Saturday Night Live: Seth Rogen/Phoenix - VIDEOS

(S34E20) Seth Rogen returned to host for the second time to promote his new mall cop movie (yeah, I know). Unlike last time, when there were one or two stand-out sketches, this episode didn't have any particularly memorable moments. However, there were Muppets, Mogwai and a thinner Seth Rogen involved, so maybe things weren't too horrible.
Cold Open with Obama: Fred Armisen seems to be getting increasingly comfortable in his Barack Obama skin, which is a major thumbs up.
Monologue: Um. Wow. Maybe it was the suit, maybe it was the glasses, but, uh, Seth Rogen looked good. At least attractive nerd-good. Is that weird to say? Because I'm not comfortable even thinking about it. I'm wondering if he's doing all this to be a more convincing Green Hornet. The 40 Year-Old Virgin Seth Rogen would have had trouble keeping up in a fight next to Stephen Chow's Kato. All right, losing a million pounds aside, I'm glad they poked some fun at the mall cop movie thing. Good luck with all that.
Fast & Bi-Curious: Guys talking way too close too each other. Yes. Inherently funny.
Vinny Talks to Seth: I'm super-glad they've ditched most of the original formula for this sketch, replacing little Bobby Moynihan with the weird prop ending and putting in a little more interaction with the spaghetti guys. It's taken a while to get there, but this sketch finally feels like it's all right.
SNL Digital Short - Like a Boss: This song is one of the best ones from The Lonely Island's "Incredibad" album, but this short wasn't quite as slick as some of their latest videos. I read somewhere that they've already filmed their video for "Boombox (ft. Julian Casablancas)", though, which is my absolute favorite. That's one to look forward to.
Girlfriend Voice: This started as an acceptable excuse to do a bunch of goofy voices which then spiraled into nothingness. I think it reached "extra-cringeworthy" when Andy did that B-52s voice and then everything went to hell by the time Seth talked to his coma buddy.
Weekend Update: Watching Seth Meyers' extended, smirky rant was the first time since Amy Poehler's departure that I felt like, "Ah. This is Weekend Update with Seth Meyers." I hope he continues to develop his own voice as anchor throughout the next few weeks. Take some notes from Kevin Nealon, Norm MacDonald and Colin Quinn and really make it your own, man.
The rest of the character bits from Update were only so-so, the best one being Angelina Jolie v. cryptkeeper Madonna.
Muppet Bus: Seth Rogen did a sketch as Rawlf the first time he hosted as well, so it was good to bring back the Muppet goodness. The best part, however, was Kenan's reaction when he got shot in the middle of his poem.
Easter Album: Man, this was dumb, but I'm all over a sketch that lets Will Forte sing like a jackass. Also, I liked that Kristen Wiig was not havin' that kiss towards the end.
Next week: Zac Efron and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. All right, all right. I will withhold judgment until I see young Zac up there.

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