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That was an excellent one.

Powerful

A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The impact of mass media on contemporary culture is a popular theme in film. Last year's batch of films on this topic included: Celebrity, Mad City, Wag the Dog, Holy Man, and The Truman Show. Ron Howard's previous contribution to the topic was The Paper. His latest addition to the genre is ED-TV.Matthew McConnaughey plays Ed, a video-store clerk who is selected to be the subject of a new TV show called True TV. Like MTV's Real World, the idea is to follow the subject in his day-to-day life so as to capture the gritty realism of life. Unlike Real World, this show will be broadcast live and unedited for every waking moment.As the story progresses, Ed ends up stealing his brother's girlfriend, and finding his long-lost father. There are more than a few embarrassing moments as Ed and his friends and family discover that celebrity is not all its cracked up to be. The story is somewhat similar to the plot line of last year's The Truman Show. What makes this story engaging is that it is obviously far more plausible, and unlike Truman, Ed chooses to participate-at least initially.In addition to the interesting story line, there are some excellent performances by McConnaughey and the supporting cast which includes: Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman, Martin Landau, Rob Reiner, Ellen DeGeneres, Elizabeth Hurley, and Dennis Hopper. There are also some great cameos by the likes of Jay Leno, Bill Maher, and Michael Moore.The real strength of the film is its timely and insightful social commentary. When Karl Marx wrote about the fetishism of commodities he could not have imagined the extent to which this disease would pervade our lives. ED-TV manages to comment on television, the internet, tabloids, and USA today. It's easy to blame "the media" but in the end we have, in the words of Pogo, "met the enemy and he is us."The proliferation of cop shows, court shows, real accident shows, and home video shows reveals the extent to which we have blurred the line between public and private, fact and fiction. The postmodern concept of simulacrum refers to the fact that this line is so thoroughly blurred that we can no longer tell the difference. We live in a world that commodifies community and markets meaning like hot dog vendors at a ball game ("Meaning here, get your fresh hot meaning here!"). ED-TV is a welcome commentary on the world we have constructed for ourselves--and in its better moments pretty funny too.

Texas home video store clerk Matthew McConaughey (as Ed Pekurny) attracts the attention of "True TV" producer Ellen DeGeneres (as Cynthia Topping). She wants to star Mr. McConaughey in a 24-hour reality show. At first, big executive Rob Reiner (as Whitaker) seems reluctant, but Ms. DeGeneres is a persuading advocate for "Ed TV". The TV show is a huge hit, as you may have guessed. The cameras capture McConaughey when he wakes up reaching for himself in sweatpants, and throughout his days. Release forms are signed by McConaughey's friends and relatives. Most often seen are worked-out older brother Woody Harrelson (as Ray) and UPS truck driver girlfriend Jenna Elfman (as Shari)...Everyone loves "Ed" but me. Look at all the fans. All ages, classes, regions, races, creeds, colors and gender preferences are portrayed as avid "Ed" supporters. Granted, McConaughey is a good looking man, but what is his character's appeal? He and his morning "chubby" are a bore. His romantic comedy adventures are not fun or funny. We could see Howard Beale's appeal in "Network" (1976) and get "The Truman Show" (1998). Now, perhaps director Ron Howard and the writers are making a point about US television viewers. If so, the years have proved them accurate."Ed" may intentionally be made a "common man." That's fine, but it still lacks a satirical bite...If you're interested in "movie, movie" making, "Ed TV" has an added interest in that it is a movie about motion pictures (albeit television). The production values are very high, with outstanding cinematography by John Schwartzman. The lighting technicians are especially skillful. Many scenes feature incredibly artful lighting. On televisions in the movie, the visuals are less than lackluster...Long-time followers of Mr. Howard will see his old "Happy Days" pal Donny Most in a minor role. Among the others is the director's brother Clint Howard. For some reason, the camera zooms in on Clint's hair transplant. By the way, we're shown a close-up of McConaughey clipping his toenails, but have no idea how he maintains that perfectly maintained stubble. Veterans Sally Kirkland and Martin Landau are Ed's parents. They do a fine job, and Harrelson is more than convincing as the brother. In fact, Woody looks like Matt's brother. Semi-sexual attraction includes the brothers appearing half-dressed and an arousing woman in thong. Beating all is Elizabeth Hurley (as Jill), who radiates sex...So, maybe "Ed TV" was about watching him have sex, all along. If so, you won't learn or see much.***** Ed TV (1999-03-26) Ron Howard ~ Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman, Woody Harrelson, Ellen DeGeneres

Another doughty Ron Howard picture. Just like Peter Cattaneo (of The Full Monty/The Rocker) he takes an idea, a good script and a top-notch cast and makes an exhaustive, quick-fire comedy without pretension or fuss.It's a clever film. Ahead of the MTV-type show it's satirising it essays all the attractions and pitfalls of such a dead-end genre. Inbetween are any number of clever appropriations of current TV shows and celebrities, and all the practical quirks of getting such coverage on the TV - the crowds, crazies and camera moves.Matthew McConaughey gives a stand-out performance as the eponymous Ed. Jenna Elfman is a terrific Renée Zellweger-type for people who find Zellweger trying. Martin Landau isn't just there to bolster his pension either. Slick, knowing, but above all big hearted fun. 7.5/10

When observing the cast I knew this film was a much watch. McConaughey, Elfman, Harrelson, Ellen DeGeneres, Dennis Hopper and Elizabeth Hurley are a guarantee for a great storyline. McConaughey is able to use his classic comedic skills to great effect as he stars as the central protagonist Ed who is going to be filmed 24/7. The plot spells disaster straight away for the character and instantly hooks the viewers who will want to know what this will involve for Ed and his family. With sharp turns and funny one liners the film keeps a steady and consistently funny plot as all the A star celebrities pull off excellent roles as different characters in the 'reality' world, exploring family, relationship and job issues, giving a great reflection of real life in a 'reality' world. One main reason the film worked was because the jokes are constantly in the dialogue but there are also physical means of humour, watch out for a scene towards the end with Ed and Jill. A great part is played by Woody Harrelson who stars as Ed's dopey brother Ray. Harrelson brings his comic talents to the part and brings a relaxed but also a sometimes serious edge to the character. The film adds a great aspect to the term 'reality'. I have recently watched 'The Truman show' which was fantastic. Edtv differs because it has more comic conventions than the Carrey classic. Personally I preferred 'The Truman Show' because of the seriousness and emotion conveyed but the emotional scenes in this Rod Howard picture are also ones to be admired, but both films are great and I have no hesitation in recommending them to you. Edtv is always believable in terms of context and with likable funny characters it is a film destined to be enjoyed, it has a very relaxed atmosphere and humour running constantly through all the big named stars and is therefore thoroughly recommended. The film has many comic conventions and predictability but is kept consistently engaging when viewers are able to gain emotion into the real life situations. With many different story lines being created it is a thoroughly developed and well thought-out plot, always engaging the viewers and is therefore a must watch for any comic wanting audiences of any age.