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ALL ARTICLES BY Rachel Jaffe
High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Extended Edition)DVD Review - Feb 17, 2009
The third entry in the High School Musical series proves bigger isn't always better.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2DVD Review - Jan 1, 2009
Girl power strikes again, but can four strong leading ladies combine for one great movie?

Various Artists, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 Soundtrack"Music Review - Nov 30, 2008
Unlike the magic pants, this soundtrack won't fit everyone -- but it will fit a surprising number of people.

Heathers - 20th High School Reunion EditionDVD Review - Jul 5, 2008
"Heathers" is no "High School Musical" -- and for fans of dark comedy, that's not a bad thing.

Josh Preston, "Exit Sounds"Music Review - May 19, 2008
Josh Preston's label may be "Me and the Machine," but his music is about our all-too-human emotions.

Eleven MinutesMovie Review - Apr 15, 2008
A new documentary about Project Runway's Jay McCarroll takes you behind the scenes of Fashion Week.

Kurt Cobain - About A SonDVD Review - Feb 20, 2008
An innovative documentary attempts to provide an intimate portrait of Kurt Cobain

Bring It On: In It to Win ItDVD Review - Dec 18, 2007
"Bring It On" brings it again -- complete with "cheer rumble" this time!

Creatures from the Pink LagoonMovie Review - Sep 25, 2007
As this campy zombie film proudly proclaims: Pink is the new black!

The Rookies - The Complete First SeasonDVD Review - Jul 14, 2007
In the 1970s, they were a "new breed" of cops. Now they're new for being old school flatfoots.

Picket Fences - Season 1DVD Review - Jun 19, 2007
David E. Kelley has provided us with some of the most distinctive television of the past decade. Now see where it all started.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 12A Dose of Reality - May 7, 2007
The final three teams race for the finish line, bragging rights, and of course a million dollars.

The ManitouDVD Review - May 4, 2007
The poster for "The Manitou" tells us that evil does not die, it waits to be reborn. So, too, does campy entertainment.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 11A Dose of Reality - Apr 30, 2007
No more gimmicks. We're down to the penultimate episode, and everyone's racing for a spot in next week's final round.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 10A Dose of Reality - Apr 23, 2007
Is it a simple case of "let's make a deal," or is it really a deal with the devil?

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 9A Dose of Reality - Apr 16, 2007
Molly feels misdirected, and the Race's fiercest competitions continue to take place in the airport.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 8A Dose of Reality - Apr 9, 2007
Some seasons, it's all about the cab drivers; this season, it's all about the airplanes.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 7Reality Bites - Apr 2, 2007
We've had two-hour episodes before, but we've never had an episode like this!

Maude - The Complete First SeasonDVD Review - Mar 24, 2007
2007 is the Year of the Woman -- Nancy's Speaker of the House, Hillary's running for President, and Maude has arrived on DVD!

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 5A Dose of Reality - Mar 19, 2007
In an episode where rats are heroes and Ian is a successful manicurist, you have to expect the unexpected.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 4A Dose of Reality - Mar 12, 2007
The conventional wisdom takes a beating -- as do several of teams when they get word from racers of seasons past

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 3A Dose of Reality - Mar 5, 2007
The Racers have some wet and wild times on their way to this week's pit stop.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 2A Dose of Reality - Feb 26, 2007
More than one team could adopt the motto "From worst to first" on this topsy-turvy episode.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - Episode 01A Dose of Reality - Feb 19, 2007
Every season, Phil tells the racers, "The world is waiting for you." But never have they been more anticipated than with this All Star group.

The Amazing Race: All Stars - PreviewA Dose of Reality - Feb 11, 2007
One thing about an "All Stars" show -- everyone has an opinion on who belongs on it! Check out who made the cut with CBS.

Various Artists, "Spring Awakening" (Original Broadway Cast Recording)Music Review - Jan 4, 2007
"Spring Awakening" has met rave reviews for its Broadway opening -- but can the CD stand alone for those of us outside of New York?

DreamgirlsMovie Review - Dec 17, 2006
Art imitates life -- or is it the other way around? -- in this Broadway hit that's made it to the Big Screen.

We Are MarshallMovie Review - Dec 13, 2006
Director McG rises to a new level with this stirring tribute to the power of perseverance.

Carnivāle - The Complete Second SeasonDVD Review - Jul 20, 2006
It's not the destination, it's the journey ... and Carnivāle provides a wonderful ride.

Night Stalker - The Complete SeriesDVD Review - Jul 18, 2006
This DVD treatment of 2005's stylish version of Night Stalker almost compensates for its early cancellation.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (Special Edition)DVD Review - Jul 18, 2006
Beyond the realm of good taste, beyond the limits of credibility ... it's Beyond the Valley of the Dolls!

Valley of the Dolls (Special Edition)DVD Review - Jul 11, 2006
Whether you love to hate it or hate to love it, 20th Century Fox provides everything you need to enjoy this "camp" classic.

Brilliant But Cancelled - EZ StreetsDVD Review - Jul 8, 2006
The series that has been called "too good for TV" is back, and it's just right for DVD.

Brilliant But Cancelled - Crime DramasDVD Review - Jul 7, 2006
A quartet of crime dramas showcase styles from four different decades.

High School MusicalDVD Review - Jun 12, 2006
"High School Musical" has become a phenom among the tween set, but is it a phenomenal movie?

Survivor Pearl Islands - The Complete SeriesDVD Review - Feb 7, 2006
Hoist the black flag and pour the rum -- it's time to be pirates one more time!

Saturday Night Live - The Best of Alec BaldwinDVD Review - Feb 5, 2006
It may not always be his best, but Alec Baldwin always delivers on Saturday Night Live.

Honor by AugustInterview - Jan 30, 2006
Ever wonder what it would be like to open for a national band in a sold-out club? And then open for another national band in a sold-out arena? Find out from rising DC band, Honor by August.

Rock Star: INXS The DVDDVD Review - Jan 10, 2006
One DVD. Seventeen Memorable Performances. And the first concert for the new INXS.

American Idol - The Best and Worst of American IdolDVD Review - Jan 4, 2006
Season Five starts on January 17th -- if you start now, you might be able to finish this massive retrospective of Seasons One through Four before then!

The Amazing Race - The Seventh SeasonDVD Review - Dec 20, 2005
Can't wait for the next two-person season of The Amazing Race? Revisit the last one, with this Season Seven DVD set.

Project Runway - The Complete First SeasonDVD Review - Dec 16, 2005
Entertaining and stylish, Project Runway is a model of what Reality TV should be.

Hanson Live and Electric 2005 Concert TourConcert Review - Nov 3, 2005
The Hanson Brothers reintroduce themselves to college audiences with a minimum of hype, and a maximum of musicianship.

The Amazing Race: Family Edition - Episode 4A Dose of Reality - Oct 19, 2005
It's a haunting episode on a couple of counts for this week's episode.

Good Night, and Good Luck.Movie Review - Oct 17, 2005
George Clooney creates a transcendent movie about courage and conscience that, while set in the '50s, is as timely as today's blogs.

The Sting (Legacy Series Edition)DVD Review - Sep 16, 2005
Forget "Thelma and Louise" -- "The Sting" is the ultimate movie for single women!

Hanson: Are You Listening?Interview - Sep 9, 2005
Zac Hanson talks about a new CD, a new documentary, and a new, participatory approach to touring.

Doogie Howser, M.D. - Season TwoDVD Review - Sep 7, 2005
It's frustrating that Neil Patrick Harris's best role was 15 years ago. But thanks to DVD we can relive his remarkable performance as Doogie Howser, M.D.

Boy Meets World - The Complete Third SeasonDVD Review - Sep 5, 2005
Get a slice of ABC's TGIF line-up any day of the week, with the third season of this popular sit-com.

Arthur Apicella from Average JoeInterview - Aug 7, 2005
Hopeful romantic Arthur Apicella fields a few questions from Molly about his time as an Average Joe

Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back - Episode 6Reality Bites - Jul 28, 2005
Will it be Charlie Brown and the football all over again? Or will the Average Joe win the heart of the little red-haired girl?

The Thin Blue LineDVD Review - Jul 27, 2005
Errol Morris's 1988 "true crime" documentary is a fascinating and meditative reflection of a moment.

Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back - Episode 5Reality Bites - Jul 27, 2005
Nothing ends up as you'd expect on this penultimate episode of Average Joe 4

Eating OutMovie Review - Jul 26, 2005
American Idol alum Jim Verraros makes a good acting debut in this less-than-impressive movie.

Ice PrincessDVD Review - Jul 20, 2005
A quartet of fine female performances lends sparkle to Ice Princess

Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back - Episode 4Reality Bites - Jul 20, 2005
Romance! Tears! Betrayal! It's an emotional episode of Average Joe.

John Stevens, "Red"Music Review - Jul 15, 2005
John Stevens invites listeners to come fly with him on his soaring debut album.

Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back - Episode 3Reality Bites - Jul 13, 2005
Last week, the Hunks arrived. This week, we just wish they would leave.

Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back - Episode 2Reality Bites - Jul 6, 2005
The introductions are over, and the dating begins.

Bride & PrejudiceDVD Review - Jul 6, 2005
Bollywood meets Hollywood meets Jane Austen in musical melange that will keep your toes tapping.

Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back - Episode 1Reality Bites - Jun 29, 2005
This season, the Joes are stronger, the Hunks are more obnoxious, and the deck is stacked for a Joe to win. Will this finally be their year?

Casino (Widescreen 10th Anniversary Edition)DVD Review - Jun 21, 2005
The tenth anniversary edition of Martin Scorsese's "Casino" is a jackpot for those who love the film.

Baa Baa Black Sheep - Volume 1DVD Review - Jun 13, 2005
The Black Sheep Squadron is finding its way home on DVD, with a combination of hijinx, high humor, and high flying adventure.

The ContenderReality Bites - Jun 3, 2005
Requiem for The Contender: A look back at the NBC reality series.

The Filibuster FightA Molly Moment - May 23, 2005
Television's Reality TV season is winding down ... while the Senate's is going full blast.

Backstreet Boys 2005 Club TourConcert Review - Apr 1, 2005
After a four-year absence, the Backstreet Boys set out to woo back their fans in a club tour

Hotel RwandaMovie Review - Dec 27, 2004
"Hotel Rwanda" provides a touching story of courage ... and tough questions for today.

Last Comic Standing 3 - Announcement of WinnerReality Bites - Oct 13, 2004
For a show about comedy, the end of Last Comic Standing 3 brought plenty of drama. Read on for the name of the winner.

Shall We Dance?Movie Review - Oct 8, 2004
"Shall We Dance?" is an invitation to a charming, sweet romantic comedy.

Last Comic Standing 3 - Final CompetitionReality Bites - Oct 6, 2004
We're down to the Final Four, and the final chance to vote for the Last Comic Standing

Sean Kent from Last Comic Standing 3Interview - Oct 1, 2004
Sean Kent, comic from Seasons One and Three of Last Comic Standing, answers a bevy of questions

Last Comic Standing 3 - Episode 6Reality Bites - Sep 29, 2004
We only roast the ones we love ... oh, and Jay Mohr. (I keeeeeeeeed.)

Last Comic Standing 3 - Episode 5Reality Bites - Sep 22, 2004
We're a couple of rounds into the competition, and it's time for the twists to start.

Last Comic Standing 3 - Episode 4Reality Bites - Sep 15, 2004
The second half of Round Two provides a second look at several comics -- but will it matter in the rankings?

Last Comic Standing 3 - Episode 3Reality Bites - Sep 8, 2004
Now that each comic has performed once, it's back to the War Rooms to prepare new battle lines.

Last Comic Standing 3 - Episode 2Reality Bites - Sep 1, 2004
Last night, half the comics competed; tonight, the remaining comics step up to the mike!

Last Comic Standing 3 - Episode 1Reality Bites - Aug 31, 2004
NBC terms it "the Battle of the Best", as Season One comics and Season Two comics square off against each other.

Last Comic Standing 2 - FinaleReality Bites - Aug 13, 2004
Tonight's the night we find out who is the Last Comic Standing!

Last Comic Standing 2 - The Final ThreeReality Bites - Aug 11, 2004
The Final Three compete one last time before America decides who will be the Last Comic Standing

Last Comic Standing 2 - Wild Card ResultsReality Bites - Jul 30, 2004
Tonight, we found out which eliminated comic won the Wild Card slot to return to the competition.

Last Comic Standing 2 - Wild Card CompetitionReality Bites - Jul 28, 2004
Previous evictees compete for one opportunity to take another shot at becoming the Last Comic Standing

Last Comic Standing 2 - House Episode 5Reality Bites - Jul 21, 2004
The comics vie for a future in the Final Five, even as their past comes back to haunt them.

Last Comic Standing 2 - House Episode 4Reality Bites - Jul 14, 2004
This week the comics prove that stand-up isn't child's play.

Last Comic Standing 2 - House Episode 3Reality Bites - Jul 7, 2004
The comics roast the one they love -- but there's no love lost in this week's head-to-head competition.

A Molly MomentA Molly Moment - Jul 2, 2004
Two current documentaries -- "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Control Room" -- approach the situation in Iraq from different, but thought-provoking, angles.

Last Comic Standing 2 - House Episode 2Reality Bites - Jun 30, 2004
Last Comic Standing has always had elements of Big Brother, American Idol and Survivor, but tonight we get a little Real World in the mix.

Last Comic Standing 2 - House Episode 1Reality Bites - Jun 23, 2004
Last season's Last Comic Standing started off as a strange but wonderful surprise. This season is just starting out strange.

The Chronicles of RiddickMovie Review - Jun 7, 2004
Four years and a couple of blockbuster movies later, Vin Diesel returns to the character that made him a leading man, but this time on a whole new scale.

Mean GirlsMovie Review - May 4, 2004
Tween Queen Lindsay Lohan and sardonic Saturday Night Live writer Tina Fey combine their talents in an eclectic and wickedly funny take on teen-age life.

Average Joe: Adam Returns - Episode 4Reality Bites - Apr 6, 2004
It's time for Adam's choice -- who will he pick, and who will be passed over?

Average Joe: Adam Returns - Episode 3Reality Bites - Mar 30, 2004
Tension continues to rise at the house, Joes from the past continue to haunt Adam, and the coyotes continue to howl during Adam's dates.

The LadykillersMovie Review - Mar 26, 2004
Tom Hanks proves he hasn't lost his touch for broad comedy in the latest movie from the Coen brothers.

Average Joe: Adam Returns - Episode 2Reality Bites - Mar 23, 2004
It's time for Adam to start getting serious about dating. But what's he going to do when another bus -- bearing specially selected bikini-clad babes -- rolls into town?

Average Joe: Adam Returns - Episode 1Reality Bites - Mar 16, 2004
He's ba-ack! Adam Mesh, the last Joe standing from the original show, never has to worry about riding the bus again, now that he's the one doing the choosing.

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 9Reality Bites - Mar 2, 2004
It's the season finale for Average Joe: Hawaii! Who did Larissa pick? And what's the secret she's been keeping?

The Fog of WarMovie Review - Mar 1, 2004
Winner of the Oscar for Best Documentary, "Fog of War" provides questions more useful than answers would have been.

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 8Reality Bites - Feb 24, 2004
Larissa narrows her choices to the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion -- which one does she send away on the Yellow Brick Bus? And who found his own way back to the Midwest?

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 7Reality Bites - Feb 17, 2004
The guys meet Mom ... but gee, isn't she wearing a lot of make-up? Like, a 100 pounds worth?

50 First DatesMovie Review - Feb 16, 2004
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore team up for a delightful romance that you won't forget.

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 6Reality Bites - Feb 10, 2004
I'm sure this is the tagline heard around the world, but I can't resist it either -- Tony and Larissa have a blast on their date!

HidalgoMovie Review - Feb 8, 2004
It's not surprising that "Hidalgo," Viggo Mortensen's new movie, isn't better than his previous vehicle, "Lord of the Rings." What's surprising is how much worse it is.

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 5Reality Bites - Feb 3, 2004
Get along, li'l doggies! With 16 guys at the house, it's time for Larissa to thin the herd.

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 4Reality Bites - Jan 27, 2004
Last week, the Hunks arrived. Sure, they talked big, but really, how bad can they be?

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 3Reality Bites - Jan 20, 2004
The Average Joes get both good news and bad news in this episode, including this season's group of Hunks, who look like very bad news indeed.

Tim Long from Average Joe: HawaiiInterview - Jan 19, 2004
We saw him leave the island last week. This week, Tim Long talks with Molly about his experiences as an Average Joe.

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 2Reality Bites - Jan 13, 2004
The episode opens in the boxing ring -- but who is it who knocks Larissa out by the end of the show?

Average Joe: Hawaii - Episode 1Reality Bites - Jan 6, 2004
We're entering a time warp. Once again, a beauty queen prepares to meet her Princes Charming -- unaware that they're all just Average Joes!

Girl with a Pearl EarringMovie Review - Dec 24, 2003
"Girl with a Pearl Earring" is a feast of startling and beautiful images, giving new life to the expression "moving picture."

Lord of the Rings: Trilogy TuesdayA Molly Moment - Dec 18, 2003
An account of one woman's journey through the one-day marathon of the three "Lord of the Rings" movies.

Average Joe - Episode 6Reality Bites - Dec 9, 2003
This is it -- the final round. Will Melana pick Average Joe Adam, or Johnny-Come-Lately Hunk Jason?

The Last SamuraiMovie Review - Dec 3, 2003
"The Last Samurai" is an epic film, with battles and drama and excitement. But at its core, it's an intensely personal story, and it's the tension of those competing aspects that makes it so compelling.

Average Joe - Episode 5Reality Bites - Dec 2, 2003
Emotions run high as two Average Joes and two Hunks compete for private dates with Melana. But it's what they say to -- and about -- her "cousin" that will have the biggest impact on the game.

Average Joe - Episode 4Reality Bites - Nov 25, 2003
Last week, three hunks entered the competition. Will Melana judge them based on their personalities ... or in spite of them? And how will they compare to the Average Joes?

Average Joe - Episode 3Reality Bites - Nov 18, 2003
At the halfway point of the series, it's time for the Twist! Who leaves ... and who arrives?

Average Joe - Episode 2Reality Bites - Nov 11, 2003
After the first round of dating, Melana had to cut half the guys from the show -- including the unkindest cut of all.

Average Joe - Episode 1Reality Bites - Nov 4, 2003
Can a beauty queen find love with an Average Joe? Can she even make it past the first date?

Shattered GlassMovie Review - Oct 31, 2003
Before Jayson Blair, there was Stephen Glass, a hot young journalist who wrote stories that were too good to be true ... because they weren't.

Casa de los BabysMovie Review - Oct 14, 2003
John Sayles juxtaposes cultures and personalities to create a haunting film.

S.W.A.T.Movie Review - Aug 19, 2003
It's cool to be a cop these days -- particularly with this many toys and a staunch team to back you up.

Last Comic StandingReality Bites - Aug 6, 2003
It's time to find out who is the Last Comic Standing!

Last Comic StandingReality Bites - Jul 30, 2003
The Final Five battle it out in the penultimate episode of Last Comic Standing.

Last Comic StandingReality Bites - Jul 23, 2003
It's been too long coming, but the final head-to-head competition provided a satisfying conclusion to this week's Last Comic Standing.

Last Comic StandingReality Bites - Jul 16, 2003
Is it editing? Is it foreshadowing? Is it a red herring? No one knows until the end of this week's Last Comic Standing.

Last Comic StandingReality Bites - Jul 9, 2003
It's all fun and games until the David v. Goliath comedy smackdown in this week's Last Comic Standing.

Last Comic StandingReality Bites - Jul 2, 2003
One houseguest out, one (four-legged) houseguest in, and a healthy dose of drama mixed in with our comedy this week as house issues take center stage on Last Comic Standing.

Last Comic StandingReality Bites - Jun 26, 2003
Last Comic Standing shares elements from Big Brother, Survivor and American Idol, but these comics are in a class (and school bus) of their own.

American Idol LIVE!Concert Review - Nov 26, 2002
American Idol was a huge hit this summer, in part due to its potent double-punch strategy -- a contest on Tuesday night, immediately followed up with the results on Wednesday. Now American Idol is using a similar double-punch structure on a grander scale by following up the successful TV series with an immediate concert tour of the top ten contestants.

 
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CONTESTS
CD Giveaway - Shevyn Roberts, "Superstitious"
This young woman of many talents sets her sights on music with her debut EP.

CD Giveaway - Rebecca Moreland, "Far From Heaven"
Rebecca Moreland showcases her powerful voice and soulful presence on these five songs.

CD Giveaway - "The Freewheelin' Dan Miraldi" EP
This special collection showcases his more acoustic side, but it's still an appropriate title for this energetic set.

Digital Music Giveaway - JT Spangler, "What's a Little Heartbreak"
It's soul on a pop framework for the Hammond, Louisiana native's debut album.

Mini-Poster Giveaway: World War Z
Enter for your chance to win a promotional one-sheet from this impending zombie apocalypse film.

Mini-Poster Giveaway: World War Z
Enter for your chance to win a promotional one-sheet from this impending zombie apocalypse film.

Mini-Poster Giveaway: World War Z
Enter for your chance to win a promotional one-sheet from this impending zombie apocalypse film.