very broad hints about the nature of Lost and the mysterious Hanso Foundation. To get started call 1 877 426 7674, visit www.sublymonal.com or if you’re lazy check out www.thelostexperience.com for a list of hints and cheats.

…Praying For- Veronica Mars Renewal
Season 2 just wrapped on V Mars and her rag tag bunch of hooligans, and already they’ve started next season’s big mystery; will they be renewed? When The WB and UPN announced their merger into The CW network, pundits were breathless with the idea of a Tuesday night block of Gilmore Girls and Mars. At the time it seemed like a sure thing with DVD sales of the first season going strong and growing critical praise. Then the kids at Neptune High got thrown up against Idol and Lost and the ratings plummeted. A recent move back to Tuesday nights helped some but left a once clear outlook slightly muddled. What’s not muddled is the quality of said show. This week’s finale provided resolution to season long story lines, answered lingering questions and set up a storyline or two for next year. It was a perfect example of how you can wrap up a season in one hour which is something a lot shows seem to have lost the ability to do. If you’re still not watching this show pick up the 1st season on DVD (the price was just lowered) and start watching season 2 reruns this summer.

…Renting- The Ice Harvest
A highly overlooked film from this winter that builds up Billy Bob Thornton’s anti-Christmas resume. Connie Nielsen smolders, John Cusack charms and Oliver Platt falls down. A piece of modern noir from the unlikely eye of director Harold Ramis.