Posts
Thanks everyone for the Happy Birthday wishes!
I had a fabulous time seeing Time Stands Still on Broadway earlier today and am now watching the Grammy Awards, somewhat live tweeting the ceremony.
Stay tuned for my review of Time Stands Still and also stay tuned for my interview with Maile Misajon...you know her from her days in the pop group, Eden's Crush.
There will be lots of interviews and reviews posted this week so stay tuned for more!!!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Connor Gibbs Talks Ghost Whisperer
Ghost Whisperer fans, have I got a treat for you! Little Aiden, whose real name is Connor Gibbs took some time out earlier today to speak with Hollywood the Write Way about the shinies! Kidding! Not. Maybe. Keep reading for the fun Ghost Whisperer chat!
How did you get the part for Aiden?
There was a night when my mom and I went to the movies when we received the audition notice and lines so I was rehearsing the lines during the previews of the movie that we were at. The next day, I went in for the audition. I went in a few times. I got to read the lines with Jennifer Love Hewitt. When I got out, they called my agent and I got it!
Had you been a fan of Ghost Whisperer before?
Before I got the part, I had seen the show a few times. At the time though I was 6 years old and I was a little scared so I didn't really watch.
What has been your favorite episode to shoot so far?
My favorite episode so far is episode 9 when a girl who is a ghost kidnaps me and brings me to a place because she is afraid of the shadows. She packs my backpack with a bunch of shiny things and that is how we get to the shinies.
Are the shinies good or bad?
Umm..the shinies are good, the shadows are bad. We know a little bit about both of them but not everything.
Can you tell us when the shinies are coming back?
We don't know that yet...
Are going to find out about any other gifts of Aiden’s?
He can see the shinies and the shadows, he is an empath, and there is one more gift but we don't know what it is quite yet!
What’s it like talking to ghosts and knowing they aren’t there?
Because they are not there, it is weird when shooting if you don't remember where they are. So you just have to remember where they are.
Have you had any real life supernatural experiences?
I have had a lot of pictures with orbs in them. They are supposed to be energies of real ghosts.
What is it like working with Jennifer Love Hewitt and David Conrad?
Jennifer is really nice. We goof around on set and do a lot of things together. With David, we play catch and throw the football around. One time we actually played baseball in the living room on set.
How do you prepare for your scenes?
We practice my lines every night before bed and before I go on set.
Do you know if Aiden will get a dog?
We don't really know yet...
Do you go to school or do you get home schooled?
I am going to public school but the days that I go on set, I get the work from my teacher and do the work on set.
How did you feel about dying your natural red hair for the show?
It was kind of weird at first but we are all pretty used to it now.
I hear you are a big Star Wars fan, what role would you play if you could be in any of the movies?
I would probably play Yoda because he is the leader of the Jedis and he can do a lot of things that other Jedis can't.
Watch Ghost Whisperer Friday nights at 8/7c on CBS.
How did you get the part for Aiden?
There was a night when my mom and I went to the movies when we received the audition notice and lines so I was rehearsing the lines during the previews of the movie that we were at. The next day, I went in for the audition. I went in a few times. I got to read the lines with Jennifer Love Hewitt. When I got out, they called my agent and I got it!
Had you been a fan of Ghost Whisperer before?
Before I got the part, I had seen the show a few times. At the time though I was 6 years old and I was a little scared so I didn't really watch.
What has been your favorite episode to shoot so far?
My favorite episode so far is episode 9 when a girl who is a ghost kidnaps me and brings me to a place because she is afraid of the shadows. She packs my backpack with a bunch of shiny things and that is how we get to the shinies.
Are the shinies good or bad?
Umm..the shinies are good, the shadows are bad. We know a little bit about both of them but not everything.
Can you tell us when the shinies are coming back?
We don't know that yet...
Are going to find out about any other gifts of Aiden’s?
He can see the shinies and the shadows, he is an empath, and there is one more gift but we don't know what it is quite yet!
What’s it like talking to ghosts and knowing they aren’t there?
Because they are not there, it is weird when shooting if you don't remember where they are. So you just have to remember where they are.
Have you had any real life supernatural experiences?
I have had a lot of pictures with orbs in them. They are supposed to be energies of real ghosts.
What is it like working with Jennifer Love Hewitt and David Conrad?
Jennifer is really nice. We goof around on set and do a lot of things together. With David, we play catch and throw the football around. One time we actually played baseball in the living room on set.
How do you prepare for your scenes?
We practice my lines every night before bed and before I go on set.
Do you know if Aiden will get a dog?
We don't really know yet...
Do you go to school or do you get home schooled?
I am going to public school but the days that I go on set, I get the work from my teacher and do the work on set.
How did you feel about dying your natural red hair for the show?
It was kind of weird at first but we are all pretty used to it now.
I hear you are a big Star Wars fan, what role would you play if you could be in any of the movies?
I would probably play Yoda because he is the leader of the Jedis and he can do a lot of things that other Jedis can't.
Watch Ghost Whisperer Friday nights at 8/7c on CBS.
Israel Broussard Introduces Romantically Challenged
On Monday, April 5, 2010 at 9:30/8:30c ABC's newest sitcom, Romantically Challenged featuring Alyssa Milano and Josh Lawson premieres and Hollywood the Write Way was thrilled to speak with not just one of the rising stars of the show, but of TV this year. Israel Broussard plays Justin, Rebecca's (Alyssa Milano) son and there's lot more to tell, so keep reading!
I am really excited to be talking to you because I am anticipating your new show, Romantically Challenged.
I am so psyched too! We just finished filming the first episode last night.
Did you shoot in front of a live audience?
Yeah. It was kind of weird for me since I'm the only kid on set and everything else I've been in there has been at least one other kid to interact with. Also the fact that it's a sitcom, I'm just jumping into the whole thing. It's great though! I nailed it and the whole cast is amazing. The show is funny and the audience loves it. I think it's going to be a great show. For now we are filming 6 episodes and I'm pretty sure they will all be filmed live but I'm not positive.
Can you tell me about auditioning for Romantically Challenged and how you found out that you got the recurring role?
I went in thinking that I was going to be a guest star. I only had a few lines and then when I went into the audition, there were a bunch of 6-9 year olds. I was wondering if I was at the right audition but I went in and they loved me, so I got a call back. They put me on tape and sent it to the network and a few days later, I got the part. The next day we went in for the table read for the network.
What's a table read like? Is there time to chit chat or do you get straight to business?
This was the first table read I've ever been to. It wasn't necessarily what I expected but we had about 5-10 minutes to chat before we started. I mostly interact with Shawn in the Pilot episode, so I was looking at Josh Lawson on the other side of the table for the most part.
What is Justin’s relationship with Josh Lawson’s character, Shawn?
Justin is a lazy kid, trying to find a shortcut for everything and Shawn is a writer. Justin needs help with English so Rebecca asks Shawn for this favor. Shawn gives Justin one of his stories...he doesn't want to help Justin (laughs) Shawn wants to be lazy just like him. But anyway, Shawn thinks that his story will get an A+ but it gets a B. Justin is psyched since he never gets a B but it's so funny that a 34 year old man doesn't pass an 8th grade English test.
So what is your favorite part about working with Alyssa Milano & Josh Lawson?
Alyssa is awesome and she's such a great actress. I really didn't know a lot about her until I booked it and I IMDBed her. I knew she worked on Charmed since my friends all loved the show. But when I looked her up, I realized just how big of an actress I would be working with. I looked Josh up on YouTube. He is an Australian comedian and he's funny! Working with him, there is this connection that is just so amazing. You go with the flow and when you put everyone together, the show is just amazing.
How does it feel having your show airing after Dancing with the Stars and before Castle?
I don't watch those competition shows but I hear Dancing with the Stars is amazing and I love Castle. Being in between those two big shows give you a rush, hoping the audience likes it, hoping the reviews are good. It's pretty cool to be in between those two shows.
The show is set in Pittsburgh, have you ever been there?
No, I wish though because I hear it's really nice up there.
What’s it like working with director, James Burrowes?
This guy really knows what he is doing. It was interesting though because when I did my scenes, he wouldn't change anything with me and I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not at first. Then my set teacher, Bonnie told me that if he wasn't saying anything, then I was doing fine. When we were rehearsing, he would sit in his chair and direct but then on film night, he would just walk around, not really even looking at things and would say, "No, the camera angle is too far" and I found it amazing how he knew everything that was going on. To have someone like him direct, it's so cool.
What’s like going from Mississippi to Los Angeles?
That's a long flight and drive. Seriously though, the transition...I don't think I ever fit into Mississippi. They hunt and fish and I don't do either. My sister wanted to act and pulled me into it. When I came here to LA, I loved acting after a few commercials and a short film. I felt like I was finally in the right place.
So are you home schooled or do you go to public/private school?
I'm home schooled but I did go to public school until 6th grade. We switched to home schooling before I was even acting so at that point I would always get mad at my mom, questioning why we were being home schooled. She never really knew the answer but now I am understanding things. If I were in public school now, I wouldn't have been able to have the opportunities that I have now so I definitely have to thank my mom.
You also are in the upcoming film, Flipped based on a novel. Have you read the novel that the film is based off of?
Yes, that was an amazing book. I loved it. When I read the script, it was pretty much the same but they kind of switched it up a bit.
What was your favorite part about the book and working on the movie?
The book goes from one person's side of the story to another person's side of the story and you don't see books like that, so that was very creative. Working on the movie was huge. Rob Reiner for one. I had done a short film but taking that leap into a lead character in Michigan was huge. The casting was amazing. That whole experience was incredible.
Aside from acting, what are some of your other talents?
I am very inspired by music. I can play the guitar, and a bit of the piano and drums. I'm not the best singer but I have some talent. I am really inspired by the entertainment industry. If I'm not going to be an actor as I get older, I'll be a musician. If not a musician, a director. If not a director, a writer. I really want to be in the entertainment industry.
Watch Romantically Challenged Mondays this Spring on ABC.
I am really excited to be talking to you because I am anticipating your new show, Romantically Challenged.
I am so psyched too! We just finished filming the first episode last night.
Did you shoot in front of a live audience?
Yeah. It was kind of weird for me since I'm the only kid on set and everything else I've been in there has been at least one other kid to interact with. Also the fact that it's a sitcom, I'm just jumping into the whole thing. It's great though! I nailed it and the whole cast is amazing. The show is funny and the audience loves it. I think it's going to be a great show. For now we are filming 6 episodes and I'm pretty sure they will all be filmed live but I'm not positive.
Can you tell me about auditioning for Romantically Challenged and how you found out that you got the recurring role?
I went in thinking that I was going to be a guest star. I only had a few lines and then when I went into the audition, there were a bunch of 6-9 year olds. I was wondering if I was at the right audition but I went in and they loved me, so I got a call back. They put me on tape and sent it to the network and a few days later, I got the part. The next day we went in for the table read for the network.
What's a table read like? Is there time to chit chat or do you get straight to business?
This was the first table read I've ever been to. It wasn't necessarily what I expected but we had about 5-10 minutes to chat before we started. I mostly interact with Shawn in the Pilot episode, so I was looking at Josh Lawson on the other side of the table for the most part.
What is Justin’s relationship with Josh Lawson’s character, Shawn?
Justin is a lazy kid, trying to find a shortcut for everything and Shawn is a writer. Justin needs help with English so Rebecca asks Shawn for this favor. Shawn gives Justin one of his stories...he doesn't want to help Justin (laughs) Shawn wants to be lazy just like him. But anyway, Shawn thinks that his story will get an A+ but it gets a B. Justin is psyched since he never gets a B but it's so funny that a 34 year old man doesn't pass an 8th grade English test.
So what is your favorite part about working with Alyssa Milano & Josh Lawson?
Alyssa is awesome and she's such a great actress. I really didn't know a lot about her until I booked it and I IMDBed her. I knew she worked on Charmed since my friends all loved the show. But when I looked her up, I realized just how big of an actress I would be working with. I looked Josh up on YouTube. He is an Australian comedian and he's funny! Working with him, there is this connection that is just so amazing. You go with the flow and when you put everyone together, the show is just amazing.
How does it feel having your show airing after Dancing with the Stars and before Castle?
I don't watch those competition shows but I hear Dancing with the Stars is amazing and I love Castle. Being in between those two big shows give you a rush, hoping the audience likes it, hoping the reviews are good. It's pretty cool to be in between those two shows.
The show is set in Pittsburgh, have you ever been there?
No, I wish though because I hear it's really nice up there.
What’s it like working with director, James Burrowes?
This guy really knows what he is doing. It was interesting though because when I did my scenes, he wouldn't change anything with me and I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not at first. Then my set teacher, Bonnie told me that if he wasn't saying anything, then I was doing fine. When we were rehearsing, he would sit in his chair and direct but then on film night, he would just walk around, not really even looking at things and would say, "No, the camera angle is too far" and I found it amazing how he knew everything that was going on. To have someone like him direct, it's so cool.
What’s like going from Mississippi to Los Angeles?
That's a long flight and drive. Seriously though, the transition...I don't think I ever fit into Mississippi. They hunt and fish and I don't do either. My sister wanted to act and pulled me into it. When I came here to LA, I loved acting after a few commercials and a short film. I felt like I was finally in the right place.
So are you home schooled or do you go to public/private school?
I'm home schooled but I did go to public school until 6th grade. We switched to home schooling before I was even acting so at that point I would always get mad at my mom, questioning why we were being home schooled. She never really knew the answer but now I am understanding things. If I were in public school now, I wouldn't have been able to have the opportunities that I have now so I definitely have to thank my mom.
You also are in the upcoming film, Flipped based on a novel. Have you read the novel that the film is based off of?
Yes, that was an amazing book. I loved it. When I read the script, it was pretty much the same but they kind of switched it up a bit.
What was your favorite part about the book and working on the movie?
The book goes from one person's side of the story to another person's side of the story and you don't see books like that, so that was very creative. Working on the movie was huge. Rob Reiner for one. I had done a short film but taking that leap into a lead character in Michigan was huge. The casting was amazing. That whole experience was incredible.
Aside from acting, what are some of your other talents?
I am very inspired by music. I can play the guitar, and a bit of the piano and drums. I'm not the best singer but I have some talent. I am really inspired by the entertainment industry. If I'm not going to be an actor as I get older, I'll be a musician. If not a musician, a director. If not a director, a writer. I really want to be in the entertainment industry.
Watch Romantically Challenged Mondays this Spring on ABC.
Dane Cook on Ustream
Dane Cook will be going live on Ustream today at 6pmEST/3pmPST for a webcast to answer fan questions and discuss his "ISolated INcident" comedy tour!
Make sure to participate here.
Dane will also discuss his upcoming first-ever Ustream Pay Per View concert in Sunrise, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 6th - yes, the eve of the Super Bowl. To learn more and buy a ticket, go here.
Make sure to participate here.
Dane will also discuss his upcoming first-ever Ustream Pay Per View concert in Sunrise, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 6th - yes, the eve of the Super Bowl. To learn more and buy a ticket, go here.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Guest Blog: 2009 - The Year of Comedy
Written by The TV Chick
I am thrilled at the opportunity to write a guest blog for Hollywood The Write Way! On my site, The TV Chick I write a decent amount of features, but in general, I focus more on reviews and interviews. I love the comedy genre. Who doesn't like to laugh? I have been a fan since sitcoms were in its hey day. I remember staying up for TGIF every Friday night, laughing and crying along with Friends and watching reruns of Bewitched and Mary Tyler Moore. However, there was a long period of time where the airwaves were bombarded with reality TV. I love The Biggest Loser and Amazing Race and all, but there was a time when real sitcoms were few and far between. The early 90s had a few great ones, and Arrested Development and The Office came in the early 2000s to revolutionize the way we think about comedy. But 2009 was an amazing year--leading me to declare it the year of Comedy!
1. Party Down - This show premiered in January on the Starz network, and had a 10 episode, brilliantly hilarious run. Created by Veronica Mars genius Rob Thomas, it stars Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan (Mean Girls), Ryan Hansen (of Veronica Mars fame), Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, and Ken Marino (also of Veronica Mars fame). It centers around a catering company in Los Angeles called Party Down, where no one wants to be catering. Naturally, in LA, they all want to act, do stand up, or write the next great screenplay. Marino is a Michael Scott-esque boss who is constantly lighting things on fire, getting drunk on the job, and failing to lead his team. Lizzy Caplan and Adam Scott's characters Henry and Casey are often toying with a relationship. Lynch (Candace) is hilarious at anything she does. And Martin Starr (Roman) is always trying to get his hard core sci-fi screenplay read and written. And then we have Ryan Hansen (Kyle) who likes to hit on girls and will do just about anything for a part. Add this with about 10 Veronica Mars cameos (Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring to name a couple), and you have this little show that really blew up. It is coming back for a second season on April 23, and I cannot wait!
2. Parks and Recreation - This mockumentary style show was created by Greg Daniels (the Office) and it stars Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Aziz Ansari and Aubrey Plaza. The first season was pretty weak, as it focused almost solely on building up a pit in a fictional town in Indiana. Leslie Knope (Poehler) was playing too over-the-top and not enough like the Poehler that is so beloved from her years at SNL and in the NYC improv scene. In the second season, the show did a complete 180. I'm not sure if they hired new writers, but whatever they did, it is really working. The show is hilarious now! This season, we've seen a budding romance between Andy (Pratt) and April (Plaza), and the cast's real-life spouses guest star, which is a genius move! Megan Mullally (Offerman's wife) came on as a sort of stick in the mud for Knope. Recently, Will Arnett (Poehler's husband) came on to play an MRI technician who goes out with Knope, takes her for an MRI on the first date, and completely turns her off. It has lost all its similarities to The Office, and I mean that in the best way.
3. Glee - My love for Glee knows no bounds. I realize it's not a quintessential comedy, but I absolutely adore every second of it. The cast is full of incredible singing talent (Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison Amber Riley, Mark Saling, Chris Colfer, Dianna Agron and crew), comedic talent (Jane Lynch), and just all around great talent (Jayma Mays and Jessalyn Gilsig). One of my other loves in life is music and Broadway and this show combines this with my love of TV, which leaves me in tears (from laughing and crying) at just about every episode. I think Ryan Murphy (the creator) is an absolute genius and has come up with such a unique concept that has really never been done before. There have been musical episodes (Buffy's "Once More, With Feeling"), musical numbers (How I Met Your Mother "Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit") but never a musical show. I personally don't love when regular musicals break into song with no meaning and no reason (just because it's a musical). In my opinion, Glee doesn't do this: all the songs make sense and fit in perfectly to the dynamic of the show. The ending scene of the mid-season finale where the Glee club sings "My Life Would Suck Without You" and performed a dance routine that incorporated moves from all of the previous musical numbers, while Mr. Schue ran down the hallway to see Emma was amazing. It is the mix of hilarious and touching that makes this comedy a show that will always have a place in my heart, and on my DVR.
4. The Office - I realize that The Office is its 6th season, but I had to include it in my list simply because of The Office wedding episode. After 6 seasons of will they/won't they, my favorite TV couple got married. The episode was perfect in so many ways. We got the awkward scene with Jim and Pam's family finding out Pam was pregnant. Kevin had his shoes thrown away and wore a toupee. And the entire Office did a crazy YouTube dance down the aisle. But the episode gave us the perfect wedding we were hoping for - Jim's plan B. Jim and Pam actually got married on a boat on Niagara Falls. Afterward, when they were headed back to the "real" wedding, Pam put her head on Jim's shoulder and he gave that look to the camera we saw in the first season - one of pure happiness. He got his girl, we got our hilarious and sweet episode. And besides the clip show that just aired which was highly disappointing, this whole season has been great as well.
5. Modern Family - This show was one of my favorite pilots back in September and it has only continued to get better. What I first heard described as "The Office" but with a family, has turned out to be quite different, and hilarious in ever way. I adore Claire and Phil (Julie Bowen and Ty Burell), and completely believe them as a couple -- Phil, the ever-screwing up Dad who has great intentions, and Claire, the mom who has to roll her eyes at it all. Their kids Luke, Alex and Haley are always getting into trouble. Jay and Gloria (Ed O'Neill and Sophia Vergara) never fail to make me laugh. Jay, the cynical father who really cares about his kids (and his dog butler Barkley) and Gloria, who is sassy, loving, and has an accent that is to-die-for. Gloria's son Manny is probably one of the most well developed characters on television. He is 11 yet talks like a 40 year old, drinks coffee and reads the newspaper. And then there's Mitchell and Cameron (Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet), the most polar opposite gay couple I have ever seen, yet it works so well. The episode where Cameron played Fizbo the Clown is one of my favorite comedic moments to date. All together they make up this "Modern" Family -- one that entertains me without fail every single week.
I know there are other great comedies out there. Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, and Community to name a few - but these five are my favorite, stand-out comedies of 2009. And I am really excited to see such an influx of new shows. Four out of five on my list were new in 2009, and that is such great news for the future. I am a very loyal viewer who watches a ton of TV, and I'm thrilled to add on to my watching schedule (as busy as it may be). I can't wait to see more great comedies in 2010 -- Season 2 of Party Down, Glee returns in April, and Parks and Recreation was given several more episodes. What are your favorite comedies of 2009? Or do you think it was the year of...dramas? Gasp!
Follow The TV Chick on Twitter.
I am thrilled at the opportunity to write a guest blog for Hollywood The Write Way! On my site, The TV Chick I write a decent amount of features, but in general, I focus more on reviews and interviews. I love the comedy genre. Who doesn't like to laugh? I have been a fan since sitcoms were in its hey day. I remember staying up for TGIF every Friday night, laughing and crying along with Friends and watching reruns of Bewitched and Mary Tyler Moore. However, there was a long period of time where the airwaves were bombarded with reality TV. I love The Biggest Loser and Amazing Race and all, but there was a time when real sitcoms were few and far between. The early 90s had a few great ones, and Arrested Development and The Office came in the early 2000s to revolutionize the way we think about comedy. But 2009 was an amazing year--leading me to declare it the year of Comedy!
1. Party Down - This show premiered in January on the Starz network, and had a 10 episode, brilliantly hilarious run. Created by Veronica Mars genius Rob Thomas, it stars Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan (Mean Girls), Ryan Hansen (of Veronica Mars fame), Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, and Ken Marino (also of Veronica Mars fame). It centers around a catering company in Los Angeles called Party Down, where no one wants to be catering. Naturally, in LA, they all want to act, do stand up, or write the next great screenplay. Marino is a Michael Scott-esque boss who is constantly lighting things on fire, getting drunk on the job, and failing to lead his team. Lizzy Caplan and Adam Scott's characters Henry and Casey are often toying with a relationship. Lynch (Candace) is hilarious at anything she does. And Martin Starr (Roman) is always trying to get his hard core sci-fi screenplay read and written. And then we have Ryan Hansen (Kyle) who likes to hit on girls and will do just about anything for a part. Add this with about 10 Veronica Mars cameos (Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring to name a couple), and you have this little show that really blew up. It is coming back for a second season on April 23, and I cannot wait!
2. Parks and Recreation - This mockumentary style show was created by Greg Daniels (the Office) and it stars Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Aziz Ansari and Aubrey Plaza. The first season was pretty weak, as it focused almost solely on building up a pit in a fictional town in Indiana. Leslie Knope (Poehler) was playing too over-the-top and not enough like the Poehler that is so beloved from her years at SNL and in the NYC improv scene. In the second season, the show did a complete 180. I'm not sure if they hired new writers, but whatever they did, it is really working. The show is hilarious now! This season, we've seen a budding romance between Andy (Pratt) and April (Plaza), and the cast's real-life spouses guest star, which is a genius move! Megan Mullally (Offerman's wife) came on as a sort of stick in the mud for Knope. Recently, Will Arnett (Poehler's husband) came on to play an MRI technician who goes out with Knope, takes her for an MRI on the first date, and completely turns her off. It has lost all its similarities to The Office, and I mean that in the best way.
3. Glee - My love for Glee knows no bounds. I realize it's not a quintessential comedy, but I absolutely adore every second of it. The cast is full of incredible singing talent (Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison Amber Riley, Mark Saling, Chris Colfer, Dianna Agron and crew), comedic talent (Jane Lynch), and just all around great talent (Jayma Mays and Jessalyn Gilsig). One of my other loves in life is music and Broadway and this show combines this with my love of TV, which leaves me in tears (from laughing and crying) at just about every episode. I think Ryan Murphy (the creator) is an absolute genius and has come up with such a unique concept that has really never been done before. There have been musical episodes (Buffy's "Once More, With Feeling"), musical numbers (How I Met Your Mother "Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit") but never a musical show. I personally don't love when regular musicals break into song with no meaning and no reason (just because it's a musical). In my opinion, Glee doesn't do this: all the songs make sense and fit in perfectly to the dynamic of the show. The ending scene of the mid-season finale where the Glee club sings "My Life Would Suck Without You" and performed a dance routine that incorporated moves from all of the previous musical numbers, while Mr. Schue ran down the hallway to see Emma was amazing. It is the mix of hilarious and touching that makes this comedy a show that will always have a place in my heart, and on my DVR.
4. The Office - I realize that The Office is its 6th season, but I had to include it in my list simply because of The Office wedding episode. After 6 seasons of will they/won't they, my favorite TV couple got married. The episode was perfect in so many ways. We got the awkward scene with Jim and Pam's family finding out Pam was pregnant. Kevin had his shoes thrown away and wore a toupee. And the entire Office did a crazy YouTube dance down the aisle. But the episode gave us the perfect wedding we were hoping for - Jim's plan B. Jim and Pam actually got married on a boat on Niagara Falls. Afterward, when they were headed back to the "real" wedding, Pam put her head on Jim's shoulder and he gave that look to the camera we saw in the first season - one of pure happiness. He got his girl, we got our hilarious and sweet episode. And besides the clip show that just aired which was highly disappointing, this whole season has been great as well.
5. Modern Family - This show was one of my favorite pilots back in September and it has only continued to get better. What I first heard described as "The Office" but with a family, has turned out to be quite different, and hilarious in ever way. I adore Claire and Phil (Julie Bowen and Ty Burell), and completely believe them as a couple -- Phil, the ever-screwing up Dad who has great intentions, and Claire, the mom who has to roll her eyes at it all. Their kids Luke, Alex and Haley are always getting into trouble. Jay and Gloria (Ed O'Neill and Sophia Vergara) never fail to make me laugh. Jay, the cynical father who really cares about his kids (and his dog butler Barkley) and Gloria, who is sassy, loving, and has an accent that is to-die-for. Gloria's son Manny is probably one of the most well developed characters on television. He is 11 yet talks like a 40 year old, drinks coffee and reads the newspaper. And then there's Mitchell and Cameron (Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet), the most polar opposite gay couple I have ever seen, yet it works so well. The episode where Cameron played Fizbo the Clown is one of my favorite comedic moments to date. All together they make up this "Modern" Family -- one that entertains me without fail every single week.
I know there are other great comedies out there. Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, and Community to name a few - but these five are my favorite, stand-out comedies of 2009. And I am really excited to see such an influx of new shows. Four out of five on my list were new in 2009, and that is such great news for the future. I am a very loyal viewer who watches a ton of TV, and I'm thrilled to add on to my watching schedule (as busy as it may be). I can't wait to see more great comedies in 2010 -- Season 2 of Party Down, Glee returns in April, and Parks and Recreation was given several more episodes. What are your favorite comedies of 2009? Or do you think it was the year of...dramas? Gasp!
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DVD Review: The Boys Are Back
The Boys Are Back is a film that you can come away smiling from or come away puzzled from. Why? Keep reading.
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Running Time: 104 minutes
Rating: PG 13
The story of this irreverent and independent sportswriter who suddenly faces single fatherhood is inspired by the true story of Australian Simon Carr, The Boys are Back is an original and uplifting story of one family’s journey. Exclusive bonus features include a behind-the-scenes photographic tour and a visit with the three special guys who lived the story.
Clive Owen (Closer, Duplicity) heads up an accomplished cast that includes Laura Fraser (A Knight’s Tale), Emma Booth (TV’s “The Circuit”) and George MacKay (Defiance). Directed by Scott Hicks (Shine), The Boys Are Back is a 2009 Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award winner that won the hearts of critics everywhere including Peter Travers of Rolling Stone who calls it “A funny, touching and vital film…Clive Owen gives a heartfelt, award-caliber performance.”
The Boys Are Back, adapted from the novel “The Boys are Back in Town” by Simon Carr aims to be a touching, heartwarming drama but in the end there is not enough empathy to truly appreciate the film adaptation. Joe (Clive Owen) was never a present father and even when he becomes a single father after the death of his wife, he doesn’t really ever try to be a responsible father. All it takes is one moment in the bathroom between him and his youngest son, Artie when Joe lets him dive into the tub for things to go downhill. Joe aims to be free spirited, living life with hardly any rules but this quickly turns his 2 boys into irresponsible and disrespectful children. Artie specifically seemed to be a bit of a spoiled brat prior to, and afterwords…I’m afraid that every time these kids act out their mother’s death is an excuse for it and it’s okay. He asked his older son, Harry to do chores, Harry has a breakdown because he doesn’t want to and breaks all of the dishes in the kitchen, and then Joe apologies? No, that is not okay. Neither is the fact that this film either moves at a slow pace or there is something about the tone that makes the film seem dull. This may affect if you choose to watch the film. The first time I put this film in the DVD player, I didn’t make it to the end. But 2 weeks later, I tried again and pushed myself to focus and the film is mediocre at best. This is not Clive Owen’s best role, though his effort is very much appreciated. There just seemed to be something lost in adaptation…at least I hope. I hope the true story is much more interesting, relatable, and less harsh in terms of the way these kids were acting. There are a few moments that you will laugh at but for the most part, you may just be covering your mouth and shaking your head. One thing is for sure, the film was shot in Australia, and as you can tell on screen, it is incredibly beautiful. Good job in capturing Australia. Honestly, if you weren’t captivated by the trailer of the film, you are better off skipping this film. I did love the musical score though. Definitely keep your ears open for this beautiful music.
Bonus Features:
The Boys Are Back: A Photographic Journey — This 16+ minute slide show can be viewed with the director, Scott Hicks' narration or viewed with music only. I recommend viewing this slide show with the commentary because as you see the behind the scene photos, you'll find out the stories behind some of the photos, the casting of Artie, filming with pets, deleted scenes, and more.
A Father and Two Sons, On Set — Simon Carr's 2 sons visit the set to meet the actors who portray them in the film and it is such a wonderful moment that was captured but unfortunately, this feature is barely 2 minutes long! I would have loved to have seen more of the sons and Simon Carr in the special features...maybe in the Blu-ray? Who knows...
The Boys Are Back is available now on DVD.
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Running Time: 104 minutes
Rating: PG 13
The story of this irreverent and independent sportswriter who suddenly faces single fatherhood is inspired by the true story of Australian Simon Carr, The Boys are Back is an original and uplifting story of one family’s journey. Exclusive bonus features include a behind-the-scenes photographic tour and a visit with the three special guys who lived the story.
Clive Owen (Closer, Duplicity) heads up an accomplished cast that includes Laura Fraser (A Knight’s Tale), Emma Booth (TV’s “The Circuit”) and George MacKay (Defiance). Directed by Scott Hicks (Shine), The Boys Are Back is a 2009 Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award winner that won the hearts of critics everywhere including Peter Travers of Rolling Stone who calls it “A funny, touching and vital film…Clive Owen gives a heartfelt, award-caliber performance.”
The Boys Are Back, adapted from the novel “The Boys are Back in Town” by Simon Carr aims to be a touching, heartwarming drama but in the end there is not enough empathy to truly appreciate the film adaptation. Joe (Clive Owen) was never a present father and even when he becomes a single father after the death of his wife, he doesn’t really ever try to be a responsible father. All it takes is one moment in the bathroom between him and his youngest son, Artie when Joe lets him dive into the tub for things to go downhill. Joe aims to be free spirited, living life with hardly any rules but this quickly turns his 2 boys into irresponsible and disrespectful children. Artie specifically seemed to be a bit of a spoiled brat prior to, and afterwords…I’m afraid that every time these kids act out their mother’s death is an excuse for it and it’s okay. He asked his older son, Harry to do chores, Harry has a breakdown because he doesn’t want to and breaks all of the dishes in the kitchen, and then Joe apologies? No, that is not okay. Neither is the fact that this film either moves at a slow pace or there is something about the tone that makes the film seem dull. This may affect if you choose to watch the film. The first time I put this film in the DVD player, I didn’t make it to the end. But 2 weeks later, I tried again and pushed myself to focus and the film is mediocre at best. This is not Clive Owen’s best role, though his effort is very much appreciated. There just seemed to be something lost in adaptation…at least I hope. I hope the true story is much more interesting, relatable, and less harsh in terms of the way these kids were acting. There are a few moments that you will laugh at but for the most part, you may just be covering your mouth and shaking your head. One thing is for sure, the film was shot in Australia, and as you can tell on screen, it is incredibly beautiful. Good job in capturing Australia. Honestly, if you weren’t captivated by the trailer of the film, you are better off skipping this film. I did love the musical score though. Definitely keep your ears open for this beautiful music.
Bonus Features:
The Boys Are Back: A Photographic Journey — This 16+ minute slide show can be viewed with the director, Scott Hicks' narration or viewed with music only. I recommend viewing this slide show with the commentary because as you see the behind the scene photos, you'll find out the stories behind some of the photos, the casting of Artie, filming with pets, deleted scenes, and more.
A Father and Two Sons, On Set — Simon Carr's 2 sons visit the set to meet the actors who portray them in the film and it is such a wonderful moment that was captured but unfortunately, this feature is barely 2 minutes long! I would have loved to have seen more of the sons and Simon Carr in the special features...maybe in the Blu-ray? Who knows...
The Boys Are Back is available now on DVD.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Book Review: Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid
Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid: The Simple Truth to a Complicated Relationship is one of the most hilarious page turning relationship books that you will read, which is written by comedy writers and real-life couple Howard J. Morris (The Starter Wife) and Jenny Lee (Samantha Who?).
Which came first, the crazy or the stupid?
It's the million-dollar question we all want the answer to. Are women crazy because men are stupid? Or are men stupid because women are crazy? Not surprisingly, the way we answer these two questions divides us quite neatly along gender lines. Because, let's face it, we all have a lot invested in the answer. Women maintain that over the course of their lives they are driven slowly and methodically crazy by stupid men. And men maintain that it's impossible for any man to act smartly with a women who's out of her freaking mind. If we can just prove one came first, the other side will have blaming rights for all eternity.
Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid starts off answering which came first, the stupid or the crazy and it shouldn’t surprise you that it all started on the playground when boys discovered girls. This was the perfect build up to the incredibly honest and humorous scenarios that played out in Morris and Lee’s relationships over the years. The book is divided into 11 chapters and is written in a format where Morris writes a chapter and Lee piggybacks off of his writings. It is so refreshing to read and understand a relationship from both points of view. Even if you're not in a relationship, there is great insight that you will appreciate very much after reading. You know how you are telling somebody off on the internet and then write “lol” to lighten up the mood? This book is lighthearted and full of laughs but in the end, brings such clarity to certain scenarios that will help make your relationship so much better. Both writers have been married and divorced before, so there is a hysterical joke that they have, “That is so first marriage” which will make you laugh at first but these words along with every word in this book has incredible depth to it. Women and men from any stage of a relationship as well as single women and men can certainly relate, or should I say, sympathize or empathize with all of the scenarios laid out, making this an incredibly entertaining and quick read (can read in one sitting). What readers may find to be quite hysterical is Jenny Lee’s bit on what flowers are to men, pizza. To find out what pizza actually means, read the book! Let’s just say, Jenny loves flowers but doesn’t get it enough and here’s an excerpt about pizza.
In the beginning of a relationship men may get pizza a lot, and may even get pizza a few days in a row or even twice a day if they are lucky, but in general, I’m willing to climb out on a limb and wave to you from above and say that men don’t get pizza as often as they would like.
Yeah. So, very straight forward. Witty jokes aside though, there is a lot of sound advice in this book about honesty, sacrifice, consistency, how to redeem yourself when you make mistakes, and more. The book really comes full circle as it starts out not as positive as one would think and yet ends leaving readers full of so much hope for what’s to come. Overall, this book answers wonderfully “why do we do the things that we do?” and very well outlines the effects of those decisions made amongst men and women. Read and learn my friends, read and learn.
Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid is in stores now.
The Pilot for Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid has been picked up by ABC so stay tuned for information on this exciting development!
Which came first, the crazy or the stupid?
It's the million-dollar question we all want the answer to. Are women crazy because men are stupid? Or are men stupid because women are crazy? Not surprisingly, the way we answer these two questions divides us quite neatly along gender lines. Because, let's face it, we all have a lot invested in the answer. Women maintain that over the course of their lives they are driven slowly and methodically crazy by stupid men. And men maintain that it's impossible for any man to act smartly with a women who's out of her freaking mind. If we can just prove one came first, the other side will have blaming rights for all eternity.
Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid starts off answering which came first, the stupid or the crazy and it shouldn’t surprise you that it all started on the playground when boys discovered girls. This was the perfect build up to the incredibly honest and humorous scenarios that played out in Morris and Lee’s relationships over the years. The book is divided into 11 chapters and is written in a format where Morris writes a chapter and Lee piggybacks off of his writings. It is so refreshing to read and understand a relationship from both points of view. Even if you're not in a relationship, there is great insight that you will appreciate very much after reading. You know how you are telling somebody off on the internet and then write “lol” to lighten up the mood? This book is lighthearted and full of laughs but in the end, brings such clarity to certain scenarios that will help make your relationship so much better. Both writers have been married and divorced before, so there is a hysterical joke that they have, “That is so first marriage” which will make you laugh at first but these words along with every word in this book has incredible depth to it. Women and men from any stage of a relationship as well as single women and men can certainly relate, or should I say, sympathize or empathize with all of the scenarios laid out, making this an incredibly entertaining and quick read (can read in one sitting). What readers may find to be quite hysterical is Jenny Lee’s bit on what flowers are to men, pizza. To find out what pizza actually means, read the book! Let’s just say, Jenny loves flowers but doesn’t get it enough and here’s an excerpt about pizza.
In the beginning of a relationship men may get pizza a lot, and may even get pizza a few days in a row or even twice a day if they are lucky, but in general, I’m willing to climb out on a limb and wave to you from above and say that men don’t get pizza as often as they would like.
Yeah. So, very straight forward. Witty jokes aside though, there is a lot of sound advice in this book about honesty, sacrifice, consistency, how to redeem yourself when you make mistakes, and more. The book really comes full circle as it starts out not as positive as one would think and yet ends leaving readers full of so much hope for what’s to come. Overall, this book answers wonderfully “why do we do the things that we do?” and very well outlines the effects of those decisions made amongst men and women. Read and learn my friends, read and learn.
Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid is in stores now.
The Pilot for Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid has been picked up by ABC so stay tuned for information on this exciting development!
Hope For Haiti Now on iTunes
Hope For Haiti Now is now available for download on iTunes, AmazonMP3 and most other digital music retailers. All proceeds will be donated to Haiti Relief Funds managed by HopeForHaitiNow.org.
Hope For Haiti Now features 20 tracks including Christina Aguilera's "Hope For Haiti Now" Benefit Concert performance of "Lift Me Up." The performance is a stripped down version of the new tune which will be featured on Christina’s upcoming album, Bionic.
Make sure to spread the word about this incredible album and help support Haiti Relief.
DVD Review: The Kennedy Assassination-24 Hours After
While the moments and hours after John F. Kennedy's tragic assassination were some of the most formative and important for our country, that story has rarely, and only partially, been told. Based on the bestselling book by Steven M. Gillon, The Kennedy Assassination-24 Hours After is a thoroughly fascinating near real-time account of this pivotal day in history told from the point-of-view of Vice President Lyndon Johnson that uses stunning details uncovered in newly public documents to reveal a vice president thrust into the role of commander-in-chief forced to make critical decisions with limited information.
From the moment Lyndon B. Johnson was told of JFK's death (after a security aide had already ordered a casket), to his decision to take the oath of office on Air Force One alongside the former First Lady (before getting her approval), to the return to his home for a full briefing of what happened that day (long after it was televised to the world), "24 Hours After" uncovers a shocking and little documented story examining the unusual incidents and events surrounding one of the most critical days in American history.
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Running Time: 94 Minutes
The Kennedy Assassination-24 Hours After is much more interesting than the previous JFK documentary that was reviewed yesterday. This documentary has voice over narration as well as narration by the author of the book this documentary has been adapted from, Steven Gillion. There are interviews shared with historians and eyewitnesses (some including secret service agents), and audio transcripts heard of conversations between those in authority that are truly heartbreaking to hear. The documentary opens up 30 minutes before the assassination and it doesn't take long to get to the moment of the 3 shootings. Graphic video of the shootings is shown, so beware. The documentary then takes viewers on the road to the hospital as well as what went on in the hospital. Apparently everyone, including the public knew more the President's assassination than Vice President, Lyndon Johnson. The documentary has no issue sharing the dislike towards Johnson and his insensitivity towards those who worked with JFK, despite his wife's kind condolences. Surprisingly only briefly mentions suspect, Lee Harvey Oswald. The latter half of the documentary really focuses on the unfortunate transfer of power between administrations. Overall, what is different about this documentary is that there is new information from files that were opened to public in 2009 that are shared in this documentary and the cinematography style goes back and forth from present day to the 1960's which is quite nice. This is a wonderful documentary that has been very well edited and very well narrated, though graphic in its video of the shootings, viewers will come away learning so much about the 24 hours after the assassination.
Own The Kennedy Assassination-24 Hours After today.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Album Review: Corinne Bailey Rae "The Sea"
Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae releases her new album, The Sea today and it's an album that you will definitely be hearing about all year long...
The Sea may at first come off as sweet easy listening but the emotional depth attached to this album is more than you would expect. The first sign, this is not the bouncy pop that fans heard on Corinne's debut album. Second, the majority of the lyrics on this album are in direct reference to her husband's sudden death in 2008, opening with the track, "Are You Here" that is sure to make you cry. You might just have it on repeat all day. Though this is a deeply personal record, it's not about grief, it's about love...it is a true tribute to the relationship that she had with her husband and it is so beautiful. Corinne definitely deserves award recognition for her songwriting on this album. Songwriting wise, I especially love the track, "Diving For Hearts." Beautiful. And the music...ah the music is an incredibly rich and impressive blend of R&B jazz, funk, blues, soul, and there's a touch of rock that was unexpected in "The Blackest Lily." The catchiest song is "Paris Nights / New York Mornings" which is the most lighthearted on the album and almost seems out of place but is easily enjoyable because it is reminiscent sound of her debut album. The only "misses" I would say are "Love’s On Its Way" and "Paper Dolls" as I just could not seem to connect with these tracks. 9/11 hits is good and you will not be disappointed with this album. In fact, I'm sure you will be hearing many good things about this album all year long, so make sure to pick it up today.
Catch Corinne Bailey Rae on tour this Spring and watch Corinne on TV...
Ellen on January 28th
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson January 29
Late Show with David Letterman on March 1
Jimmy Kimmel Live on March 8yj
The Sea hits stores January 26, 2010.
The Sea may at first come off as sweet easy listening but the emotional depth attached to this album is more than you would expect. The first sign, this is not the bouncy pop that fans heard on Corinne's debut album. Second, the majority of the lyrics on this album are in direct reference to her husband's sudden death in 2008, opening with the track, "Are You Here" that is sure to make you cry. You might just have it on repeat all day. Though this is a deeply personal record, it's not about grief, it's about love...it is a true tribute to the relationship that she had with her husband and it is so beautiful. Corinne definitely deserves award recognition for her songwriting on this album. Songwriting wise, I especially love the track, "Diving For Hearts." Beautiful. And the music...ah the music is an incredibly rich and impressive blend of R&B jazz, funk, blues, soul, and there's a touch of rock that was unexpected in "The Blackest Lily." The catchiest song is "Paris Nights / New York Mornings" which is the most lighthearted on the album and almost seems out of place but is easily enjoyable because it is reminiscent sound of her debut album. The only "misses" I would say are "Love’s On Its Way" and "Paper Dolls" as I just could not seem to connect with these tracks. 9/11 hits is good and you will not be disappointed with this album. In fact, I'm sure you will be hearing many good things about this album all year long, so make sure to pick it up today.
Catch Corinne Bailey Rae on tour this Spring and watch Corinne on TV...
Ellen on January 28th
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson January 29
Late Show with David Letterman on March 1
Jimmy Kimmel Live on March 8yj
The Sea hits stores January 26, 2010.
Guest Blog: Lost - A Bunch Of Questions
Written By NY Buckeye
Tuesday February 2nd on ABC. A date that has been lingering in my head for months. Oh LOST. Where to begin? Where to end?! As the 6th and final season approaches, many folks, including myself, are starting to dust off the DVDs, magazines and websites and questions that remind of us everything we have seen come rushing back.
ABC.com had a pretty good starter kit for those who are forgetful. http://abc.go.com/shows/lost/starter-kit I watched it. It was fairly funnily narrated but did its job and raises some questions. Will Jack's bomb be detonated by Juliet who fell in the magnetic hole? Who is the alive Locke if the real Locke is dead? What will happen to the survivors in 1977 and the survivors in present day? Will these questions actually be answered?
It's hard to ask questions without getting into the past. What worries me is that I have heard numerous times that the writers themselves had no plans when making this show. I am sure they will settle things, but how? There is just so much to cover!
Like the connections. Are they random or do they have meanings? Just like in real life, connections or coincidences, or as some may even call them, miracles, happen every day and you just aren't aware of it. Is it just because this is a TV show, they need to be focused on? Never mind picking apart each and every connection but in general, is it just something cool they decided to do, or is there a deeper meaning to all of it? Will they make things even more intertwined?
Also, the show has officially gone from possible "reality" to just straight science fiction so I kind of gave up on actually trying to explain the actuality in the time travel and such. But they have to answer it somehow right? I mean, I have never really been into scifi before. Do you just accept it as is, and not worry about the how or why? Well I guess normally you would but not the way this show started. Everything needs to be explained, that's just what LOST is supposed to be committed to.
Oy! I'm getting anxiety just thinking about it! Hopefully these questions and all the others being asked will be if not answered, touched on. I cant wait! What questions do you want answered?
Find more questions, answers, and more at NY Buckeye.
Tuesday February 2nd on ABC. A date that has been lingering in my head for months. Oh LOST. Where to begin? Where to end?! As the 6th and final season approaches, many folks, including myself, are starting to dust off the DVDs, magazines and websites and questions that remind of us everything we have seen come rushing back.
ABC.com had a pretty good starter kit for those who are forgetful. http://abc.go.com/shows/lost/starter-kit I watched it. It was fairly funnily narrated but did its job and raises some questions. Will Jack's bomb be detonated by Juliet who fell in the magnetic hole? Who is the alive Locke if the real Locke is dead? What will happen to the survivors in 1977 and the survivors in present day? Will these questions actually be answered?
It's hard to ask questions without getting into the past. What worries me is that I have heard numerous times that the writers themselves had no plans when making this show. I am sure they will settle things, but how? There is just so much to cover!
Like the connections. Are they random or do they have meanings? Just like in real life, connections or coincidences, or as some may even call them, miracles, happen every day and you just aren't aware of it. Is it just because this is a TV show, they need to be focused on? Never mind picking apart each and every connection but in general, is it just something cool they decided to do, or is there a deeper meaning to all of it? Will they make things even more intertwined?
Also, the show has officially gone from possible "reality" to just straight science fiction so I kind of gave up on actually trying to explain the actuality in the time travel and such. But they have to answer it somehow right? I mean, I have never really been into scifi before. Do you just accept it as is, and not worry about the how or why? Well I guess normally you would but not the way this show started. Everything needs to be explained, that's just what LOST is supposed to be committed to.
Oy! I'm getting anxiety just thinking about it! Hopefully these questions and all the others being asked will be if not answered, touched on. I cant wait! What questions do you want answered?
Find more questions, answers, and more at NY Buckeye.
DVD Review: JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America
From the director of the Emmy-winning "102 Minutes That Changed America," JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America is an acclaimed History special which follows in the footsteps of such highly-regarded programs as "The Men Who Killed Kennedy." Culled from hours of unseen film, tape recordings, and rare firsthand accounts of President Kennedy’s death, HISTORY cuts through the wild conspiracy theories and presents a unique fact-based approach to the Kennedy assassination.
Using firsthand, primary source material, "JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America" strips away years of confusion to allow for a fresh and clear-eyed view of that historic day in November 1963, when a gunman pulled a trigger and forever changed the world. This four-hour special, which drew over 2MM viewers, relies heavily on evidence and facts, exploiting the vast archive of recorded film and photography and presenting it alongside the testimony of eyewitnesses, and is shown as a countdown clock re-creation, ticking inevitably toward Zero Hour - the very moment rifle shots ring out in Dealy Plaza.
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Running Time: 188 Minutes
JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America is a fascinating documentary told in 2 parts detailing the aftermath of President Kennedy’s assassination. The documentary opens with President Kennedy’s last speech in Fort Worth, Texas minutes before heading to Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, follows the Kennedys up to the moments before his death and then begins to show what the public saw on that fateful day in 1963. Viewers see the television airing of As the World Turns being interrupted as news reporters announce the shooting of the President. This is all real footage of the reactions and emotions of the people of not only America, but around the world. This documentary holds a great gathering of news reports, raw civilian home video footage, eyewitness interviews, etc…
I love how this documentary aims to show how America found out, reacted to, and tried to comprehend what happened. It does not promote any theories, it simply presents what Americans saw at the time. Part One focuses on the weekend of the assassination up to President Kennedy’s burial and Lee Harvey Oswald’s burial. Lee Harvey Oswald was a suspect and in custody of the assassination even though he denied shooting the president and as seen, the people just couldn’t wait for him to be tried in court. There is later focus on Jack Ruby possibly being a suspect, but the documentary does not go too much into that. Part Two shows how the assassination was reported and portrayed as the years went on and it is truly heartbreaking to see, as in the years to come, it is touched on that Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. were both assassinated as well. The behind the scenes footage on the set of Oliver Stone's JFK film and the feedback that the film received were to very interesting things to see.
This is an incredibly important part of US history that has been captured so well and should be owned by those who did not witness these key events in the 1960s.
Own JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America today.
The Sea in Stores Now
In celebration of today's release of Corinne Bailey Rae's sophomore album, The Sea, it has been announced that Corinne will kick off her North American on April 9th. The tour includes a stop at Coachella!
The Sea is the follow-up to her 2006 self-titled debut, which entered the U.K. album chart at #1 and jumped into the Top 5 of The Billboard 200 after Bailey Rae’s performance on the 2007 GRAMMY Awards telecast. "The album is a major creative leap from her debut,” said The New York Times of The Sea. “Ms. Rae's voice is deeper…The music is richer, thick with rock, jazz and soul textures."
Check Out the Spring 2010 North American Tour Dates!
4/9 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
4/11 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
4/12 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
4/15 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom
4/17 Indio, CA Coachella Music and Arts Festival
4/22 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
4/28 Montreal, QC Club Soda
4/30 Boston, MA House of Blues
5/1 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
5/3 New York, NY Webster Hall
5/11 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
5/13 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
5/14 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live
Buy The Sea and stay tuned for my album review!
The Sea is the follow-up to her 2006 self-titled debut, which entered the U.K. album chart at #1 and jumped into the Top 5 of The Billboard 200 after Bailey Rae’s performance on the 2007 GRAMMY Awards telecast. "The album is a major creative leap from her debut,” said The New York Times of The Sea. “Ms. Rae's voice is deeper…The music is richer, thick with rock, jazz and soul textures."
Check Out the Spring 2010 North American Tour Dates!
4/9 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
4/11 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
4/12 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
4/15 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom
4/17 Indio, CA Coachella Music and Arts Festival
4/22 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
4/28 Montreal, QC Club Soda
4/30 Boston, MA House of Blues
5/1 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
5/3 New York, NY Webster Hall
5/11 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
5/13 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
5/14 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live
Buy The Sea and stay tuned for my album review!
Monday, January 25, 2010
TV Week in Review
*Reviews May Contain Spoilers*
One Tree Hill - Weeks Go by Like Days
Nathan: Alright, look Clay. I stayed with you because you are a good agent and you are a good friend. Now I've got the agent but uh, I miss my friend. Okay?
Clay: Okay.
Nathan: Oh and stop being weird around Quinn in front of me. It's awkward.
Alex is still alive and encouraging Millie to get back to her healthy state of mind but the real question is, is Alex in a healthy state of mind? Victoria welcomed Millie back to work and could possibly work things out with Mouth who made a surprise visit but what's left for Alex in Tree Hill? Let's hope her infatuation with Julian is over and doesn't come back as the two work on her movie. Julian breaking up with Brooke was definitely understandable from his standpoint so nobody can blame him for breaking up though does that mean there will be no love triangle with the two and Alexander? Alexander could be the perfect match. Only time will tell what happens. As for the love birds, Nathan & Haley...it is so heartwarming to see the family bond and have a great time back home after Haley's tour. The songs that Haley performed on this song are beautiful and hopefully they will appear on iTunes. Quinn & Clay also seem to be doing well, too but honestly, they aren't adding anything interesting to the show so what else is left for the two to do from Tree Hill? Taylor coming to visit with Quinn's ex as her boyfriend was a "woah" moment and will bring for a much more interesting story, so looking forward to seeing that unfolding!
Heroes - Pass/Fail
Adam: Just so I'm clear, on your person scale of temporal justice, it's okay so long as no one gets hurt?
Hiro: Yes, that is my definition.
What a creative episode! I enjoyed seeing Hiro go on trial in his unconscious mind, moreso because I was overexcited to see Adam back! I'd take Adam over Samuel any day. Hiro's father being the judge, Adam grilling Hiro on bending space and time selfishly and repeatedly, and the victims of his use coming back to haunt him, including the cheerleader Sylar killed at homecoming (Danielle Savre) was all orchestrated so well. Hiro literally had to fight for his life and that was refreshing to see, him saving himself instead of trying to save others. Speaking of saving himself...Sylar screwing around with Claire to get what he wanted out of her since he knew he couldn't willingly get it out of her didn't make it less disturbing so I was thrilled that Claire had stabbed him in the eye. The real concern though is, will Sylar give up his powers to be human? What else is disturbing was Sylar visiting Matt's wife to ask where he was but Matt's wife questioning who he was. My thoughts are, please don't kill Matt's wife. I could see things going one of two ways, Matt dwells into a mass depression or he becomes hulk like. I'd rather see neither. Back to Claire for a moment, I am very interested to see where Claire and Gretchen's relationship stands by the season finale. I have no idea what Samuel's storyline was in this episode. This episode is called "Pass/Fail" and apparently this storyline is the fail. Though with 2/3 of the story lines being a pass, it's safe to say overall I enjoyed this episode.
Ugly Betty - Blackout!
Amanda: Oh my God. Betty's voice brought darkness to the land.
Another incredible episode aired Wednesday night! Betty letting in robbers to the apartment building the night of her karaoke party and the same night Marc had an important assignment due was equally funny as it was devastating since Betty's party ended up becoming Amanda's party and Amanda was not responsible with Marc's laptop, so that was one of the things that was stolen. Honestly, it's time for Amanda to be more responsible. We can still have the fun side of Amanda but there needs to be a responsible side at this point. It seems like every time her character goes one step forward it takes two steps backward. Anyway, Marc freaking out about possibly missing his deadline because of the blackout that occurred and then in the end being promoted to Jr. fashion editor definitely brought cause for celebration. Marc works his butt off, so it is great to see Wilhelmina recognize that, even if it took Daniel putting her in her place. Though it was quite funny when the blackout occurred at the exact moment the two were in an elevator! Daniel kissing Willie to break the sexual tension was probably the dumbest thing that he has ever done and rightfully so, he was punched in the face for it. While there were plenty of laughs in the episode, things took quite a turn when Hilda lost her baby. Though the tone did not seem to shift as heavily as I expected to and there was not much time to process the grief since Justin came in with some great news of his own so I wonder how the miscarriage will affect the family and Hilda's relationship from hereon out. Only time will tell. This was a very well written and directed episode. Since there was no significant amount of time spent at Mode, nothing stood out fashion wise but I'm sure we'll be back at Mode next week. It would have been nice to see what Claire was doing during the blackout. The anticipation of her meeting up with her son again is killing me.
Vampire Diaries - Bloodlines
Damon: Vampires can't procreate. But we love to try.
What a fabulous episode to come back to after winter break! There were some incredible surprises in this episode that I will mention in this review, so you have been warned. This episode started off right where the previous episode left off though right away, viewers do not find out who it was that was after Elena since Damon comes to the rescue. Damon taking Elena to Georgia without her permission brought for some fantastic scenes with Gina Torres guest starring as Bree, a witch and old fling of Damon's. This was perfect casting and their chemistry was great! In the end, we find out that Bree is not thrilled with Damon's visit and by the end of the episode, her death proves why. Since Lexie turned her boyfriend and Damon killed Lexie, the boyfriend came after Damon once he got the phone call from Bree about his whereabouts. Let's just say it's not safe to be Damon's friend, for many reasons - all leading to death. Back at Mystic Falls, Bonnie fell below ground while she was in the woods and heard the vampires that were burned years ago. She goes to Stefan about it and shortly after must come to terms with her being a witch as well as the Salvatore brothers being vampires quicker than she would like since she must help Stefan try to find Elena. Once Elena is back...well Stefan has quite the revelation...he heard the accident of Elena's parents and saved Elena after her father told Stefan to save her first! Not only that but Elena looks so much like Katherine because Elena was adopted! How is the relationship going to change with Stefan and Elena since he saved her but couldn't save her parents in time? How is the relationship going to change with Elena and her Aunt since her Aunt knew and does Jeremy know? If he doesn't know, will he find out? How exactly are Katherine and Elena related? Is anyone else after Damon? This episode brought up some many revelations and so many questions that I cannot wait to see answered! Fantastic episode!
The Office - The Banker
Michael: Well, think of it this way. When you look in a mirror and you see your push up bra and your fake eye lashes and your makeup and your press on nails...the principles that I'm applying to the office are the same ones that made Lady Gaga a star...or any number of drag queens
Since Dunder Mifflin is being sold, an investment banker comes to the office and Michael of course tries to impress him. He makes Dwight talk like a virtual, computer type assistant and temporarily replaces Stanley with a different black man. No matter what he does though, the banker meets Toby who doesn't hold back...opening a can of worms...or well a montage of clips from Seasons 1 - present. While I was disappointed that this "new" episode was not original but simply a clip show, I still enjoyed all of the clips. Mostly, I enjoyed the that's what she said" montage, as those were definitely the most hilarious clips. We did find out something new in this episode though, Michael is now the company's highest ranking employee since everyone in New York was laid off. Wow. That explains why the company is going down the drain. Next week better be a new and hilarious episode.
Caprica - Pilot (2 Hour Pilot)
Zoe 2.0: Your arrogance was killing your daughter and that's how you lost her...not to some bomb.
Note: This review is written from the point of view of a fan who has not seen BSG.
The show opens up with Zoe, Lacy, and Ben at a virtual night club in their own world, which acts on the evil that is really inside the people of Caprica, who seem to live strictly by their religious beliefs. This makes it no surprise that it is religious terrorism that ultimately brings turmoil to Caprica. Friends, Zoe, Lacy, and Ben plan to runaway and move to Geminon to live as monotheists but Lacy backs out once it is time to board the train and Ben reveals himself as a suicide bomber, in the name of the ‘Soldiers of the One’ a monotheistic religious movement…which kills himself, Zoe, and everyone on the train. At this point, Lacy is the only live person who knows that Zoe was a computer genius and built artificial life. But it doesn’t take long for Zoe’s father, tech mogul, Daniel Graystone to find out as he catches Lacy in Zoe’s room in the virtual world. Lacy is then forced to take him into the virtual world to meet Zoe’s first artificial life project, Zoe 2.0. Daniel is naturally fascinated but he keeps it a secret from his wife, Amanda and tells his new friend Joseph who he has connected with, as Joseph lost both his wife and daughter in the train bombing. How will Amanda find out? Something tells me it won’t be Daniel who tells her.
After capturing Zoe's avatar and kicking Lacy out of his house, will Daniel continue to do Zoe’s work for her memory or for his own reasons? It seems Daniel wants to not only bring Zoe 2.0 to the real world and give everyone avatars so that when they die, their avatars live on but how far will Lacy and Joseph let this go on? Both of them have potential to create major problems. Lacy knows he will be up to something so how far will Lacy go in working with him or stopping him? Lacy and Sister Claric, headmistress of the Athenian Academy who is a monotheist, even though the school promotes polytheistic beliefs could be a great tag team in the name of Zoe, so it will be interesting to see how their storyline plays out, if Lacy tells Sister Clarice what exactly Zoe was up to. The Ha’la’tha crime organization that put Joseph through law school seem to have their own agenda and the Taurons seem to have their own belief system…how far will Joseph go to defy both in order to live his life? Will we ever see Tauron?
As Zoe has managed to create an avatar copy of herself in the virtual world and Daniel has created a prototype Cylon at work, it did not come as a surprise when the two came together in the end. Seeing Zoe come alive inside the Cylon was great! This creates so many questions and this episode as a whole has set up for some incredible drama and action to come. This is an incredibly well written character driven drama that has very complex themes, touching on religion, class, racism, and the ethics of technology. How much more terrorism is in store for the show? How far mapped out is the series? There are so many strong performances and intriguing plot lines, it just makes me wonder how many plot twists are to come, and what the balance will be of intense and gripping drama with the sci-fi that we all want to see. The Pilot was brilliant and I am definitely proud to say that I am a Caprica fan and looking forward to what’s in store.
One Tree Hill - Weeks Go by Like Days
Nathan: Alright, look Clay. I stayed with you because you are a good agent and you are a good friend. Now I've got the agent but uh, I miss my friend. Okay?
Clay: Okay.
Nathan: Oh and stop being weird around Quinn in front of me. It's awkward.
Alex is still alive and encouraging Millie to get back to her healthy state of mind but the real question is, is Alex in a healthy state of mind? Victoria welcomed Millie back to work and could possibly work things out with Mouth who made a surprise visit but what's left for Alex in Tree Hill? Let's hope her infatuation with Julian is over and doesn't come back as the two work on her movie. Julian breaking up with Brooke was definitely understandable from his standpoint so nobody can blame him for breaking up though does that mean there will be no love triangle with the two and Alexander? Alexander could be the perfect match. Only time will tell what happens. As for the love birds, Nathan & Haley...it is so heartwarming to see the family bond and have a great time back home after Haley's tour. The songs that Haley performed on this song are beautiful and hopefully they will appear on iTunes. Quinn & Clay also seem to be doing well, too but honestly, they aren't adding anything interesting to the show so what else is left for the two to do from Tree Hill? Taylor coming to visit with Quinn's ex as her boyfriend was a "woah" moment and will bring for a much more interesting story, so looking forward to seeing that unfolding!
Heroes - Pass/Fail
Adam: Just so I'm clear, on your person scale of temporal justice, it's okay so long as no one gets hurt?
Hiro: Yes, that is my definition.
What a creative episode! I enjoyed seeing Hiro go on trial in his unconscious mind, moreso because I was overexcited to see Adam back! I'd take Adam over Samuel any day. Hiro's father being the judge, Adam grilling Hiro on bending space and time selfishly and repeatedly, and the victims of his use coming back to haunt him, including the cheerleader Sylar killed at homecoming (Danielle Savre) was all orchestrated so well. Hiro literally had to fight for his life and that was refreshing to see, him saving himself instead of trying to save others. Speaking of saving himself...Sylar screwing around with Claire to get what he wanted out of her since he knew he couldn't willingly get it out of her didn't make it less disturbing so I was thrilled that Claire had stabbed him in the eye. The real concern though is, will Sylar give up his powers to be human? What else is disturbing was Sylar visiting Matt's wife to ask where he was but Matt's wife questioning who he was. My thoughts are, please don't kill Matt's wife. I could see things going one of two ways, Matt dwells into a mass depression or he becomes hulk like. I'd rather see neither. Back to Claire for a moment, I am very interested to see where Claire and Gretchen's relationship stands by the season finale. I have no idea what Samuel's storyline was in this episode. This episode is called "Pass/Fail" and apparently this storyline is the fail. Though with 2/3 of the story lines being a pass, it's safe to say overall I enjoyed this episode.
Ugly Betty - Blackout!
Amanda: Oh my God. Betty's voice brought darkness to the land.
Another incredible episode aired Wednesday night! Betty letting in robbers to the apartment building the night of her karaoke party and the same night Marc had an important assignment due was equally funny as it was devastating since Betty's party ended up becoming Amanda's party and Amanda was not responsible with Marc's laptop, so that was one of the things that was stolen. Honestly, it's time for Amanda to be more responsible. We can still have the fun side of Amanda but there needs to be a responsible side at this point. It seems like every time her character goes one step forward it takes two steps backward. Anyway, Marc freaking out about possibly missing his deadline because of the blackout that occurred and then in the end being promoted to Jr. fashion editor definitely brought cause for celebration. Marc works his butt off, so it is great to see Wilhelmina recognize that, even if it took Daniel putting her in her place. Though it was quite funny when the blackout occurred at the exact moment the two were in an elevator! Daniel kissing Willie to break the sexual tension was probably the dumbest thing that he has ever done and rightfully so, he was punched in the face for it. While there were plenty of laughs in the episode, things took quite a turn when Hilda lost her baby. Though the tone did not seem to shift as heavily as I expected to and there was not much time to process the grief since Justin came in with some great news of his own so I wonder how the miscarriage will affect the family and Hilda's relationship from hereon out. Only time will tell. This was a very well written and directed episode. Since there was no significant amount of time spent at Mode, nothing stood out fashion wise but I'm sure we'll be back at Mode next week. It would have been nice to see what Claire was doing during the blackout. The anticipation of her meeting up with her son again is killing me.
Vampire Diaries - Bloodlines
Damon: Vampires can't procreate. But we love to try.
What a fabulous episode to come back to after winter break! There were some incredible surprises in this episode that I will mention in this review, so you have been warned. This episode started off right where the previous episode left off though right away, viewers do not find out who it was that was after Elena since Damon comes to the rescue. Damon taking Elena to Georgia without her permission brought for some fantastic scenes with Gina Torres guest starring as Bree, a witch and old fling of Damon's. This was perfect casting and their chemistry was great! In the end, we find out that Bree is not thrilled with Damon's visit and by the end of the episode, her death proves why. Since Lexie turned her boyfriend and Damon killed Lexie, the boyfriend came after Damon once he got the phone call from Bree about his whereabouts. Let's just say it's not safe to be Damon's friend, for many reasons - all leading to death. Back at Mystic Falls, Bonnie fell below ground while she was in the woods and heard the vampires that were burned years ago. She goes to Stefan about it and shortly after must come to terms with her being a witch as well as the Salvatore brothers being vampires quicker than she would like since she must help Stefan try to find Elena. Once Elena is back...well Stefan has quite the revelation...he heard the accident of Elena's parents and saved Elena after her father told Stefan to save her first! Not only that but Elena looks so much like Katherine because Elena was adopted! How is the relationship going to change with Stefan and Elena since he saved her but couldn't save her parents in time? How is the relationship going to change with Elena and her Aunt since her Aunt knew and does Jeremy know? If he doesn't know, will he find out? How exactly are Katherine and Elena related? Is anyone else after Damon? This episode brought up some many revelations and so many questions that I cannot wait to see answered! Fantastic episode!
The Office - The Banker
Michael: Well, think of it this way. When you look in a mirror and you see your push up bra and your fake eye lashes and your makeup and your press on nails...the principles that I'm applying to the office are the same ones that made Lady Gaga a star...or any number of drag queens
Since Dunder Mifflin is being sold, an investment banker comes to the office and Michael of course tries to impress him. He makes Dwight talk like a virtual, computer type assistant and temporarily replaces Stanley with a different black man. No matter what he does though, the banker meets Toby who doesn't hold back...opening a can of worms...or well a montage of clips from Seasons 1 - present. While I was disappointed that this "new" episode was not original but simply a clip show, I still enjoyed all of the clips. Mostly, I enjoyed the that's what she said" montage, as those were definitely the most hilarious clips. We did find out something new in this episode though, Michael is now the company's highest ranking employee since everyone in New York was laid off. Wow. That explains why the company is going down the drain. Next week better be a new and hilarious episode.
Caprica - Pilot (2 Hour Pilot)
Zoe 2.0: Your arrogance was killing your daughter and that's how you lost her...not to some bomb.
Note: This review is written from the point of view of a fan who has not seen BSG.
The show opens up with Zoe, Lacy, and Ben at a virtual night club in their own world, which acts on the evil that is really inside the people of Caprica, who seem to live strictly by their religious beliefs. This makes it no surprise that it is religious terrorism that ultimately brings turmoil to Caprica. Friends, Zoe, Lacy, and Ben plan to runaway and move to Geminon to live as monotheists but Lacy backs out once it is time to board the train and Ben reveals himself as a suicide bomber, in the name of the ‘Soldiers of the One’ a monotheistic religious movement…which kills himself, Zoe, and everyone on the train. At this point, Lacy is the only live person who knows that Zoe was a computer genius and built artificial life. But it doesn’t take long for Zoe’s father, tech mogul, Daniel Graystone to find out as he catches Lacy in Zoe’s room in the virtual world. Lacy is then forced to take him into the virtual world to meet Zoe’s first artificial life project, Zoe 2.0. Daniel is naturally fascinated but he keeps it a secret from his wife, Amanda and tells his new friend Joseph who he has connected with, as Joseph lost both his wife and daughter in the train bombing. How will Amanda find out? Something tells me it won’t be Daniel who tells her.
After capturing Zoe's avatar and kicking Lacy out of his house, will Daniel continue to do Zoe’s work for her memory or for his own reasons? It seems Daniel wants to not only bring Zoe 2.0 to the real world and give everyone avatars so that when they die, their avatars live on but how far will Lacy and Joseph let this go on? Both of them have potential to create major problems. Lacy knows he will be up to something so how far will Lacy go in working with him or stopping him? Lacy and Sister Claric, headmistress of the Athenian Academy who is a monotheist, even though the school promotes polytheistic beliefs could be a great tag team in the name of Zoe, so it will be interesting to see how their storyline plays out, if Lacy tells Sister Clarice what exactly Zoe was up to. The Ha’la’tha crime organization that put Joseph through law school seem to have their own agenda and the Taurons seem to have their own belief system…how far will Joseph go to defy both in order to live his life? Will we ever see Tauron?
As Zoe has managed to create an avatar copy of herself in the virtual world and Daniel has created a prototype Cylon at work, it did not come as a surprise when the two came together in the end. Seeing Zoe come alive inside the Cylon was great! This creates so many questions and this episode as a whole has set up for some incredible drama and action to come. This is an incredibly well written character driven drama that has very complex themes, touching on religion, class, racism, and the ethics of technology. How much more terrorism is in store for the show? How far mapped out is the series? There are so many strong performances and intriguing plot lines, it just makes me wonder how many plot twists are to come, and what the balance will be of intense and gripping drama with the sci-fi that we all want to see. The Pilot was brilliant and I am definitely proud to say that I am a Caprica fan and looking forward to what’s in store.
DVD Review: Front Runner
Front Runner is a fascinating documentary that follows Dr. Massouda Jalal who boldly ran for President of Afghanistan.
Front Runner tells the heroic story of this medical doctor and mother of three. As a children's advocate, she defied the murderous Taliban regime. Now, she boldly runs for president – the only woman in a field of 17 candidates. In a dramatic turn of events, she holds the fate of the country's first presidential election in her own hands.
Amidst death threats and bomb attacks, Jalal doggedly campaigns from the back of a taxi, in mosques, in homes, in busy markets and in the streets. Her courage shows that it’s the dangerous work done by ordinary Afghans -- women and men -- that will determine the fate of a newly born democracy.
Release Street: January 26, 2010
Running Time: 90 Minutes
Front Runner follows Dr. Massouda Jalal as she attempted to be in the running for President of Afghanistan in 2002 and did not make the cut but was officially in the running in 2004. Viewers in fact meet all of those running for President in the introduction videos to their country but the documentary strives to follow Dr. Massouda Jalal in a country full of conservatives and religious extremists. Along the way we meet US Ambassador of Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, US Political Affairs Officer, Rina Amiri, CNN national correspondent, Gary Tuchman, Journalist, Halima Kazem, Women’s rights activist, Nasrine Gross, and many more. This documentary aims to express the political advantages of being a woman in Afghanistan, as we are so used to seeing the disadvantages displayed in the country. Dr. Massouda Jalal succeeds in gaining support from both women and men of all ages, though surprisingly not from her own sister. Tragic. Viewers get to see her responding to the men who have a problem with a woman in authority, and unfortunately see the reality firsthand when police men told her camp to take down her presidential candidate posters - while all of the other candidates’ posters were up around town. Disappointing. Though it was heartwarming to see how much effort her campaign staff put into creating her slogan, logo, and a promotional video as well as learning about the women who were illiterate took classes so they could understand the presidential election and how to vote. Though when it came time to vote, there were many conflicts that arose as people were voting more than once, the ink system used to tell when someone had already voted failed, and there were privacy issues. Talk about frustrating. Though in the end, Dr. Massouda Jalal reminds us that even if she doesn’t win as she continues to run for President in the future, she is inspiring women to simply have a voice. Dr. Massouda Jalal came in 6th out of 16th Presidential candidates but something tells me she will become President of Afghanistan soon enough. This was quite an interesting documentary as it literally followed Dr. Massouda Jalal as she rean of President…it was not educational in the sense that viewers do not find out what her opinions are about certain topics and what her specific plan of action is as President. That would have made this documentary even more interesting! Take note documentary filmmakers, for the time that Dr. Massouda Jalal does take office.
Bonus Features:
This special features include The Making of Front Runner - Crew Pix Slideshow and Afghanistan: A Country In Transition - Brian Liu Photography Slide show, both with no background music. The second slide show is much more interesting, showing off the people of the country and its nature while the second lacks depth and mainly shows those that worked on the film behind different cameras. There was much more that could have been done with the first slide show but since the second slide show is so fabulous, viewers shouldn't mind.
Front Runner releases on DVD January 26, 2010.
Front Runner tells the heroic story of this medical doctor and mother of three. As a children's advocate, she defied the murderous Taliban regime. Now, she boldly runs for president – the only woman in a field of 17 candidates. In a dramatic turn of events, she holds the fate of the country's first presidential election in her own hands.
Amidst death threats and bomb attacks, Jalal doggedly campaigns from the back of a taxi, in mosques, in homes, in busy markets and in the streets. Her courage shows that it’s the dangerous work done by ordinary Afghans -- women and men -- that will determine the fate of a newly born democracy.
Release Street: January 26, 2010
Running Time: 90 Minutes
Front Runner follows Dr. Massouda Jalal as she attempted to be in the running for President of Afghanistan in 2002 and did not make the cut but was officially in the running in 2004. Viewers in fact meet all of those running for President in the introduction videos to their country but the documentary strives to follow Dr. Massouda Jalal in a country full of conservatives and religious extremists. Along the way we meet US Ambassador of Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, US Political Affairs Officer, Rina Amiri, CNN national correspondent, Gary Tuchman, Journalist, Halima Kazem, Women’s rights activist, Nasrine Gross, and many more. This documentary aims to express the political advantages of being a woman in Afghanistan, as we are so used to seeing the disadvantages displayed in the country. Dr. Massouda Jalal succeeds in gaining support from both women and men of all ages, though surprisingly not from her own sister. Tragic. Viewers get to see her responding to the men who have a problem with a woman in authority, and unfortunately see the reality firsthand when police men told her camp to take down her presidential candidate posters - while all of the other candidates’ posters were up around town. Disappointing. Though it was heartwarming to see how much effort her campaign staff put into creating her slogan, logo, and a promotional video as well as learning about the women who were illiterate took classes so they could understand the presidential election and how to vote. Though when it came time to vote, there were many conflicts that arose as people were voting more than once, the ink system used to tell when someone had already voted failed, and there were privacy issues. Talk about frustrating. Though in the end, Dr. Massouda Jalal reminds us that even if she doesn’t win as she continues to run for President in the future, she is inspiring women to simply have a voice. Dr. Massouda Jalal came in 6th out of 16th Presidential candidates but something tells me she will become President of Afghanistan soon enough. This was quite an interesting documentary as it literally followed Dr. Massouda Jalal as she rean of President…it was not educational in the sense that viewers do not find out what her opinions are about certain topics and what her specific plan of action is as President. That would have made this documentary even more interesting! Take note documentary filmmakers, for the time that Dr. Massouda Jalal does take office.
Bonus Features:
This special features include The Making of Front Runner - Crew Pix Slideshow and Afghanistan: A Country In Transition - Brian Liu Photography Slide show, both with no background music. The second slide show is much more interesting, showing off the people of the country and its nature while the second lacks depth and mainly shows those that worked on the film behind different cameras. There was much more that could have been done with the first slide show but since the second slide show is so fabulous, viewers shouldn't mind.
Front Runner releases on DVD January 26, 2010.
Gregory Michael Talks Greek
Tonight on ABC Family, Greek returns with all new episodes of Season 3 and to celebrate, I talked to Greek Actor, Gregory Michael about what to expect this season, the end of As the World Turns, Sundance, and more! Check it out!
Congrats on Greek being nominated for a GLAAD award! How did you find out that the show was nominated?
Thank you! We are so excited! The creator of Greek (Patrick Sean Smith) called me up and told me. It is very cool to have my role and Paul James' role be honored.
What was your favorite moment of last season?
I loved when the Omega Chi and Kappa Tau pulled the prank on the officer's automobile on top of the building. That was a great scene!
What episode is the show filming?
We just wrapped the season finale of season 3 aka our sixth chapter. We are looking to go back to shooting in May. These episodes that are about to start filming are some of the best!
What can we expect to see for Calvin & Grant’s relationship this season? Is it going to be rocky just between them or can we expect a love triangle?
Without giving too much away, there is going to be a lot of drama. The big question that we left off with was, "Is Grant going to come out?" Calvin was kind of pushing him to come out and we'll get the answer to that. We'll see how the house and how Calvin takes his decision on all of that. It's kind of a flip flop of a lot of the things that you said too. It's going to be great. There's going to be a lot of crying and a lot of smiling.
What do you want for viewers to get out of your character this season?
They see his with struggle with coming out and most of our viewers are young and they have to make decisions to go forward so I want them to look at Grant and see that we all go through challenging decisions in our lives that will help us move forward.
Where is your favorite place to shoot on set?
Dobblers is always fun. I don't know what it is...you don't have to be drinking at all, it can be 8am and it feels like such a party. It brings you back into the college vibe.
In between shooting, do you hang out on the Dobblers set or do you go back to your trailers?
(laughs) Yeah, we all sit around there and if not, hair and makeup is right next door and then we go back to our trailers. Everybody on set is so cool, we all love to hang out with each other. If it's not my trailer, it's someone else's.
Greek has great musical guests and guest stars, who would you like to see on the show?
That's a really good question. I wouldn't mind seeing The Academy Is... or The Black Kids
As the World Turns ends in September, what were your favorite memories working on that show?
I remember when they came to me and said that I was the good guy for 6 months but now they wanted me to be a date rapist. I was flabbergasted. I though, "Me?" But it was a great moment. I'm really sad the show is ending though because I never thought it would end. My character went to jail so in the back of my mind, I thought that maybe one day after all of these younger shows, I could go back and my character would terrorize the city again, you know? I'm sad it's going.
What are you excited about at the Sundance Film Festival?
I'm working on a movie that is in pre-production. It's a dark comedy and we start shooting in the summer so we are going up to Sundance to seek distribution. I'm also exciting about finding people to collaborate with and checking out a couple of films with a few friends. I'm also a big snowboarder, so I am very excited about snowboarding up there.
As far as music goes, what is the update on your music career?
That's a good question. The songwriter that the band was working with, he had a child about a year and a half ago and that halted things. The stuff that I have though, I would love to come out with. I've said that the album is coming but you know what, the album is not something I am working on right now so I'm thinking about releasing the music that I have ready. If people like it, that's cool. So that should happen soon.
Also check out my past interview with Greek Actress, Amber Stevens.
Greek premieres January 25, 2010 at its new time 10/9c on ABC Family.
Congrats on Greek being nominated for a GLAAD award! How did you find out that the show was nominated?
Thank you! We are so excited! The creator of Greek (Patrick Sean Smith) called me up and told me. It is very cool to have my role and Paul James' role be honored.
What was your favorite moment of last season?
I loved when the Omega Chi and Kappa Tau pulled the prank on the officer's automobile on top of the building. That was a great scene!
What episode is the show filming?
We just wrapped the season finale of season 3 aka our sixth chapter. We are looking to go back to shooting in May. These episodes that are about to start filming are some of the best!
What can we expect to see for Calvin & Grant’s relationship this season? Is it going to be rocky just between them or can we expect a love triangle?
Without giving too much away, there is going to be a lot of drama. The big question that we left off with was, "Is Grant going to come out?" Calvin was kind of pushing him to come out and we'll get the answer to that. We'll see how the house and how Calvin takes his decision on all of that. It's kind of a flip flop of a lot of the things that you said too. It's going to be great. There's going to be a lot of crying and a lot of smiling.
What do you want for viewers to get out of your character this season?
They see his with struggle with coming out and most of our viewers are young and they have to make decisions to go forward so I want them to look at Grant and see that we all go through challenging decisions in our lives that will help us move forward.
Where is your favorite place to shoot on set?
Dobblers is always fun. I don't know what it is...you don't have to be drinking at all, it can be 8am and it feels like such a party. It brings you back into the college vibe.
In between shooting, do you hang out on the Dobblers set or do you go back to your trailers?
(laughs) Yeah, we all sit around there and if not, hair and makeup is right next door and then we go back to our trailers. Everybody on set is so cool, we all love to hang out with each other. If it's not my trailer, it's someone else's.
Greek has great musical guests and guest stars, who would you like to see on the show?
That's a really good question. I wouldn't mind seeing The Academy Is... or The Black Kids
As the World Turns ends in September, what were your favorite memories working on that show?
I remember when they came to me and said that I was the good guy for 6 months but now they wanted me to be a date rapist. I was flabbergasted. I though, "Me?" But it was a great moment. I'm really sad the show is ending though because I never thought it would end. My character went to jail so in the back of my mind, I thought that maybe one day after all of these younger shows, I could go back and my character would terrorize the city again, you know? I'm sad it's going.
What are you excited about at the Sundance Film Festival?
I'm working on a movie that is in pre-production. It's a dark comedy and we start shooting in the summer so we are going up to Sundance to seek distribution. I'm also exciting about finding people to collaborate with and checking out a couple of films with a few friends. I'm also a big snowboarder, so I am very excited about snowboarding up there.
As far as music goes, what is the update on your music career?
That's a good question. The songwriter that the band was working with, he had a child about a year and a half ago and that halted things. The stuff that I have though, I would love to come out with. I've said that the album is coming but you know what, the album is not something I am working on right now so I'm thinking about releasing the music that I have ready. If people like it, that's cool. So that should happen soon.
Also check out my past interview with Greek Actress, Amber Stevens.
Greek premieres January 25, 2010 at its new time 10/9c on ABC Family.
Guest Blog: Top 10 Fan Communities
Written By: Colleen McAllister from ChuckCast and Nudia TV
I’d know Katie T. since preschool. We grew up in the same condominium complex, had play dates in the kiddie pool together at age 3, took dance lessons together from age 4-14, and were in a lot of the same classes in middle school and junior high. We had a friendly relationship but were in different groups at school and rarely talked outside of the car rides to and from tap class. It wasn’t until I sat behind her in Mr. Ball’s social studies class in 9th grade that we finally found something to bond over: The X-Files. I had started watching XF earlier that year with my dad and until that fateful moment that Katie told me she had been a longtime fan, or X-Phile as I learned was the proper term, my TV fandom was limited to Monday morning discussions of The Practice with my friend Brian. I had no idea that what lay behind.
Katie quickly caught me up. Not only did she provide a friend to diligently and excitedly discuss and dissect each episode with, but she was my gateway into the world of the fan community. She taught me what a ‘ship’ was. She introduced me to websites where I could check out episode reviews, see what other people thought of them, and learn trivia about each one. She told me about an X-Files fan conference that had been held recently. My first X-F episode was “Chinga,” February 8, 1998, Season 5. I wanted to catch up. I needed to learn more about the mythology so I became obsessed with taping new (old) episodes on FX every night and always voted in their Thanksgiving Day X-F marathon.
It was awesome. If it weren’t for Katie T’s early teaching, I think my life would have turned out very differently.
It was around Christmas 2005 that my friend Chris G. introduced me to the first season of Lost on DVD. “It’ll blow your mind,” he promised as he convinced me to use some gift certificate money to buy it for myself. “I can’t wait ‘til we can talk about it!” I was home from college for winter break and still hesitant to watch it, but he hounded me and hounded me to check it out until finally I did. He told me to wait until I saw the episode “Walkabout” until I passed judgment.
It wasn’t an instant click for me, but it was an instant curiosity. I pushed through that first disk until I knew that Lost and I would be spending many more nights together. After I watched Season 1, Chris and I would bug our friends who had not yet converted while my old high school group would hang out by yakking about smoke monsters and hatches. Neither of us had watched Season 2 yet, it was still in the midst airing on ABC.
Once we got back to college, we had a different re-watch schedule. Desperate to find someone to shed some meaning on what the hell was going on, I reverted back to what Katie had taught me: the Internet. I discovered lost.cubit.net first. Then I turned to podcasts. My first Lost podcast experience was with The Transmission’s final episode. They directed me to The Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack. Sometime in late November 2006, Jay & Jack directed me to their message boards and the rest, as they say, is history.
There’s something to be said about fan communities. From the outside, it looks like a bunch of crazies with not a lot of friends who are looking for escape in a television show or book series. I think I hid the fact that I was on Lost message boards from my “real life” friends until after I had to explain how Jay and I met in April 2007. Even then, I still give an abbreviated version to most people. Maybe they’re right, but I choose to look at the fan community as an anonymous way to share one’s enthusiasm for something full- on. I do know one thing, however, and that’s that I cannot imagine my life without some of the amazing friends that I have met through my online-fan communities. I have experiences I never would have and a boyfriend I’d never have met. To me, fan communities have not only changed my life, they have enhanced it and I wouldn’t give mine up for the world.
Some of these I have been a part of at one point or another and some of these I haven’t but here’s my list of Top 10 Fan Communities:
1. Lost
2. Star Trek (etc. al.)
3. Star Wars
4. Harry Potter
5. Whedon Fan Community
6. The X-Files
7. Battlestar Galactica
8. Dr. Who
9. Twilight
10. Smallville
Runner up #1: Arrested Development - It’s not so much a community as a clique because AD fever began during the show’s 3rd season and has grown in popularity after the series ended. AD quoting is found everywhere from Tweets to the workplace; go ahead and try to pretend like you don’t light up like you’re in a secret, smart-people’s club whenever you hear someone exclaim, “Come ON!”
Runner up #2: Glee – Time will tell, but the enthusiasm among Glee fans is contagious…
For more on Colleen visit CollWrites.
I’d know Katie T. since preschool. We grew up in the same condominium complex, had play dates in the kiddie pool together at age 3, took dance lessons together from age 4-14, and were in a lot of the same classes in middle school and junior high. We had a friendly relationship but were in different groups at school and rarely talked outside of the car rides to and from tap class. It wasn’t until I sat behind her in Mr. Ball’s social studies class in 9th grade that we finally found something to bond over: The X-Files. I had started watching XF earlier that year with my dad and until that fateful moment that Katie told me she had been a longtime fan, or X-Phile as I learned was the proper term, my TV fandom was limited to Monday morning discussions of The Practice with my friend Brian. I had no idea that what lay behind.
Katie quickly caught me up. Not only did she provide a friend to diligently and excitedly discuss and dissect each episode with, but she was my gateway into the world of the fan community. She taught me what a ‘ship’ was. She introduced me to websites where I could check out episode reviews, see what other people thought of them, and learn trivia about each one. She told me about an X-Files fan conference that had been held recently. My first X-F episode was “Chinga,” February 8, 1998, Season 5. I wanted to catch up. I needed to learn more about the mythology so I became obsessed with taping new (old) episodes on FX every night and always voted in their Thanksgiving Day X-F marathon.
It was awesome. If it weren’t for Katie T’s early teaching, I think my life would have turned out very differently.
It was around Christmas 2005 that my friend Chris G. introduced me to the first season of Lost on DVD. “It’ll blow your mind,” he promised as he convinced me to use some gift certificate money to buy it for myself. “I can’t wait ‘til we can talk about it!” I was home from college for winter break and still hesitant to watch it, but he hounded me and hounded me to check it out until finally I did. He told me to wait until I saw the episode “Walkabout” until I passed judgment.
It wasn’t an instant click for me, but it was an instant curiosity. I pushed through that first disk until I knew that Lost and I would be spending many more nights together. After I watched Season 1, Chris and I would bug our friends who had not yet converted while my old high school group would hang out by yakking about smoke monsters and hatches. Neither of us had watched Season 2 yet, it was still in the midst airing on ABC.
Once we got back to college, we had a different re-watch schedule. Desperate to find someone to shed some meaning on what the hell was going on, I reverted back to what Katie had taught me: the Internet. I discovered lost.cubit.net first. Then I turned to podcasts. My first Lost podcast experience was with The Transmission’s final episode. They directed me to The Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack. Sometime in late November 2006, Jay & Jack directed me to their message boards and the rest, as they say, is history.
There’s something to be said about fan communities. From the outside, it looks like a bunch of crazies with not a lot of friends who are looking for escape in a television show or book series. I think I hid the fact that I was on Lost message boards from my “real life” friends until after I had to explain how Jay and I met in April 2007. Even then, I still give an abbreviated version to most people. Maybe they’re right, but I choose to look at the fan community as an anonymous way to share one’s enthusiasm for something full- on. I do know one thing, however, and that’s that I cannot imagine my life without some of the amazing friends that I have met through my online-fan communities. I have experiences I never would have and a boyfriend I’d never have met. To me, fan communities have not only changed my life, they have enhanced it and I wouldn’t give mine up for the world.
Some of these I have been a part of at one point or another and some of these I haven’t but here’s my list of Top 10 Fan Communities:
1. Lost
2. Star Trek (etc. al.)
3. Star Wars
4. Harry Potter
5. Whedon Fan Community
6. The X-Files
7. Battlestar Galactica
8. Dr. Who
9. Twilight
10. Smallville
Runner up #1: Arrested Development - It’s not so much a community as a clique because AD fever began during the show’s 3rd season and has grown in popularity after the series ended. AD quoting is found everywhere from Tweets to the workplace; go ahead and try to pretend like you don’t light up like you’re in a secret, smart-people’s club whenever you hear someone exclaim, “Come ON!”
Runner up #2: Glee – Time will tell, but the enthusiasm among Glee fans is contagious…
For more on Colleen visit CollWrites.
DVD Review: Southland: The Complete First Season Uncensored
Southland: The Complete First Season Uncensored is compelling drama at its finest. It's no wonder why TNT picked this show up! You must own it on DVD this week.
L.A. is sandy beaches and Bel-Air mansions and flawless bodies. And it’s gang bangers and drug deals gone wrong and apartments crammed with almost as many people as cockroaches. It’s Southland, the place where a rookie cop and his savvier, veteran colleagues struggle to make a difference. Here in a 2-Disc Set are all seven Season One Episodes of the gripping, lightning-paced series about the men and women who live their lives – professional and personal – on a jagged edge, taking on criminals, victims and a sprawling city tainted by vice and seething with danger. It’s hellish work. But, as one wised-up cop says, “Every once in a while, you get to take a bad guy off the street for good. And that, my friend, is God’s work.”
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Rating: NR
Running Time: 300 Minutes
Southland is raw and gritty surprisingly because it is about the people not the forensics. This is one of the best character driven shows to come to television in quite some time. Southland follows the personal and professional complicated lives of officers and detectives in South Los Angeles and is portrayed by an incredible ensemble cast and written by a very well talented writing team who have no problem being as realistic and detailed as possible. Ben has been out of academy for 6 months and on his first day on the job, is forced to shoot an escapee. Throughout the 7 episodes, viewers not only find out about his past but his training officer and partner, John’s past, and it will rock you. Also a training officer, Chickie is conflicted with reporting her partner, Dewey who seems to be the most irresponsible cop on the job. The one who is the complete opposite is Lydia, who is the most compassionate cop on the job. She doesn’t spend too much time dating, and for good reason apparently. She puts more than 100% into her work and because she is such a good person, she takes in a young girl who has been helping the police and needs a place to stay when her Grandmother is shot. Though she doesn’t seem to understand the price that she will have to pay for trying to stay in both worlds until gang bangers come into Lydia’s home. Lydia's partner, Detective Russell seems to be doing well until in the final episode he and wife are shot in their home. There is so much more to Southland, as an officer is dating a drug addict and another officer gets involved with a reporter. That’s not all. As Actor, Arija Bareikis mentions in the special feature, “People are interested in the dark side of human nature” and that is what is shown on location in Los Angeles. The show is shot documentary style, which makes the realness of the stories come forth so much more. Everything from the writing to the cast to filming on location, all of it makes this show so special and if you are not watching, you are truly missing out on an excellent show.
Special Features:
Redefining the Cop Drama - This feature takes viewers behind the scenes shooting on location in Los Angeles as interviews are shown the cast and crew who discuss everything about creating the show, casting real people, and shooting in LA for LA (using the RED camera at times for the documentary style effect). Executive Producer/Director, Christopher Chhulack, Executive Producer, John Wells, and Executive Producer/Creator/Writer, Ann Biderman mention how there was 9 months of research, and they were very focused on breaking the molding and showing what it is really like being a police officer. Location Manager, Michael Haro and Police Technical Advisor, Chic Daniel had a few things to say as well. The cast members that appear in this feature include Tom Everett Scott, Michael Cudlitz, Regina King, Michael McGrady, Arija Bareikis, Kevin Alejandro, Ben McKenzie, and Shawn Hatosy and it is interesting to hear them talk about their experience filming in parts of LA that they normally would not experience. This is a very well put together special feature. My only issue is that the executive producers did not talk about re-writes or deleted scenes, and what’s to come. Though it is still worth the watch!
Own Southland: The Complete First Season Uncensored on DVD January 26, 2010.
L.A. is sandy beaches and Bel-Air mansions and flawless bodies. And it’s gang bangers and drug deals gone wrong and apartments crammed with almost as many people as cockroaches. It’s Southland, the place where a rookie cop and his savvier, veteran colleagues struggle to make a difference. Here in a 2-Disc Set are all seven Season One Episodes of the gripping, lightning-paced series about the men and women who live their lives – professional and personal – on a jagged edge, taking on criminals, victims and a sprawling city tainted by vice and seething with danger. It’s hellish work. But, as one wised-up cop says, “Every once in a while, you get to take a bad guy off the street for good. And that, my friend, is God’s work.”
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Rating: NR
Running Time: 300 Minutes
Southland is raw and gritty surprisingly because it is about the people not the forensics. This is one of the best character driven shows to come to television in quite some time. Southland follows the personal and professional complicated lives of officers and detectives in South Los Angeles and is portrayed by an incredible ensemble cast and written by a very well talented writing team who have no problem being as realistic and detailed as possible. Ben has been out of academy for 6 months and on his first day on the job, is forced to shoot an escapee. Throughout the 7 episodes, viewers not only find out about his past but his training officer and partner, John’s past, and it will rock you. Also a training officer, Chickie is conflicted with reporting her partner, Dewey who seems to be the most irresponsible cop on the job. The one who is the complete opposite is Lydia, who is the most compassionate cop on the job. She doesn’t spend too much time dating, and for good reason apparently. She puts more than 100% into her work and because she is such a good person, she takes in a young girl who has been helping the police and needs a place to stay when her Grandmother is shot. Though she doesn’t seem to understand the price that she will have to pay for trying to stay in both worlds until gang bangers come into Lydia’s home. Lydia's partner, Detective Russell seems to be doing well until in the final episode he and wife are shot in their home. There is so much more to Southland, as an officer is dating a drug addict and another officer gets involved with a reporter. That’s not all. As Actor, Arija Bareikis mentions in the special feature, “People are interested in the dark side of human nature” and that is what is shown on location in Los Angeles. The show is shot documentary style, which makes the realness of the stories come forth so much more. Everything from the writing to the cast to filming on location, all of it makes this show so special and if you are not watching, you are truly missing out on an excellent show.
Special Features:
Redefining the Cop Drama - This feature takes viewers behind the scenes shooting on location in Los Angeles as interviews are shown the cast and crew who discuss everything about creating the show, casting real people, and shooting in LA for LA (using the RED camera at times for the documentary style effect). Executive Producer/Director, Christopher Chhulack, Executive Producer, John Wells, and Executive Producer/Creator/Writer, Ann Biderman mention how there was 9 months of research, and they were very focused on breaking the molding and showing what it is really like being a police officer. Location Manager, Michael Haro and Police Technical Advisor, Chic Daniel had a few things to say as well. The cast members that appear in this feature include Tom Everett Scott, Michael Cudlitz, Regina King, Michael McGrady, Arija Bareikis, Kevin Alejandro, Ben McKenzie, and Shawn Hatosy and it is interesting to hear them talk about their experience filming in parts of LA that they normally would not experience. This is a very well put together special feature. My only issue is that the executive producers did not talk about re-writes or deleted scenes, and what’s to come. Though it is still worth the watch!
Own Southland: The Complete First Season Uncensored on DVD January 26, 2010.
Who Do You Think You Are? Preview
Here's a preview of the upcoming NBC series Who Do You Think You Are? - the remarkable true stories of 7 celebrities on journeys to discover their heritage, which will take them all over the world.
Who Do You Think You Are? follows Sarah Jessica Parker, Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Broderick, Emmitt Smith, and Spike Lee.
I'm looking forward to it! Are you?
Who Do You Think You Are? premieres on NBC February 28, 2010.
Who Do You Think You Are? follows Sarah Jessica Parker, Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Broderick, Emmitt Smith, and Spike Lee.
I'm looking forward to it! Are you?
Who Do You Think You Are? premieres on NBC February 28, 2010.
DVD Review: Surrogates
This Tuesday, Surrogates featuring Bruce Willis comes out on DVD & Blu-ray. It packs quite the punch action wise...story wise, not so much. Keep reading for the details.
How do you save humanity when the only thing that's real is you?
From the director of Terminator 3 comes a jaw-dropping psychological thriller starring the ultimate action hero, Bruce Willis. In the not-so-distant future, where people experience life through perfect surrogates controlled from the safety of their own homes, murder is a thing of the past. But when a college student linked to the creator of these replicants is killed, one FBI agent must re-enter reality and risk his life to unravel the mystery. In the battle of technology versus humanity, who can you trust? Experience every electrifying moment of this mind-blowing movie. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel and exploding with unforgettable action, Surrogates is nonstop entertainment from start to finish!
Surrogates can be described as a psychological sci fi action thriller and yet after watching it, there is so little of all of the above, with the exception of action that it seemed to touch the surface of the depth this film could have had. The idea though not original is still entertaining and thought-provoking however the execution fell somewhat flat. The film was not nearly as exciting as viewers may expect it to be and its many plots tying in together might confuse viewers instead of intrigue them. The idea of losing our true selves and living without flaws and faults laid on us by society thanks to our perfect surrogates who we live our lives through seems enticing. We find out soon enough that all that glitters...though the message that this film means to send could have been much stronger. There are also more unanswered questions than ever which makes me slightly tempted to read the graphic novel that this is based on to see what pieces are missing. It doesn't stop there with just the story, as the characters are very interesting but the film is so short that there is not nearly enough time to feel truly invested in and devoted to any of them except Tom Greer (Bruce Willis). Surrogates seems more like a decent start to an incredible franchise of films though it is not so on its own it will have to do simply as a decent film that had so much potential.
Bonus Features:
"I Will Not Bow" Music Video by Breaking Benjamin - The music video tells the entire film of Surrogates in just a few short minutes and the lyrics to this song are phenomenal. Can't say if this song was written specifically for this film, but it sure seems like it. What a well directed and edited music video and the song is beautiful! Quite thought provoking and inspirational.
Commentary - The commentary was conducted by Director, Jonathan Mostow who immediately lets viewers know that this film is an adaptation of a graphic novel and then begins to discuss the challenges of adapting the film and the narrative structure for the film. What I fount to be interesting was that he talked about how people can see the film as portrayed in present day (somewhat the near future) Boston or in an alternate reality. There is so much discussed in every minute of the commentary...Mostow does a wonderful job at giving an abundant amount of insight into the film making and storytelling. You will not be disappointed after watching this commentary.
Own Surrogates on DVD & Blu-ray January 26, 2010.
How do you save humanity when the only thing that's real is you?
From the director of Terminator 3 comes a jaw-dropping psychological thriller starring the ultimate action hero, Bruce Willis. In the not-so-distant future, where people experience life through perfect surrogates controlled from the safety of their own homes, murder is a thing of the past. But when a college student linked to the creator of these replicants is killed, one FBI agent must re-enter reality and risk his life to unravel the mystery. In the battle of technology versus humanity, who can you trust? Experience every electrifying moment of this mind-blowing movie. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel and exploding with unforgettable action, Surrogates is nonstop entertainment from start to finish!
Surrogates can be described as a psychological sci fi action thriller and yet after watching it, there is so little of all of the above, with the exception of action that it seemed to touch the surface of the depth this film could have had. The idea though not original is still entertaining and thought-provoking however the execution fell somewhat flat. The film was not nearly as exciting as viewers may expect it to be and its many plots tying in together might confuse viewers instead of intrigue them. The idea of losing our true selves and living without flaws and faults laid on us by society thanks to our perfect surrogates who we live our lives through seems enticing. We find out soon enough that all that glitters...though the message that this film means to send could have been much stronger. There are also more unanswered questions than ever which makes me slightly tempted to read the graphic novel that this is based on to see what pieces are missing. It doesn't stop there with just the story, as the characters are very interesting but the film is so short that there is not nearly enough time to feel truly invested in and devoted to any of them except Tom Greer (Bruce Willis). Surrogates seems more like a decent start to an incredible franchise of films though it is not so on its own it will have to do simply as a decent film that had so much potential.
Bonus Features:
"I Will Not Bow" Music Video by Breaking Benjamin - The music video tells the entire film of Surrogates in just a few short minutes and the lyrics to this song are phenomenal. Can't say if this song was written specifically for this film, but it sure seems like it. What a well directed and edited music video and the song is beautiful! Quite thought provoking and inspirational.
Commentary - The commentary was conducted by Director, Jonathan Mostow who immediately lets viewers know that this film is an adaptation of a graphic novel and then begins to discuss the challenges of adapting the film and the narrative structure for the film. What I fount to be interesting was that he talked about how people can see the film as portrayed in present day (somewhat the near future) Boston or in an alternate reality. There is so much discussed in every minute of the commentary...Mostow does a wonderful job at giving an abundant amount of insight into the film making and storytelling. You will not be disappointed after watching this commentary.
Own Surrogates on DVD & Blu-ray January 26, 2010.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
New Music: Kristine Elezaj
New York native, Kristine Elezaj made quite a memorable performance at WDRE’s Mega Jam Concert last summer with LMFAO and Sean Kingston and now her single, “Let You Know,” can be heard on radio stations in the tri-state and nationwide on Siruis Radio’s Hit 100!
Ryan Brockington from the New York Post said it best describing Kristine as, “...reminiscent of an early Britney Spears.”
Check out this up and coming 24-year-old singer & dancer in her Behind the Scenes video on YouTube as she prepares for her new music video, “Souvenirs.”
Also check out a teaser for the “Souvenirs” music video here and stay tuned for Kristine 's debut album coming soon.
Follow on Kristine Elezaj Twitter.
Ryan Brockington from the New York Post said it best describing Kristine as, “...reminiscent of an early Britney Spears.”
Check out this up and coming 24-year-old singer & dancer in her Behind the Scenes video on YouTube as she prepares for her new music video, “Souvenirs.”
Also check out a teaser for the “Souvenirs” music video here and stay tuned for Kristine 's debut album coming soon.
Follow on Kristine Elezaj Twitter.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Book Review Part 2: Searching for Tina Turner
Last month you read Part 1 of the book review for Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline E. Luckett which releases in stores January 27, 2010 and now Hollywood the Write Way is presenting you with Part 2! You may or may not be surprised with what I have to say. Although you will be somewhat surprised because there are spoilers galore in this review. Check it out...
On the surface, Lena Spencer appears to have it all. She and her wealthy husband Randall have two wonderful children, and they live a life of luxury. In reality, however, Lena finds that happiness is elusive. Randall is emotionally distant, her son has developed a drug habit, and her daughter is disgusted by her mother's "overbearing behavior." When Randall decides that he's had enough of marriage counseling, he offers his wife an ultimatum: "Be grateful for all I've done for you or leave." Lena, realizing that money can't solve her problems and that her husband is no longer the man she married, decides to choose the latter.
Searching for Tina Turner took a turn that I was not expecting when in the second half of the book, Lena takes her friend, Cheryl to France to see Tina Turner in concert and during her stay in France, sees of all people...her ex boyfriend, Harmon from over 20 years ago.
But wait, there’s more! Harmon told Lena that it was between her and another woman who he would choose to get married to and Lena was rejected because the sex was better with the other woman! I won’t tell you what Lena did and never told Harmon or Randall but my own personal beliefs made me detest Lena all the more. Anyway, it’s over 20 years later and Harmon’s single, Lena’s newly divorced…and it’s France. I think you know what happens. Though leave it to Randall to complicate a good thing as he comes to France to try to woo Lena back. Well, in the end it is never clearly stated who Lena ends up with. Though it would seem she would end up with Harmon after their time together in France, she just as easily could have gone back to Randall after (MAJOR SPOILER) Lena’s mother passes away. Aside from finding out about Harmon’s occupation and relationship history with Lena, there is not enough back story on this guy to really see just how much he has matured and changed. It seems we are just supposed to take his word for it that he is a better person now. Even still, is Harmon really good for Lena or does Harmon just want to spend the rest of his life with someone he was once in love with because it is easier than finding a new love?
Though the book is not called, “Searching for Love,” so getting to the more important focus… Remember how in Part 1 of the review, I asked, “Why Tina?” Well Lena’s explanation is this…Tina conquered fear. She makes me feel like I can do anything, makes me know change is possible, and age isn’t a barrier. Great explanation, but after reading that, I am somewhat displeased with the ending. Sure, Lena comes face to face with Tina Turner in the airport, but she never truly found the Tina Turner in herself. Readers never find out if Lena took up photography as a career in California, Chicago, France, or somewhere else. Readers never find out if the bad habits she lived with in her marriage to Randall continued on in her relationship(s) to come. Readers never find out if she conquers her fears. Lena’s mother’s death in the ending seems like a cop out to answering this vital information. The ending is simple and comes at far too quick a pace, so open ended. It is generally okay to leave things open ended but for a story about someone searching for the Tina Turner inside herself and then readers never see that unfold in her life, they just see the knot in her stomach loosening up…hmmm. I hate to say it since this is Lena’s happiness we are talking about but it was written best in the book, “Sometimes the dream is better than reality.”
Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline E. Luckett will become available January 27, 2010.
On the surface, Lena Spencer appears to have it all. She and her wealthy husband Randall have two wonderful children, and they live a life of luxury. In reality, however, Lena finds that happiness is elusive. Randall is emotionally distant, her son has developed a drug habit, and her daughter is disgusted by her mother's "overbearing behavior." When Randall decides that he's had enough of marriage counseling, he offers his wife an ultimatum: "Be grateful for all I've done for you or leave." Lena, realizing that money can't solve her problems and that her husband is no longer the man she married, decides to choose the latter.
Searching for Tina Turner took a turn that I was not expecting when in the second half of the book, Lena takes her friend, Cheryl to France to see Tina Turner in concert and during her stay in France, sees of all people...her ex boyfriend, Harmon from over 20 years ago.
But wait, there’s more! Harmon told Lena that it was between her and another woman who he would choose to get married to and Lena was rejected because the sex was better with the other woman! I won’t tell you what Lena did and never told Harmon or Randall but my own personal beliefs made me detest Lena all the more. Anyway, it’s over 20 years later and Harmon’s single, Lena’s newly divorced…and it’s France. I think you know what happens. Though leave it to Randall to complicate a good thing as he comes to France to try to woo Lena back. Well, in the end it is never clearly stated who Lena ends up with. Though it would seem she would end up with Harmon after their time together in France, she just as easily could have gone back to Randall after (MAJOR SPOILER) Lena’s mother passes away. Aside from finding out about Harmon’s occupation and relationship history with Lena, there is not enough back story on this guy to really see just how much he has matured and changed. It seems we are just supposed to take his word for it that he is a better person now. Even still, is Harmon really good for Lena or does Harmon just want to spend the rest of his life with someone he was once in love with because it is easier than finding a new love?
Though the book is not called, “Searching for Love,” so getting to the more important focus… Remember how in Part 1 of the review, I asked, “Why Tina?” Well Lena’s explanation is this…Tina conquered fear. She makes me feel like I can do anything, makes me know change is possible, and age isn’t a barrier. Great explanation, but after reading that, I am somewhat displeased with the ending. Sure, Lena comes face to face with Tina Turner in the airport, but she never truly found the Tina Turner in herself. Readers never find out if Lena took up photography as a career in California, Chicago, France, or somewhere else. Readers never find out if the bad habits she lived with in her marriage to Randall continued on in her relationship(s) to come. Readers never find out if she conquers her fears. Lena’s mother’s death in the ending seems like a cop out to answering this vital information. The ending is simple and comes at far too quick a pace, so open ended. It is generally okay to leave things open ended but for a story about someone searching for the Tina Turner inside herself and then readers never see that unfold in her life, they just see the knot in her stomach loosening up…hmmm. I hate to say it since this is Lena’s happiness we are talking about but it was written best in the book, “Sometimes the dream is better than reality.”
Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline E. Luckett will become available January 27, 2010.
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