USA Upfronts

In case you don't remember, USA won me over... with White Collar after I was lucky enough to be invited to a set visit back in 2009 before the series premiered. Now, I'm also a huge fan of Covert Affairs, a fan of Royal Pains, and a supporter of the network in general. The love is mutual since I was invited to attend the Upfront Presentation late last week where I took a ton of photos from the end of the press line (a few are on my Twitter feed, my favorite seven from the red carpet are below) and after the presentation (right below) until I had to return to real life. So check out the premiere dates below for your favorite USA shows this summer and some info on new series coming to the network!

Myself, Matt Bomer (White Collar), and Accidental Sexiness

Peter Gallagher (Covert Affairs), Myself, & Chris Gorham (Covert Affairs)

Summer Premieres:

Royal Pains - Wednesday, June 6 9/8c

Necessary Roughness - Wednesday, June 6 10/9c

Burn Notice - Thursday, June 14 9/8c

Suits - Thursday, June 14 10/9c

White Collar - Tuesday, July 10 9/8c

Covert Affairs - Tuesday, July 10 10/9c

New Programming (Also includes POLITICAL ANIMALS and the pilot for GRACELAND)

BANG BANG – – An unlikely partnership is formed when veteran hitman Danny is saved by rival novice hired gun Marco, while executing a target. This dynamic duo pair up to execute contracts, if they don’t kill each other first. Based on the French film, “Doom Doom.” Writer/executive producer is Tim Schlattmann (“Dexter,” “Smallville”). Executive Produced by Pierce Brosnan & Beau St. Clair of Irish DreamTime Productions. From Fox Television Studios.

RARE – “Tour” is San Francisco’s hottest new restaurant – an exciting fusion of world cuisines that’s drawing crowds across all demographics in the Bay Area. Part of its allure may be the chef, a mysterious ex-special forces captain who’s good with a knife both inside and outside the kitchen. Even if he tries to resist his old violent life, he will be unlikely to keep it entirely outside his new establishment. Writer/executive producer is Larry Golin (“Cross Bronx”) with Cory Concoff executive producing. From Fox Television Studios.

MIND FIELDS – At MIT, the pranks (or as they’re known there, “hacks”) are truly legendary. After one particularly striking graduation hack goes awry, a legendary prankster is dumped by his girlfriend and goes underground for many years, his only public gesture a series of grand romantic stunts he constructs with a lovestruck fellow alumni. MIND FIELDS explores the fusion of science and creativity as these three geniuses reunite amidst the upstairs and downstairs of New York society. Helmed by writer/producers Lisa Joy (BURN NOTICE, graphic novel “Headache”) and Bryan Fuller (“Pushing Daisies,” the upcoming “Mockingbird Lane” and “Hannibal”), with executive producers Howie Mandel and Mike Marks. From Universal Cable Productions.

FALLEN – After an accident, a gruff, macho cop -- known for his "act first, ask questions later" approach -- develops the rare condition of synesthesia and suddenly finds himself seeing "emotions." His partner doesn't quite understand this "touchy-feely" approach to solving crimes, but there's no doubt that this new insight is helping clear cases. Based on the novel "Fallen" written by T. Jefferson Parker. Ed Decter & John Strauss (“There’s Something About Mary,” IN PLAIN SIGHT) are adapting for Sony Pictures Television.

WE COUNTED YOUR KNIVES – An Army medic returns home and becomes a pharmaceutical sales rep in the hopes of finding the elusive American dream. Along the way he helps those who cannot afford medical services while pushing the drugs his company sells. Writer is playwright Michael Batistick ("Ponies"). Produced by Doug Liman, David Bartis (executive producers of COVERT AFFAIRS and SUITS) and Gene Klein and Lindsay Sloane of Hypnotic for Universal Cable Productions.

UNTITLED DICK WOLF PROJECT – An insurance investigator who works at a traditional firm takes an untraditional turn – he gets divorced and marries a trophy wife, who happens to be a man. Project is from Dick Wolf and Peter Jankowski (creator of “Law & Order,” LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT.

New Reality TV Programming:
USA Network is also diving into the reality genre! I still haven't decided how I feel about that so I'm open to all of these shows at this point and will watch at least the first episode of each. I am especially intrigued by The Moment.

BRIDE OR BEST MAN (working title) – A "bromantic comedy" with a twist, this series highlights a trip down the aisle that goes completely wrong when the Groom and his Best Man are left in charge of planning the ‘big day.’ Shed Media produces.

ROMANCING THE GLOBE – A new spin on the relationship format, this series takes participants on a globe-trotting search for love that leads to the potential of ultimate betrayal. Executive produced by acclaimed executive producer Mark Burnett and his One Three Media.

THE CHOIR – Series follows accomplished UK choirmaster Gareth Malone as he embraces various American communities and assembles a choir made up of the most unexpected mix of individuals. Malone believes in the transformative power of music and uses choirs as a way to bring people together, raise morale, and restore a sense of pride in community. The journey is both comedic and emotional with each episode culminating in an orchestrated choir performance. Malone began his career leading choirs for the London Symphony Orchestra and since then, has gone on to win an International Emmy and numerous BAFTAs as well as recently having an album top the UK pop charts. Shed Media produces.

THE MOMENT – Each week the show’s host, Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner, will give someone a second chance to pursue the career they’ve always wanted. From race car driving to orchestra conducting to deep sea diving, everyday people will leave behind the comforts of home and leap into a whirlwind of training under the expert guidance of world-class mentors who will help them prepare for the audition of a lifetime. If they succeed, they will either accept the job that will change their lives forever - or return to their loved ones, realizing that they've been living the dream all along. Warner has had an equally triumphant personal story, famously going from bagging groceries to being named Super Bowl MVP in just 18 months. Justin Hochberg and Charlie Ebersol of The Hochberg Ebersol Company (THE Company) produce.

Which new shows are you looking forward to and what returning shows are you counting down to?

Don’t forget to head over to the USA Welcome Summer site to check out the latest photo and video content of your favorite summer series!

Tia Mowry Signing in NYC

Yesterday afternoon was one of the highlights of my Spring. It was about 10am when my train arrived at Penn Station and I found myself walking through the city, passing time until an event later in the day.

Since I watch the final hour of The Today Show whenever I am home, my mind immediately went to stopping by the studio to see what was going on. You know, be one of those fans outside of the studio and in the background of all of Hoda & Kathie Lee's shots. Ha. Well, I got side tracked. I never found my way to that area as I stumbled upon a sign at the NBC Experience Store promoting an autograph signing taking place in just three short hours. Tia Mowry, who we all love from Sister, Sister had tweeted about an autograph signing in the city earlier this week. I didn't really pay much attention to the details because I did not want to be let down if the setting was far and the timing overlapped with the reason why I was in the city to begin with. But when I saw that sign and put the pieces together, I went straight to the staff and security to ask questions. Do your events typically start on time? How crazy are the lines? How much is the book? I received satisfying answers, so I bought Mowry's book, Oh Baby!, hopped in line (I was about seventh in line) and waited.

I had no idea that Mowry's book was about pregnancy until I picked it up. If anyone I knew saw me with a book titled, Oh! Baby!: Pregnancy Tales And Advice from One Hot Mama to Another, no matter who the author, they would be stupefied. It's no secret that I was never that kid who dreamed of being A) married and B) married with kids (or a kid, period). I'm just not there. But it is Tia Mowry and I do love to read, so I chuckled to myself as I made my way to the register to purchase the book. I started reading the book in line and was immediately hooked. I made it to chapter 4 (there are 12 chapters in all) before the signing began. There are quite a few handfuls of fun tidbits from Tia's pregnancy journey that Tia & Tamera (Style Network) did not show plus an abundant amount of tips (organized wonderfully) that expectant mothers will cherish and even people like me, family/friends of those expecting will see in a new light. From any angle, there's something to learn here and I knew that would be the case, which is why I was not at all hesitant to purchase and read this. Thanks for shedding the light and doing so in such an entertaining way! Best of all, at 232 pages, this is a quick read. Even a slow reader who is multi-tasking could finish this within six hours, I'd say. Who doesn't love a day read?

Props to the NBC Experience Store for having such a FRIENDLY staff and security crew and letting the fans actually soak in the moment with the talent. One of the reasons why I don't often go to signings is because far too often, the staff and security are super aggressive and there is usually a "you can take photos of _____ but you can't take a photo with them" rule. You see, I'm more of a photo snob than I am an autograph person, so that doesn't really work for me. Time management, that's all I'm saying. Anyway, with time to spare and having never been to a signing at the NBC Experience Store, I was open to learning how they best conduct these things. Happy to say that I will gladly go to more signings here after this experience. I took a handful of photos and when it was time to take a photo with Tia, one of the staff members was there to take the photo for you on your camera/phone/etc. How nice!

I didn't want to bring up Sister, Sister (even though that's why we were all there, really) because I'm sure she hears praises for her work back then every day. The same may now be said for Tia & Tamera and The Game, so my brain zeroed in on her film, Seventeen Again which I watched over and over and over and over again over the years, years ago. I don't know why I don't own the DVD but I'm kind of glad that I don't because I know that it would be a time-suck. I seriously could crack up along to that movie all day every day. I'm sure if I played the movie right now, I'd still know all of the dialogue, body language/mannerisms of all of the characters, etc.. You get my point. So I told Tia that I loved her in Seventeen Again and then she brought up Twitches which, Oh my God, I love too! (We all know that my favorite show of all time is Charmed and I love me a good witch show/movie). She said that Twitches was one of her favorite things to work on, because who doesn't want to play a witch with their sister? Something along those lines. I was just so excited that I was talking to her about Seventeen Again and witches. I dreamed of the day! I'm so not kidding.

I wanted to say, "Outie 2000," part of a line from Seventeen Again, but I didn't want to be too much of a fan girl, especially if she didn't recognize the line and I was left standing there like an idiot. Ha. The whole one on one time couldn't have been more than two minutes but it was a long two minutes and the best two minutes of this entire week! I really don't know why but there's just something about seeing someone in person who you've seen on the small screen all of your life that's so incredibly exciting. To be able to say "Thank you" and "I love your work" in person, it may seem like a small thing but those few words really mean, "Thank you so much for working fifteen, twenty hours on set practically everyday for months on end to make me escape for a half hour/hour of my day and just laugh and relax (and be enlightened...because under every laugh, there's a message)." That exchange of gratitude, it's not to be taken lightly. Anyway, long story short, I had a great time at the signing and learned quite a few things about pregnancy in my reading (my oh my, the things they don't tell you!) that have really made me even more understanding of and compassionate to the preggers journey. So thanks Tia Mowry for an unforgettable signing and thought provoking book!

Oh! Baby!: Pregnancy Tales And Advice from One Hot Mama to Another by Tia Mowry with Sheryl Berk is in stores now.

The Write Finds Across the Web

Hey guys! I've been fairly absent for some time now but I will get back into the swing of the things next week. There's BEA coming up, San Diego Comic Con in July, a website makeover in August, and so much more, so stay tuned!

Every Friday, "The Write Finds Across the Web" showcases my favorite book links (for readers & writers) that I come across throughout the week in list form. If you have any suggestions, let me on on Twitter!

Book Links
* 20th Century Fox Acquires Rights to Self-Published E-Book, Wool by Hugh Howey
* How A Book is Born
* When You Wish You Were Another Writer

Non-Book Related Link of the Week
*Doctor Who to Release Mini-Episode Next Week /p>

Happy Reading!

The Write Finds Across the Web

Every Friday, "The Write Finds Across the Web" showcases my favorite book links (for readers & writers) that I come across throughout the week in list form. If you have any suggestions, let me on on Twitter!

Book Links
* Book Writing Competition = Reality TV Show? (EW's Shelf Life)
* AwkwardFlail FTW
*Ready Player One, Still Loading; Casting Speculation Begins
* Author Interview with Marie Lu (Legend) conducted by Author, Beth Revis
* YALL Fest Lineup Announced!!
* What Writers Do All Day (At Least Me) (Author, Kami Garcia)
* Original Harry Potter Manuscript Will Be Exhibited
* An Indie Bookstore Saved by a Tweet
* Author Interview: Cynthia Hand
* Amazon Licenses Right To Lend ‘Harry Potter’ E-Books To Amazon Prime Members
* Legend Blog Tour – Marie Lu Guest Post & Giveaway
* USPS To Stop Delivering iPads And Kindles Overseas On May 16
* My answer, yes! -> Can a fictional character take you over?

Non-Book Related Link of the Week
*Joss Whedon's Letter to the Super-fans

Happy Reading!

Blu-ray Review: New Year's Eve

Release Date: May 1, 2012 Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 118 minutes

Director/producer Garry Marshall brings together an stellar ensemble cast to celebrate love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, in intertwining stories told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year.

Having enjoyed Valentine's Day so much, I was very much looking forward to New Year's Eve and am happy to say that my expectations were met for the sequel! This star studded film kept me on my toes as I was anticipating in every moment what big star would pop up next. Aside from the fabulous cast, the characters were engaging. Not as compelling as the characters in Valentine's Day since they were all over the place in story. New Year's Eve represents new beginnings for everything and anything. Valentine's Day just focuses on love (and lust, let's be honest) so I found that with so little time, it was hard really fall in love with all of these characters on such very different paths. I fell in love with a few but others I could have done without. Essentially, Valentine's Day is more bright and has more laugh out loud comedy than this film. For me, the former trumps the latter since there was more stress among the characters and their journeys in this film but less depth if that makes any sense at all. That said, I still very much enjoyed the film as the different stories were interwoven in such a clever way and it was so much fun trying to put the pieces together, watching what became of these characters. New Year's Eve brings for pleasant viewing, especially on a rainy day. So be sure to pick up your copy today.

Bonus Features:

Commentary - The commentary is conducted by director, Gary Marshall. What I love about listening to this commentary, what I love about Marshall is that he gives credit where credit is due. He's clearly a people person and great supporter of the work that the people he works with have done/are doing and that is wonderful to see. He also has a great love for New York City which is made evident from the very beginning. Marshall mostly narrates the story with commentary interwoven but it works because it's Marshall. If you enjoyed the film, a commentary viewing is definitely in order!

The Magic of Times Square (Approx. 7 minutes) - The cast and crew of New Year's Eve share their love for New York City and celebrating the New Year in Times Square. This feature could have been merged with the next feature if you ask me. Between the two, I'd say watch the latter.

New Year's Eve Secrets of the Stars (Approx. 6 minutes) - The stars, director (Gary Marshall), writer (Katherine Fugate), and producers of New Year's Eve share memories from their favorite New Year's Eve and whether or not they actually make and keep their resolutions. It's a fun feature but not necessary viewing.

Jon Bon Jovi & Lea Michele Rock New Year's Eve (Approx. 6 minutes) - This feature takes viewers behind the scenes as Jon Bon Jovi records his three numbers for the film. There's fun back story told of how Jon Bon Jovi became attached to the film before the feature turns to Lea Michele recording her part of one of the songs in California. Aside from learning how Marshall snagged Jon Bon Jovi, this feature is a pass. Director, Gary Marshall and Music Producer, Don Was also appear in this feature.

Deleted Scenes (Approx. 8/18 minutes) - The deleted scenes come with introductions by Gary Marshall (optional). The first scene includes John Stamos. As big of a star that he is, this scene had to be included on the Blu-ray of course. It simply could not have been cut never to be seen again! But his character and scene was useless so it came as no wonder why this scene was cut. The second scene seemed like it belonged in the gag reel but Marshall says it as cut because of the setting, which I can definitely understand. There were10 weak cameos from athletes and about seven other scenes, one of which I found especially engaging as people around the city shared their new year resolutions. If you enjoyed the film, you'll enjoy the deleted scenes so be sure to watch!

*Gag Reel (With introduction by Gary Marshall, Approx. 10 minutes)

Own New Year's Eve on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

Concert Review: Jeremy Camp & Francesca Battistelli

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of catching Jeremy Camp & Grammy nominated, Francesca Battistelli on their South Jersey stop on the "We Cry Out" Tour. The tour takes its name from Camp's acclaimed worship album, We Cry Out: The Worship Project. As I was more familiar with Battistelli than Camp, I was in for quite a treat as I have officially become a Camp fan!

The concert began at seven, at least according to the website tour info though by the time that I arrived, 6:30pm Battistelli was already on stage. This detail was, I'm not going to lie, disappointing since I was especially looking forward to seeing Battistelli's entire set. This is not a joint tour, moreso Camp's tour that Battistelli is opening for so if you want to see B, get there early! The venue was sold out and was essentially to capacity by the time that I arrived but it was easy slipping in and getting to watch Battistelli live in such an intimate venue. I loved the way that she went acoustic and slowed down "Hundred More Years" and loved hearing the crowd sing along to "Constant," one of my favorite songs from her album, Hundred More Years. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Album Chart and No. 16 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart! While I listen to and was anticipating more from her sophomore album significantly more, the majority of the songs that she performed by the time I made it into the venue were from her debut album, My Paper Heart. Battistelli did not work the stage since she is eight months pregnant but she sure had no problem belting out my favorite hits. What a talent! She closed out with "Free to Be Me" which I never would have thought would have been the song to end her set so that was a refreshing surprise.

Battistelli exited the stage at 7:03pm, making way for intermission and a brief word about Compassion International before Camp made his way to the stage. Camp is a Compassion International artist so there is not only a brief word about the program from 49ers' David Akers, but a booth by the merchandise as well, where you can begin to sponsor a child in need from around the world. I have begun sponsoring a little girl named Erika from El Salvador! Thank you Camp for being such a light and helping us find ways to be a light! Akers also led a great message that left the audience with the question, "What are you going to do to be a game changer?" It was a great message and the perfect lead in to Camp's set which began at 7:40pm.

I was especially taken with Camp's songs, "We Cry Out," "Everlasting God, ""Right Here," and "There Will Be A Day" which I am sure I will be playing around the house quite a bit. In between songs, I discovered that Camp is quite the talker! He has an incredible message to share and is so passionate about Christ like faith and being a light, so there's definitely plenty to say. If you can't make the tour but want to hear his story, buy his book, I Still Believe which released last fall. You will be blessed! I was blessed Sunday night and cannot wait for Camp to come back to Jersey and minister some more in concert. What an uplifting night!

Camp has sold over three million albums and is Billboard’s No. 3 Christian Artist of the Decade for a reason! He's definitely worth catching on tour so visit Jeremy Camp and also Francesca Battistelli for more information.

The Write Finds Across the Web

It is time to get back to incorporating weekly posts! Every Friday, "The Write Finds Across the Web" will showcase my favorite book links that I come across throughout each week in list form, so stay tuned for my favorite finds on Fridays! If you have any suggestions, let me on on Twitter!

Book Links
* Sarah Healy on Chick Lit
* How to Write a Perfect First Draft
* Book Deal and Publishing Talk with Lindsay Cummings (Girls in the Stacks Podcast)
* Target Will Stop Selling Kindles This Month
*Microsoft Teams up With BN
* Writer's Digest Conference West Info Announced (Oct. 19-21, 2012)
* Children’s & YA Hardcover Sales Up 72%
* Harper Lee Makes a Surprise Appearance at an Alabama Literary Luncheon
* 7 Ways to Write a Stand-Alone Book (With Series Potential)

ICYMI Link of the Week
* LiFactor has been born! I'm in love!

Non-Book Related Link of the Week
* Disney | ABC Writing Program Submission is Open!

Happy Reading!

Blu-ray Review: We Bought A Zoo

Release Date: April 3, 2012 Rating: PG Running Time: 124 minutes

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents an inspiring adventure based on a true story of one man who brought a zoo back to life and family back together in WE BOUGHT A ZOO, arriving on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download April 3. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) and starring Matt Damon (Contagion, True Grit), Scarlett Johansson (Iron Man 2, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and Thomas Haden Church (Easy A, Sideways), WE BOUGHT A ZOO is “a sweet-natured tale…that you’ll want to see with your kids” (Liz Braun, Jam! Movies).

Benjamin Mee (Damon) is a Los Angeles newspaper columnist and adventure writer who, as a single father, faces the challenges of raising his two young children. Hoping that a fresh start and a new life will restore their family spirit, Mee quits his job and buys an old rural house outside the city with a unique bonus feature: a zoo named the Rosemoor Animal Park, where dozens of animals reside under the care of head zookeeper Kelly Foster (Johansson) and her dedicated team. With no experience, limited time and a shoestring budget, Mee sets out with the support of his family and the local community to reopen the zoo. Now, Benjamin is no longer reporting an adventure story; he’s living it in his own backyard.

We Bought A Zoo is one of my favorite films of 2011. I was hesitating as to whether or not I would say that because I have not read the book from which the film is based on and as a book lover, I am hoping that the film did the book justice. After viewing the film, I can say that I am looking forward to reading the book even more. But I had a feeling even before hearing that the film was based on a true story that the film would do the story justice because Cameron Crowe, who directed Almost Famous directed this project and his vision is magnificent. And between Crowe and Aline Brosh McKenna, the screenplay was in good hands. The dialogue was wonderful, the pacing was perfect, the characters had depth (though it was clear that so much of that depth was not able to be explored, so I am especially looking forward to the book for this reason), and the balance of drama and comedy is so clever. At times, the comedy slips in and other times it's front and center... and it works.

The casting was also very smart. At first, it may be offsetting to see Matt Damon in this role that he is in, not a stud, I'll say. But soon after, you'll forget all about that and the characters will engage you more than the well known actors on screening engaging you. Back to the characters for a moment... the relationship between Ben and his son was full of so much tension. It led up to one big blow out which was one of the most powerful scenes in the entire film. This kid was so relatable and reminded me of myself in so many ways when I was younger. It was frightening in that way but also very much necessary to show for these individuals to be heard and appreciated. We see over time how this family grows closer together and what a wonderful, uplifting story that is. We don't see that enough these days. Each relationship explored in this film has a distinct conflict added onto the overall conflicts that come with Ben buying a zoo so there's plenty to engage the viewer. As a big fan of characters, I was pleased to find that the characters really made the story here. Yes, Ben bought a zoo not long after becoming a widow, taking on a financial burden having faith that things would turn around. But the people (and the animals that we will all fall in love with) along the way, that's the journey that really connects the viewer and the story. We Bought A Zoo has heart and I'd say is a joy to watch for all ages. I can see myself popping in this Blu-ray quite a lot this summer (it's got that kind of tone) and I encourage you to get your copy to do the same. You will not be disappointed.

Bonus Features:

Deleted & Extended Scenes - There are 20 deleted and extended scenes. If you enjoyed the film, spending an extra 45 minutes to watch these scenes is definitely worth it. The first scene, "Elevator Empathy" made me laugh out loud and will certainly make you laugh out loud. People are so funny in these situations. Hysterical. "Quick Learner" also brought a bit of a laugh. How did the cast not laugh during the scene, "Just Can’t Get a Handle On It?" "Disaffected Youth" among others will also make you chuckle. "We’re Living The Story" has one of my favorite line exchanges in the film so I was thrilled to see the extended scene on here, get as much as possible out of this scene as I can. I can only imagine that "Buster is Loose" was cut because of time because I cannot find anything wrong with this scene. Which brings us to the scenes that I am actually satisfied with being cut. I was glad that "Life is Elemental" was cut because it would have changed the emotions leading up to Ben giving the okay to put down the tiger. "Thank You, Rhonda" also was a great scene to cut because it would have confused viewers as to what to think about Rhonda. I did like how Rhonda was portrayed in the final scene, "Opening Day." Too bad that wasn't in the film!

Featurettes - There are three behind the scenes featurettes included on the Blu-ray; “We Shot a Zoo (1 hour 15 minutes)," “Their Happy is Too Loud (17:29 minutes),” and “The Real Mee (28:35 minutes)." The first is a great origin story from Benjamin and Katherine Mee's vision to scouting locations, casting, working with Cameron Crowe, the animals, and more. What I love about these featurettes is that they are narrated with and the interviews are on location and used as voice over narrations which is rare. It brings a great feel to the featurette, because you can listen to the cast and crew while watching what happened on location rather than just watching and listening to them talk about it with brief behind the scenes looks. The first featurette is a bit time consuming but worth watching. The second featurette is dedicated to making the score and what a beautiful featurette it is. The final featurette is for those who want to hear it straight from Benjamin Mee. If there's one featurette to watch, it would be this one and it's only 28 minutes long so you have no excuse not to watch it!

Commentary - The commentary is conducted by Director Cameron Crowe, Actor J.B. Smoove and Editor Mark Livolsi. What really brings this commentary to life is the inclusion of comedian/actor, J.B. Smoove. This brings for quite a hysterical commentary... probably the most entertaining commentary of 2012 so far. Smoove takes over the commentary even though his part in the film is actually rather small. But his chemistry with Crow and Livolsi is great and it works very well. Along with the laughs, there are still plenty of technical bits shared and it's intertwined in a very engaging way. If you have time to catch one commentary this Spring, let it be this one.

* Gag Reel (7 minutes)

* Photo Gallery

Own We Bought A Zoo on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

Please Support Kira's Mission Trip to Haiti

Two years have passed since a 7.0 earthquake engulfed Haiti and destroyed the majority of Port-au-Prince and still recovery is needed, necessary for this nation to survive and one day possibly thrive more than it ever has. Half a million people are still living in makeshift shelters, homeless and displaced with sickness and disease running rampant.

So this year, for my lovely sister's June birthday, she has decided to shower this nation with love instead of having the typical birthday outing with her girlfriends. "I want to be a blessing to these heartbroken people, brighten their day, and spread the light, the hope that we are so familiar with here in America," she explained. But she cannot do it alone. Kira needs your help for safe travels back and forth and supplies to bring to Haiti. So please, any (tax-deductible) donation that you can give is very much appreciated, no gift is too small. Click here to donate. Thanks for your support & please pass it on!

For more information, visit Kira's Tumblr which is dedicated solely to the mission trip, updates and all!

DVD Review - Jane by Design: Volume 1

Release Date: March 20, 2012 Rating: TV-14 Run Time: Approx. 430 min

When mistaken for an adult, sixteen year-old Jane (Erica Dasher) finds herself working for a high-powered executive (Andie McDowell) at a hip fashion house. From classes to couture, relive all the drama, romance and non-stop excitement as Jane juggles her life as a regular teenager and her job in the cutthroat world of fashion…all while trying to keep her true identity a secret. Bring home ABC Family’s Jane By Design: Volume 1, available on DVD March 20th, just two weeks after the season finale!

Jane by Design: Volume 1 brings fans the first ten episodes of ABC Family's latest original series. Fashionistas everywhere will find this series to be a bundle of fun and if you're not a fashionista, there is still plenty to enjoy! The fashion world is the perfect groundwork for a series as it's a playground that anybody would be fascinated to step foot on and explore. And it's not all about the fashion. There's more to Jane than that, thankfully. But Jane is torn between two worlds, her high school, suburban life and fashion forward city life. They had me as soon as I was aware of the premise. That said, while the execution is satisfying, I must admit that Jane by Design is not nearly as engaging for me as Switched at Birth, MIOBI, and The Lying Game. This is funny since the show incorporates Jane's home life, there is competition, and she is lying to those around her to keep both worlds afloat.

Yet all of these aspects in one show, not to mention all of the other aspects that go into each episode, might just be too much at once. While a great reflection of Jane's double life, there is such a thing as being overly ambitious executing that point. This mixed with the combination of relationships (love triangles specifically) that we've all seen played out before, may hold this show back from its full potential. When Jane is forced to babysit a model in one episode and ends up bringing her to school, even the model points out the typical high school movie/TV show characters in Jane's world. So the characters definitely need not feel so paper thin in future episodes. We're following Jane but give some depth to the supporting characters.

Still, there is enough to love about these characters and enough conflict going on in Jane's life to keep viewers on their toes, wondering how Jane will achieve all that is on her to do list with the least amount of problems. Cue the comedy! You'll laugh just as much as you'll cringe as Jane jumps hurdle after hurdle... sometimes her naivety being the cause of those hurdles. Jane's naive quality is one thing that I love this show does not shy away from. She doesn't have it all together, she's in high school. There's so much that Jane has to learn about the working world before she can move on from being an assistant, that is for sure. Thanks for not shying away from this and showing the young viewers that you don't have all of the answers, it is a learning process long after high school. Very refreshing this is. Plus, if you follow fashion, you'll be able to appreciate the cameos by Betsey Johnson, Patricia Field, and Nanette Lepore to name a few. Jane By Design will either turn out to be another ABC Family Original that you add to your watch list or another ABC Family Original that you make it a point to watch live each and every week. Either way, you'll enjoy Jane by Design so be sure to pick up Volume 1 before the second half of season two airs!

Unfortunately, there are no Bonus Features on the DVD. Considering all of the promotion that was put into this show months before it premiered, I find it unbelievable that there was no care put into this aspect of the DVD. There's no inside look here. Pick up The Devil Wears Prada DVD for that, fashionistas.

Own Jane by Design: Volume 1 on DVD today. Jane By Design returns Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 9/8c on ABC Family.