BDC Now: Benedict Cumberbatch Makes a Run at the Throne of Best Impressions
We crowned Kevin Spacey the God of Impressions just over a week ago, but he already has a challenger. Benedict Cumberbatch combined skill and speed by doing 11 impressions in under a minute. See his best Sean Connery on today’s BDC Now, and read more about James Franco and Seth Rogen on The Discovery Channel, a touching moment between a musician and his dying infant son, the latest in a long line of Aaron Sorkin comedy sketches, and a golf club you can pee in.
So Much for That…
When Kevin Spacey dominated Wheel of Impressions on “The Tonight Show’’ earlier this month, we were sure that was the end of the world’s unofficial Greatest Impressionist of All Time competition. But here we are, a mere 11 days later, and Benedict Cumberbatch isn’t letting Spacey take the crown quietly. While promoting his movie, appropriately titled “The Imitation Game,’’ Cumberbatch busted out 11 impressions in less than a minute. Not all of them were as solid as Spacey’s, but Cumberbatch had the time pressure to deal with. This is a tight race, and we’re pretty sure it won’t be settled until Spacey and Cumberbatch have a live impression face-off . If ever there was appointment television, that would be it.
More Franco and Rogen Than You’ve Ever Wanted
It feels like James Franco and Seth Rogen have been promoting “The Interview’’ forever. Back in June, the actors grabbed headlines because the movie features a plot about assassinating North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and the nation’s leader was pretty peeved. Then, in September, the trailer finally dropped. And now, in the middle of November, there’s a trailer for their appearance on Discovery’s “Naked and Afraid.’’ The episode won’t air in full until early December and the movie doesn’t come out until Christmas Day. This has to be the longest run-up to a movie in history. But hey, we guess if it means watching Franco and Rogen share a naked hug on television, it’s probably worth it.
“Blackbird’’ Has Never Been More Meaningful
Earlier this month, Chris Picco’s wife, Ashley, died after undergoing an emergency C-section. She was 30 years old. Their baby, who was born at just 24 weeks and kept in the natal intensive care unit, died just days later. It’s undeniably tragic. But for those few days when their baby boy, Lennon James Picco, was alive, Chris made the most of it. With the doctor’s permission, Chris brought his guitar into the NICU and sang to his boy. He sang him a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Blackbird’’ by The Beatles. It’s touching and Chris’s love for his son will make you smile through the tears wrought by his story. If there’s one thing you watch today, this should be it.
Walk the Walk While Talking the Talk
Depending on who you talk to, Aaron Sorkin is either one of the best television writers ever or one of the most annoying. His style (which often entails writing an entire series with no help from anyone) is an acquired taste, to say the least. But mocking his style? That’s universal. It’s so well-liked, in fact, that just about everyone has done it. “30 Rock.’’ “Mad TV.’’ “Saturday Night Live.’’ It’s all been done, which meant that Seth Meyers and the folks at “Late Night’’ had a challenge in front of them: Do the overdone Aaron Sorkin sketch with some original style. There weren’t many avenues remaining, so naturally they went meta and did a sketch about making a sketch. They nailed it, but Sorkin was there that night for an interview, so we’re pretty sure they just had him write it.
Just in Time for Christmas!
Struggling to find a gift for your father or grandfather? Tired of just getting them a bunch of random stuff with “#1 Dad’’ printed on it? Boy, do we have an idea for you! If your loved one likes to hit the links, he’s probably been out on the fairway and in need of a bathroom. This year, solve that problem and get him a stick that he can pee in! That’s right, for just about 50 bucks, you can get the URO-Club, a toilet shaped like a golf club. Just unscrew the lid, place a towel over your waist for privacy, and go to town. Of course, then whoever is using it will have to screw the top back on and carry a golf club full of urine around for the rest of the day, but don’t think about that! Just think about how fun it will be to give your relative all the excitement of a wrapped present that looks like a golf club and all the disappointment of telling them that “golf club’’ is really just a urinal. Merry Christmas!
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