Hollywood The Write Way

Chuck Finale... It's So Hard to Say Goodbye...

2012-01-27T18:55:00.002-05:00

We fought and we fought hard for a season two, three, four, and five of Chuck. It seems like just yesterday I was at Comic Con watching the "Pilot" episode but tonight is the season five finale and series finale. Where did the time go? I am far too emotional right now to gather the words that I want to say about Chuck so instead here are some parting words from the cast. Grab the Kleenex.

Chuck the Two Hour Series Finale airs tonight at 8/7c on NBC.

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall Coming to Blu-ray and DVD

2012-01-27T18:47:00.006-05:00

Just in time for its 25th Anniversary, The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall is coming to Blu-ray and DVD! What a treat!

Broadway’s longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, coming to Blu-rayTM – with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound- DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on February 7, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. On October 2, 2011, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh marked the 25th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, “The Phantom of the Opera,” with a lavishly staged production at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall that was beamed live via satellite to cinemas across the globe. The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall marks the first time a live performance of the blockbuster musical has been made available for home viewing, making it a must-have anniversary release for fans everywhere.

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall stars Ramin Karimloo (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actor in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the lovestruck Phantom and Sierra Boggess (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the beautiful and gifted soprano Christine. The show also features Barry James, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson and Wynne Evans, as well as special guest appearances from the actors who originated the roles of The Phantom and Christine, Tony® Award winner Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, in a memorable final curtain call.

“Phantom” aficionados will also be thrilled to know that “Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacular follow-up musical will also arrive on Blu-rayTM and DVD for the first time on February 7. With lush visuals and a mesmerizing score that rivals the original in power and beauty, this live production of “Love Never Dies” finds Christine and the Phantom reunited in turn-of-the-century New York City after a decade apart.

“The Phantom of the Opera” premiered at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on October 9, 1986. It has won more than 60 major theatre awards, including seven Tony® Awards and three Olivier Awards, and became the longest-running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486th performance. “The Phantom of the Opera” has grossed over $5.6 billion worldwide and been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries. Live productions of “The Phantom of the Opera” are currently playing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas and Kyoto.

Blu-ray and DVD Bonus Features:
* The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall
- “Getting Past the Point of No Return:” A behind-the-scenes “Making Of” feature starring the cast and crew.
* Love Never Dies
- “Making Of” Featurette: Take a look behind the scenes at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s breathtaking sequel.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL CAST AND FILMMAKERS:
Cast: Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Barry James, Wendy Ferguson, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, Wynne Evans, Sergei Polunin
Producer: Cameron Mackintosh
Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by: Charles Hart
Book by: Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Based on the novel: Le Fantôme de L'Opéra by Gaston Leroux
Additional lyrics by: Richard Stilgoe
Film Directed by: Nick Morris
Stage Production Directed by: Laurence Connor based on the original London Production directed by Hal Prince
Musical Staging and Choreography: Gillian Lynne
Lighting: Patrick Woodroffe and Andrew Bridge
Sound: Mick Potter
Set Design: Matt Kinley, inspired by Maria Björnson’s original design for the stage

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall releases on Blu-ray and DVD February 7, 2012.

Oscar Catch Up... on a 55''

2012-01-27T18:22:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but every year I find myself scrambling to watch most, if not all of the Oscar nominated movies back to back, starting 4-6 weeks before the actual ceremony. Last year I was able to see a few of the films including The Help, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. I just recently watched the documentary, Hell and Back Again which had me in tears in a few spots. But there are a number of films that I still have yet to see including Midnight in Paris, Drive, Moneyball, The Artist, etc...

For those of you who are farther ahead in your movie watching, Oscar nominated or not, here's a fun opportunity for you. Movies On Demand is giving away a brand new 55" 3D HDTV flat screen TV to an individual who submits a video of them reenacting one of the all-time greatest movie lines (i.e. a famous line from Forrest Gump, The Godfather, Silence of the Lambs). For more information about the giveaway, visit Movie Moments and good luck! Also, feel free to hit the comments and let me know what movies you still have to catch up on before the Oscars!

Must Watch Pieces on Documentary Channel This Winter

2012-01-27T18:14:00.003-05:00

In celebration of Black History Month, and the one-year anniversary of DOC's Black Documentary Cinema monthly series, every Tuesday night in February, Documentary Channel will be showcasing their best BDC films from the past year, culminating in the US TV premiere of "Infiltrating Hollywood" on 2/28.

But that's not all! Every Saturday in March, Documentary Channel will celebrates the woman's perspective in "Her Take" which will showcase documentaries by female filmmakers.

I am most anticipating the following:
Sunday March 4, 2012 8:00 PM
Carpet Racers - Radio controlled race car drivers- professional and competitive.

Saturday March 10, 2012 8:00 PM
The Price of Sex - Eastern European women forced into prostitution abroad.

Saturday March 17, 2012 8:00 PM
The Heretics - Inside the feminist art collective that produced “Heresies: A Feminist Publication on Art and Politics” (1977-92).

You do not want to miss these pieces! Documentary Channel is primarily available through satellite television services DISH Network (Channel 197) and DIRECTV (Channel 267). As a big fan of documentaries, I urge you to find a way to make sure you see these if you are unable to with your television service provider. Thank me later!

About Documentary Channel:
Documentary Channel (DOC) is the USA's first 24-hour television network exclusively devoted to documentary films and the independent documentary filmmaker, providing viewers with round-the-clock opportunities to see fascinating, eclectic and award-winning documentary films of all lengths and genres. For more information on DOC, visit the network website.

The Whistleblower is on Blu-ray & DVD

2012-01-27T17:52:00.005-05:00

The Whistleblower released this week on on Blu-ray & DVD and after finding out about the film and its incredibly moving story recently, I have added it to my list of must see films.

Release Date: January 24, 2012
Rating: R
Running Time: 112 minutes (additional 30 minutes of bonus material)

How far will one woman go to fight global injustice? Clandestine secrets are waiting to be exposed in the gripping dramatic thriller THE WHISTLEBLOWER, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD January 24 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Inspired by true events, THE WHISTLEBLOWER has been met with praise by critics and heralded at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (“Best Narrative Feature”), Seattle Film Festival (“Best Director”) and Whistler Film Festival (“Best Film,” “Best Narrative Feature”).

Academy Award winners Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardner) and Vanessa Redgrave (Julia) head a powerful cast that includes Oscar® Nominee David Strathairn (Good Night and Good Luck) in writer-director Larysa Kondracki’s harrowing dramatic thriller. When Nebraska cop Kathryn Bolkovac (Weisz) accepts a U.N. peacekeeper position in post-war Bosnia, she uncovers a deadly sex trafficking ring. After learning that fellow peacekeepers and military contractors are involved in the ghastly practice and its cover-up, Bolkovac risks her own life to save the lives of others and expose the corruption. With masterful acting and a heart-racing plot, THE WHISTLEBLOWER is an acclaimed film inspired by actual events and includes stellar supporting performances from Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”), Monica Bellucci (The Matrix Reloaded) and David Hewlett (“Stargate: Atlantis”).

Kathryn and many of her American colleagues could have benefited from a quick Bosnian or Croatian language lesson. Here, we will explain some common words and phrases to help travelers, including "Hello," "Thank You," "Do You Speak English?" and "Help." Use our handy guide for common travel phrases in Spanish, French, Vietnamese and, of course, Croatian.

“Hello!” in four different languages:
Spanish: ¡Hola!
French: Bonjour!
Vietnamese: Xin chào!
Croatian: Bok!

If you’re foreign language skills are minimal, knowing how to ask people if they speak English is especially useful. Here is how you do that:
Spanish: ¿Hablas Inglés?
French: Parlez-vous anglais?
Vietnamese: Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
Croatian: Govorite li engleski?

If you’re in a foreign country, you may need to ask someone for help, perhaps in getting directions, or in case of an emergency. Here is how you say “help:”
Spanish: Ayuda!
French: Aidez-moi!
Vietnamese: Giúp đỡ!
Croatian: Pomoć!

No matter what country you travel to, you will, inevitably, need to use the bathroom while sightseeing. Here is how you ask where you can find the toilet:
Spanish: ¿Dónde está el baño?
French: Où sont les toilettes?
Vietnamese: Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?
Croatian: Gdje je WC?

If someone helps you by answering a question or pointing you in the right direction, saying “thank you” is the polite thing to do. Here is how you say this phrase:
Spanish: Gracias!
French: Merci!
Vietnamese: Cảm ơn!
Croatian: Hvala!

Be sure to pick up The Whistleblower on Blu-ray & DVD today.

Trailer: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

2012-01-11T17:28:00.003-05:00

I was just made aware of the upcoming film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which follows a group of British retirees who decide to "outsource" their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. I'm very intrigued.

Photo Credit: Ishika Mohan

Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is directed by John Madden and stars Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson and Dev Patel.

What do you think?

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel releases in limited theaters May 4, 2012.

Paul McCartney Set To Release "Kisses On The Bottom" Next Month

2012-01-11T17:15:00.004-05:00

Fellow Paul McCartney fans, it has been announced that the new album is titled, "Kisses On The Bottom."

‘Kisses On The Bottom’ is a collection of standards Paul grew up listening to in his childhood as well as the two new McCartney compositions ‘My Valentine’ and ‘Only Our Hearts’. The album was recorded at the legendary Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, New York and London throughout 2011. McCartney completed the album with the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, Diana Krall and her band, as well as guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder. The Deluxe CD Album will feature two bonus tracks plus access to a download of the Capitol Studios show, longer liner notes, and expanded packaging featuring three postcards.

Tracklisting
01. I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter 02:36
02. Home (When Shadows Fall)04:04
03. It’s Only A Paper Moon 02:35
04. More I Cannot Wish You 03:04
05. The Glory Of Love 03:46
06. We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me) 03:22
07. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive 02:32
08. My Valentine 03:14
09. Always 03:50
10. My Very Good Friend The Milkman 03:04
11. Bye Bye Blackbird 04:26
12. Get Yourself Another Fool 04:42
13. The Inch Worm 03:43
14. Only Our Hearts 04:21

Paul McCartney's Kisses On The Bottom releases February 7, 2012. For more information, visit www.paulmccartney.com

Clip from Tangled Short

2012-01-11T17:09:00.004-05:00

Tangled quickly became a staple in my home ever since I received the Blu-ray Combo Pack so I am thrilled to share a clip of the new Tangled short, "Tangled Ever After" which releases this Friday in front of Beauty & the Beast 3D. Check it out:

I cannot wait! Will you be checking out Tangled Ever After as well as Beauty & the Beast 3D this weekend?

Beauty & the Beast 3D hits theaters January 13, 2012.

Untouchable Airs on Lifetime Next Saturday

2012-01-11T16:57:00.003-05:00

I must admit that I do not remember the case of Stacy Peterson. Do you remember this a few years back when police officer, Drew Peterson fell from grace after the mysterious disappearance of his fourth wife? Well, whether this was on your radar or not, Lifetime is bringing the movie version of this unfortunate journey to you next weekend. The film stars Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation”) and Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”) so I'm in. I'm always in for anything Cuoco works on but more than anything, I am very intrigued by this story, so I will be tuning in. Will you?

Charming Chicago-area officer Drew Peterson (Lowe) seemed virtually “untouchable” in more ways than one when it came to his womanizing ways, having been married three times before landing the eye and affection of Stacy Cales (Cuoco), a woman half his age. As Peterson’s relationship with Stacy blossoms, his relationship with third wife Kathleen Savio (Cara Buono, “Mad Men”) unravels in a bitter divorce — until Kathleen is inexplicably found dead in an empty bathtub. Soon after Peterson makes Stacy his fourth wife and they have their first child, his jealousy and controlling ways begin to strain their marriage. Suddenly Stacy disappears, leaving her two children and Peterson’s older children behind. Peterson insists that Stacy left him for another man, but in the wake of her disappearance, new questions are raised about Kathleen’s death and her case is reopened, drawing national media attention to Peterson and the strange cases of Kathleen and Stacy. Peterson seems to bask in the media attention, professing his innocence and announcing his engagement to yet another younger woman. But when authorities take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding both cases, a different kind of spotlight is placed on him as more questions arise. Are Kathleen’s death and Stacy’s still-unknown whereabouts just a tragic coincidence? Or is there more there than meets the eye?

Watch Untouchable Saturday, January 21st at 8/7c only on Lifetime.

DVD Review: Vegucated

2012-01-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

Release Date: January 9, 2012
Rating: N/A
Running Time: 1 hour 17 minutes

Vegucated is a feature-length documentary that follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. There’s Brian, the bacon-loving bachelor who eats out all the time, Ellen, the single mom who prefers comedy to cooking, and Tesla, the college student who avoids vegetables and bans beans. They have no idea that so much more than steak is at stake and that the fate of the world may fall on their plates. Lured with true tales of weight lost and health regained, they begin to uncover hidden sides of animal agriculture and soon start to wonder whether solutions offered in films like Food, Inc. go far enough. Before long, they find themselves risking everything to expose an industry they supported just weeks before.

But can their conviction carry them when times get tough? What about on family vacations fraught with skeptical step-dads, carnivorous cousins, and breakfast buffets?

Part sociological experiment, part science class, and part adventure story, Vegucated showcases the rapid and at times comedic evolution of three people who share one journey and ultimately discover their own paths in creating a kinder, cleaner, greener world, one bite at a time.

As a former vegetarian and an individual interested in taking on the vegan lifestyle here and there, I was very interested in catching the documentary, Vegucated. This was a very thought provoking journey as viewers follow three meaters' experiment to live the vegan lifestyle for six weeks. What is so great about this experiment is that these individuals do not just try out the vegan lifestyle simply for health reasons. Over time, they learn about the food industry and how the animals are treated before slaughter. While at times, what is shown is a bit gruesome, it's not in your face and trying to make a point against what's going on... these are ordinary people who walk up to a slaughterhouse or farm and see what vegans/vegetarians have been talking about for themselves... no dramatics necessary.

Vegucated starts out as a fun, lighthearted experiment to switch up diet but soon turns into a great educational tool for anyone curious about dipping their feet into various reasons why people go vegan. Going vegan is a journey and Vegucated captures that journey beautifully. Vegucated is thought provoking and life changing. This documentary has heart and that is immediately seen when you see the style of directing that takes over. Vegucated is compelling and will attract your family and friends in your home whether they have thought about the vegan life or not. Simply put, Vegucated will undoubtedly become one of your favorite food documentaries of the year. So be sure to pre-order your copy today.

Own Vegucated on DVD today.

"Reading Is Not Optional" Says, Walter Dean Myers

2012-01-05T13:51:00.003-05:00

Book lovers, it was recently announced that Walter Dean Myers, five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and two Newbery Honors, has been named National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. Myers will serve in the position during 2012 and 2013, succeeding Katherine Paterson. He has chosen "Reading Is Not Optional" as the heading for his platform. The inauguration ceremony will take place on January 10 at 11:00 a.m. in Room LJ 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

"Walter Dean Myers is well-known to attendees of our National Book Festival," said Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole. "He was a popular presenter in 2001, during our first festival, and also in 2003 and 2005. We look forward to his appearance at this year's festival in September."

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Children's Book Council (CBC), and Every Child a Reader, the CBC foundation, are the founders and sponsors of the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature initiative which you can read more about here.

Walter Dean Myers boasts more than 100 published books, including the New York Times bestseller Monster, the first winner of the Michael L. Printz Award, a National Book Award Finalist and a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. He is the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults and in 2009 delivered the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, a distinction reserved for an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of children's literature. He is among today's most-honored authors. Myers grew up in Harlem, which is the setting for many of his books, and currently resides in Jersey City, N.J.

What's Your Number? Coming to Blu-ray & DVD This Tuesday

2012-01-05T13:40:00.005-05:00

Ring in the New Year with a fresh and funny tale about dating, relationships and life as Anna Faris (Scary Movie Franchise, The House Bunny) and Chris Evans (Fantastic Four, Captain America) come together in a hilarious quest for “the one” in WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? Unrated Ex-tended Cut, debuting on Blu-ray and DVD January 10 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Release Date: January 10, 2012
Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 106 minutes

After reading a magazine article that insists if a woman has slept with at least 20 people that they have already missed Mr. Right, marketing executive Ally Darling (Anna Faris) begins to panic, thinking that she will be alone forever. With the help of her hunky new neighbor (Chris Evans), Ally starts tracking down all her ex-boyfriends, hoping to find her real true love while she helps him escape his latest fling. Hilarious hijinks and adventure ensues as Ally goes on her wild search for the best “ex” of her life, only to find what she is looking has been right in front of her all along.

Featuring hysterical supporting performances from Chris Pratt (Moneyball, “Parks and Recreation”), Joel McHale (“The Soup,” “Community”) and Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live,” Hot Rod), WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? is based on the book “20 times a Lady” by Karen Bosnak and will be available as a Blu-ray combo pack and single disc DVD. Flaunting an unrated extended cut of the film and loaded with laugh-out-loud bonus material including new expanded flashback dates and gag reel, the Blu-ray combo pack and single disc DVD will be available for an average retail price of $29.99 and $19.99 respectively.

Bonus Features:
*Extended Cut of Movie
*Extended Flashback Dates and deleted scenes
*Gag Reel

Own What's Your Number? on Blu-Ray and DVD January 10, 2012.

Blu-ray Review: Rise of The Planet of The Apes

2012-01-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

Release Date: December 13, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 105 minutes

A single act of both compassion and arrogance leads to a battle unlike any other when RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES makes its worldwide debut on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download on December 13th in North America and starting December 7th Internationally. From the Oscar-winning® visual effects team that brought to life the worlds of Avatar and Lord of the Rings comes revolutionary new ground - a CGI ape that delivers a dramatic performance of unprecedented emotion and intelligence, and epic battles on which rest the upended destinies of man and primate.

James Franco (127 Hours) stars as Will Rodman, a neuroscientist living in San Francisco trying to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by testing on chimpanzees, giving them a human level of intelligence. After a test subject’s baby, Caesar, is orphaned, Will decides to raise him at home on his own with his Alzheimer-stricken father (John Lithgow; “Dexter”). What begins simply as a continuation of his experiment quickly turns into a problem for Will, as Caesar is taken away from him and forced to live in a primate facility. As Caesar’s intelligence continues to grow, he begins to stake his claim as the leader of his new primate counterparts, which will ultimately lead to the RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.

Directed by Rupert Wyatt (The Escapist), this special effects blockbuster features fantastic supporting performances from Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Brian Cox (Red), Tom Felton (Harry Potter films) and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) in a ground-breaking performance. The RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Blu-ray is loaded with bonus material including deleted scenes, making-of featurettes commentaries and more.

Having never seen a Planet of the Apes movie before, I was in for quite a treat with Rise of The Planet of The Apes. I had heard that The Planet of The Apes remake a few years ago was terrible and was never particularly interested in the original but I took a chance on this film, the origin story and I am so glad that I did.

The casting for one, was superb. It seems as though every role James Franco takes on is made just for him. The lead and supporting cast did such a wonderful job bringing me into this world which is normal, except for one thing... the rise of the apes. Watching the journey that is taken, it's sad, it's heartbreaking, but things turn around but it takes time for this to take place since there's a lot of growth that needs to take place. Something that I had not anticipated this film having a lot of was heart but I was gladly mistaken. Director, Rupert Wyatt did a wonderful job capturing just the right frames and really reaching into the characters' souls. That is not an easy thing to do. And the cinematography is so beautiful! Talk about visually captivating. Motion caption acting is also not easy to do right so credit where credit are due. Really, every aspect of the film was perfect. Well, okay, the pacing of the first half of the story could have been a little quicker, but other than that, I have no problems with the film. What each moment builds up to is worth it. It's intense.

Rise of The Planet of The Apes is one of the most compelling tales of 2011 with an abundance of special features to boot. If you enjoyed the film and do not yet have a blu-ray player, I would suggest you make this your first blu-ray purchase as you head out to get your player. There are hours of bonus features including not one but two commentaries and one of my favorite features, "Breaking Motion Capture Boundaries." There is plenty to learn about the making of this film in the special features so if you are interested in this aspect, you are in for quite a treat! What a fantastic job everyone involved did on this film. Rise of The Planet of The Apes is a must see and the Blu-ray is really the only way to go here. Be sure to get your copy today!

Bonus Features:
*Deleted Scenes
Alpha Gets Shot
Will’s Meeting with Lab Assistants
Will Discovers Caesar Has Solved Puzzles
Caesar Plays with Bicycle
Caesar Questions His Identity
Caesar Bites Off Neighbors Finger
Will Ignores the Risks of an Airborne Mutated Virus
Rodney Gives Caesar a Cookie
Rocket Gets Hosed by Dodge
Caesar Destroys the Lab and Koba’s Attempted Revenge on Jacobs
Caesar Pushes Helicopter
Koba with Shotgun

* Pre-vis for The Future
* Capturing Caesar – Script to Screen
* Studying the Genius of Andy Serkis
* Multi-Angle: Rocket Cookie Scene
* A New Generation of Apes
* Breaking Motion Capture Boundaries
* Breaking New Sound Barriers: The Music and Sound Design of Rise of the Planet of the Apes
* Ape Facts
Chimpanzee
Gorilla
Orangutan
* Audio Commentary by Director Rupert Wyatt
* Audio Commentary by Writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver
* Character Concept Art Gallery
* Three Theatrical Trailers

Own Rise of The Planet of The Apes on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

Fit Gear Review: A.U.R. Collection

2012-01-05T12:28:00.000-05:00

Not often do collections create their brand with the mindset of reaching "All That You Are" and blatantly promoting it that way, so it is with great pleasure that I bring to you A.U.R. Collection which has three distinct categories: Active, Authentic, and Aware.

As far as style goes, my favorite collection is the AUR Active Collection since it seems to be the most creative and fun. The polos feature the stretch of Spandex and is just as soft and lightweight as you would hope it to be. Each collection has that quality about the active wear in which it is easy to move around in.

Style aside, my favorite collection hands down goes to the AUR Aware Collection because it is eco-friendly, using environmentally responsible fabric. CarboCool fabric contains a blend of Polyester and Bamboo Charcoal. How many pieces in your wardrobe can you say have carbonized bamboo? Added bonus... Anti-Odor & Added UV Protection!

Finally, there's the AUR Authentic collection, home to the more traditional golf inspired assortment of sweaters, vests, pants and shorts with the classic colors of Black, Taupe, Navy and Charcoal. One of my favorite aspects about entire line is that the synthetic fibres create a strong, crease resistant fabric which takes one less duty (ironing) off your mind. Now, if you're like me and want to be stylish while you're active, check out the Active Collection. If you're all about being eco-friendly, there are plenty of options in the Aware collection as well, so be sure to tell your family and friends about this collection as well. So what are you waiting for? It's time to get fit in style while saving the planet! Get to it!

For more information, visit AURGolf.com.

Jane by Design Style Challenge #7: Get the Look

2012-01-04T21:08:00.000-05:00

Wow! I have made it to the final round in the Jane by Design Style Challenge! Thank you to everyone responsible for helping me get to this point! It means so much to me!

So Jane by Design premiered last night and what a fascinating hour of fashion it was! Although by the end of the episode, the one person who stood out the most was actually the woman who led Jane into her interview at Donovan Decker. She was simple, adorable, and professional which is a look that I absolutely love. After observing her style, I wanted to share with you how to get her look and start off your new year of fashion right!

Check out a similar look below from the Pre-Spring 2011 Elizabeth & James Collection. This collection is available at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Sak's 5th Avenue, Intermix, and various boutiques near you. For a location near you, click here.

But if you've already got a blouse in your closet that speaks more to you and all you need is one more piece to finish the look, check out the trousers below which are from French Connection and are on sale for $120. It's a great investment for the quality that you are getting, so be sure to order your pair today!

Your turn! Share your “get the look” tips here and be sure to mention “Hollywood the Write Way!” Again, thank you all so much for your support!

And in case you missed it, check out Challenge #1 here, Challenge #2 here, Challenge #3 here, Challenge #4 here, Challenge #5 here, and Challenge #6 here!

Jane By Design airs Tuesdays at 9pm/8c on ABC Family.

Christa B. Allen Talks Revenge!

2012-01-04T19:38:00.000-05:00

One of my new favorite shows of the TV season, Revenge returns with all new episodes tonight as its winter hiatus comes to an end. There is so much that I am anticipating taking place in the second half of the season and Christa B. Allen was kind enough to talk a little bit about it just in time for tonight's all new episode!

You've seen her as a younger version of Jennifer Garner in the films “13 Going on 30” and “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.” And today, “Revenge” marks Allen's first prime time series. Allen plays Charlotte Grayson, daughter to the all too powerful for her own good Hamptons queen, Victoria Grayson. The relationship between mother and daughter has been rather interesting to say the least after the bomb Amanda dropped. And there's also a budding romance that we have to look forward to from Charlotte as well. So let's get right down to it and get a tease straight from Allen:

What would you say is your favorite characteristic about Charlotte?
I love Charlotte's brazen ability to say anything to anyone. She's fearless!

So what would you say is your favorite aspect of the show?
I love the romance! I think everyone's looking for some kind of companionship, it's just so fun to see how they get there through this twisted Hamptons lifestyle!

Can you talk about what we can expect to see between Charlotte and Declan?
Char and Dec are so young- I think when you're seventeen anything related to love and relationships is all new- you are just try to figure it out day by day. I mean, they almost moved out together! Now with things so rocky at home for Charlotte, Declan's really going to have to be there for her and show her what an amazing guy he is.

Charlotte's relationship with her mother is understandably strained considering what Victoria said in the therapy session. Do you think that Charlotte can ever reconcile with her mom?
I want Charlotte to learn what NOT to do from her relationship with Victoria. Not that Victoria is all bad, just highly damaged from mistakes in her past. But if Charlotte can take her family situation and become a smarter, better person for it- that's exactly what I hope for her!

All of that said, Emily is on a mission to take down the Graysons... so when the truth comes to the light, what do you think people would want to see more... Charlotte take out her own act of revenge after Emily or become an ally?
So far we've only seen Charlotte display simple acts of rebellion against her parents and their turbulent methods of handling things. But they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree... if Emily does anything to hurt Daniel, I can see Charlotte getting her hands dirty to protect the only family she's truly close to!

Revenge airs Wednesdays at 10/9c only on ABC.

Broadway Tour Review: Hair

2012-01-04T18:52:00.001-05:00

HAIR depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the 60’s and 70’s that changed America forever. The musical follows a group of hopeful, free-spirited young people who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free-love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality during the Vietnam War. As they explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, the show resonates with an irresistible message of hope more than 40 years after it first opened on Broadway.

HAIR won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival as well as the Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical. HAIR was also nominated for an additional seven Tony Awards including Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design. The cast recording was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage, HAIR features a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot.

Without question, Hair is the most exhilarating and moving musical that I have ever seen. Everything about the people in Hair is every reason why I was born in the wrong time. Everything about this production is every reason why I love musicals. But what stands out about Hair is that there is a such constant flow of music, more constant than any other musical currently on tour... so much so that when there is talking, it's actually a little odd. The music truly tells the story here. The score has such a constant flow that you continually feel the instruments roar through your body and the lyrics reach in your soul. The music is timeless as are the messages throughout the story. Such power. I love it.

When you think about the times, so many things still have not changed and that is one of the aspects that really draws so many viewers in. It's remarkable how time can pass and so many different generations come through and yet there still the same conflict. And in all of that, hippies have fears too. Love prevails and peace attempts to, there's fun and all of that but the members of the tribe are human too. There's more to sex and drugs to these individuals and Claude's situation shows that. While the show has been changed quite a bit since the original off-Broadway opening, the messages have not been changed and still stay close to our hearts. They will always be in your heart after seeing this production.

Hair is visually stunning in its set, wardrobe, characters, and choreography which is beautiful, so free. The characters are so colorful, rich, and have a depth that can only be completely appreciated when you can throw away judgement and welcome vulnerability. It doesn't matter if you were in the movement from the 60s - mid 70s or are a teenager today, Hair will resonate with you for more reasons than none. The audience participation will certainly add a spice to your theatre experience as well. Yes, I joined the tribe onstage at the end of the performance for the dance party and I recommend that you do the same. It is such a powerful moment, words can't even describe. But if I had to, the words that come to mind are pure joy. You will leave the theater on such a high and be rejuvenated with life like never before. Such positivity. Such realness. Such talent. What a character Steel Burkhardt (Berger) is. Fantastic casting. I was impressed with the cast, including Marshal Kennedy Carolan (Claude), Sara King (Sheila), Mike Evariste (Hud), Phyre Hawkins (Dionne), Kaitlin Kiyan (Crissy), Aleque Reid (Jeanie), and Jamila Sabares-Klemm (Tribe) among others that I was blown away by. The lungs on these people. Wow. Simply put, the 2009 Tony Award Winning Musical for Best Revival of a Musical coming to Philadelphia made my Broadway season.

Hair runs at the Academy of Music January 3-8, 2012. The show runs at approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, including intermission. Tickets range from $20-$100 and can be purchased by telephone (215-731-3333), the Kimmel Center Box Office, or online.

Jane by Design Style Challenge #6

2012-01-02T19:25:00.001-05:00

Woo hoo! I have made it to Challenge #6 in the Jane By Design Style Challenge! Thank you so much for helping me get this far and starting off 2012 on such a high note!

As it is a new year, it's time for some inspiration. I love food but never did I think to let it be inspiration for fashion. So I was thrilled to be able to bring the two together for this challenge... taking something essential and translating it into something fresh. My only supplies for this challenge were three bags of 100 Calorie Pack Snyder's Pretzels, each bag holding different shapes. I took the most extraordinary shape of the three and decided to throw it onto my headband. Jane is a busy young woman, attending school and zipping over to her fabulous fashion job right afterwards. With no time to stop for a snack, I've made it easy for her to look good while being original and staying true to what she loves at school while also satisfying her hunger after school on the way to work.

What's your fashion inspiration? Think about it now. What is something in your everyday life that you are eager to jump at the chance to reinvent it? Share your fashion inspiration here and be sure to mention “Hollywood the Write Way!” Thank you all so much for your support! It means the world to me! And thanks Gray for keeping me around this far in the game! What an honor!

And in case you missed it, check out Challenge #1 here, Challenge #2 here, Challenge #3 here, Challenge #4 here and Challenge #5 here!

Jane By Design premieres TOMORROW NIGHT at 9pm/8c on ABC Family.

The Biggest Loser Challenge

2012-01-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

Alright folks! There are just two days before the next season of The Biggest Loser. For the latter half of 2011, I have been preparing myself for what I am excited to begin today and share with you throughout the new season of The Biggest Loser! I have set up my very own "The Biggest Loser Challenge" if you will and am thrilled (as well as daunted, but more thrilled) to be able to share my progress with you all so as to really be accountable! This season of the show has the theme, "No Excuses." With that said... let's get started!

Here are my BEFORE Photos:

Goal: 125-130lbs

WEEK ONE
Starting Weight: 154 lbs
Measurements: Chest 40" Waist 32" Hips 43"
Workout Regiment: 1 Mile Morning Run on T/F, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1 on T/Th/S

Netflix Catch Up - My Thoughts on The Biggest Loser:

Season 1:
Dana left too soon. Lizzeth’s elimination was cruel. Matt’s elimination was unjust. Ryan and Dave were jerks. Ryan's sense of humor is insensitive. Mo's elimination was long overdue. It's clear he wasn't ready to make the full commitment to this weight loss transformation. Andrea Baptiste was without a doubt my favorite contestant.

Season 2:
I really did not like the boys vs. girls theme since the girls were at a disadvantage, as males lose weight quicker than females. I also found the stair challenge at Universal Hollywood to be a nightmare. Having walked those stairs myself, I could not imagine racing someone up and down the stairs ten times! Maybe as a fit kid, but not right now. Perhaps once I reach my goal weight though! I also gained more of a likability towards Matt after he trained the gambling girls when their team mates completely abandoned them. And I loved how the teams were thrown out of the window as they knew it not too long afterwords. Humility party of 8. And on another note, Suzy was one of my favorite contestants of this season!

My favorite tip of the season: Change your behavior so you do not need rely on willpower. Willpower is greatly overrated. By destroying it, you make it incapable for you top submit to temptation. (Jillian poured salt over an ice cream dessert so a contestant could not eat it when he ordered it on an eating out occasion).

Season 3:
Kim Lyons stepping into Jillian Michaels' place this season was a bit of a shock since I was expecting no female trainer other than Jillian to be at the ranch for the show but Kim quickly grew on me. This is also apparently the last season with Caroline Rhea as host. I am a fan of Rhea's so I was soaking it up while it lasted. As for the theme this season, I absolutely loved that all 50 states were represented throughout the season (shout out to my fellow Jersey girl who definitely made us proud) and loved seeing how the two contestants from home blew the ranch contestants out of the water in the first weigh in. The ranch contestants had another thing coming thinking they could eliminate these contestants in those first two weeks that they were introduced.

Season 4:
Thoughts coming soon...

Watch The Biggest Loser Season 13 premiere Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 8/7c on NBC.

Jane by Design Style Challenge #5

2011-12-29T16:20:00.001-05:00

As New Year's Eve approaches, many of you may be wondering how you'll find the time to doll up for the evening after your busy day at the office. Well, you don't have to stress anymore about finding the time to change your clothes because you can spice up your work wardrobe with just a few changes in your accessories!

Style #1
Here's your wardrobe for a day at the office:

What's so exciting about working in the fashion industry is the creative freedom the staff has with their wardrobe. Which is why Jane can pull off these sparkly pants which help bring some personality to a typical work look. The belt on top of the shirt adds more style as opposed to just wearing a necklace and bracelet like most girls. So the belt and the choice of PANTS really make your office wardrobe stand out while still maintaining the level of professionalism throughout the day.

Style #2
Here's your wardrobe changed entirely for a cocktail party:

This is not your typical choice for a cocktail party but if you are bold enough to switch the gender boundaries and bring out the inner Diane Keaton in you, you can definitely pull off this look. You can keep the jacket on or leave it off, roll up the sleeves for s 3/4 look, add a flower to your shirt (or hair), change the style of the necklace as it best suits you, and roll up your shirt in the front & center (or even to the side) and make the prettiest flower wrap that you can, big or small. The pants are the same, but if you're really feeling adventurous, you can cut them and create a skirt. It all depends on preference and how comfortable you are rocking this bolder look.

A Closer Look at the Accessories:

There are two choices of earrings for the day and night and you can tuck in the strap to your purse and turn it into a clutch for the evening. As mentioned earlier, you can wear your necklace long for one style and double it for the other. The shoes are a classic black look that never go wrong and the flower always adds a sweet touch to any look.

So what are you waiting for? It's your turn! Share your day-to-night styling tips here and be sure to mention “Hollywood the Write Way!”

And in case you missed it, check out Challenge #1 here, Challenge #2 here, Challenge #3 here and Challenge #4 here!

Jane By Design premieres Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 9pm/8c on ABC Family.

Jane by Design Style Challenge #4

2011-12-26T19:55:00.001-05:00

It truly is the most wonderful time of year. Think about it. December is the one time of the year when everyone is thinking about the same thing... how to better themselves in the new year. It's a time for growth, a time for change, a time for reinvention. But before you go off and think about the inner, let's take a moment to be creative with the outer... more specifically, that dorky sweater that Grandma recently gave you and you have no idea what to do with it.

Before - Take a look at the sweater:

Take One - Here are the basic cut outs to my creation... holiday socks and slippers! I do like the plain black socks that for some reason, were the best gift in my stocking this year... but it's time to spruce it up! I hope Mom doesn't mind! And, we've all seen holiday socks, but how many of us have seen holiday slippers? Holiday slippers are going to be the trend next winter, so don't say I didn't tell you!

Take Two - Here are the scraps to my sweater, a slipper untouched and a slipper in its final stage of holiday cheer (goodbye balls!), as well as my lovely new holiday socks! What I learned during this stage... never underestimate what pins can do when sewing by hand becomes a hassle!

After - Take a look at my amazing new holiday socks and slippers!

Your turn! Share your own holiday inspired creations here and be sure to mention “Hollywood the Write Way!”

And in case you missed it, check out Challenge #1 here, Challenge #2 here and Challenge #3 here!

Jane By Design premieres Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 9pm/8c on ABC Family.

Jane by Design Style Challenge #3

2011-12-21T18:41:00.000-05:00

This entry is for all of the purse lovers out there. Growing up, I never understood people’s love for shoes but walking towards the purse section in malls, I was and still am a kid in a candy store. A purse is what stands out to me when I’m looking at other individuals, as I go throughout my day. Never underestimate the impact that a purse has because it represents an individual in ways that go beyond the designer’s name.

My purse above best represents me at the current stage in my life for many reasons. Ever since I was little girl, I have been fascinated with big bags. Why not carry my entire life around with me every where I go? But a few years ago, a loved one bought me a small purse for Christmas and I thanked her graciously but had so much anxiety over how I was going to fit my life into such a small purse. Using the purse was not a question, how long I was able to survive with it was the real question. I am proud to say that I used that purse for over a year... and then my rocky relationship ended with this particular purse so it came time to give it away or toss it as I do when each relationship ends. I don’t hold onto my purses because they represent a space in time for me and I will not hold onto that baggage. There is no nostalgia when it comes to my purses, only the agenda of moving forward.

Now, as a twenty something year old woman, I know that all of that extra baggage was weighing me down not only physically but mentally. Ever heard of that song, “Little Things” by India Arie? Well, let’s just say that the purse that my loved one gave to me was one of the best gifts that I have ever received. It helped me see that I don’t have to carry my world on my shoulder and I will still be just as content, if not, more. So today, I carry smaller bags like the one above... adjustable straps a plus!

With the Nine West purse above, I can place my iPhone, wallet, Kindle, keys, camera, voice recorder (for interviews), all natural lip balm, all natural hand lotion, gum/cough drops, pen, and mini note pad, all without a budge! The rest of my belongings are not necessary... or are in the trunk of my car if I really do need them. I can place this spunky purse on my shoulder, heading out for a girl’s night out or place it across my body for a walk around the village in New York. This purse is the ultimate chameleon that way. Stylish, simple, comfortable, and fit for every occasion. That’s what I look for in a purse and that’s what I’ve found here. What about you? Share the bag that best represents you here and be sure to mention “Hollywood the Write Way!”

And in case you missed it, check out Challenge #1 here and Challenge #2 here!

Jane By Design premieres Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 9pm/8c on ABC Family.

Jane by Design Style Challenge #2

2011-12-19T23:42:00.000-05:00

Who is your style icon? That is the question of the week as we end the year and think about how to best present ourselves in 2012. My style icon is Phoebe Halliwell from The WB series, Charmed. Phoebe Halliwell takes risks. She wakes up in the morning and dares to shine. That's what I've attempted to do in my design above, which I created from a plain white tee.

What’s so fascinating about Phoebe's style is that her choices are so clever and yet so effortless. For those who have followed her journey, you’ll remember that Phoebe’s style evolved from a young, unemployed, soon to be college student inspired by her stint in New York City to a successful advice columnist home in San Francisco who wore her heart on her sleeve. Her environment and her emotions brought out the best of her free and oh so lovable spirit. I wanted to bring out the color of love, if you will, in my design which is why I chose pink. This was quite a change since pink is not a color I generally take to. So round of applause for branching out!

Phoebe's environment and her emotions also brought out not just color to the passing eye but also to the one looking deeper, the ability to acknowledge the dreamer in them. No matter how much money is in Phoebe’s pocket and her resources, no matter the most unbelievable spells she is under in her magical world, Phoebe manages to bring all eyes on her and challenges those eyes to see the world in all its beauty. This simple but funky creation above was inspired by that beauty and hopes to pass it on as well.

The way that Phoebe mixes and matches, which is not an easy thing to do, has encouraged me to take some risks of my own when layering. And whether a goddess of love or just another writer at the office, Phoebe knows how to dress for the occasion and still stand out. Because she is such a risk taker, there is trial and error at some point in time or another but that’s how you learn and grow and Phoebe has done so much of that over the years. To be able to inspire people to be confident and comfortable in their own skin, especially as a woman, and their choices is a gift that some people have and Phoebe Halliwell has got that gift.

It’s not just about the wardrobe though. Phoebe has the whole package. Her makeup always blends naturally and smoothly with her clothing of the day and her hair is a character of its own. Phoebe’s pixie cut was my absolute favorite look of hers. There are not many women willing to cut off all of their hair but Phoebe did it, rocked it, and rocked every stage of hair growth until it returned back to its shoulder length from earlier days. At times, Phoebe will accent her hair with a red flower, clip, or another accessory we often tend to forget are out there. Let’s face it, how many people can truly pull off wearing a hair net when not working around food? While we stopped following Phoebe’s weekly adventures four years ago, Phoebe will always be a top fashion icon in my look book.

As Lennon said, "You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one." So now it’s your turn to tell me about your style icons here and be sute to mention “Hollywood the Write Way” when you do!

And in case you missed Challenge #1, be sure to check it out here!

Jane By Design premieres Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 9pm/8c on ABC Family.

Jane by Design - Donovan Decker Interview

2011-12-15T22:02:00.001-05:00

I am beyond thrilled to share the news that Hollywood the Write Way is a proud participant in the Jane By Design Style Challenge!

This game is a three week fashion challenge for bloggers, which is inspired by the new ABC Family original series, Jane By Design premiering Tuesday, January 3 at 9pm/8c.

The challenge takes me into the fictional world of the high-fashion design house Donovan Decker. How cool is that? I will be “applying” for a job as the official Donovan Decker blogger and if I make it through all of the assignments, I'll be one happy lady! You will be too, as there's room for you trendsetters to win here as well! If I win, you win! Keep that in mind as the challenges roll in! In fact, continue reading to find out how you can help me on my first challenge!

As an entertainment blogger, this is a wonderful opportunity for me to share my fashion sense so I am very excited to be able to participate! Especially since the game involves a trunk full of necessities needed to complete each challenge. Stay tuned to find out what's in the trunk. In the meantime, take a look below at my first completed challenge below... discover as many fabulous finds as you can with $50. Afterwards, head on over here to share your very own haul videos and be sure to mention "Hollywood the Write Way" in your video!

Jane By Design premieres Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 9pm/8c on ABC Family.

A Handful of Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-12-15T12:08:00.006-05:00

Since seven is my favorite number, I want to share with you all seven gift ideas for the holiday season. If you've ever wondered where you can shop for everyday clothes that were made in America, check out All American Clothing Co. and for your athletic individuals out there, Darn Tough Vermont.

I haven't forgotten about my favorite part of an outfit... the handbags! Sally Spicer Bags has a number of cute handbags and accessories worth checking out. That's not what you'll be picking up on your way out for a good workout, so instead, check out the Ultimate Running Belt to hold your water bottle, keys, ipod, phone, etc... It's definitely on my wish list!

Art Credit: Lucas De Alcantara

For ambiance, I'd recommend a good old Yankee Candle. For inspiration, try Society 6 where artists from all over the world upload their designs and sell them as prints, canvases, t-shirts, iPhone cases, and more. The Children's Art Project is also worth looking into as artwork by patients from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is sold and all of the profits go directly to the pediatric programs!

So I hope these gift ideas find you well and at least one of these are a great addition to your gifts this year. Happy Holidays!

Scottie Thompson Talks TNT's DECK THE HALLS

2011-12-14T21:15:00.002-05:00

Mystery Movie Night on TNT is raising the bar with next Tuesday's premiere of the holiday mystery movie, Deck the Halls, starring Scottie Thompson (NCIS). And just in time for the holiday mystery movie, I had the opportunity to speak with Thompson about the film, staying healthy throughout the holidays, and more. Check it out:

Deck the Halls is Based on the first book in Mary Higgins Clark and daughter Carol Higgins Clark’s serbes of holiday mystery novels, this warm-hearted story brings together two of the authors’ most popular characters: Cleaning-woman-turned-private-eye Alvirah Meegan, played by Kathy Najimy (Sister Act,Franklin & Bash) and Detective Regan Reilly, played by Scottie Thompson (Star Trek, Skyline). The women investigate the kidnapping of Regan’s father and a young female driver just before the holidays. The race is on to rescue the pair and get them home in time for Christmas. Two-time Emmy winner Jane Alexander (Testament, Warm Springs) plays Regan’s mother, famed mystery writer Nora Regan Reilly. Larry Miller (10 Things I Hate about You, The Nutty Professor) plays Willy Meehan, Alvirah’s husband.

Had you read the first novel in the series from which Deck the Halls is based on prior to be cast or afterwards?
No, I read it after I got the offer. Even though I already read the script and knew what was going to happen, I am a big reader. It was a pretty quick read since it is so suspenseful.

So what was your favorite element of the script, and did it differ in the book?
From an acting standpoint, playing the detective and someone personally involved in the case was the most exciting part of it. It's not like she's solving any case, this directly affects someone she loves. So I thought that was my favorite aspect of the script and it is the same for the book as well.

What did you learn from the director, Ron Underwood (Santa Baby 2, Holiday in Handcuffs) while on the set
How to move at an incredibly fast pace and still get as many moments in as possible. He is an incredibly calm human being. We were filming at such a quick pace and he was calm throughout the entire process. It was an 18 day shoot.

Since you are a big reader, what are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. My next books in line are Judi Dench's Autobiography and... my favorite author ever (Haruki Murakami) just had a book release in October, 1Q84. I am looking forward to reading that.

How long have you been practicing yoga?
About ten years. I spent a long time dancing, professional ballet before I started acting and yoga is a nice way to stay in touch with that.

Can you give advice to those looking to get fit and maintain throughout the holidays, into the new year, and so on?
I say, moderation is the best rule. You want to have fun and enjoy yourself but keep it in moderation and don't forget to exercise.

Finally, what are your upcoming projects?
I just finished a film called Lake and we're waiting to see what will happen with that. I also have a few other projects in the works, so stay tuned.

Holiday Tid Bits:
Scottie's Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving. It's the simplest of the holidays. It's just about family and food... there's no presents or commercialization.

Scottie's Favorite Holiday Theatre Experience:
I grew up doing The Nutcracker and as many times as I've listened to the music, been in the ballet, and seen the ballet... I still love The Nutcracker. It's a great family story.

Be sure to follow Scottie Thompson on Twitter here.

DECK THE HALLS premieres Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 9pm ET/PT only on TNT.

Twitter Interview with Nat & Alex Wolff

2011-12-14T19:12:00.006-05:00

Formerly of Nickelodeon’s The Naked Brothers Band, indie rock singer-songwriters/actors and brothers, Nat & Alex Wolff, released their debut album, Black Sheep this past October. To celebrate their success at the close of the year, I was thrilled to be able to speak to them in quite a unique way. In case you missed my Twitter Interview with the duo, take a look below for the latest! Click each image to enlarge.

Black Sheep is available in stores and on iTunes now.

DVD Review - SWITCHED AT BIRTH: VOLUME 1

2011-12-13T13:07:00.002-05:00

Release Date: December 13, 2011
Rating: TV-14 DLS
Running Time: Approximately 430 minutes

From the studio that brought you “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” comes a groundbreaking new drama about the upheaval that two teen girls experience when they discover that they were accidentally switched at birth.

Bay Kennish, a talented graffiti artist with an edgy streak, grew up in a wealthy family with happily married parents and an older brother. Daphne Vasquez, an athletic teenager who lost her hearing at an early age, grew up with a single mother in a working class neighborhood. When the girls’ worlds collide, family bonds are tested, new romances are sparked, and they start to learn that it’s who they are inside that matters, not where they grew up. Relive the girls’ journey and catch up before the premiere with “Switched At Birth: Volume 1.” Including all 10 episodes plus exclusive collectible iPod skins, this two-disc set is a must-own for every fan!

Switched At Birth is one of my favorite new original dramas of the television season. I fell in love with the show even before it premiered and was ecstatic about its premiere. Switched At Birth is easily my favorite ABC Family original drama in a long time... probably ever. It's a journey of self discovery and discovering that there's a family you were born with and the family you choose after you find out that the family you were born with is not the one you were raised in.

It's about love, loss, and what happens when that lost loved is found. Relationships are tested. Lines are drawn. Lines are crossed. This circumstance is so rare that figuring everything out along the way with the characters makes the first ten episodes of the season the most fascinating episodes you'll watch this TV season. I am impressed with how well the character development is crafted as are the twists which are very much grounded in reality, which is not as easy as it seems to write for! The writers really put their heart and soul into this project as have the cast and the rest of the crew and it shows.

Best of all, this series will reel in not only you but your entire family. It reminds me of the days when my family would sit around for 7th Heaven. Hopefully it has just as healthy of a television life too. There aren't many wholesome shows on television today that can gather an entire family together but this one has. And I want to push how important it is to watch with your family because this show gives such an eye-opening understanding to hearing people about deaf culture and that needs to be seen by everyone. Marlee Matlin (“West Wing,” “The L Word”) also guest stars but the way that things play out, she mine as well have a recurring role. Simply put, Switched At Birth is my favorite summer show of 2011 and going into 2012, is going to continue to be one of my favorite shows ever. It's a gem.

Unfortunately, there are no bonus features on this DVD. Hopefully this will be re-considered when the Volume II DVD is released. There are Switched at Birth iPod skins included in this DVD if that accounts for anything.

Own Switched At Birth: Volume 1 on DVD today.

Blu-ray Review: The Hangover Part II

2011-12-13T12:11:00.000-05:00

Release Date: December 6, 2011
Rating: R
Running Time: 102 minutes

Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. What could go wrong? Director Todd Phillips' explosively funny follow-up to his award-winning smash hit demonstrates that though what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, what happens in Bangkok can hardly be imagined!

When it was announced that The Hangover was getting a Part II, fans of the first film, myself included, were thrilled with the news but also questioned how anything afterwards could be as good or better than the first. Simply put, it can't. But The Hangover Part II was a good attempt. What's great about the film is that whether or not you found it to be entertaining, it is clear that everyone involved had a great time working on this project. Where the film goes wrong is that the foundation is the same as the first film. A wedding takes them to their next city of destruction. Alan is to blame for what transpires. Stu once again damages his pretty face. Doug, once again is not involved in the day after festivities of figuring out what happened the night before. And there's a photo montage at the end of the film detailing all that happened. I had hoped we would find out more about what they did along the way the second time around. But no luck.

It's all too recycled to call this a great sequel. A good remake, maybe. There are simply far too many throwbacks to see this film as good on its own. That's not to say that this film doesn't have its laugh out loud moments. But it's all too rehashed that the funnier bits are moreso in the offhand comments. It must be pointed out though the wonderful jobs on the directing, cinematography, locations, music. Still, if there's the option to watch The Hangover or The Hangover II, I choose The Hangover. But if your expectations weren't very high and you enjoyed The Hangover II, you'll really enjoy the the Blu-ray edition!

Bonus Features:
Unauthorized Documentary (25:26 minutes) - Call it a parody or mockumentary. Call it what you want but don't call it a documentary. "Documentarian Filmmaker," Miles Davis-Davidson is on a mission to find footage that exposes what really happened in Bangkok. Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are deemed the bad guys. Bradley Cooper's true appearance is questioned. Ken Jeong is the paranoid one, not willing to be the snitch...and Justin Bartha is just grateful for the attention. It's quite a funny little extra though it could have definitely been cut in half length wise and still been just has, perhaps even more hysterical.

Appearing in this Feature:
Documentary Filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock
Director, JJ Abrams (Super 8, Star Trek)
Cast Members, Gillian Vigman, Sasha Barrese, Matt Walsh, Jamie Chung, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Bryan Callen, Zach Galifianakis
VP & Editorial Director of Variety, Peter Bart
Producer, Todd Black (A Knight's Tale)
Behind the Scenes Filmmaker, Stefan LaFrontier
Production Spokesperson, Tom Glaylock
Zach's Stand In, Ethan Drulay
Jimmy's Au's For Men 5'8' and Under, Alan Au
Production Assistant, Jerome Sussman
Expert Lab Technician, Dr. Jay Solnit
Talent Liaison, Lori Ruggiero
Crystal's Trainer, Tom Gunderson
Production Chef, Wm. Diego
Director/Writer/Producer, Todd Phillips

The Comedy Rhythm of Todd Phillips (6:59 minutes) - This is a great feature on director, Todd Phillips even though it only just begins to cover the surface of how great of a director and collaborator he is. Todd's directing style, sense of humor, openness to improvisation and more are touched upon in this feature. It's a great feature worth watching and getting a feel for what it's like working with one of the most collaborative directors out there today.

Not Your Everyday Monkey (2:41 minutes) - If you like monkeys, animal actors, or witnessing Bradley Cooper's love for animals, this short feature is just for you. This feature did not really do anything for me other than continue to be amazed at how well animals take direction (on scree)n. Also appearing in this feature are Crystal's Trainer, Tom Gunderson and Director/Writer/Producer, Todd Phillips.

Bangkok Tour with Chow (3:03 minutes) - Ken Jeong takes viewers on a tour of Bangkok in character. I use the word "tour" loosely as you're really just following him as he rides through the town, getting glances of the town here and there. Even though Chow at times is actually quite annoying to me, I actually found this feature to be more hilarious than the "documentary."

* Gag Reel (4:53 minutes)
* Action Mash-Up - (46 seconds)

Own The Hangover Part II on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

Broadway Tour Review: Jersey Boys

2011-12-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sound and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty.

Photo: Joan Marcus

Directed by two-time Tony® Award-winner Des McAnuff, JERSEY BOYS won the 2006 Tony® Award for Best Musical, the 2006 Grammy Award® for Best Musical Show Album, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Musical (Australia), and continues to break box office records on Broadway and across North America. JERSEY BOYS worldwide has been seen by approximately 13 million people (as of July 17, 2011). JERSEY BOYS is written by Academy Award® -winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

JERSEY BOYS opened at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway to critical acclaim on November 6, 2005. The JERSEY BOYS National Tour opened to rave reviews in San Francisco on December 1, 2006, played a record-breaking run in Los Angeles and is still breaking house records in cities across North America. When the Philadelphia return engagement launches in December, there will be six worldwide productions of JERSEY BOYS: New York, London, Las Vegas, Sydney, Australia, and two US National tours.

Boy, was I in for a magnificent music history lesson last night as Jersey Boys settled into the Forrest Theatre for its Philadelphia tour run. It was a night of firsts for me. Last night accounted for the first time I made my way to the Forrest Theatre which is significantly smaller than, more intimate than the Academy of Music which I loved. And while I have owned the original Broadway recording of this musical for years, it was the first time seeing Jersey Boys on stage... as well as the original Franki Valli & The Four Seasons who so kindly came out at curtain call! Only at home! Oh what a night!

The cast was led by Philadelphia-area native Brandon Andrus (Nick Massi), Colby Foytik (Tommy DeVito), Jason Kappus (Bob Gaudio) and Brad Weinstock (Frankie Valli) as The Four Seasons, with Barry Anderson and Thomas Fiscella. I was particularly fond of Jason Kappus. His voice made me melt! What a talent. Not only that but he played Bob Gaudio who I actually found to be more intriguing than Frankie Valli because he seemed to be the mastermind, the hit maker. I wanted to get inside Bob's head. While I have owned the Broadway recording for years, I have only listened to the recording a handful of times so as not to become too invested before seeing the show. So when the music came back to me, I did not realize just how many hits The Four Seasons were responsible for. Talk about Jersey pride! This group's musical achievements alone make me proud to be from here. And the harmonies. Bravo! The crowd was cheering during "Sherry," rocking to "Big Girls Don't Cry," and clapping along to "Oh, What a Night" while I connected to "My Eyes Adored You." These boys may have been making hits awhile before I arrived on this earth but their music, these lyrics are timeless. "My Eyes Adored You" won me over. The group choreography from the late 50s and on also reeled me in. These guys have the full package! Had I been an early teenager when The Four Seasons took America by storm or were at their peak, I would have had their poster on my wall.

Because Jersey Boys is home right now on their tour run, the Jersey jokes are especially appreciated and hysterical. The camaraderie in the theatre was like no other. The story was equally as moving. Watching the group come together, have their Destiny's Child moments going from a foursome to threesome and twosome and back to foursome... I don't even know if I got it right, but you get the point... from dealing with the gravity of fame whether it tie to family, finances, or being friends within the group... so much was touched on in Jersey Boys. It's a great testament to the life of a member in a group, no matter what decade. The loyalty. Frankie being indebted to Tommy. There was so much beauty and tragedy to take in. Watching the journey, it was a real treat. I learned a lot and was able to fall in love with The Four Seasons decades after their first hit. It's no wonder Jersey Boys on Broadway was awarded 4 Tony Awards, 2 Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Drama League Awards. The cast and crew have put together a magnificent show here which I am sure is just as wonderful as the current Broadway run. So when Jersey Boys comes to a town near you, don't hesitate to buy your tickets!

Fun Facts:
Jersey Boys company needs four men to play Frankie Valli: one, six times a week; another, twice weekly; and two understudies.

There are 10 musicians (including the Conductor) in the touring company, many of them appearing on stage.

Jersey Boys in Philadelphia, PA broke the Forrest Theatre's box office record that was previously held by The Phantom of the Opera and went on to break its own record seven more times.

Jersey Boys runs at the Academy of Music December 6, 2011 - January 14, 2011. The show runs at approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission. Tickets begin at $52.50 and can be purchased by telephone (800-447-7400 ), at the Forrest Theatre box office (1114 Walnut St), or online. There will be no performances on Saturday, Dec. 24, Sunday, Dec. 25 and Sunday, Jan 1, 2012.

Blu-Ray Review: The Help

2011-12-10T18:40:00.000-05:00

Release Date: December 6, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: Approximately 146 minutes

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society‟s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

The Help stars Emma Stone as the courageous Eugenia „Skeeter‟ Phelan, who goes against the beliefs of her family and friends to find her own voice. The critically praised, emotional performance of Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, a woman who secretly dreams of one day having more than she has been given, offers a deep emotional storyline. The breakthrough performance of Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, whose sass and tough exterior disguise the pain and fear she faces every day, brings both drama and humor to the film. Bryce Dallas Howard breathes life into the catty Jackson socialite Hilly Holbrook and Jessica Chastain brings charm and humor as Celia Foote, a kind housewife living outside of town who longs to fit in. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly also provide vivacious performances that round out this all-star female ensemble.

The Help had been on my "To Read" list for quite some time but it wasn't until right before the film came out that I made sure to read every word of the most talked about novel of the year. Fresh in my head, I had so many hopes for this film and my hopes were exceeded. This was the perfect adaptation and it wasn't until I watched the "Making Of" feature that I really understood why it came out the way that it did. This film has so much heart and passion driving it and that is what really brought this film to life. The screenplay is outstanding. The directing and the cinematography are beautiful. What a colorful film. So rich and bright all throughout even though the story is so heartbreaking at first. Wonderful contrast. And the casting could not have been any better. Jackpot with the casting. Everyone captured the characters that Stockett created in just the right way and you can tell that they all wanted to because this is a period piece that will live on and they wanted to do it justice. Job well done.

For someone who has not read the novel, the film will move you. It will make you very angry. I was prepared for what I would see and yet at times, I was still very upset. Bryce Dallas Howard really brought her character to life. She played that part to the core. What a fantastic job. But as time goes on, the anger settles as this race of women rise up and make their voices known. Plus, there are some comedic moments thrown in to bring light to such a heavy time and at times, uncomfortable tone. If you are hesitant about trekking back to this time, don't be. Watch The Help and let it settle in your heart right where it needs to be. I think that everyone should watch The Help at least once a year to not just put us all in check but inspire us to be heard and maybe even be the voice that saves another. There are so many lessons in this film, in this book. It translates perfectly, but I must say that I also would love for The Help to be required reading in schools as well. Author, Kathryn Stockett is going to be remembered long after she is gone for this piece of work. It's so genuine. Simply magnificent. So be sure to pick up your copy of The Help as it will be one of the greatest helps to yourself and those around you.

Bonus Features:
The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film - What a fascinating feature this is! Photos from on location as well as a tour of the houses, church, etc... led by Taylor is intertwined with the interviews in this features seamlessly. Author, Kathryn Stockett and Writer/Director, Tate Taylor (also born and raised in Mississippi), and cast member, Octavia Spencer lead this feature, detailing the making of The Help. These three individuals have quite a history which I did not know about, nor did I know that Spencer inspired the character of Minnie... so there's definitely plenty to learn here about how exactly the cast and crew connected and worked together on this film. It was also reaffirming to see and hear Spencer say that she was put off at first by the dialect in the book. But she pushed through, I did, and millions of other readers did and boy was it worth it! This is the perfect "Making Of" featurette because it starts at the beginning and doesn't miss a step in the process... Stockett gets the idea for the book, Stockett gets rejected over 60 times before getting an agent who believed in her project, the director and screenwriters are chosen, the cast is chosen, history is recreated on location, and close friends succeeded in bringing their love letter to life. If you though the film made you cry, discovering Stockett and Taylor's journey will have you in tears too. What a beautiful piece.

Also Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Allison Janney, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sissy Spacek
Producer, Brunson Green
Executive Producer, Chris Columbus
Production Designer, Mark Ricker

In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi - Actress, Octavia Spencer and Writer/Director Tate Taylor interview a small circle of former maids (and their daughters), including Taylor's childhood maid. One of the real life maids shared that she became a maid at thirteen years old. It's truly mind blowing to see a handful of woman who inspired the book/film. To put a true face to this history, words cannot express. The former maids and their daughters were treated to a beautiful lunch with all of the good food that you could imagine from Mississippi and footage of the luncheon was intertwined well with the interview. This is a sweet tribute and one of the greatest history lessons from the mouths of those who lived it. It doesn't get any better than that.

Deleted Scenes - There are five deleted scenes with introductions by Director, Tate Taylor. "Humiliated" was without a doubt my favorite scene though I am glad that this was cut for the reasons that Taylor explained. "Keep On Walkin" is also quite a special scene for those who read the books. All of the scenes are worth checking out, so go ahead and press "Play All."

* “The Living Proof” Music Video by Mary J. Blige

Own The Help on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

DVD Review: The Office Collection Special Edition

2011-12-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: 450 minutes

Written and created by Golden Globe winners Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the DVD special edition features the complete, original UK series plus all new bonus features. BBC AMERICA first introduced U.S. audiences to the comedy genius of Ricky and Stephen when it premiered the show in 2003. At its launch The New York Times called it pretty much the funniest show ever while Newsweek declared it the best comedy on television. It went on to win two Golden Globes, inspire the U.S. version on NBC and continues to influence the tone and look of everything from television comedy and movies to commercials and pop culture at large.

The Office Collection Special Edition is the must have Christmas gift for any fan of The Office. What better a way to spend the holidays than with the 10th Anniversary of the original BBC series? It's a refreshing change from the Christmas classics that will invade your television screens shortly and will surely bring equal amounts, if not greater amounts of laughter and smiles for everyone. But the best part isn't even the laughs from the entire series. Because this is a special edition, there is obviously more to the DVD collection than series one, two, and the Christmas specials. The extra footage with the creators goes beyond the typical episode introduction. The way that the very interviews from the creators, cast, and celebrity fans (including Matthew Perry, Ben Stiller, and Hugh Jackman), bloopers, etc... are intertwined with all of the episodes of the series is brilliant. It's like video commentary with a twist! I wouldn't want to watch the episodes any other way now. And the episodes are just as hysterical as they were when each of them first aired. The Office is truly timeless. Because no matter where you work or who you interact with, there's something to relate to here and the parody of it all makes it engaging to watch all easier to handle in real life.

As someone who did not previously own the original DVD collections, there is an outstanding amount of bonus features on this collection which really is quite an overwhelming amount of insight into what went behind making one of the greatest comedies in television history along with outtakes, a music video, and other fun extras. Just to be clear, the extras from the original collections and an entire slew of new extras are included. The only downside to the extras is that there is no "Play All" option for web videos, deleted scenes, etc... but aside from this one flaw, it is worth watching every single moment of the bonus features. I especially enjoyed it since I was not on board with this phenomenon as it happened. I got into the American version of The Office early on but it's not the same as watching the original series play out in all its glory. So I can't even say to make sure watch a certain bonus feature, because it's best if you watch them all... especially the original Pilot. You'll have an even greater appreciation for the people who brought you this series and fall in love with The Office all over again. The Office Collection Special Edition is a gem. Get it while you can!

Bonus Features:
*Full Pilot (19:24 minutes)
*Comedy Connections: The Office (38:43 minutes)
*Web Videos - The Beginning, The Style, Comedy, Staff Training, Impact (41:52 minutes)
*Exclusive Documentary: How I Made The Office (39:16 minutes)
* Outtakes with an introduction by Ricky Gervais (7:43 minutes)
* Deleted Scenes with an introduction by Ricky Gervais
* Video Diary (20:10 minutes)
* The Office: Closed for Business Documentary (22:35 minutes)
* Golden Globes Featurette (5:46 minutes)
* "If You DOn't Know Me By Now" Music Video
* Full Band Version of “Freelove Freeway”
* Director’s Commentary (The Office Special Part 2)

Own The Office Collection Special Edition on DVD today.

Uma Thurman Set To Appear on Smash

2011-12-10T12:41:00.004-05:00

I'm really excited about the news that Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill) will have a five-episode guest-starring arc on NBC’s new musical drama, Smash as I am played out my copy of The Producers and I am dying to see her back in the musical world in any way that I can!

Thurman will play a famous and somewhat difficult movie star who flirts with the idea of starring in “Marilyn,” the musical within the musical. Sounds wonderful to me! I cannot wait for this show to premiere and for Thurman's arc to begin!

“Smash” is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire – to be a “smash.” The series centers on the process of creating a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe – written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, “Legally Blonde: The Musical”) and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, “Will & Grace”). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband Frank (Tony Award nominee Brian d’Arcy James, “Shrek The Musical”).

A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty Karen (Katharine McPhee, “American Idol”) – who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds – and stage veteran Ivy Bell (Megan Hilty, “9 to 5: The Musical”), who's determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston, “Prizzi's Honor”) discovers the “Marilyn” project and jumps on board with a brilliant director, Derek (Jack Davenport, “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) – whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. Jaime Cepero (“Porgy and Bess”) stars as Ellis, and Raza Jaffrey (“Sex and the City 2,” “MI-5”) stars as Dev.

The series stemmed from an idea of executive producer and multiple Emmy and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg (“ER,” “Schindler's List”). The pilot was written by acclaimed playwright/screenwriter Theresa Rebeck (“Mauritius,” “NYPD Blue”). David Marshall Grant (“Brothers and Sisters”), Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning “Chicago,” “Hairspray”) and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey (“United States of Tara,” “The Borgias”) also serve as executive producers. Original songs are written by Tony and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray,” “Catch Me If You Can”), who serve as executive producers as well. The pilot was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” “American Idiot”).

Smash will debut on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 10pm ET only on NBC.

The Voice: What You Haven't Heard

2011-12-10T12:36:00.003-05:00

Even before The Voice premiered on NBC earlier this year, I knew that it would become my favorite singing competition on television period. So you can imagine how ecstatic I am about the upcoming second season, especially with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green all coming back as coaches. Until then, catch up with the coaches, Season 1 winner Javier Colon and finalists in this new video below!

The Voice Season 2 premieres right after the Super Bowl on 2/5/12 only on NBC.

Must Watch Tonight: EXTREME CHRISTMAS TREES on TLC

2011-12-10T12:21:00.003-05:00

From the breath-taking decadence of the largest Tree Installation on the Vegas Strip to a fragrant fir adorned with over $200,000 worth of carefully collected ornaments, this special will take you into the obsessed visions, the intense pressures and ultimately exhilarating rewards of installing a Christmas tree.

This one-hour special is more than a simple survey of unusual trees, it's an adventurous journey into the opulent excesses, dangerous pursuits and stunning installations of Christmas Trees that are so over the top -- they're Extreme!

Watch Extreme Christmas Trees TONIGHT at 9/8c on TLC.

DVD Review: The Art of Getting By

2011-12-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

Release Date: November 29, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 37 minutes

Get caught up in the story of an aspiring young artist and a “popular” girl who find themselves in a charming yet unconventional high school romance. A Sundance Film Festival favorite, THE ART OF GETTING BY is a delightful coming-of-age film set against the backdrop of New York City. Experience the beauty and emotional depth of THE ART OF GETTING BY on Blu-ray and DVD November 29th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

George (Freddie Highmore, Golden Compass, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), a lonely and fatalistic teen who’s made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, is befriended by Sally (Emma Roberts, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, What’s Wrong with Virginia), a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.

THE ART OF GETTING BY features stellar performances by an all-star supporting cast, including Michael Angarano (Almost Famous), Rita Wilson (Jingle All the Way), Sam Robards (American Beauty), Alicia Silverstone (Clueless), Elizabeth Reaser (Twilight: Breaking Dawn), and Blair Underwood (“Dirty Sexy Money”).

When it comes to a coming of age film and even a romance rolled into one starring Emma Roberts, I'd choose It’s Kind of a Funny Story over The Art of Getting By. I can respect Craig's reasonings in Funny Story more than George's here. There's so much more depth there than here and perhaps because I watched the films back to back, I have such strong feelings about this. George is a very intelligent boy but he's lazy, scared, and intimidated by the world... so he doesn't even try to be successful at life. That's what bugs me about this character. I can't root for him, even when he does cross paths with the charming and oh so lovable Sally, who encourages him to embrace life.

"I'm going through something." - George
"That's pathetic. - Dad
"At least it's the truth." - George
"What's that supposed to mean?" - Dad
George looks up and away with a slight roll of the eyes.

What I love about this moment above in the film is that it captures what I think of it all quite well. Yes, George is going through something but everybody is so his truth is not enough to reel me in. It's just pathetic. George's father may be denying the truth but his truth is more captivating because it comes across at more genuine and heartbreaking. George's story doesn't touch my heart. It's as simple as that.

The film is slower than I imagined it to be, predictable, and yet it does not have as much depth and insight as I anticipated. As mentioned before, not being able to connect with the main character also made this a challenge to completely enjoy. I'd say this film is worth watching at least once among the younger crowd so that you can decide on your own how you feel about it. Once you hit the early twenties, your entire perspective changes on the world (the first of many times that it will), and because of that perspective, it's a great challenge to enjoy this film as an older audience viewer with this different perspective. George is so closed off to the world, for reasons that seem so silly to anyone who has already overcome... and even many who haven't but aren't acting out in the way that he is. He's far too immature to want to care about. The film has good intentions but the execution is simply not as good. Honestly, what kept me engaged for the entire film was the beautiful cinematography and visuals of New York. New York was its own character in this film and it in fact as the most captivating one. So just consider renting the film before adding it permanently to your collection.

DVD Bonus Features:
New York Slice of Life (2:34 minutes) - There's nothing more satisfying than a film based in New York being shot in New York. It really doesn't get any more authentic than that. But wait, it does when New Yorkers are behind the camera. In this feature, as behind the scenes footage is shown of filming on location, Writer/Director, Gavin Wiesen talks about shooting the film in NY... shooting parts of New York that are often overlooked as well as his process of capturing the look for this film. This film is a love letter to New York so it was only right to have a bonus feature acknowledging that point. Also featured here are Cast Members, Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts as well as Producer, P. Jennifer Dana.

On Young Love (2:49 minutes) - Cast Members, Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts as well as Writer/Director, Gavin Wiesen touch upon the romance that drives the film and Emma Roberts couldn't have said it better. As Roberts said, "I think it's great that you kind of enter into the movie before they've really connected, but when you leave, you know there's so much ahead of them and I think that that's really sweet." Roberts has proven herself to be a talent to be reckoned with... an actress who really connects to the story and character at hand. And she is so very well spoken, it's so wonderful to see her maturing in her work and life. Bright girl. This is only the beginning.

Commentary - The commentary is conducted by Director, Gavin Wiesen. Wiesen is a very simple and direct commentator who provides a lot of depth to the making of the film, thus giving us a bigger appreciation for this film... but he lacks life. He's very dull. So if you don't mind this factor, I would definitely recommend viewing the film with the commentary on. Wiesen talks about everything including the development of the idea for this movie, writing the screenplay, casting, following geography of NY, post-production, interesting fun facts behind shooting some of the scenes, and more. It's worth watching.

Blu-ray Bonus Features:
DVD Bonus Features plus...
* Fox Movie Channel Presents – In Character with Freddie Highmore
* HBO First Look - The Making of The Art Of Getting By

Own The Art of Getting By on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

Amy Smart Talks 12 Dates of Christmas

2011-12-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

ABC Family’s New Original Movie, 12 Dates of Christmas airs this Sunday night and anyone who knows me knows that I adore ABC Family original movies, especially the Christmas movies! Best of all, Amy Smart and Mark-Paul Gosselaar are the leading stars here and both took some time out to talk about the upcoming film!

12 Dates of Christmas, starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved by the Bell, Franklin & Bash, NYPD Blue) and Amy Smart (Just Friends, The Butterfly Effect), follows a young woman who re-lives the same first date on Christmas Eve over and over again until she learns to open up her world to new things and stop living in the past.

12 Dates of Christmas in Amy's Own Words:
It’s incredibly humbling and enlightening and fun, and a journey everyone takes where you think you know what you want and then something in your life makes you fall on your … and you can see clearer about what life is really about and what really matters.

Getting Involved:
I actually got offered this role. I read the script and I really, really loved it and wanted to do it. Then, I was so happy that Mark-Paul signed on to do it afterwards because I think he’s so talented. Everyone’s a huge Zack Morris fan...

It was the first film that I’ve ever done where I was in every single scene. I really poured my heart and soul into this film. Honestly, I loved the script. I thought all the characters were so three dimensional and they all have their own voice. I like any story that starts one place and really takes a huge journey to a whole new place; that people in their life want to take that journey. They want to be able to find things in their life that aren’t working and work through them to a new place of change.

I think what’s endearing about this film is two people keep missing each other, who are meant to fall in love, but things keep going awry. It’s like this funny tale about two people wanting to connect and they always keep missing each other.

Amy on Her Character, Kate:
I really liked Kate because she is such a three-dimensional character. She’s still hopelessly in love with her ex-boyfriend and wants him back so badly. She’s stubborn. She’s work-driven and stubborn. She just wants what she wants. She kind of has that tunnel vision and doesn’t see past that. What I liked about this project is that I liked that Kate has to go through this transformational journey where she is pushed to her limits and has to keep reliving Christmas Eve over and over and over again until she can start to expand her horizons and see that maybe what she thinks she needs is not really what she’s going after. She’s given this chance to explore other possibilities that are better for her and her life that open her up and humble her...

There were definitely parallels in my life during this film because I’d gotten out of a long-term relationship and fell in love with a new man who I married. So, I could relate to her on that place of spending so much time trying to make something work that wasn’t meant to work.

What was it like working with James Hayman?
He was wonderful to work with. He really has such a great sense of comedy. That helped me tremendously. I trusted him so much because what I like about this film is it is a romantic comedy. You want to laugh and you want to play and enjoy. He just has such a great way of giving notes and expressing himself, and an eye for comedy. So, it was fun taking it to all these different levels. He helped to push me farther and farther. So, I hope I can work with him again.

In the movie, your character relives Christmas Eve until she gets it right. If you could do over any one day in your life, which day would you choose?
It's funny, because in hindsight, we have so much fear and anxiety about our future, the next day, or what’s happening in our lives. When you have that 20/20 hindsight that everything was going to be fine, you’re going to be okay, I don’t know of one specific day, but just trusting more in life and your journey. I know that sounds airy-fairy, but really just knowing if I could go back and know everything was going to be okay in certain circumstances; not to stress out about it. I think if anything, the best gift we can have is living in the present moment and really enjoying it for what it is; and, not being in our heads and getting sidetracked.

Have you ever been on a date that you wish you could relive?
That’s funny—not really. There’s dates that I would have liked to pass on.

What’s one of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love baking little Mexican wedding ball cookies. I love cooking during Christmas, all smells like the hot apple cider, the hot spiced wine.

This is your first married Christmas. So, I was wondering maybe what are you looking forward to that going to be different from previous years?
I’m really looking forward to just enjoying the Christmas spirit, not about being materialistic, just about the celebration of friends and family and cooking and singing and enjoying each other; just using this time to really enjoy our new marriage. That’s pretty much what I’m looking forward to.

Can you talk about your upcoming projects?
I actually just finished working on a horror film that the Japanese director, Takashi Shimizu directed. We did The Grudge. It was with Leslie Bibb and Ryan Kwanten and a bunch of other great actors. It all takes place in an airplane. That comes out next August, I think. Then, I have a recurring role on the second season of Shameless. That’s really fun to work on.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Surprise Guest Caller): This is Miles Meyer from ABC Family. Can you elaborate further on how talented and handsome your co-star, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, was?

Amy Smart: Mark-Paul is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He is such a generous actor, so caring. He definitely is a male. He’s not a boy. He’s a man.

Mark-Paul: Oh, really? He’s a man. Yes. Oooh, that sounds so sexy. I mean the man has the nicest butt in Hollywood. Did you ever get a look at it?

Amy Smart: No. I did not. I’m sorry.

Mark-Paul: Was he wearing snow pants?

Amy Smart: No. He wore jeans most of the time.

Mark-Paul: Does he have nice feet?

Amy Smart: Honestly, I did not check out his feet.

Mark-Paul: Yes, he’s got great hair, too. He’s just the perfect man.

ABC Family: Amy, we have a mystery guest. The previous caller was actually complimenting himself.

Amy Smart: Are you serious?! No way! I was like who is this crazy guy who wants to be Mark-Paul?

Mark-Paul: I love how you didn’t want to take it at all. You’re like, “I have the feeling that you’re trying to get me to say really risqué stuff.” I was like, yes, I am. Oh, man.

Amy Smart: Oh, well, if it’s you.

Mark-Paul: What do I call this? It’s like a photo-bomb, but it’s like an interview bomb.

Mark-Paul, what was your favorite part about filming this movie?
Well, it was a pleasure working with Amy. My co-star that I’m currently working with now worked with her and always spoke very highly of her. Working with her was a pleasure. So, the reason I came on board with this film was because she was attached to it. So, for her to follow-through with all the high praise that she’s gotten from so many people that I know was something that I appreciated. Yes, I think it shows on the film, too, that we enjoyed each other. We had a great working chemistry.

What has been the best date that you’ve ever had?
I don’t know. I haven’t dated a lot. I can’t really answer that question, but I would say that the date that my fiancée went on was pretty damn good and that’s why we’re still together now. Yes. I would say the date that I had with her.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?
Usually decorating the tree after Thanksgiving. We just did that with the kids. I love the way the house smells during the holidays. We try to light as many scented Christmas-y candles as possible, the pine cones. We’ll put on the stove cinnamon and cloves and heat those up. I like the music, too. I just like the atmosphere of Christmas.

How do you deal with a bad date?
I don’t like confrontation. I’ve been on a few bad dates, but nothing horrible, but knowing there was no chemistry there. I have such a hard time letting that person know that this is not going to work, unlike your character in the movie who was very honest and said this isn’t going to happen. I tend to just put my head into the sand and hope it goes away, which sometimes makes it even worse. It elongates the issue. But, I tend to just turn my back and hope that the scary thing goes away.

12 Dates of Christmas airs Sunday, December 11th at 8/7c on ABC Family.

Jon Bauer Set To Release US Debut

2011-12-08T07:31:00.006-05:00

Award-winning Canadian worship artist and songwriter, Jon Bauer is set to release his fourth worship album, Forevermore, in the U.S. this January!

Forevermore originally released in Canada this past May and made its debut on iTunes' New and Noteworthy section of the Christian homepage this past October. His single, “Chasing After Me,” hit No. 1 on the Canadian Christian Charts and Bauer has already had much success sharing his new music on his recent tour through Europe, Canada and the States. Bauer also recently released his second children’s album, Come And Save Us Kids Worship: Volume 2 on November 15th. It has been a busy year for Bauer! And this is just the beginning for the US!

Forevermore Track Listing:
1. Our God
2. Light Of Another World
3. Come And Save Us
4. Beautiful Name
5. Chasing After Me
6. A Prayer Away
7. Fall Over Me
8. Forevermore
9. Life Of Worship
10. Hosanna

Be sure to get a free download of Bauer's Christmas song, "Angels We Have Heard (Love Forever Reigns)," available this holiday season.

Buy the album, Forevermore by Jon Bauer on January 3, 2012.

All-New Face Off Sneak Peek

2011-12-07T09:28:00.002-05:00

I am beyond excited for the new season of Face Off. It became a favorite series of mine from the moment it premiered. And after all that has been revealed about what to expect for season two, the January premiere cannot come soon enough! Who else is excited?

Face Off Season 2 Premieres Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 10/9 only on Syfy.

Owl City – Live from Los Angeles Coming This February

2011-12-07T09:10:00.007-05:00

Owl City fans, you'll have to wait until after the holiday season for a hard copy of this one but it is well worth the wait!

Just as the All Things Bright and Beautiful World Tour draws to a close and filmed at LA’s Club Nokia this past July, Owl City – Live from Los Angeles is set to release on iTunes in North America on December 6th with the DVD and Blu-Ray versions set to be released worldwide on February 7th, 2012.

The Blu-ray & DVD copies will include bonus features (backstage footage and an exclusive interview) in addition to the concert. Owl City – Live from Los Angeles will give fans a rare chance to see into the creative world of Adam Young.

Track Listing:
1) The Real World
2) Cave In
3) Hello Seattle
4) Angels
5) Swimming In Miami
6) Umbrella Beach
7) I’ll Meet You There
8) Plant Life
9) Setting Sail
10) The Bird And The Worm
11) Lonely Lullaby
12) Fireflies
13) Dreams Don’t Turn To Dust
14) Kamikaze
15) Meteor Shower
16) Galaxies
17) Alligator Sky
18) Deer In The Headlights
19) Yacht Club
20) How I Became The Sea
21) If My Heart Was A House

Own Owl City – Live from Los Angeles on Blu-ray & DVD February 7, 2012.

Tabatha Takes Over Coming This January

2011-12-07T08:21:00.004-05:00

For the first time in series history, Bravo’s Tabatha Coffey takes her entrepreneurial expertise to a whole new level when the newly titled series, Tabatha Takes Over returns on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 10pm ET/PT.

Photo by: Craig Lassig/Bravo

Season four follows Tabatha as she travels across the country taking over various failing establishments and whipping them into shape with her professional advice on everything from management style and marketing materials to customer service and aesthetics. For one week, Tabatha takes over as boss and confiscates the keys as she brings her unapologetic, brutally honest approach to the business owners who are in dire need of her assistance. For a sneak peek visit here.

In the premiere episode, Tabatha heads into the Jungle Red salon in Minneapolis, MN where owner Suzanne Erickson seems more interested in acting like a teenager than a boss. Her staff is out of control and Suzanne has put most of the responsibility on her daughter Kari. To make matters worse, Tabatha is quick to discover that Jungle Red is a failing salon by day and the owner’s home by night. Tabatha has to motivate Suzanne to grow up and stop relying on her daughter to manage her staff so that Kari is free to pursue her own dreams.

The salons and businesses Tabatha will makeover include:

Barkingham Palace - West Hollywood, CA
Beyond Salon - Cherry Hill, NJ
Chill - Ventura, CA
Cinema Suites - Los Angeles, CA
Club Ripples - Long Beach, CA
Flavio Beauty College - Torrance, CA
H Design - Minneapolis, MN
Jungle Red - Minneapolis, MN
Pat's Hair Shoppe - Douglasville, GA
Salon Bridgette - Swedesboro, NJ
Salon Deco - Atlanta, GA
Sweetgrass - Atlanta, GA

It's going to be the best season yet! Can't wait!

Tabatha Takes Over returns Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 10pm ET/PT only on Bravo.

COMMUNITY Holiday Episode Sneak Peek

2011-12-07T08:02:00.002-05:00

When the Greendale Glee Club is unexpectedly sidelined, the school’s effervescent choir director Cory Radison (Taran Killam, “Saturday Night Live”) sets about recruiting the study group members to fill in. Skeptical at first, they eventually fall under his hypnotic spell – one-by-one – singing and dancing their way to the annual Christmas Pageant.

It's going to be one hysterical night! I cannot wait!

Community airs Thursdays at 8/7c only on NBC.

Advanced TV Review: Syfy's Neverland

2011-12-04T16:22:00.000-05:00

Sweeping in time from the turbulent seas of the pirates of the Caribbean to the back alleys of Dickensian London to a world of pure imagination, "Neverland" is the inspired origin story of one of the most cherished characters of all time… Peter Pan.

"Neverland" stars Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Charlie Rowe, Bob Hoskins, Charles Dance, Raoul Trujillo, Q’Orianka Kilcher, Cas Anvar and features the voice of Keira Knightley.

Peter (Rowe), along with his pals of young pickpockets, have been rounded up by their mentor Jimmy Hook (Ifans) to snatch a magical orb which transports them to another world – Neverland. Filled with white jungles and imposing cities formed out of trees created by Dr. Fludd (Dance) and inhabited by a colony of tree spirits led by Tinker Bell (Knightley), this mysterious realm welcomes unknown friends and enemies snatched from time. These include power-mad Elizabeth Bonny (Friel) and her band of 18th century pirates who search for the answer to eternal youth, a secret guarded by a Holy Man (Trujillo). As the fight to save this strange and beautiful world escalates, Peter and his crew consider that growing old somewhere in time could be less important than growing up—right here in their new home called Neverland.

If you've been dying to find out what Peter Pan and Hook were up to before they became the Peter Pan and Hook who we know and love them to be, Syfy has brought you the first origin story (written and directed by Nick Willing) in the format of a four hour mini series. It's four hours of action, romance, tension, truth, pain... and fantasy. It's quite magical, it is, but it's the character development that is more intriguing.

I absolutely loved the Dickens inspired introduction of Peter, the Lost Boys, and their mentor, Hook which in turn leads them to Neverland. Discovering more about the other current inhabitants of Neverland was also quite a treat. Three cultures from three very different time periods along with fairies, giant spiders, and crocs collide on Neverland and it is in this world that has been created that we discover the higher budget this project had vs. Syfy original movies I will not name (because I love them anyway). The wardrobe is magnificent and Ireland is beautiful. The special effects are stellar for Syfy, though there are a few moments when you can tell it is green screen and/or a harness is being used. That can take you out of the moment but not for long.

An extraordinary world has been created here but even more engaging are the actors that bring this story to life. The casting is superb. Charlie Rowe is the perfect Peter. Rhys Ifans gives a depth to the character of Hook that will pleasantly surprise viewers. Hook's struggle to be good or befriend evil is more fascinating than I ever thought. There is also a more prevalent bond between Peter and Hook here that really holds a lot of the story together. Anna Friel (“Pushing Daisies”) clearly had her fun playing a pirate and it shows. What a fantastic job Friel has done here. Q'orianka Kilcher as Aaya (part of the tribe) and Keira Knightley (voice of Tinkerbell) seem underused and when used, what transpires is not as significant as I initially anticipated. Bob Hoskins (Hook) is back as Smee and anyone could say that he was underused out of obvious bias, simply wanting to see more of him as Smee again. If you don't get enough of him here, he'll be in next year's Snow White and the Huntsman . Stay tuned for that coming to theaters near you.

Of the Syfy mini series events giving a twist to our favorite tales, Tin Man remains to be my favorite of the bunch. I admit though, I have yet to see Alice. It is in my Netflix queue. But Tin Man beats Neverland for a number of reasons... one of which being that The Wizard of Oz is a much greater piece of my heart so naturally, Tin Man does too. Also, there's not as much comic relief here. There really is no room. Neverland is a much darker take than what we're used to when we think of Peter Pan but you have to go through the storm before Hook arrives. But no matter how great the story of Peter Pan is to you, you'll want to check out the mini series that Syfy is going to deliver this week. What a piece.

Watch Neverland Part 1 TONIGHT at 9 pm and Part 2 on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 9pm only on Syfy.

DVD REVIEW - LIFETIME DOUBLE FEATURE: Christmas In Paradise & Deck The Halls

2011-12-01T19:09:00.000-05:00

Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: Approx. 172 minutes

Charlotte Ross (NYPD Blue) and Colin Ferguson (Eureka) star in Christmas In Paradise about two families’ adventures aboard a cruise ship during the holidays. Deck The Halls stars Gabrielle Carteris (Beverly Hills, 90210), Steven Culp (Desperate Housewives) and Steve Bacic (X2, Andromeda) in a story of a young boy who tries to set up his mom with his new neighbor – a man who he thinks is Santa.

Getting right down to it, Christmas in Paradise was significantly more captivating than Deck the Halls. Perhaps that's because of the setting. After watching a number of Christmas movies in small towns, the backdrop of Christmas in Paradise was a breath of fresh air. Not only that but Christmas in Paradise is much more realistic than Deck the Halls which doesn't pull off the Santa, the fantasy element as well as I had hoped. Plus, there's a wonderful balance of drama and comedy in Christmas in Paradise. Colin Ferguson's comedic timing and delivery alone is impeccable. Needless to say, it was much easier to remain engaged with this film but that's not to say that Deck the Halls wasn't as good. Perhaps it's the family friendly film of the two more suited for the younger audience.

Then again, both films have a different kind of heartwarming element to them as well, something that is no doubt more appreciated by the older audience. Bottom line, Christmas In Paradise is a film I will gladly watch any time Lifetime chooses to air the film or any of my family or friends sees my collection and wants to watch. Deck the Halls on the other hand, well, I've seen better. It tries to embody all of the right elements but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't connect. Perhaps you will?

There are no Bonus Features on these DVDs.

Own Christmas In Paradise/Deck The Halls on DVD today.

ABC Family's New Original Series Jane By Design Is Coming Soon!

2011-12-01T18:24:00.006-05:00

I absolutely love, love, love the premise of ABC Family's upcoming series, Jane By Design. On top of that, I see quite a few familiar faces that I love and new faces I'm sure I will love. I am not only on board but am hoping you will be too!

Jane By Design is a light-hearted drama about Jane, a teenager who lands a job at Donovan Decker, a hip fashion house, when they mistake her for an adult. Jane soon finds herself juggling life both as a regular high school student and as an assistant to a high powered executive in the cutthroat world of fashion... all while trying to keep her true identity a secret.

Jane By Design stars Erica Dasher (The Lake) as Jane Quimby; Nick Roux (Lemonade Mouth) as Billy Nutter, Rowly Dennis (Desperate Housewives) as Jeremy Jones, India De Beaufort (One Tree Hill) as India Jourdain, Meagan Tandy (10 Things I Hate About You) as Lulu Pope, Matthew Atkinson (CSI) as Nick Fadden. And featuring Andie MacDowell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) who stars as Gray Chandler Murray - Jane's steely boss whose constant demands keep her on her toes.

The series will be executive produced by Gavin Polone (Gilmore Girls), John Ziffren (Melissa & Joey) and April Blair (Lemonade Mouth).

ABC Family’s new original series Jane By Design, starring Erica Dasher and Andie MacDowell, premieres on Tuesday, January 3rd at 9/8c!

Switched at Birth Returns This January!

2011-12-01T17:59:00.001-05:00

If you have been enjoying ABC Family's original series, Switched at Birth as much as I have then you will be thrilled to know that the show is finally returning with all new episodes this January! I personally think that Switched at Birth is one of the most moving and captivating dramas that ABC Family has put out in along time so if you haven't seen it... there's time to catch up on the first ten episodes! In fact, Volume One releases on DVD December 13th! For those of you who are all caught up, check out a sneak peek below:

Switched at Birth, a one-hour scripted drama, tells the story of two teenage girls who discover they were accidentally switched as newborns in the hospital. Bay Kennish grew up in a wealthy family with two parents and a brother, while Daphne Vasquez, who lost her hearing at an early age due to a case of meningitis, grew up with a single mother in a working-class neighborhood. Things come to a dramatic head when both families meet and struggle to learn how to live together for the sake of the girls.

Switched at Birth stars newcomer Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez; Vanessa Marano (Gilmore Girls) as Bay Kennish; Constance Marie (George Lopez) as Regina Vasquez; D.W. Moffett (Friday Night Lights) as John Kennish; Lea Thompson (Back to the Future, Caroline in the City) as Kathryn Kennish; Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical) as Toby Kennish and Sean Berdy as Emmett Bledsoe.

Lizzy Weiss (Blue Crush), Paul Stupin (Make It or Break It) and John Ziffren (Melissa & Joey, Make It or Break It) serve as executive producers.

ABC Family’s Switched at Birth returns for its Winter Premiere on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 8/7c!

2012 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

2011-12-01T17:23:00.004-05:00

In case you missed the live nominations ceremony earlier this week, be sure to check out the nominees for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards! Over the past seven or so years, the Spirit Awards have become my favorite awards show for many reasons. From the work that is recognized to the entertaining factor that an uncensored show brings... there is so much to love and appreciate about the Spirit Awards so I hope that you all tune in and make sure to screen many of the films that are nominated if you haven't already.

Nominees for Best Feature include 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter and The Artist. Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast. Check out the full list of nominees at Spiritawards.com.

Now in its 27th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.

Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best International Film, Best Documentary, and the Robert Altman Award. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, Someone to Watch Award, Truer Than Fiction Award and Jameson FIND Your Audience Award.

The 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening on February 25, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on IFC.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO Hits Studio High

2011-12-01T17:08:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, We Bought A Zoo received the highest sneak preview scores in 20th Century Fox studio history. Scores were in the mid-90s across all demographic groups, all around the country from select sold-out theaters. Needless to say, We Bought A Zoo will come out on top this holiday season at is makes it nationwide release on Christmas weekend!

Release: December 23, 2011
Rating: PG
Running Time: 2 hours 4 minutes

WE BOUGHT A ZOO is a funny, inspiring and true story about the magical power of family to persevere in the face of extraordinary challenges. This is acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe’s (Jerry Maguire) first motion picture for all audiences, and stars Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church. Damon portrays a single dad who, looking to give his family a much-needed fresh start, moves to a home situated in the middle of a zoo, which he and his two children will attempt to bring back to its once glorious state. The film weaves together warmth, laughter and a spirit of optimism that is perfect for the holiday season.

Director: Cameron Crowe
Screenplay by: Aline Brosh McKenna and Cameron Crowe, based on the book “We Bought a Zoo: The Amazing True Story of a Young Family, a Broken Down Zoo and the 200 Zoo Animals that Changed Their Lives Forever” by Benjamin Mee
Producers: Julie Yorn, Cameron Crowe, Rick Yorn
Cast: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Patrick Fugit, Elle Fanning, John Michael Higgins

We Bought A Zoo hits theaters December 23, 2011.

DVD Review - Shiva Rea: More Daily Energy

2011-12-01T16:43:00.000-05:00

Release Date: November 15, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: Approx. 158 minutes

The follow-up to the top female yoga teacher in the country’s award-winning Daily Energy workout, Shiva Rea: More Daily Energy features a new set of seven 20-minute practices in the same flexible format with an even wider range of skill levels. The three beginner (lunar) and four intermediate (solar) sequences in this program, plus the customizable Yoga Matrix, allow users to evolve their practice and tailor workouts depending upon mood, energy level, and schedule.

Doing yoga daily—even for 20 minutes—can help you achieve power and serenity, strength and composure. These practices are designed to fit seamlessly with the ebb and flow of your life: try a calming lunar segment on a hectic day, or opt for a stimulating solar workout when you need energy. No matter what you choose, you’ll be sculpting long, lean muscles as you revitalize your spirit. With the customizable Yoga Matrix, you can select from more than two hours of yoga to create endless combinations of longer practices.

When yoga hit the mainstream audience thanks to celebrities like Madonna, I admit, I took a bit of interest to see what this was all about. But then pilates came along and I fell in love. Part of the reason why I enjoy pilates more than yoga is because there is such a spiritual side to yoga that I really do not want any part of. I have my own spiritual beliefs and practices and yoga doesn't add anything to that equation. Meditation is great but there's a lot more to yoga than that and that is just not for me. But I do enjoy the moves, so I wanted to give yoga one more try. Well, let's just say that I'll stick with Bethenny Frankel's Skinny Girl Workout instead of Shiva Rea: More Daily Energy if I ever want to "check it out one more time." Frankel's Workout is all about the body while Shiva Rea is about the body, mind, and spirit. I agree with having your body, mind, and spirit on one accord however yoga is not the way I will go about doing that.

But if you are interested in all of these elements in your yoga workout, this is the perfect DVD for you. As for the exercise, you'll be more flexible than ever after the first few months I can only imagine. This workout also really did a number on my legs and arms and my spine! I've been looking for a few moves to stretch my spine and I found just what I needed about halfway through "Foundation Sahaja." The exercises are very repetitive, slow moving, and positions long standing. The yoga instructor, Shiva Rea's voice is relaxing and hypnotic so you'll undoubtedly get lost in the yoga. That's what I don't want. But anyway what's great about this DVD is that you can select the order of your exercises. With an opening meditation, three beginner workouts four intermediate workouts and a closing meditation, there's plenty of sequences that can be made. Or you can choose from any of the six pre-set practices and get right to it. Shiva Rea has such a deep connection to yoga. She lives and breath all that is yoga... I wouldn't be surprised if people n the yoga world saw her as a guru. So if you know that yoga is for you, this is a must have in your collection!

Bonus Feature:
* Shiva Rea Biography

Own Shiva Rea: More Daily Energy on DVD today.

All New Neverland Sneak Peek and Cast Interviews

2011-12-01T13:45:00.003-05:00

The premiere of Neverland is quickly approaching! As you wait for my advanced review of Neverland, check out an extended sneek peek of the two-night mini-series event as well as new cast interviews!

Be sure to tune in to this magnificient Syfy Original Movie Event, Neverland, this Sunday, December 4th and Monday, December 5th at 9/8c.

Pencils of Promise Launches Made with Pencils Campaign

2011-12-01T13:05:00.003-05:00

This holiday season, Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit whose mission is to build schools in the developing world, has launched their Made with Pencils campaign.

The Made with Pencils campaign allows the world’s leading cultural curators and artistic minds to produce original works made from pencils that will be auctioned off to build new schools. Participants in the Made with Pencils campaign include Coldplay, Hugh Jackman, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele, Sophia Bush, Katie Couric and Chelsea Clinton to name a few.

These one-of-a-kind creations are being auctioned on the Pencils of Promise website and all funds raised go directly to building schools and educating children around the world. The goal of this artistic and philanthropic initiative is to demonstrate that simple pencils and simple actions can transform the world.

For more information on Made with Pencils, and Pencils of Promise, and to check out works of art made by your favorite cultural icons, please visit Pencils of Promise, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Pencils of Promise:
Pencils of Promise is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to build schools in the developing world and train young leaders to take action at home and abroad. In just three years since being founded with $25, PoP has broken ground on 50+ schools, established the largest social media following of any nonprofit started in the past four years, and delivered over 1 million educational hours in the developing world.

Sneak Peeks of Syfy Holiday Episodes!

2011-12-01T12:47:00.004-05:00

It's here! The holiday episodes of Eureka, Warehouse 13 and Haven will air this Tuesday night! After much anticipation, even before the Syfy Digital Press Tour, I am thrilled to share the sneak peeks of this year's holiday themed episodes! I am so excited!

The Holiday Episode of Eureka Airs Tuesday, December 6th @ 8/7c only on Syfy.

The Holiday Episode of Warehouse 13 Airs Tuesday, December 6th @ 9/8c only on Syfy.

The Holiday Episode of Haven Airs Tuesday, December 6th @ 10/9c only on Syfy.

Chelsea Handler On "Whitney" TONIGHT!

2011-12-01T12:29:00.002-05:00

While I am not a regular viewer of NBC's Whitney, I absolutely love to laugh and the comedians, writers, and actors on this show know how to make me laugh. I don't know why I'm not watching this show on a regular basis to be honest with you. After viewing this clip of tonight's episode, you'll probably think the same thing too. And as a plus Chelsea Handler will guest star on tonight's episode! So there's plenty to look forward to. Be sure to watch!

Whitney airs Thursdays at 9:30/8:30c on NBC.

Book Review: Getting Past Me by Mindi White

2011-11-28T12:10:00.001-05:00

Paperback Release Date: November 15, 2011
Length: 96 pages
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Getting Past Me gives writers a detailed inside look at production company readers—what’s going through their minds, what they’re looking for, and why they may have rejected your screenplay. As a production company reader herself, author Mindi White lets writers in on readers’ trade secrets and gives you invaluable information that will ensure your work is reviewed favorably and fairly. This is more than the basics of character development and point of view. It includes plot lines that scream “Amateur,” how to delight the reader, what to think about while writing, to-do lists, and to-don’t lists.

Fast-paced, acerbic, and extremely informative, Getting Past Me makes lessons easy and fun to absorb with insider tips and real-life examples that are consistently illuminating and often surprising.

Getting Past Me by Mindi White is part of Limelight Editions’ new book series Quick Guides which are handy pocket-sized guide books for all career paths in the performing arts. This guide is a quick read (one to two hours of your day) but will change your life if you choose to take advantage of the plethora of information and tips here in your screenwriting ventures. White puts it best in her introduction what this guide is exactly:

This is not, I repeat not, a book on how to write... I'm making sure your story is read more fairly and given the consideration it deserves... I'll provide you with a way to get to know who we the readers are, what we look for, what irritates us, and what makes us happy.

The chapters, "Things That Should Matter but Don't" and "Things That Shouldn't Matter but Do" are chapters that I wanted to have more included, but what is included is vital and not to be under appreciated. The "Signs of an Amateur" and "Crap" chapters I found especially entertaining and helpful. The first seven chapters are light and fun while also giving yu the most straightforward advice you've received in awhile. Come chapter eight, the tone transitions for a moment to "Kisses of Death." It is a shame that such things have to even be mentioned in this chapter (racism, sexism, rape as comic fodder, etc..) but apparently there are enough sick people out there to make this a chapter needed. The "To Do" and "To Don't" Lists in chapters 13 and 14 are a summarization of what was read in the chapters before that you should xerox and attach to all of your projects to help you analyze your work before sending it off. The final chapters consists of life-saving tips that you'll want to also xerox and put in the front of your writing notes.

What's so great about Getting Past Me is that it gets to the point so quickly while also being entertaining and stern. Mindi White hits all of the right notes, answering all of the right questions without beating around the bush or be overly long in explanation in anything. She definitely practices what she preaches. I like it. Getting Past Me by Mindi White is a gem that you must buy and put into the stocking of every aspiring screenwriter that you know.

Mindi White has been a respected story analyst since 1996, reading for top production companies and agencies and for numerous private clients. She has worked as a director of development for independent producers and produced the short film The Priests. She has written two short films and four feature films.

Own Getting Past Me: A Writer’s Guide to Production Company Readers by Mindi White today.

Book Review - Broadway Musicals: Show by Show, Seventh Edition

2011-11-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

Paperback Release Date: September 27, 2011
Length: 504 pages
Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

Since the first edition in 1985, "Broadway Musicals: Show by Show" has been Broadway's most comprehensive and widely used reference book. The seventh edition includes chronological entries from "The Black Crook" in 1866 to musicals of the 2011 season, such as "American Idiot," "Billy Elliot," "Hair" (revival), "Memphis," "Next to Normal," "Rock of Ages," "The Addams Family," "West Side Story" (revival), and "Fela!"

"Broadway Musicals: Show by Show," Seventh Edition (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, September 27, 2011, $19.99) is a combination of history, guide, fact book, and photo album of the most memorable Broadway musical productions. With its glitter, its imagination, and its rhythmic beat, the Broadway musical has become a distinctive commodity, but with theatre prices so high, theatregoers want to make sure they get what they pay for. "Broadway Musicals: Show by Show" offers facts, not opinion, to let readers select the right plays for them.

Each entry includes a wealth of statistics, inside information, critical reception, a cast list, and pithy commentary. Original-cast albums, concert versions of vintage shows, and opera companies adding musical theatre to their repertoires have all helped to preserve Broadway musicals through the decades. "Broadway Musicals: Show by Show" does its part, too. It's a mine of information for both the playgoer and the theatrical historian.

I considered myself a huge Broadway fan until I received Broadway Musicals: Show by Show, Seventh Edition and was taken for quite a ride. I knew that there was a lot of Broadway history that I was unaware of, but I did not realize just how many shows I was unaware of. To have a history overview of the most memorable shows (by Green's account) right here in one book, from the basic statistics point of view (as it is not a full comprehensive Broadway guide, i.e. sharing how these shows have impacted our world), it's a wonderful reference guide for anyone who says that they are a Broadway fan. Because being a Broadway fan is not just about going to Broadway shows. It's about soaking up the origins of these musicals, these actors, these companies, and so on.

The information in this book is very easily formatted and easy to read through, and it includes show credits (original cast & crew list), song list, show run, a show description for each show and images! As far as the show description goes, it is there where you'll find information about Tony Award nominations/wins. I found it odd that the information was there instead of listed above with the other information but it is there nonetheless.

Broadway Musicals: Show by Show is organized in chronological order (from 1866 - 2010) which is fantastic. I only wish it were also organized by the show in terms of placing the revivals right after the original. But that's where the Show Index comes in which is located in the back of the book. No need to color code the Table of Contents by show. There are actually seven indexes in all including Show, Composer/Lyricist, Librettist, Director, Choreographer, Major Cast Members, & Theater Index. All of which are very helpful indeed. For a more in depth direction of how the book is organized, read Green's original Preface from the First Edition which is just a few pages after the seventh, sixth, and fourth Prefaces. Green's Introduction right after is not to be skipped over. There's plenty to learn here to. Bottom line, Broadway Musicals: Show by Show, Seventh Edition makes for one wonderful Christmas gift for any Broadway fan. Talk about the time passing. This book will have you engrossed for hours and still leave you wanting more!

Own Broadway Musicals: Show by Show, Seventh Edition By Stanley Green, Revised & Updated by Cary Ginell today.

DVD Review - Lifetime Double Feature: HOLIDAY SWITCH & HOME BY CHRISTMAS

2011-11-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: Approx. 172 minutes

In Holiday Switch when Paula (Nicole Eggert, Baywatch) makes a Christmas wish to marry her wealthy high school sweetheart and leave her family behind, she finds the grass is not always greener on the other side. Home By Christmas is an inspiring movie about one woman’s struggle to overcome all obstacles—starring Linda Hamilton (The Terminator).

Holiday Switch is the perfect film to watch around the holidays because it really opens the viewers eyes about being thankful for what you have instead of wanting what it seems other people have and are happy with. It is the lesson of the holidays brought to you in such an entertaining way. Not only that, but it is a reminder that your life is going down the right path, fate and your own free will included. It's a reminder to be blessed for your life because your life is more special than you realize. Sure, the younger audience might find themselves wandering away as it's not made with the intentions of it being a family movie, but it is something that the entire family should watch. Now the way that Paula switches between realities is so outrageous that is just adds to the comedy. Nicole Eggert is a great comedic actress so the casting here was perfect. Everyone brought such a light to this film, it really engages the viewer. So if there's one more film to add to your Christmas movie screening, add Holiday Switch.

Home by Christmas is a moving homage to all of the singles out there dumped by their significant other for a another younger other and the financial woes that come with that. Lifetime is known for making true to life films (if not films based on true stories) and this is no different. The heart is there. The emotions are there. The rooting for Julie to succeed begins immediately. Julie is thrown into a new chapter of her life with a distant teenager nearby to raise as well and as depressing as this film may seem for awhile, it picks up, so stick with it! Yes, it is all very predictable but that's kind of what makes it so special is that we know that it gets better. Sometimes we need a reminder that it gets better no matter what situations come our way and this movie is that reminder. With hard work and perseverance, you can rise and Julie rises. She also is not ashamed to ask for help when needed which is a big lesson that some people need to learn. Home by Christmas has all of the "Lifetime" elements, enough Christmas elements, great lessons to learn from each, and Linda Hamilton so if you're up for that, check out Home by Christmas.

There are no Bonus Features on these DVDs.

Own Holiday Switch/Home By Christmas on DVD today.

Blu-ray Review: Water for Elephants

2011-11-28T08:53:00.002-05:00

Release Date: November 1, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: DVD - 2 hours 29 minutes, Blu-ray + Digital Copy - 3 hours 31 minutes

Take a journey back in time with the romantic tale based on Sara Gruen’s New York Times #1 Best-Seller novel of the same name, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, coming to Blu-ray and DVD on November 1st from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Starring Academy Award®-winner Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line), Robert Pattinson (Twilight series) and Oscar®-winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds), the film presents an epic tale of forbidden love in a magical place filled with adventure, wonder and great danger. Showcasing the decadence of a bohemian circus and the majesty of its animals against the backdrop and beauty of a bygone era, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS makes the ideal holiday gift idea for your favorite film buff, fashionista or book-lover!

Devastated by the sudden death of his parents at the height of The Depression, a young dreamer from the wrong side of the tracks, Jacob Jankowski (Pattinson), abandons his veterinary studies at Cornell University. With no other family, no house, and no money, Jacob stows away on a train carrying the circus performers of The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Hired as a veterinarian to care for the troupe’s animals, Jacob is temporarily filled with the promise of an exciting life that comes with a traveling circus troupe. However, as he builds a rapport and falls in love with the star of the show, Marlena (Witherspoon), they become prey to the circus’s owner, Marlena’s violent and abusive husband August (Waltz). As the circus begins to crumble from within and against all odds, Jacob and Marlena come together and fall in love through their compassion for a special elephant. With their love on the line, Jacob and Marlena come to a crossroads that will forever change their destiny.

Directed by critically-acclaimed filmmaker Francis Lawrence (Constantine), WATER FOR ELEPHANTS features fantastic supporting performances from Paul Schneider (Lars and the Real Girl), Jim Norton (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), Mark Povinelli (The Polar Express), Richard Brake (Batman Begins), and Academy Award®-nominee Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild).

As a reader, it was my goal to read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen before watching the film. But as the film made its way to Blu-ray & DVD, I couldn't hold my excitement in anymore and here I am talking about it now. Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson and Christoph Walt may be the leads, and what brilliant leads they are, but every character played such an important role bringing this world alive and what a fascinating job they did. You can tell that everyone really did their homework getting into character and that's very important for a piece like this. The same goes for the crew, the production design team, and so on. Magnificent work here.

After the success of the Twilight Saga on the big screen and after seeing Pattinson with Kristen Stewart so much, it might be hard for some viewers to connect with Pattinson and a different love interest... that is ten years older than him. But if you've followed his career outside of simply Twilight, you may just be worried about the chemistry between the two. Well, it's distant. You be the judge on how well that fares for you given the whole love triangle situation.

So having not read the book, it is unclear what details are missing from the film but the screenplay writers did a marvelous job adapting the novel in terms of the pace. Everything flowed wonderfully and there was never a dull moment or odd transition. That is not to be confused with Robert Pattinson's sleepy performance. He is dreamy and a good actor but by no means did he bring as much energy to this role as say to Remember Me. After viewing though, I did realize that the film could have had more heart. Maybe some of that was lost in translation. The story itself is of a forbidden romance, a dangerous leader, self respect, the treatment of animals, and so much more. It's not all fun and games at the circus, that is for sure. If you think you are in deep before Rosie makes her appearance, you haven't seen anything yet. So, there's heart built in but it doesn't get as deep as I imagined it to initially be. That said, Water for Elephants is still a beautiful movie that I would definitely recommend you add to your DVD or Blu-Ray collection.

If you do not have a Blu-ray player yet, I would make this my first Blu-ray purchase to enjoy when the Blu-ray player comes. The same goes for surround sound. The cinematography is so beautiful and special features so rich and in depth that I couldn't imagine watching this film or the features any other way. There's an abundance of special features, so if you loved the film, you're in for a treat. It's quite an incredible time and setting that was recreated here, to see it in Blu-ray, it brings everything to life so much more. Plus, there's over an hour more of special features on the Blu-ray than the DVD, so there really is no competition here.

DVD Bonus Features:
o Robert Pattinson Spotlight
o Feature Performer Reese Witherspoon
o The Traveling Show: From Page to Screen
o Commentary - Conducted by Director, Francis Lawrence and Writer, Richard LaGravenese

Blu-ray Bonus Features:
DVD features plus...
o Working Without A Net – The Visual Effects of Water for Elephants
o The Star Attraction
o Raising the Tent (Approx. 16 minutes)
o Secrets of the Big Top
· Live Extras
o Exclusive: Stars of the Circus
o Blu-ray Highlight: The Traveling Show: From Page to Screen
o Live Lookup
o Digital Copy

Own Water for Elephants on Blu-ray and DVD today.

Jacob Lofland Set to Star in Mud

2011-11-27T14:42:00.002-05:00

Jacob Lofland, 15, of Yell County, Arkansas is one lucky kid! Lofland was chosen out of 2,000 kids to play the role of Neckbone in the upcoming feature film, Mud, written and directed by Little Rock native Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter, Shotgun Stories). This is Lofland's first acting role!

Mud is a coming-of-age drama about the adventures of two 14 year-old boys who encounter a mysterious fugitive named Mud (Matthew McConaughey) hiding out on an island in the Mississippi. Intrigued by this character, they enter into a pact to help him evade capture and reconnect with the love of his life (Witherspoon). Though it is hard for the boys to discern truth from fiction when it comes to Mud, it isn’t long until their small Arkansas town is besieged by a beautiful girl with a line of bounty hunters in tow.

Lofland plays Neckbone, one of the two boys. "We cast Jacob as Neckbone because he is Neckbone --he can run a boat, ride a dirt bike, and has the attitude of a typical 14 year-old," said director, Jeff Nichols. “He has immense natural instincts, and he's incredibly intelligent and quick to learn.”

The cast also includes Academy Award nominee Sam Shepard (Blackthorn, The Right Stuff), Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon (Take Shelter, Revolutionary Road) and Golden Globe nominee Sarah Paulson (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Academy Award winner Ray McKinnon (The Blind Side), Tye Sheridan (Tree Of Life), Joe Don Baker (George Wallace) and Paul Sparks (Boardwalk Empire).

Sarah Green (Take Shelter, The Tree Of Life, Frida) is producing Mud, along with Everest Entertainment's Lisa Maria Falcone and FilmNation's Aaron Ryder. Everest Entertainment's credits include the Academy Award nominated feature 127 Hours and the acclaimed Tom McCarthy film Win Win. FilmNation Entertainment recently completed production on House at the End of the Street, starring Jennifer Lawrence and The Raven, starring John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe, both to be released in 2012. Executive Producers are Tom Heller and Gareth Smith of Everest Entertainment, and Glen Basner of FilmNation.

Shot on location in Southeast Arkansas over eight weeks, Mud is scheduled for theatrical release in 2012. Stay tuned for more information.

The Chew Stars Discuss The Holidays

2011-11-27T14:10:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving Day might be over but Thanksgiving Weekend is still here and Christimas is right around the corner! When I made my way to the set of ABC's The Chew earlier this month, thanks to MyTakeOnTV, I was lucky enough to be able to chat with two of the stars, Carla Hall and Daphne Oz. You can watch the full episode of the show I attended over at ABC.com and you can view my video interview below!

Celebrating and exploring life through food, ABC Daytime’s new lifestyle series, “The Chew” is an innovative and groundbreaking daytime program
co-hosted by a dynamic group of engaging, fun, relatable experts in food, lifestyle and entertaining. “The Chew” serves up everything food -- from cooking and home entertaining to food trends, restaurants, holidays and more -- all aimed at making life better, fuller and more fun. “The Chew” features celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Michael Symon and Carla Hall, entertaining expert Clinton Kelly and health and wellness enthusiast Daphne Oz.

My favorite new daytime show tapes on W 66th St in New York in one of the coziest studios currently in production. As I walked in, the cast and crew were in rehearsals (photo here) and the audience had yet to be let in. About a half hour later, rehearsals were over and the audience was being let in. The lucky few who got to be the taste testers of the taping were actually quite a giving few throughout. I sat just two rows behind the taste testers, second seat in. If you watch the full episode (link above) you'll notice me in the purple shirt. Anyway, the taste testers (who are chosen randomly) were so kind as they passed around their plates during commercial breaks for others in the audience to try. It was near Thanksgiving time, so the audience was in a very cheerful and giving mood (as was ABC, giving away quite a bit of goodies...including one cupcake to each audience member). I attended the perfect taping, that's for sure!

In between takes, one or two of the hosts would come over to chat for a bit and the warm up comedian was entertaining as well. He is actually the same warm up comedian for the Dr. Oz show audience which is hilarious as his daughter, Daphne pointed out. Though working at such a sweet and savory show and then going to a much more disciplined show has its advantages. He certainly has the best of both worlds. Anyway, as the show is live, taping ended on time and the audience was sent on their merry way. Meanwhile, members of the press sat on set for about fifteen minutes before it was time for interviews with Hall and Oz. Hall has that high, positive energy that you wish you had and Oz has the passion for healthy living that you wish you had. Together, these two make a wonderful team, getting you closer to the best you can be each and every day and living it themselves. It's hard to believe these two have only been working with each other for a few months. The chemistry amongst the entire cast really is beautiful. It is something that translates well on screen but even better in person. So to give your spirits a lift while also giving you wonderful tips for healthy eating and living, be sure to get your tickets to The Chew today!

To get the Alchemy by Carla Hall Cookie Collections mentioned in the video interview, click here.

Watch The Chew weekdays at 1et/12pt/c only on ABC.

Desperately Seeking Santa On ABC Family Tonight!

2011-11-27T13:35:00.000-05:00

As you know, I'm a sucker for ABC Family original movies and this holiday season, ABC Family will deliver Desperately Seeking Santa as part of the Countdown to my favorite time of year... the 25 Days of Christmas! Laura Vandervoort (“V,” “Smallville”) and Nick Zano (“2 Broke Girls,” “The Final Destination”) star in this new romantic holiday movie that you won't want to miss!

“Desperately Seeking Santa” follows Jennifer Walker (Vandervoort), an ambitious young marketing executive for the South Boston mall. With her eye on a promotion to vice president and a spot at corporate headquarters, Jennifer dreams up a plan to increase sales: a search for the hottest Santa in town. Teenage girls and their moms, even the local news anchor, flock to the mall to catch a glimpse of the handsome competitors. Before the contest even starts, Jennifer clashes with one of the contestants, David Moretti (Zano), an attractive South Boston native looking to win the $10,000 prize in a last ditch effort to save his family restaurant. David easily wins over the crowd with his good looks, sincere attitude and humble nature, and when the gorgeous winner of the contest becomes a local hero, sales at the mall go through the roof. Jennifer had counted on this new Santa to get her a promotion – not win her heart, complicate her life and question everything she ever wanted.

Check out a Q&A with Desperately Seeking Santa star, Laura Vandervoort here. Also, be sure to watch your favorite ABC Family original holiday films for a limited time here. Finally, be sure to check out the official 2011 ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Programming Schedule!

Desperately Seeking Santa debuts TONIGHT at 8/7c on ABC Family.

Fit Gear Review: Sunice Outerwear

2011-11-24T08:30:00.003-05:00

As fall draws to a close, winter nears, and the holidays begin, it is important to make sure not to fall off of your exercise routine. In an effort to help people see that exercise should be a lifestyle not a habit in phases, I want to share with you some apparel that you can wear on a windy day instead of skipping your day's run after a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal. As part of the "To Be Healthy Is" Campaign, I want to direct your attention to Sunice Outerwear.

Sunice is an experienced leader in the technical outerwear industry because of their groundbreaking combination of science and style. They create innovative design, using durable construction and blend fashion-forward styling with the latest in technical specialty fabrics.

Sunice specializes in golf outerwear (it is recognized as the #1 Canadian Golf outerwear brand) and ski gear (it was selected as an Official Supplier to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Calgary as well as Official Merchandise Licensee and Apparel Supplier for the Canadian Broadcast Consortium at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics). But if you don't play the sports, that's okay because...

I recommend the new Sunice Alexandra Wind stopper to anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. I have the Pure White Soft Shell Size Medium and it fits perfectly! There's just enough stretch for flexibility while also feeling tailor made to my body. It's lightweight and so soft! There's so much to love about this wind stopper. It has three pockets (six if you include the inside slits), adjustable Velcro cuff tabs and is snow and water resistant! It has "maximum breathability" so it prevents overheating and perspiration build up which is very important when you're constantly on the move. This is my favorite new jacket! I know your active family members and friends will love it too so be sure to put this on your list of things to buy for a loved one this holiday season!

The Sunice Women's Jada Stretch Pullover is also an option. I am not particularly a big fan of pullovers because I always feel claustrophobic but for those who are fans of pullovers, you'll love the new pullovers which are very fitting. I have the Size Medium and let's just say that I have a couple of pounds to lose for this tight fitting pullover to fit comfortability. There's no room for layering here! But it gets the job done during a good workout and that's what matters here. So be sure to check out the new Sunice Outerwear this holiday season! It will be the warmest gift you'll give!

Remember to shop Sunice!

15 Documentary Features Advance in 2011 Oscar Race

2011-11-23T22:10:00.003-05:00

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced that 15 out of 124 films in the Documentary Feature category have advanced in the voting process for the 84th Academy Awards. The docuentaries are:

"Battle for Brooklyn" (RUMER Inc.)
"Bill Cunningham New York" (First Thought Films)
"Buck" (Cedar Creek Productions)
"Hell and Back Again" (Roast Beef Productions Limited)
"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front" (Marshall Curry Productions, LLC)
"Jane's Journey" (NEOS Film GmbH & Co. KG)
"The Loving Story" (Augusta Films)
"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory" (@radical.media)
"Pina" (Neue Road Movies GmbH)
"Project Nim" (Red Box Films)
"Semper Fi: Always Faithful" (Tied to the Tracks Films, Inc.)
"Sing Your Song" (S2BN Belafonte Productions, LLC)
"Undefeated" (Spitfire Pictures)
"Under Fire: Journalists in Combat" (JUF Pictures, Inc.)
"We Were Here" (Weissman Projects, LLC)

Only five documentaries will be selected as nominees. I've italicized ten of the fifteen titles that I am interested in screening prior to nominations. Which documentaries do you plan on screening before the big day?

The 84th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The 84th Academy Awards will air on ABC on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.

SOUTHERN STYLE HOLIDAY RECIPE From The Help Food Stylist - CHEESECAKE PECAN PIE

2011-11-23T21:53:00.004-05:00

Ingredients:
1 (15 oz.) pkg. refrigerated pie crusts
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
4 large eggs, divided
¾ cup sugar, divided
2 tsp. vanilla, divided
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup light corn syrup

Directions:
Unfold and stack 2 piecrust together. Gently roll or press together and fit into a inch pie plate according to directions; fold edges under and crimp. Note: For a more homemade flavor, try Lee Ann’s Homemade Pie Crust recipe (below)
Beat cream cheese, 1 egg, ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla and salt at medium speed with a mixer until smooth.
Pour into piecrust and sprinkle with pecans.
Stir together corn syrup, 3 eggs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla and pour mixture over pecans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes until set.

Homemade Pie Crust

Ingredients:
1 ¼ cups plain flour
¼ tsp. salt
1/3 cup shortening (butter flavor shortening is great, too)
4-5 tbsp. cold ice water

Directions:
In a medium bowl, stir flour and salt together.
Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until pieces are pea-size.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp. of water over part of the flour mixture; gently toss with a fork.
Push moistened dough to the side of the bowl. Repeat using 1 tbsp. of water at a time, until all the flour mixture is moistened.
Form dough into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten dough. Roll dough from center to edges into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
To transfer pastry, wrap it around the rolling pin.
Unroll pastry into a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into pie plate without stretching it.
Trim pastry to ½ inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry. Crimp edges as desired.

This recipe was created by THE HELP food stylist, Lee Ann Fleming.

The critically-acclaimed film THE HELP arrivies on Blu-ray and DVD on 12/6/11.

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker LIVE in Theaters

2011-11-23T21:39:00.004-05:00

This holiday season, NCM Fathom, the New York City Ballet, and the Lincoln Center, will bring a beloved holiday classic, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker LIVE to movie theaters nationwide for one night!

New York City Ballet presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker LIVE featuring special guest host Kelly Ripa of LIVE! With Kelly, which will be broadcast to more than 550 theaters on Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. CT/ 7:30 p.m MT/PT/HI/AK (tape delayed). As the host of the live broadcast, Ripa will take audiences backstage for a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of The Nutcracker including interviews with NYCB principal dancers and others who bring this holiday classic to life onstage.

Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Celebrity Holiday Homes on HGTV

2011-11-23T21:27:00.004-05:00

HGTV is set to air two one-hour specials of Celebrity Holiday Homes this December! Celebrity Holiday Homes will follow six of America's hottest singers, sports figures and actors as they prepare for Christmas (with the help of interior designers, of course). The holiday home makeovers will include larger than life decorations that you will not want to miss! I plan on grabbing a few ideas and putting on display in my home on a budget so I cannot wait for this to air! How about you?

Celebrity Holiday Homes will air its first special on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and feature American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and CSI Miami star Eva LaRue.

Broadway Tour Review: Billy Elliot

2011-11-18T14:47:00.001-05:00

It's here! The 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Billy Elliot has come to Philadelphia as part of the Broadway Season at The Kimmel Center.

Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical is here!

Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot the Musical features Ty Forhan, Lex Ishimoto, Kylend Hetherington and J.P. Viernes in the role of ‘Billy.’

Also featured are Leah Hocking (Mrs. Wilkinson); Rich Hebert (Dad); Patti Perkins (Grandma); Cullen Titmas (Tony); Joel Blum (George); Ben Cook and Jacob Zelonky (Michael); and Samantha Blaire Cutler (Debbie).

Billy Elliot is one of the most exhilarating musicals currently on Broadway and on tour. After experiencing last night's evening show, it's no wonder the production has been awarded 81 national and international awards including ten Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.

Now I have to admit, I have never seen Billy Elliot the movie in its entirety. So I was essentially going into this musical blind. And after the incredible show last night, I am more than excited to not only buy the musical soundtrack but also pick up the movie to finally sit down and watch. Although I already know that I will be more of a repeat offender of the Broadway show than the film. More on the music and all that good stuff in a bit.

First... the casting... The casting for the tour is brilliant! The incredibly talented Lex Ishimoto, Original Broadway cast member, Leah Hocking (Mrs. Wilkinson) and a handful of others who toured with Billy Elliot before join this touring cast and deliver one phenomenal and unforgettable performance. The passion that these actors have for this musical shines so brightly in every word, every note, and every movement across the stage. That's not an easy thing to do night after night, traveling from city to city each week. Bravo! And for some reason, Cynthia Darlow (Grandma) reminds me of an older version of Alice Ripley. Needless to say, I love everything about her! She brought such a warmth and a light and comedic edge to the show that is sure to continue making audience members across future city stops fall in love with her. And Rich Herbert (Dad) evokes such raw emotions throughout the show... the tension especially. Wow.

As for what I loved as the story unfolded... well the music is superb. I am so glad that I have finally found my way into the Billy Elliot world. I will cherish these sixteen musical numbers forever. And the choreography is mesmerizing. What a beautiful sight. As someone who used to take ballet, tap, and jazz, seeing these dancers makes me wish I had continued. I especially found the tap dancing and jump roping to be quite impressive. And Billy's cross dressing friend telling him that ballet dancing is weird... what a laugh! Aside from all of the comedy (political punches included), Billy Elliot is a story about embracing who you are and what you are capable off no matter the odds that people place upon you. That's beautiful. What an inspiration.

Everything comes together so well. There's something for everyone to laugh about, cry about, and most importantly, learn from here. While the language might be a bit rough for a younger audience, I do recommend this show to everyone because it will change your life. It will take you to the next level and encourage you to not only be yourself but go after your dreams. Billy Elliot has dance and dance has heart and the heart has a message that you need to see. So make sure to see Billy Elliot on tour in a town near you, on the West End, or on Broadway today.

Fun Facts:
The average Billy stays in the role for 1.5 years.

During an average week, The Billys spend six to eight hours in rehearsal and up to six hours in private dance classes.

Every Billy is assigned four pairs of ballet slippers at a time - the show pair, a backup pair, a rehearsal pair, and a promotions pair.

Billy Elliot runs at the Academy of Music November 16 - 27, 2011. The show runs at approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission. Tickets range from $20-$150 and can be purchased by telephone (215-731-3333), the Kimmel Center Box Office, or online. No performances are scheduled for Thurs. Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day.

DVD Review: A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride

2011-11-17T14:23:00.001-05:00

Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: Approx. 90 minutes

Joanna Garcia (“Gossip Girl”) and Luke Perry (“90210”) star in this heartwarming holiday drama on DVD for the very first time. When a twenty-something wedding planner disapproves of her mother’s whirlwind romance, she decides to take control of it. There are disasters as plans go awry and moments of heartfelt emotion, as the daughter learns that letting go works both ways.

Without the decorated Christmas trees & Christmas lights here and there as well as the idea of a Christmas themed wedding, A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride has no place in the Christmas movie category. This is a love story, a story about growing up and letting go, a story about learning to trust yourself in trusting others, a story about acceptance and learning that it is okay to let people in... there are so many lessons to be learned in this romantic dramedy. Unfortunately, none of those lessons are heavily connected to Christmas themes. There's really just a Christmas backdrop here. So in that regard, this film was disappointing. But letting go of this factor, this is actually a very memorable Lifetime film.

The acting for one is excellent. Joanna Garcia is such a delight to watch on screen. Luke Perry is as charming as ever and Jason Priestley's brief screen time is not to be missed. The long list of Canadian actors also make their country proud bringing their talents to this film, not letting the "Hollywood" actors outshine them. Another reason the film is so memorable is because it is not only relatable but also uplifting as it brings so many people together. What is "it" though? Well, "it" is love. Love works its way into each individual's hearts in ways they may not have ever anticipated.

That said, A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride doesn't have the ending that you may predict and still it is very satisfying. In fact, it is more satisfying. Simply put, A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride delivers another heartwarming Lifetime movie, ("Christmas movie" should be used very loosely) that I would not hesitate to recommend.

There are no Bonus Features on this DVD.

Own A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride on DVD November 22, 2011.

DVD Review - Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story

2011-11-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

Release Date: November 7, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: 90 mins. +

Just in time for the final installment of the Harry Potter film franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, uncover the incredible real life of Harry’s creator with Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story, the top-rated Lifetime Original Movie which chronicles the British author’s (Montgomery) struggle to bring the beloved wizard fantasy to life as a single mother on welfare and become one of the world’s wealthiest women. Following its Lifetime Network airing this past July, the rags-to-riches tale arrives on DVD…only from A+E Networks Home Entertainment.

An inspiring look at J.K. Rowling’s rise to become one of the most influential writers ever (with more than 400 million copies of her visionary books sold across the globe resulting in a billion-dollar film franchise), MAGIC BEYOND WORDS follows her humble beginnings as an imaginative young girl and awkward teenager through the devastating loss of her mother and the genesis of the Harry Potter phenomenon in her early twenties. The drama also follows Rowling’s tumultuous first marriage, becoming a mother, her divorce, and the dark days of living on government assistance while publisher after publisher passed on her first novel…before it became an international best-seller and solidified Rowling’s rightful place in literary and cultural history.

Before knowing anything about this film, I assumed that it was a documentary with Poppy Montgomery narrating. So I was in for a surprise when the film, based on Sean Smith’s book, JK Rowling: A Biography, started and Montgomery was playing J.K. Rowling. As a huge fan of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling, there wasn't much that I did not previously know about Rowling's journey to success that was shown on screen. Though what was shared was informative and a good introduction to a yet to come more in depth telling of Rowling's journey. The acting was great, Montgomery held down the court. You could tell that she did her research on Rowling and you can see her effort in embodying all that is J.K. Rowling. But there's so much more to this story than the script conveyed and gave space for, so don't expect a comprehensive biopic here.

The pacing of the story was good, much better than most Lifetime films. And the integration of Rowling's real life with the world of Harry Potter...the foreshadowing was clever. In the end though, Rowling's persistence and drive to not only succeed for herself but for her daughter is an inspiration beyond what any unauthorized biopic can convey. Until an authorized biopic makes it into production, I'd recommend watching the J.K. Rowling episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show before or after viewing this film so that you see just how much more there is to Rowling's road to Potter success. While Magic Beyond Words only touches the surface of the depth there is here, it is still a great tool for those just getting into the Potter world, wanting to know about the author.

Unfortunately, there are no Bonus Features for this DVD.

Own Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story on DVD today.

DVD Review: Holiday Wishes

2011-11-14T14:00:00.002-05:00

Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: Approx. 90 minutes

Amber Benson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) stars in this magical, inspiring holiday tale on DVD for the first time. When Britney, a rich, spoiled child, and Rachel, an orphan, switch bodies after a visit to the mall with Santa, each girl wakes up as the other: Britney is in the orphanage, and Rachel at Britney's family’s mansion. ith the magical intervention of a professional party planner Rachel teaches Britney's unloving family the true meaning of Christmas, and Britney learns that giving is better than getting.

Holiday Wishes was a pleasant surprise, considering how odd it started out. The acting is not exactly award winning but once the wishes take place, all that you were doubting before is thrown to the side because the whirlwind of chaos begins! The characters are charming and lovable and relatable. And even though only two of the girls switch bodies, they are not the only ones who get a different perspective on life. The girls and others are reminded of what's important in life and are pushed outside of the box to keep the good lives that they do have and maybe took for granted earlier.

We've seen movies before where people switch bodies but there is so much more to the predictability about it all surrounding this specific premise. Everyone involved is forced to throw out their idea of a perfect family in the end to embrace each other for who they are and be open to the possibility of what goodness that will bring. There's a genuine, heartfelt, significant story to be told here.

Holiday Wishes will have you glued to the screen whether in fits of laughter or in tears. The comedic timing is perfect. The Buffy reference was fun. The pace of the story and balance in tone was well thought out and there is a natural flow to the film that is not lost or is distracted in the commercial break scene breaks. Holiday Wishes is a great film. It's fun for the whole family, fun for a holiday movie marathon with friends, or fun home alone with a mug of hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Whatever your viewing experience, Holiday Wishes deserves to be included in your Christmas movie screenings this December.

There are no Bonus Features on this DVD.

Own Holiday Wishes on DVD November 22, 2011.

DVD Review: Under the Mistletoe

2011-11-14T13:20:00.002-05:00

Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: 90 minutes

Susan Bell (Jaime Ray Newman, “Drop Dead Diva”) has devoted her life to helping others, but rarely thinks about helping herself. This year, however, the tables will turn on the single mom and recent widower when a local radio station takes over her love life following an innocent call from her eight year old son. And, whether she likes it or not, Susan is under the mistletoe in this unforgettable holiday treat!

Under the Mistletoe is a Christmas movie that I wouldn't necessarily say lifts up the spirits right away. After the loss of Susan's husband and Jonathan's dad, there is quite a strained relationship with mother and son which only gets worse around the holidays. Susan's grieving style has no room for her son's, who can see his father and talk to his father whenever his ghost, if you will, decides to show up. The supernatural element reeled me in just as I was about to quit on this film. Good timing. With Susan shutting out love, neither Susan or her late husband can move on with their lives. So with the help of Jonathan and one of Susan's friends, a radio contest helps Susan find her true love.

It takes awhile for Susan to open up to the possibility of trusting her son and taking a chance on love but once she does, there's something to smile about. I was not expecting the twist with one of the radio show contestants to take place, so that was a fun surprise. But even then, Susan's selfish ways (once grief, now love) almost prevent her from listening to her son (her voice of reason) who sheds the light on this twist. If the character of Susan wasn't too stubborn and selfish for her own good, perhaps this film would have been more enjoyable. Because Jonathan was more likable and engaging, I came to see him as the real lead of the film. He held it together.

All that said though, it still just isn't enough to make the cut of one of my annual Christmas movie screenings. Plus, it attempts to bring God into the picture but it's presence is far too delicate to bring depth to this element in the way that it should be appreciated. The balance of themes and tones is all wrong here and in general is far too heavy for a Christmas film anyway. This is not Lifetime's best but I have a feeling it isn't the worst.

There are no Bonus Features on this DVD.

Own Under the Mistletoe on DVD November 22, 2011.

Exercise DVD Review: Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround

2011-11-14T11:30:00.001-05:00

Release Date: November 15, 2011
Running Time: Approx. 60 Minutes, Plus Bonus
Equipment Needed: Light Hand Weights and a Mat

Designed by fitness expert Kathy Smith to combat the aging process, Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround debuts on DVD from Acacia on November 15, 2011. Like a reset button for the body, Total Body Turnaround follows the bestselling release of May’s Ageless with Kathy Smith: Staying Strong and features three 20-minute workouts, each one targeting a physical change people face as they grow older. Energize and de-stress with customizable circuit-training segments to trim and firm, improve balance and flexibility, and awaken new energy in the body.

Just in time to help people get and stay in shape through the holidays comes Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround. Ageless contains a two minute in depth introduction and 3 Workouts, "Total Circuit," "Total Balance," and "Total Energy," each lasting 20 minutes. The "Total Circuit Workout" is a complete wake up exercise. It will rejuvenate you in a way that you had not initially anticipated. As a 20 something year old, I did not expect to have a hard time keeping up with Kathy Smith but she does not play around when she says that this is an ageless workout.

Kathy Smith's energy is amazing and not just physically but she has such a bright spirit about her, it makes you feel like everything will be alright. It makes you want to continue doing the workout and come back for more. Her optimism and positive attitude is contagious. That's just what I want and need for a workout and what everyone needs, which makes this a very easy exercise DVD to recommend. Each workout targets a physical change people face as they grow older and succeeds at trimming and firming, improving balance and flexibility, and awakening new energy in the body.

Talk about a fierce full body workout. You will feel your core in knots and your legs and arms will burn. But you'll enjoy every moment of it because not only does Smith make this a fun workout, this is a fun workout with positive results. You'll feel great before you "look great" and that feeling is something that ironically not many fitness experts have the gift of passing along. Smith's positive vibes are effortless. She is a genuine joy to be around and that is what sets her fitness workouts from the rest. So if you want to work out and feel great as you work our way to becoming your best, get Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround.

Bonus Features:
Q & A with Kathy Smith (8:44 minutes) - This Q&A contains about four questions that will enlighten all the viewers who tune in. This Q&A is not exactly a get to know Kathy Smith piece, it is more informational and really gets the viewers more excited to learn about the body, staying fit, and living a healthy lifestyle. If you enjoyed the workouts, you'll enjoy the Q&A.

Upper Body Tone & Stretch (10:03 minutes) - These exercises are from the workout, Exhale: Core Fusion Lean & Toned which is not led by Kathy Smith. Though there is a group od people exercising in the workout, which is a change from the main workouts on this DVD. This workout has you on your feet and on the floor. It begins at a fast pace but slows down a bit as the workoout goes on. Of the two bonus workouts, I prefer this one because of the higher energy but it all depends on personal preference.

Yoga Stretches (7:26 minutes) - These exercises are from Yoga for Beginners with Desi Bartlett which is not led by Kathy Smith. There's absolutely no talking here, it's really all about the movements and being in the moment. Meditation is a key component in yoga and this exercise is a great example of such.

Kathy Smith has been a leading force in the wellness industry since 1980, and her diverse capabilities cover all aspects of fitness. Today she continues to shape and inspire the lives of millions around the world. A mother of two daughters, she is a trusted motivator that has sold more than $50 million in infomercial products and over 16 million workout videos worldwide (inducting her into the Video Hall of Fame). She also recently became spokesperson for ICAA (International Council on Active Aging), leading their mission to promote healthy, active living for adults ages 50-plus. In 2003, she was awarded the IDEA Lifetime Achievement Award from IDEA Health & Fitness, the largest professional fitness organization in the world.

Own Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround on DVD today.

The Hunger Games Trailer Is Here!

2011-11-14T09:30:00.001-05:00

The woods, the hovercraft, the reaping, Effie, Primrose, training, Cinna, the fire wardrobe, President Snow, Rue, Haymitch, the moment of unity, the countdown, the games beginning... it was more than I expected to see and it was amazing! Excited does not even begin to cover how I am feeling after watching the trailer. March cannot come soon enough. What did you think?

Also be sure to check out Jackie Emerson's new single, Peter Pan from her debut album set to be released soon. It's magical! Playing Foxface in The Hunger Games and releasing new music... it's been an incredible year for Jackie and this is only the beginning!

The Hunger Games hits theaters March 23, 2012.

Schuyler Fisk Releases Sounds of the Holiday EP Tomorrow!

2011-11-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Christmas, Schuyler Fisk will be releasing Sounds of the Holiday, a Holiday EP on iTunes, Amazon.com and local retailers TOMORROW!

Fisk covers holiday favorites, "Rockin'Around the Christmas Tree," "Silver Bells," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and 3 new songs written by Fisk herself, "Sleep Sleep (Christmas Lullaby)" and "It's Christmas, So We're Singing." Additionally, the EP will feature a bonus track from FM Radio, Fisk's collaboration with Tim Myers, "More Than I Wished For." I cannot wait to listen! How about you?

Visit www.schuylerfisk.com for more information.

In Case You Haven't Seen This Around The Web... Chronicle Trailer

2011-11-14T08:59:00.002-05:00

Chronicle hits theaters February 3, 2012.

Tiffany Thurston Will Release EP Next Week

2011-11-14T08:28:00.002-05:00

Hawaiian native, Tiffany Thurston will be releasing a three-song self-titled digital EP on November 22nd in anicaption for her full length album, set to be released in 2012.

You may know the current Nashville, TN resident as the worship leader for the REVOLVE tour since 2007 (Women of Faith’s teen girl conference) and sole back-up singer for four-time GMA Female Artist of the Year, Natalie Grant. Soon you'll get to hear Thurston's solo project which is bound to be one of the most played new worship albums of the new year. So don't say I didn't tell you!

For more information, visit Tiffany Thurston, Facebook, or Twitter.

NBC To Air First Ever American Giving Awards

2011-11-11T08:46:00.004-05:00

NBC will broadcast the first ever American Giving Awards, presented by Chase and hosted by 22-time Emmy Award winner Bob Costas, in a two-hour primetime special on Saturday, December 10, from 8 to 10 p.m. ET from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.

Produced by dick clark productions and Intersport, the American Giving Awards will grant a total of $2 million to the five featured charitable organizations, which were selected from a list of 25 previous CCG grant recipients with the help of some of Chase’s online customers as well as Chase Community Giving (CCG) Facebook fans. The organization with the most votes will receive a $1 million grant, the runner-up will be granted $500,000, a third organization will receive a $250,000 grant and two will be given $125,000 grants.

Each charity will be presented by top stars from motion pictures, television, music and sports, who will introduce five remarkable organizations. Along the way, there will be special musical performances and several surprises for the charities being honored.

The five finalists to be honored at the AGAs each represent one of the five categories recognizing the “building blocks” of our communities:

Educators & Mentors
Let’s Get Ready, Inc., of New York, NY, works to expand college access for motivated, low-income high school students by providing free SAT preparation and college admission counseling.

Champions of Health & Wellness
To Write Love on Her Arms, of Cocoa, FL, is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

Heroes & Leaders
Wish Upon a Hero Foundation, Inc., of Moorestown, NJ, utilizes social media and technology to connect those in need of support, including patients with long-term illnesses, military families, and natural disaster survivors, with people who can fulfill their wishes and truly change their lives.

Community Builders
Move for Hunger, Inc., of Neptune, NJ, works with moving companies across America to pick up the unopened, non-perishable food items from people during the moving process and deliver it to their local food banks.

Youth Developers
Matthew Shepard Foundation, of Casper, WY, was created in the memory of anti-gay hate crime victim Matthew Shepard to encourage respect for human dignity and difference by raising awareness, opening dialogues, and promoting positive change.

The final round of voting on Facebook and Chase.com for the American Giving Awards opens on December 1, 2011 and closes on December 8, 2011.

Chase Community Giving relies on its nearly 3 million fans on Facebook to help decide which local nonprofits should receive grant money from Chase. Since its inception in 2009, CCG fans have helped Chase award over $15 million to 400 local charities across the country representing causes such as building schools in Africa, providing food and shelter to the homeless, and supporting the performing arts.

For more information on the "American Giving Awards" visit NBC.com's Movies & Specials site.

USHER’S OMG TOUR—LIVE FROM LONDON ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

2011-11-11T08:30:00.003-05:00

If you're wondering what to fill the stocking with this Christmas for a music lover, consider Usher's OMG Tour—Live From London on Blu-ray & DVD today!

Release Date: November 1, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: 104 minutes

Filmed this past April at England’s O2 Arena in support of his landmark seventh album, Raymond V. Raymond, which topped Billboard’s R&B chart for seven straight weeks, Usher pulls out all the stops in this incredible concert.

The expansive set list, ranging from early hits (“You Make Me Wanna”), to smooth ballads (“Nice & Slow”), to sexy love songs (“There Goes My Baby”), and club rumblers (“Yeah”), runs the full gamut of Usher’s career from teen idol to international icon.

Bonus extras include “On The Shoulder Of Giants,” a behind-the-scenes look at the man and his team as they put this incredible event together, and “New Look,” a short piece about Usher’s New Look Foundation in London.

TRACKLISTING
1) Monstar
2) She Don’t Know
3) Yeah
4) U Remind Me
5) U Don’t Have To Call
6) You Make Me Wanna
7) Mars vs. Venus
8) Nice & Slow
9) Love In This Club
10) Lil Freak
11) Hot Tottie
12) There Goes My Baby
13) Burn
14) Bad Girl
15) Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)
16) Caught Up
17) DJ Got Us Falling Love
18) More
19) OMG

Click here for a sneak peek of what to expect on the Blu-ray/DVD.

Usher's OMG Tour—Live From London is available to purchase on Blu-ray & DVD today! Happy Holidays!

Christmas in Rockefeller Center

2011-11-11T08:24:00.002-05:00

Christmas in Rockefeller Center is just around the corner!

The 79th annual holiday extravaganza will feature a Norway Spruce tree that is 74 feet high, 46 feet in diameter and weighs 10 tons.

The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree dates back to the Great Depression. First erected in 1933, the inaugural tree was decked with 700 lights and placed in front of the then eight-month-old RCA Building, now the GE Building. The Christmas tree gathering was enhanced in 1936 with the opening of the Rockefeller Plaza outdoor ice-skating pond. NBC-TV televised the tree lighting for the first time in 1951 on "The Kate Smith Show" and as part of the nationwide "Howdy Doody" television show from 1953-55.

Prior to this year's primetime telecast, WNBC, NBC's flagship station, and other NBC affiliates (listed below) will broadcast an additional live hour of the special from 7 to 8 p.m. ET . This first hour will feature performances by all the show’s stars and a special performance by Megan Hilty, star of the upcoming NBC musical drama “SMASH”.

WVIR - Charlottesville, VA, WLWT - Cincinnati, OH, WBOY - Clarksburg, WV, WETM - Elmira, NY, WBBH - Fort Myers, FL, WHAG - Hagerstown, MD, WBIR - Knoxville, TN, WGAL - Lancaster, PA, WAVE - Louisville, KY, WNBC - New York, NY, WCAU - Philadelphia, PA, WEYI - Saginaw-Bay City, MI, WTWC - Tallahassee, FL, WNWO - Toledo, OH, WFMJ - Youngstown, OH, WHIZ - Zanesville, OH, KMIR - Palm Springs, CA

The live broadcast will feature a performances by Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Cee Lo Green, Faith Hill, Carole King, Katharine McPhee, Javier Colon and The Radio City Rockettes! My Christmas music playlist is just not the same without Tony Bennett so you can imagine how excited I am about that. Michael Bublé, Faith Hill, and Katharine McPhee (SMASH) I am also particularly excited about - I am just now getting into Bublé's music! Why it took so long I will never know. Then there's Javier Colon to get excited about. NBC has been treating him well since his time on The Voice. This special is great exposure for him for those who missed the first season of The Voice which was fantastic! And finally, pulling it all together are The Radio City Rockettes who freeze their butts off every year performing outside in the freezing cold for us. Thank you!

If you can't attend or choose not to due to the weather/traffic/crazy amount of people that come for a good spot hours before the event actually begins... you can watch it live, hosted by Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday, November 30th from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

Christmas Movie Suggestions of the Week

2011-11-07T22:52:00.003-05:00

Mrs. Miracle (2009, Rated G)

Losing a spouse is always hard, and for Seth Webster (James Van Der Beek), playing single dad to two rambunctious six-year-olds doesn’t make it any easier. With the holidays approaching, finding a housekeeper has proven to be near-impossible, until Mrs. Emily Merkle (Doris Roberts) shows up at the Websters’ door, ready to turn their lives around. No sooner has “Mrs. Miracle,” as Seth’s boys call her, straightened up the house, than Seth meets Reba Maxwell (Erin Karpluk), best friend to the Webster kids’ first-grade teacher. After just one date, Seth and Reba find they have a lot in common. Since the death of his music-loving wife, Seth has been unable to play a single chord on the piano, and, in the name of her career, Reba, once an avid actress, has avoided the theater. With a Christmas pageant to prepare for and a fresh romance on the horizon, Mrs. Miracle definitely has her work cut out for her and proves to be more than just a normal nanny. Based on Debbie Macomber's popular novel of the same title.

What If... (2010, Rated PG)

What if…, tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), who fifteen years ago left his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and his calling to be a preacher, in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancé, and a new Mercedes, he hasn’t considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church in fifteen years.

But God has other plans. While on a thrill ride outside the city, his new car mysteriously breaks down, and he’s visited by a tow truck driver named Mike (John Ratzenberger) who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben what his life would look like had he followed his true calling. Suddenly Ben wakes up in the middle of domestic chaos as his wife Wendy and daughters (including Disney Channel’s Debby Ryan) are getting ready for church, where Ben is the new pastor.

Before he can get back to his old life, Ben must first embrace this reality and discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those who were heartbroken fifteen years ago: Wendy and God. In the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What if… is a story of finding your true purpose in life.

Christmas with a Capital C (2010, Not Rated)

Christmas will never be Christmas again if Lawyer Mitch Bright has his way. The Townsfolk of Trapper Falls, Alaska face their toughest challenge as the battle of removing the nativity from the town square tears at the traditional and spiritual fabric of this joyous season. This is more than just a legality or separation of church and state; it is a knife that cuts through the heart of peace and good will towards all men.

Starring Ted McGinley, Nancy Stafford, Daniel Baldwin, Brad Stine.

All of the above films are currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also find these films on Amazon and iTunes now.

25 Days of Christmas is Coming!

2011-11-07T22:47:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again! Christmas coverage on Hollywood the Write Way is back!

In two weeks, the Countdown to the 25 Days of Christmas officially begins! The countdown begins Sunday, November 20th at 8/7c with the ABC Family original, Holiday in Handcuffs which is a favorite ABC Family Christmas film of mine. Willy Wonka will play on the 23rd and if you haven't yet seen my video interviews from earlier this fall with the original main cast members and director, click here. And on the 27th at 8/7c, be sure to watch the world premiere of Desperately Seeking Santa!

A steely marketing executive gets more than she bargained for when her "Sexy Santa" contest winner turns out to be more than just a handsome face in the ABC Family original movie Desperately Seeking Santa. Starring Laura Vandervoort (Smallville) and Nick Zano (2 Broke Girls), Desperately Seeking Santa follows Jennifer Walker (Vandervoort), an ambitious young marketing executive for the South Boston mall. With her eye on a big promotion, Jennifer dreams up a plan to increase sales: a search for the hottest Santa in town! Teen girls and their moms, even a local news anchor, flock to the mall to catch a glimpse of the studly competitors. Before the contest even starts, Jennifer clashes with one contestant, David Moretti (Zano), an attractive South Boston native looking to win the $10,000 prize in a last ditch effort to save his family restaurant.

When 25 Days of Christmas officially takes off come December, we can also look forward to the world premiere of the ABC Family original movie, 12 Dates of Christmas, starring Amy Smart (Just Friends, The Butterfly Effect) and Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Franklin & Bash, NYPD Blue). Premiering Sunday, December 11 at 8/7c, 12 Dates of Christmas follows a young woman who re-lives the same first date on Christmas Eve over and over again until she learns to open up her world to new things and stop living in the past.

The Santa Clause, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Polar Express, and many other Christmas favorites are all must sees at this time of year and ABC Family has got you covered.

Plus, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince makes its basic cable premiere on Sunday, December 4 at 8:30/7:30c, which headlines the network’s annual Harry Potter movie marathon running on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4.

Click here to download the full schedule!

Giveaway: The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes

2011-11-06T15:26:00.004-05:00

I mentioned last month that The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Volumes 3 and 4 were coming to DVD and October 25th was the big day!

As you know, I rarely conduct giveaways on the website but that will change in 2012! So to get you pumped for what's coming up in the new year, I will be giving away these two DVDs! The catch is that this is a local giveaway, so this giveaway is only open to those in the Tri-State area of the United States (who are 14 years of age or older).

In the new year, giveaways will mainly be open nationwide, so stay tuned. As for this giveaway, all you have to do is be one of the first five people to email me (melodysimpson at hollywoodthewriteway.com) why you want the DVDs and a winner will be chosen at random. A follow on Twitter could help your chances (wink wink). May the best Marvel geek win!

Own The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Volumes 3 and 4 on DVD today.

DVD Review: CatDog Season 1 Part 1

2011-11-06T15:15:00.001-05:00

Release Date: October 18, 2011
Rating: TV-Y
Running Time: approx. 300 minutes (10 episodes)

A fan favorite, CatDog: Season One - Part One, is a tale of opposites attached starring CatDog, the most unlikely brother duo ever seen. The conjoined brothers love each other yet they are so different, they can’t help but annoy themselves silly with their contrarian activities. Prim and proper, Cat is the very definition of culture, while Dog is the ultimate tail-wagging, sofa-jumping, car-chasing roughneck. But despite their very different personalities, CatDog are the best of friends, sticking to one another — literally — through thick and thin, even when it comes to facing off against their devious neighbor Winslow and the rough ’n’ tough gang of Greaser Dogs!

CatDog: Season One - Part One features an all-star voice cast, which includes Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants, Rocko’s Modern Life), Jim Cummings (The Super Hero Squad Show, Reno 911) and Carlos Alazraqui (The Fairly OddParents, Rocko’s Modern Life).

Of all of the Nickelodeon series back in the day, CatDog was not one of my favorites. Watching it again years later I understand more clearly why. It's just plain silly and weird. Sure, the unique personalities of the brothers make for a relatable relationship among siblings in general and there are some relatable moments but overall, it really took a long time for me to finish watching the ten episodes (two stories per episode) on this DVD. The adventures are creative and really get into the life of a cat and a dog so it is engaging but the world that these adventures take place in, it has simply never grabbed me. And watching it now hasn't changed a thing. Often times, I found myself wandering in and out of the room without pressing pause on the remote as I normally do. Not to mention, the visuals are not as well restored as the Hey Arnold Season 1 DVD, so there's that. But the comedy does hold up for the most part for those of you who you did watch the series when it originally aired and enjoyed it then. So if you enjoyed the series when it first aired, you'll want to buy this DVD but if you were not completely engaged back then and are considering giving the show a second chance, just think about it first.

There are no Bonus Features on this DVD.

Own CatDog Season 1 Part 1 on DVD today.

Holiday Greeting Cards For A Cause!

2011-11-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

Angie Harmon, Marcia Cross and Molly Sims have teamed up with Kodak and stationary designer-for-the-stars, Bonnie Marcus for a “Celebrity Cards for a Cause” campaign.

These celebs have each specially designed Kodak Picture Kiosk Personalized Greeting Cards on sale this holiday season, where a portion of the proceeds goes to those most in need. Angie Harmon’s designs will benefit Children’s Institute, Inc. while Marcia Cross’ designs will benefit The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Molly Sims’ designs will benefit Friends of El Faro.

The cards are designed so that consumers can personalize them with their own photos and text and with the ability to sign onto Facebook directly from the Kodak Picture Kiosk to pull you and your friends’ photos, there’s no excuse not to join the movement!

These celebrity holiday cards are available in Kodak Picture Kiosks across the nation within the Christmas Photo Card Collection. Look for the tab labeled “Bonnie Marcus Cards for a Cause.”

Happy Holidays!

New Lost Girl Preview

2011-11-04T12:07:00.004-04:00

For those not lucky enough to live in the countries that currently air Lost Girl, which is currently in its second season... as discussed at the Syfy Digital Press Tour, Syfy has acquired the series which will finally make its US premiere this January! Check out a preview below:

Lost Girl premieres January 16, 2011 at 10/9c only on Syfy.

New Neverland Preview

2011-11-04T11:59:00.003-04:00

Remember the upcoming mini-series Neverland that I told you about in my Syfy Digital Press Tour coverage? Well here's an all new preview for you! And stay tuned for my advanced review of the mini-series when it gets closer to the air date.

Neverland airs December 4th and 5, 2011 at 9/8c only on Syfy.

Bess Rogers Releases Out Of The Ocean

2011-11-04T11:45:00.001-04:00

In case you haven't heard of Brooklyn's Bess Rogers, she is very talented singer, songwriter, and musician who's song, "Standing Tall" is currently the featured ‘Single Of The Week’ on iTunes/Japan. The single is from her recently released album, Out Of The Ocean which is fantastic. Seriously. Head on over to iTunes or Amazon and buy the entire album. Thank me later.

Bess is currently on tour in the US, and is set for two weeks of shows in the UK later this month. For more information, visit www.bessrogers.com.

DVD Review - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2011-11-04T11:30:00.002-04:00

Release Date: October 18, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 136 minutes

From Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes all the fun, epic adventure and humor that ignited the original. Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. A tale of truth, betrayal, youth, demise — and mermaids! When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love or if she’s a ruthless con artist using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Forced aboard the ship of the most feared pirate ever, Jack doesn’t know who to fear more —Blackbeard (Ian McShane) or the woman from his past. Directed by Rob Marshall, it’s filled with eye-popping battle scenes, mystery and all-out wit.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is one that will never be forgotten. It is a staple not just in movie history but in American Popular Culture. I personally enjoyed the first film the most, enjoyed the second film, and did not see a need for a third or fourth... especially with the fourth not including Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley. But Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was more engaging than I anticipated it to be... at least for the first hour and a half. Then my interest started to die down. And just like that, the magic was gone. No more caring about the journey to finding the Fountain of Youth. The addition of Penelope Cruz among others was smart and the paths of these characters are thrilling enough and natural enough in this setting to connect and care about what happens to them next. Although that can be debated when it comes to the mermaids.

Though while Cruz and others bring life back into a franchise that was tiring itself out, it has already gotten to the point of being pointless. The exhilaration that we all felt in the first film, the charm and the magic that was there, it's just doesn't last here. There is no shortage of action or the comedy that we all love from this franchise. But the time for Pirates has come and gone. Even the elaborate sets and mesmerizing landscapes cannot keep me enthralled. Maybe if there was more light to keep the viewers awake for the entire film. Renting this film via Redbox is fine but buying this if you're not a hardcore Pirates fan... well, just think about it. There aren't many bonus features on the Blu-Ray or DVD so there's also that to consider.

DVD Bonus Features:
Bloopers of the Caribbean (3:29 minutes) - The cast members have quite the laughs on the set of Pirates, be it because of prop issues or hats falling off in the middle of a scene... there's a lot to love about the bloopers... if only there were more.

LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack’s Brick Tales (Approximately 5 minutes) - LEGO presents five animated shorts that fans especially of animated shorts and fans wanting as much Pirates as they can get will appreciate.

Blu-Ray Bonus Features:
DVD Bonus Features plus...
* Audio Commentary by director Rob Marshall
* Disney Second Screen

Own Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

Like Crazy In Limited Theaters This Friday

2011-10-26T21:37:00.006-04:00

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and Special Jury Prize for Best Actress at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, comes Like Crazy, a story about what we experience when we’re in love. If there's one film to watch this year about the journey of love, this is it.
Release Date: October 28, 2011 (limited release)
Rating: PG-13

A love story is both a physical and emotional tale, one that can be deeply personal and heartbreaking for an audience to experience. Director Drake Doremus’ film Like Crazy beautifully illustrates how your first real love is as thrilling and blissful as it is devastating. When a British college student (Felicity Jones) falls for her American classmate (Anton Yelchin) they embark on a passionate and life-changing journey only to be separated when she violates the terms of her visa. Like Crazy explores how a couple faces the real challenges of being together and of being apart. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and of the Special Jury Prize for Best Actress for Felicity Jones, Like Crazy depicts both the hopefulness and the heartbreak of love.

Starring Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Bewley, Alex Kingston, Oliver Muirhead, Chris Messina, Finola Hughes, Ben York Jones, & Jamie Thomas King.
Executive Producers Zygi Wilf Audrey Wilf Steven Rales Mark Roybal Produced by Jonathan Schwartz Andrea Sperling
Written by Drake Doremus & Ben York Jones
Directed by Drake Doremus

Like Crazy hits limited theaters October 28, 2011.

The Supremes and The Temptations 50th Anniversary Collections

2011-10-26T19:43:00.000-04:00

Here's some news for all of you fans of The Supremes and The Temptations! To celebrate the 50th anniversaries of these legendary groups, a series of CD and DVD releases are scheduled for the fall in both physical and digital formats! If you own every record from either band, these releases will actually include rare tracks and unreleased footage, so there's plenty to anticipate.

Their songs defined a generation from The Supremes with “Baby Love,” “Stop! In The Name Of Love” to The Temptations with “My Girl” and “Get Ready..." the 60s wouldn't be the same without these Motown artists. These groups made breakthroughs for African-Americans and for African-American women on stage, it's no wonder they are both inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Just Released:
Diana Ross & the Supremes / 50th Anniversary: The Complete Singles 1961-1969, a 3-disc set featuring every A- and B- side from their beginning, when they were known around Motown as the “no-hit Supremes,” through their record-breaking triumphs, their 12 No. 1 hits, ending with their extraordinary decade-ending smash “Someday We’ll Be Together.”

The Temptations / 50th Anniversary: The Complete Singles 1961-1971, a 3-disc tribute to the original classic Temptations lineup, featuring every A- and B- side from their beginning, through their respective triumphs, including “My Girl,” “I Can’t Get Next To You” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” closing with the departures of original members Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams.

Releasing in November:
More Hits By The Supremes: Expanded Edition, a limited edition 2-CD set featuring the original hit album, first issued in 1965, newly remastered in both original mono and stereo, plus two more albums’ worth of unreleased and rare tracks from the “girls” in their prime. It’s another in a continuing series of expanded versions of the group's original classic albums available on Motown/Hip-oSelect.com

Complementing the above CD releases are The Best of The Temptations on The Ed Sullivan Show (1 DVD) and The Best of The Supremes on The Ed Sullivan Show (1 DVD), as well as Motown Gold From The Ed Sullivan Show (2-DVD), which feature beloved appearances on the original Sunday night program by both groups. All three DVD collections are packed with classic Motown performances culled from the groundbreaking Ed Sullivan Show, taped live between 1964 and 1971, and all footage has been fully restored with the addition of never before released footage.

And that's not all! For the first time in decades, original Supreme Mary Wilson and The Temptations will perform together for a number of select dates that will be announced soon. So mark your calender for these upcoming release and stay tuned for more news on dates!

For more information, please visit Facebook .

All-New Monster Man Interview Trailer

2011-10-26T18:32:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that I was in Orlando, Florida just two weeks ago meeting Syfy's hottest talent for the Syfy Digital Press Tour. One of those talented individuals that I met was Cleve Hall who has his own docu-series, Monster Man coming to Syfy next year. And now there is a sneak peek, interview style. I cannot wait for this show to premiere! Until then, check out the new trailer below!

Monster Man premieres in 2012 only on Syfy!

Covert Affairs Mid-Season Premiere is Next Week!

2011-10-26T18:26:00.002-04:00

Covert Affairs is back next week in its new episode, “The Wake-Up Bomb.”

After failing a mission in Rio, Annie finds herself with no active operations, and begins to experience just how lonely being a CIA operative can be. But she’s quickly provided with a new assignment when she meets a chef with ties to the Basque separatist movement, ETA. Guest Stars include Santiago Cabrera and Matias Varela.

Here's a new clip! So excited!

Covert Affairs premieres next Tuesday, November 1st 10pm ET on USA Network.

Free Download of Schuyler Fisk's "Zombie"

2011-10-26T18:18:00.002-04:00

Music and zombie lovers, listen up!

Schuyler Fisk will be sharing her song, "Zombie" from her latest album, Blue Ribbon Winner, as a free download over at her official website from October 27, 2011 to Halloween night!

Her first album The Good Stuff debuted on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart and at #1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart. Check out my review of The Good Stuff here. I also really enjoyed Schuyler's sophomore album, Blue Ribbon Winner, especially "Zombie." Read all about it here.

Throughout her music career, Schuyler has performed with Sheryl Crow, Rachael Yamagata, Cary Brothers, Priscilla Ahn, and The Weepies. She has also played across North America in the Hotel Café tour, with Joshua Radin and most recently with Ben Taylor.

If you did not get the chance to see her play alongside these incredible artists, you may have heard her on some of your favorite soundtracks and television shows. She wrote and performed original music for the soundtrack to Zach Braff’s film The Last Kiss; she was sought out by producer Reese Witherspoon to write and perform a song for the soundtrack of the film Penelope; and continues to contribute songs to many other film and television projects including Dear John, Ugly Betty, and Life Unexpected.

On the acting front, Schuyler can be seen alongside Mia Wasikowska, Henry Hopper, and Jane Adams in Gus Van Sant's film Restless, which released earlier this fall. So be sure to head on over to Schuyler's official websire for your free download of "Zombie" and check your local theater to see Restless. Don't say I didn't tell you!

For more information, visit SchuylerFisk.com.