Watching The Office

If there is one thing so noticeable about the Carell/Hathaway pair up is that these two have so much screen chemistry together. I think they look good as a movie couple.

The interview from Reuters…

Q: Above all, this film is obviously a very penetrating analysis of cold war politics.

Steve Carell (deadpan serious): "It is, very. It’s also an action comedy."

Anne Hathaway: "I’d describe it as "comtion.""

Carell: "When we first discussed it, we wanted it to be a legitimate spy movie that’s also funny. I wanted it to hold up, with characters that could potentially exist and situations that had stakes to them … we are not people you’d normally see in an action movie, and I think that’s part of the comedy."

Q: Do you feel like you’re the Tracy & Hepburn of action movies now?

Carell: "We are. I don’t think that’s overstating it."

Hathaway: "He’s right! (To Carell) You DO remind me of Katherine Hepburn, and I’m just like Spencer Tracy."

(more…)

Admittedly, I have heard of Ricky Gervais 80’s band, Seona Dancing, even before he became one of the world’s most acclaimed comedian. I was familiar with their one and only hit, More To Lose. It was, incidentally, a big hit where I grew up. I do not remember what the band looked like back then. And it was only from watching and reading up on The Office UK did I find out Ricky was part of this 80’s pop group from my childhood.

The Seona Dancing duo eventually disbanded in the early eighties. No one knows where Bill Macrae is, the other half of Seona Dancing, but Ricky Gervais went on and reinvented himself to became a successful actor, writer, comedian and producer. Many Office fans know the rest of his story. But not many may have probably seen this video…of Ricky Gervais, in 1984, singing to one of Seona Dancing’s song!

Does he not look like a Boy George then?

Ahhh… the 80’s! That was a good decade!

Thanks to Sam for the tip…

Ricky Gervais, Seona Dancing

This apparently is what the box for The Office’s Fourth Season DVD will look like, according to TVShowsOnDVD, which has picked up a copy of Home Media Magazine and Universal’s advertisement in it.

The cover art may still be subject to change.

The Office, The Office Season 4 DVD

After Oscar and Angela two weeks ago, Kevin and Meredith (Brian Baumgartner and Kate Flannery) are sitting on the judges’ panel in tonight’s Last Comic Standing on NBC.

Of this stint, Brian says that: “Kate Flannery was like Paula Abdul — she was much more forgiving and liked people. Kate said that I’m Simon Cowell. I’m expected to say something after every performance, so I might as well be honest. I didn’t want to be rude, and I don’t think I was rude. Generally, people took it very well. I don’t think I made anyone cry in front of me. I felt bad too, but I had to say what I thought, and sometimes that wasn’t good.”

Oh, yeah. They showed short clips of Brian and Kate from last week’s episode and he was serious-looking, he actually appeared intimidating.

I’m gonna be watching this later…

Kate Flannery, Brian Baumgartner, Last Comic Standing

And really, I’m not talking about that reality show with a Spice Girl. I’m talking about this:

That’s Brian Baumgartner aka Kevin Malone for you! This was from his high school. His big voice suits the song, huh?

Source: Office LJ Comm

Brian Baumgartner, Kevin Malone

I rarely see Kate Flannery (Meredith) outside of her Office persona so this video is a welcome treat!

Source: OfficeTally

Kate Flannery, Meredith on The Office, Jane Lynch

Catch Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson and Jenna Fischer on the big screen this summer….

GET SMART

Get Smart is the film adaptation from the 1960’s hit television series. Steve Carell is Maxwell Smart, the secret agent who is ironically not quite smart. He is, however quite agile in hand to hand combat.

The movie also stars Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin and Masi Oka, with some special cameo appearances of actors from the original TV series. The film is directed by Peter Segal.

Get Smart comes to theaters June 19.

Here’s the trailer.

THE ROCKER

This is perhaps Rainn Wilson’s first film where he’s actually going to carry the whole movie as its lead. The film is about an unknown former 80’s rock band member who once again tries to break into the music scene years later with his nephew’s group.

The movie also has Christina Applegate and Josh Grad and will open in the 1st of August.

Here’s the trailer.

THE PROMOTION

Originally titled as Quebec, the film is set for a June 6 playdate. Directed by Steve Conrad, who is also the writer for Pursuit of Happyness, the film is about two grocery store assistant managers who are up and against each other for promotion.

It stars Sean William Scott and John C. Reilly, who Jenna has previously worked with in the film, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.

Here’s the trailer.

There you have it…

The Office may be out for a few months but the cast are still very much visible. It’s refreshing to see our favorite actors play different roles once in a while and showcase their range. These movies should serve as a welcome break while Season 5 is still under production.

Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Get Smart, The Rocker, The Promotion

Hi folks, I’m having a bit of an internet problem (what timing! :P). But once this is fixed, I’m going to get right down to last night’s episode. Mmmkay?

In an Q & A interview with the writers of Did I Stutter?, Brent and Justin was asked why Michael never got to tickling Stanley, which was what Daryl suggested Michael do to appease his employee, as it was the way with gangs. If you recall, this was how the conversation went:

Darryl: Well see, um, in a gang world, we use something called fluffy fingers.
Michael: What is that?
Darryl: That’s when someone really gets in your face, you know you just, start ticklin’ ‘em.
Michael: Really?
Darryl: Yeah. And he starts tickling you. And pretty soon you laughing and hugging. Before you know it, you’ve forgotten the whole thing. Y’all just go to church together, and get an ice cream cone.
Michael: I would have never though that.. gangs would be tickling each other.
Darryl: Oh. It’s effective.

The writers said, they actually did the scene and I, too was expecting this, but it was edited off the final cut. Fortunately, NBC has a photo of it:

It’s too bad they cut it out. I already sense how awkward it was basing on this.

The Office, The Office Did I Stutter, Michael fluffy finger

You’ve got until May 8th to place your bid on Andy’s Xterra which is currently up for bid (for real!) on E-bay. It’s not Andy’s car per se. The real owner is a hairstylist who is working on the set. But it is the exact car used in the show, and more importantly, an important aspect of last week’s episode, Did I Stutter? where Dwight actually puts the car up for auction on E-bay.

As of this writing, there is a totat of 16 bids with the current amount at $15,300. The auction picked up over the weekend but I imagine that it will still rise as fans get wind up of this.

If you win this, you’re not only getting a car but a TV memorabilia. The winner will also receive a signed script (whole cast) of Did I Stutter? as well as other props from the show. If you live in Van Nuys area (California) then you would have a lesser problem transporting this SUV to your house, the original owner is from the area.

Anyway, while we’re on the subject of Andy, the actor playing him, Ed Helms, was guest on Leno last Thursday, May 1st. He talks about his stint on The Daily Show, which he was part of for five years, and claims to know everything about politics. He has met some of the candidates in person, from the last election in 2004.

He also talked about cutting his penis open as an eight year old and as a result of a freak accident while playing in a friend’s tree house. Yeeoouch!

Here is the video of the interview:

The Office, Xterra on Ebay, Ed Helms

Last week’s The Office earned 7.67M viewers, doing fairly better than the week before that. But overall ratings for Thursday nights remain down as a result of the strike, as experts believe.

1. “CSI�? (CBS) 17.78m
2. “Grey’s Anatomy�? (ABC) 15.11m
3. “Without a Trace�? (CBS) 12.85m
4. “Survivor: Micronesia�? (CBS) 12.53m
5. “Lost�? (ABC) 11.14m
6. “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?�? (FOX) 8.32m
7. “Ugly Better�? (ABC) 7.93m
8. “ER�? (NBC) 7.74m
9. “The Office�? (NBC) 7.67m
10. “Don’t Forget the Lyrics�? (FOX) 7.28m
11. “My Name is Earl�? (NBC) 6.77m
12. “Scrubs�? (NBC) 5.91m
13. “30 Rock�? (NBC) 5.41m
14. “Smallville�? (CW) 3.64m
15. “Supernatural�? (CW) 2.53m

Download the copy of the Dunder Mifflin Organization Chart. You can get both versions, one without the overlay and one with. The overlay is a representation of Dwight’s emergency powers. And this org chart? It’s Dwight’s copyrighted property for the next 1,000 years so be cautious of what you do with your downloads. Haha. By the way, I don’t think I noticed Roy’s name on this chart, when the other two fired employees are there. What’s up with that?

Watch Steve Carell interviewing Phyllis via E!

AOL has chosen The Office as one of fifty best comedies. The show is ranked 14th. Simpsons and Seinfeld are number one and two respectively.

Deleted scenes for Did I Stutter is up on NBC. There’s three of ‘em. On the same site, you’ll find videos of the cast giving Angela baby advices, too. Angela’s due date is this week, May 9th to be exact.

Jenna is FHM’s 83rd Sexiest Woman of 2008 .

The Office, The Office ratings, Dunder Mifflin Org Chart, The Office Deleted Scenes

 Michael: Hello Oscar Meyer Wiener -lover. I bet, that you have a bunch of very liberal girl-type friends, who trust you implicitly, because they know you’d never touch them given your condition.

Phyllis: Michael?
Michael: What?
Phyllis: I have a friend who’s single.
Michael: Oh.
Phyllis: Sandy. She gorgeous and she’s got a feisty personality too.
Michael: Hmmm feisty. So she’s not jolly or sassy? Not like a jolly, sassy opera singer?
Phyllis: Uhm, no she’s a professional softball player.
Michael: Eeooh… Catcher or in-field?
Phyllis: I don’t know Michael.
Michael: Is she a dress wearer or a pants wearer? Could we share a rowboat? Could- could a rowboat support her?
Phyllis: What are you asking?
Michael: I think I’m being very clear, what I’m asking. Would an average size rowboat support her without capsizing?….. It bothers me that you’re not answering the question.
Phyllis: No. Alright! No she can’t fit on a rowboat.
Michael: Yes! I knew it. I knew it!

Stanley: There’s nobody I hate enough to write their name on this card.
Phyllis: Well, I’m setting Michael up with my fat friend anyway and he can just deal with it.

Michael: Okay. Wendy. “Hot and juicy redhead.” I’ll give this a try. (dialing)
Woman: Wendy.
Michael: Hello, Wendy. This is Kevin’s friend, Michael.
Woman: This.. isn’t Wendy.
Michael: Oh I’m sorry could you put her on please.
Woman: Dude, this is a Wendy’s resturant.
Michael: Okay.. Okay. Could I just have a Frosty and a baked potato please?
Woman: You have to come to the resturant to order food.
Michael: Well I’ll send somebody to pick it up. Just have it ready.
Woman: It’s ready now.
Michael: Well, put it aside! (Hangs up)

Michael: Uhm, his one says Chair Model?
Dwight: I wrote that. Michael, you shouldn’t have to settle. This is my pledge to you. I will find her, and I will bring her to you. And as God as my witness, she shall bare your fruit.
Michael: That sounds good. Go get her! Wait — first, go to Wendy’s get my food, come back and then go.

Dwight: The furniture company gave me the name of the advertising agency. They gave me the name of the photographer. The photographer, a Spaniard, used the Wilkes-Barr Modeling Agency. The agency gave me the following information: Debra Sholevski, 142 South Windsor Lane. Dead. Car accident. Case closed.

Andy: I left my cell phone in my car.
Phyllis: Call us when you get there so we know you’re ok.

Michael: She is wearing blue jeans and a black top. So… behold my bachelorette. I give her 10 for looks and a 3 for her ability to describe herself…. Hello milady.

Michael: How did she die?
Dwight: I guess you could say she died of… blunt force trauma and blood loss. She got into a car accident, plowed into the side of an airplane hangar.
Michael: So innocent.
Dwight: She was stoned apparently.
Michael: You know I used to think that I had this perfect person out there waiting for me, but now I know that’s just silly. Because she’s dead. What do you do?
Dwight: Wait ’till next year’s chair catalog comes out and find someone who’s still alive. Yeah.

Pam: I’m not gonna move in with anyone unless I’m engaged.
Jim: Have I not proposed to you yet?
Pam: Hmmmm…I don’t….no.
Jim: Well, that’s coming.
Pam: Oh, right now?
Jim: No…I won’t do it right here, that would be rather lame
Pam: Okay, so then when?
Jim: Pam, I’m not gonna tell you. I hate to break it to you but that’s not how it’s gonna work. I’m serious…it’s happening. And when it happens, it’s going to kick your ass, Beesly. So, stay sharp.

Jim: Where do you wanna go for dinner?
Pam: I don’tknow… I kind of hate all our regular places right now. Oh, you know what? That one–
(Jim gets down on his knees)
Jim: Hey,Pam….Will you….wait for me one second, while I tie my shoe?
Pam: I hate you.
Jim: What! My shoe was untied. What is your problem? Oh my God! You thought I was—- Oh, no no…

The Office, The Office Chair Model, The Office Quotes, The Office Chair Model Quotes

Well, this is what people have been talking about most from last week’s episode:

Have you been one of those who’ve thinking Jim and Pam have now become a boring couple since they admitted they are together? And now that we know where they are headed since Jim has made it clear he’s ready for a bigger commitment, are you still on the same boat? Or…based on what happened last week (watch the video again) are you like the half the women population out there, anticipating when the big question pops?

And what’s all the secrecy over the proposal? On her last set visit, entertainment writer Kristin of E! notes that for the first time, she was made to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Wouldn’t it be great if the surprise turns out to be — that Pam actually proposed to an unsuspecting Jim? That would have to be so like ‘em, huh?

The Office, Jim and Pam The Office, Jim and Pam Engagement, Jim and Pam Proposal

A lot of people want to know more about them. These guys are being hunted down by fans!

The five families consist of the heads of the five companies inside the building where Dunder-Mifflin is occupying. Michael Scott is, of course, the head of one family. Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration is one and is more well-known among viewers. And last week’s episode, we got to meet the other three: Paul Faust of Disaster Kits Limited, W.B. Jones of W.B. Jones Heating and Air, Bill Cress of Cress Tool and Die.

This site has an interview with Paul Faust…which is actually his real name. He’s been a fan of the show and he does have a real company called — Disaster Kits Limited!

Fans of The Office? No detail is lost on them. People have been trying to call this guy’s number, noting two things: 1) It’s the same number as Dwight’s (from a previous episode) and 2) When you call, WB does answer (pre-taped) and then thanks you for calling him:

photos from The Office LJ community

Kevin introduces The Five Families of Scranton:

The Office, The Five Families of Scranton, Paul Faust of Disaster Kits Limited, W.B. Jones of W.B. Jones Heating and Air, Bill Cress of Cress Tool and Die

A day after Chair Model aired, most reviews are saying that the episode was classic The Office, that it felt a lot like the British version. However, this was met with opposing responses.

That scene with Michael meeting Pam’s landlady was straight out of the UK version. In the last episodes of The Office UK, the Christmas Special, David Brent was also set up on a date by one of his staff. And he was, expectedly, not too thrilled about it. He couldn’t find himself attracted to his date and when he could not contain his disappointment, he ranted off to the camera about it.

So what do you think? Was it great to see the show taking inspiration from the original version or did the writers of this episode run out of ideas? Chair Model is credited to B.J. Novak.

Personally, I am not bothered by it at all. And maybe it’s because every season, I keep expecting the USA version to pick up some ideas from the UK version and do it in their own context. I say, how they executed this scene was right on track. So, I’m one of those satisfied viewers.

I know others have been disappointed though. Right now, I don’t see where they’re coming from because I’ve been enjoying the season so far. And it seems I’m not alone. The Office’s ratings continue to climb in the last two weeks. But, I know this week is the real test (when Grey’s Anatomy returns on air).

The Office, The Office Chair Model, The Office UK