Paul J. Nemecek 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.

wes-connors 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

Miss Naughtia Matthew McConaughey stars as Ed, a young ordinary single guy. When a television network decides to make a reality show to follow a man's life, Ed gets chosen for the show.Ed likes the idea but his family and friends disagree with him. As time goes by he slowly realizes how much this show effects his life. He has met the girl of his dreams and their relationship gets complicated because of all the cameras and people following him around.This movie was OK and fun to watch, it might have been a very good movie at the time it was released because people were really hyped on the new phenomenon called 'reality TV', a term that has grown mainstream to this day.

maxrockpro Light hearted. Funny. Movitational. Smart. A Class movie. I was laughing throughout. Smiling at the end wanting more. Brilliant and realistic performance by Mathew, Woody and everyone. Very good script. Superb direction. No vulgarity. No special effects. No big stars. Some parts of the movie are even better than The Truman Show. "A nobody looser, accidentally chosen for a reality show becomes a superstar. Finds true love, respect of family and brother. Then has to choose between relationships and stardom." Best scenes are: when Ed's video is reviewed and selected; Ed gets up and a camera is on his face. When he and his brother are about to fight; The cameras following Ed's every move; Ed's final revelation and pulling the plug.