I recently had the opportunity to watch the 2008 movie Doubt, which is available on DVD and Blu-ray, for the first time since its theatrical debut. Written and directed by John Patrick Shanley, the film details the conflict between Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) at a New York Catholic school. Aloysius suspects that Flynn is having an inappropriate relationship with a male student and goes to great lengths to try to make him admit the alleged indiscretion. The scenes featuring Streep and Hoffman going head to head are memorable, as are the supporting characters played by Amy Adams, as Sister James, and Viola Davis, as Mrs. Miller. The film is the epitome of a master class in acting. You can read my original review of the filmhere.
The recently released film Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill, is the subject of the new book Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman (Insight Editions) by Daniel Wallace. The book is beautifully packaged and boasts nearly 180 pages of full color photographs from the hit film that just happens to be my favorite Superman movie to date. With a Foreward by producer Christopher Nolan and an Introduction by director Zach Snyder, Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman features a thorough behind the scenes look at the making of the film, with special attention paid to the technical aspects, including the special effects, costumes and production design. Chapters are devoted to the initial planning phase of the film, casting the right actors for the various roles, the construction of sets on Krypton and Earth, as well as commentary about the meaning and longevity of the Superman character.
The high quality paper compliments the photography, by Clay Enos, which is stunning, especially in regards to the world of Krypton. The attention to detail that was displayed while making Man of Steel is impressive and the filmmakers clearly wanted to get everything just right. Commentary from the aforementioned Zach Snyder, as well as producers Charles Roven, Wes Collier and Emma Thomas, among others, help shed light on the sometimes difficult, but ultimately rewarding movie making process. Stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon also provide their own perspective about the film and their respective characters.
Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman is a terrific companion piece to the feature film that has resonated with viewers around the world and has reestablished Superman as a force at the box office. The book allows readers to relive the film whenever they please and also provides in-depth information about the step by step process of making a film as complex as Man of Steel. Readers may develop a new appreciation for the considerable efforts that went into making a film that brought new life to Superman, who will be back on the big screen for at least two more films in the not too distant future. A legend has been reborn.
When I started watching Chicago Fire last fall I had no idea that I would end up watching/recording every episode of the first season. The series is populated with interesting, diverse and likable characters and the stories center around their professional, as well as their personal lives. While I am partial to the interpersonal dynamics at the firehouse, where would a show with firefighters be without fires to fight? The cast includes Taylor Kinney (The Vampire Diaries), Jesse Spencer (House) and Eamonn Walker (Oz). The first season of Chicago Fire will be released on DVD September 10, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Few actors have the versatility, talent, career longevity and clout that Johnny Depp possesses. Whether starring in an Indie effort, such as Ed Wood, or the highly profitable Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Depp continues to amaze and delight viewers by taking on a variety of characters who somehow connect with audiences. Of course, not all of Depp's films have been hits, but the actor has managed to avoid much of the blame for his failed endeavors and continues to bounce back from those forgettable films, such as The Tourist, with critically acclaimed projects, like Rango.
Johnny Depp's movie career, from A Nightmare on Elm Street to the recently released The Lone Ranger are the focus of the new coffee table book Johnny Depp: A Retrospective (Insight Editions) by Steven Daly. The nearly 300 page effort includes countless full color photographs and features a synopsis and critique, as well as background information on each film. In addition, the successful working relationship between Depp and director Tim Burton (the duo has teamed eight times) is examined in detail. Furthermore, the actor's personal relationships, including those with Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis, are also detailed in respect to their impact on Depp while filming various projects.
One of Depp's early roles, as the titular Edward Scissorhands, captured my attention and I have been a fan ever since. His best efforts, in my opinion, are Finding Neverland, Sweeney Todd, Secret Window and the aforementioned Edward Scissorhands. The roles that Johnny Depp tackled in those films range from a childlike writer, a maniacal barber seeking revenge, a mentally ill writer and a naive outcast. Of course, most (all?) of the characters that Depp portrays are a bit.....,well, different and are further explored by Steven Daly throughout the book.
Johnny Depp: A Retrospective is an easy and fascinating read that also doubles as a scrapbook of the past three decades. The films are mainly presented in chronological order and readers are able to see the aging process firsthand. Although Depp does not look 50 years of age, he has clearly matured from the fresh, baby faced youngster in Cry Baby to the pale, middle aged vampire in Dark Shadows. One of the most interesting aspects of this effort are the comments made by Depp's friends and co-stars, some of whom relay opinions about the actor's psyche in relation to his early life and what may be lurking underneath his usually calm and friendly demeanor. Those comments made me like Johnny Depp even more because they add another layer of mystery to the movie icon who chooses to embrace the outcasts that many of his fans appear to identify with and keeps them coming back for more.
In late 1988, I went to my local (or rather distant) comic book shop to pick up a week's worth of new titles. I had a pull list, so many of the comics I wanted were already waiting for me to collect them. As usual, I looked around a bit and examined the other new comics, including TheSandman #1 by Neil Gaiman. I do not know if I can properly express the impact that the first issue and the next 70 plus had on me, especially as a teenager and young man. The writing, artwork, mature themes and outstanding characters all conspired to make TheSandman the best comic book ever, in my humble opinion. In addition, Sandman, or Morpheus/Dream (of the Endless), became my all-time favorite comic book character - in just 75 issues and assorted other publications. Yes, I revere him even more than Spider-Man or Batman. Since I started PopCultureGuy, I have wanted to publish a series of posts based on the Sandman series and I will be doing just that later this year in honor of the 25th anniversary of its debut.
This fall, in honor of the milestone anniversary, Neil Gaiman will once again tackle his peerless creation in a prequel, The Sandman: Overture, which will be published by Vertigo, an imprint of DC Comics. The bi-monthly series will examine how Morpheus became weakened and was then held prisoner for many years, before escaping and unleashing serious revenge on his captor at the beginning of the original series. I am beyond pleased to once again have the opportunity to re-enter the world of Morpheus, courtesy of best selling author (and genius) Neil Gaiman.
The ninth season of Supernatural is scheduled to debut in October on The CW. During Comic-Con, a trailer for the ninth season was released, but it is not a preview, but rather a recap of the eighth season, which concluded in May. I expect the long running series to be renewed for a tenth season (and perhaps more depending on the state of The CW). It has been a long strange and satisfying trip with the Winchester brothers.
Check out the trailer below, complete with the classic rock music that has long been associated with the series.
A comic book series based on the NBC television show Grimm is now available from Dynamite Entertainment. The first three issues have been published and are written by David Greenwalt and Jim Kouf, who co-created the television series that will be entering its third season this fall. The comic book is very similar to the series and features a great deal of action, not to mention those troubling Wesen. The covers for issues 2 and 3 are below. For additional information, gohere.
The late, great Anthony Minghella directed and wrote the screenplay, which is based on the book by Charles Frazier, for the epic love story Cold Mountain. Mingehlla also helmed The Talented Mr. Ripley, one of my all-time favorite films, and Cold Mountain shares many of the same qualities with that effort, including a stellar cast, incredible cinematography, superb music, and of course, outstanding writing and direction. Cold Mountain is told in flashbacks and is set during the early days of the Civil War in North Carolina, where a preacher's daughter, Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman), falls for a carpenter, W.P. Inman (Jude Law). Their time together is short, as the war begins and Inman goes off to fight with the Confederate army. However, he is seriously injured in battle and is sent to convalesce at a military hospital. Despite his loyalty to the army, Inman is troubled by Ada's seemingly difficult plight back home, which he learns from one of her many letters that is delivered to him. As a result, he decides to desert the army and travel the long road home to be with and help his love. However, his journey is complicated by encounters with a weaselly preacher, a young woman with a sick child, and a serious illness. Back at Cold Mountain, Ada's father, Reverend Monroe (Donald Sutherland), has passed away and she struggles with taking care of the land and making ends meet. She is determined to keep the land and soon secures the assistance of the unorthodox Ruby Thewes (Renee Zellweger), whose strength of character is exactly what Ada needs to set things right again. However, members of the Confederate Home Guard, led by Teague (Ray Winstone), make things difficult for the residents of Cold Mountain and often resort to vicious tactics to get what they want. Teague is determined to obtain Ada's land because it once belonged to his family, but she refuses to sell to him. Ruby's father, Stobrod (Brendan Gleeson), and his friends soon arrive and prove to be valuable to both Ada and Ruby, but after an altercation with Teague and his men, all of the their lives are placed in danger, as Inman slowly makes his way back. In addition to the aforementioned actors, the cast also includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kathy Baker, Eileen Atkins, Giovanni Ribisi, Emily Deschanel, Jack White, Ethan Suplee, Cillian Murphy, Natalie Portman and Charlie Hunnam. The extraordinary cast is one of the finest ever assembled for a motion picture and they conspire to make Cold Mountain one of the best films I have ever seen. As much as I enjoy watching the film, it is a reminder of the loss of Anthony Mingehlla, who I am sure had many more great projects to contribute. Minghella passed away in 2008 from a hemorrhage following cancer surgery.
The Blu-ray extras include: Audio Commentary from Anthony Minghella Deleted Scenes Two featurettes; Climbing Cold Mountain and A Journey to Cold Mountain Sacred Harp History The Words and Music of Cold Mountain - A Royce Hall Special
The mid-season trailer for Teen Wolf was revealed at Comic-Con this past week. The series is in its third season, which is comprised of 24 episodes. The first twelve are currently airing on Monday nights at 10:00pm ET on MTV and will conclude in August. Once the first dozen episodes have aired, the series will take a break until early next year.
The third season has been very different from the first two, so far, and has not been as consistent. However, the recent episode, "Motel California," is the single best one to date. I think the influx of so many new characters has thrown the dynamic off a bit and reuniting the central characters more often may help with getting the show back on track. Regardless, Teen Wolf remains one of the most entertaining shows on television and one that I recommend.
Author Mark Clark may want to consider an ongoing series of Star Trek FAQ books. Even after two efforts loaded with information about the Star Trek franchise, he could easily fill a third volume just by focusing on the television series Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. A fourth volume could tackle the numerous comic book series that have been inspired by the various television shows and, of course, there is a new feature film franchise from J.J. Abrams to examine. I am not sure the author is considering such projects and it appears that he may be done compiling Star Trek books, at least that is the impression I was given while reading Star Trek FAQ 2.0.
The major focus of Star Trek FAQ 2.0 is The Next Generation television series, which ran for seven years and became the most popular program of its time in syndication. Sadly, I was one of those diehard "original series" types who generally refused to watch The Next Generation during its original run, from 1987-1994, but I did start watching reruns in the late 1990s and came to appreciate the considerable effort that was put forth. Mark Clark examines all 178 episodes of The Next Generation in various chapters and also singles out the performances by Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard), Brent Spiner (Data) and Michael Dorn (Worf), in others. The Next Generation feature films are also examined, as are the ones starring the original cast. While Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise are all mentioned, they do not receive nearly as much attention. That is not a criticism, just an observation.
The continuity within the Star Trek universe is explored in detail throughout the 400 page book and is one of my favorite aspects of Star Trek FAQ 2.0. I did not realize that so many connections existed between the original Star Trek and The Next Generation, including the frequent guest appearances by Majel Barrett-Roddenberry as Lwaxana Troi in The Next Generation and Michael Dorn's role in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I also learned that Jonathan Del Arco, from The Closer and Major Crimes, portrayed Hugh, a Borg, in The Next Generation. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn about the numerous Emmy awards that The Next Generation acquired during its run, despite being overlooked in the Drama Series and various acting categories. One of the most interesting aspects of this effort is the behind the scenes trouble that transpired during the first few seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Creator Gene Roddenberry was at the center of most of those issues and readers come away with the idea that he may have either been very difficult to work with and/or very protective of the Star Trek legacy.
I read with interest about the continuing inclusion of social issues in various Star Trek series and the quest for peace and harmony between different populations throughout the Federation. However, I think Gene Roddenberry may have oversimplified the notion that there should not be any interpersonal conflict between members of the crew on The Next Generation. While it is admirable to suggest that people may be able to coexist more harmoniously in the future, I suspect there will always be at least some internal strife. In addition to the analysis of the films and each episode of The Next Generation, Mark Clark includes a chapter of quotes and another centered around food and beverages that Trekkies will surely enjoy. Overall, Star Trek FAQ 2.0: Everything Left To Know About The Next Generation, The Movies and Beyond (Applause Books) is a fascinating and thoroughly interesting read, as well as a superb follow-up to its predecessor.
Summer vacation at the beach may sound great to some people, but not to young Duncan, whose growing pains are exacerbated by his mom's mean spirited boyfriend in the new film The Way Way Back. The title refers to the rear end of a station wagon that serves as a seat and is frequently coveted by youngsters. Viewers initially meet Duncan (Liam James) in the way way back, as he deals with Trent (Steve Carell), who appears to be out to ruin the youngster's self image. Making things more difficult is the fact that Brent is the current boyfriend of his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), who seems oblivious to the burgeoning problems between them. The shy and introverted Duncan would rather be with his father instead of taking a trip to the beach with his mom and Trent.
Duncan is about to come of age, but needs something to push him to become the person that he is destined to be. He finds just that person, Owen (Sam Rockwell), at Water Wizz, a local water park. Owen is the antithesis of Trent and encourages Duncan to open himself up to new experiences, as well as being more friendly with the opposite sex. Eventually, Duncan starts working at Water Wizz, but decides not to tell his mom, who appears too preoccupied to notice him anyway. Duncan spends most of his time away from the beach house and away from Trent's aggravation. However, he discovers a secret that Trent has been hiding, but is not sure how to tell his mom. However, everything eventually comes out, as Duncan emerges from his shell, ready to claim his new life.
The Way Way Back is a familiar coming of age story that is elevated by the fine performances from the talented cast, including star Liam James, who receive more screen time than his veteran co-stars. Sam Rockwell is also well cast as the free spirited Owen, who grows to care for Duncan and appears to understand what he is going through. He realizes that Duncan needs encouragement and a proper role model/father figure in his life. In addition, Allison Janney is a breath of fresh air as another free spirit (there must be something in the water), Betty, who is friends with Pam. Janney lights up the screen in every scene in which she appears. Steve Carell, playing against type (unless you count his role as Gru in Despicable Me), is believable as Trent, an irritating and condescending cad.
Nat Faxon and Jim Rash serve as co-writers and co-directors and also appear in small roles. Their performances and their screenplay are both better than their direction, which seems to occasionally lose focus. When Duncan is front and center, The Way Way Back works best, but when the focus is on the bloated supporting cast and their assorted melodrama, it appears to lose steam. In any event, this coming of age film is a solid summertime viewing option that reminded me of the term "feel good movie of the summer" that was once overused and annoying, but is applicable to this entertaining and amusing Indie effort.
Burp joke, fart joke, get hit in the groin. Rinse and repeat. Grown Ups 2 is a pointless sequel that just happens to follow-up on the lives of a group of former high school buddies (played by Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade) from the original film, who are now raising children of their own who may actually be growing up, unlike their parents. There is really no central plot, but rather one absurd situation after another for about 100 minutes. If you like Adam Sandler movies and do not expect much, you may enjoy Grown Ups 2. Even though I do not recommend the film, I did enjoy the vignettes featuring Andy Samberg, who leads a team of scantily clad men at a car wash, the story arc featuring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and the completely ridiculous martial arts moves that Taylor Lautner goes totally overboard with in his few scenes as a frat boy. Yes, Grown Ups 2 is mildly entertaining, depending on your tastes. I am thankful that I did not have to pay to see the film, or my opinion may have been worse. See this one at your own risk.
OK, so they are not really retired, but they are still extremely dangerous. Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) are back for more dangerous missions, witty banter and plenty of action. Based on the comic book limited series that inspired the original film, Red 2 centers on retired black ops agent Frank Moses, who reunites members of his old team, including Marvin Boggs, with an assist by former customer service representative Sarah Ross (Mary Louise Parker), also returning, as Frank's love interest, who wants to help him on his latest mission.
As usual, life is not boring for Frank, who is being chased by Interpol, as well as his frenemy, Victoria (Helen Mirren), and an assassin, Han (Lee Byong-hun). In addition, he finds himself in the middle of a mission that involves a Cold War nuclear device which may have been smuggled into Russia and could be active. Frank is tasked with locating the person who was involved with the project, Edward Bradley (Anthony Hopkins), who has been confined to a psychiatric hospital for many years, to learn the exact location of the potential threat. But as they say, the inmates are running the asylum. Frank soon learns that all too well as he underestimates the still vital Bradley, who manages to lock Frank inside his own hospital room.
There is a lot going on in Red 2 and the rapid pace, along with the witty dialogue, makes the run time speed by quickly. This is one of those films that I wish had an even longer run time, so I could continue to enjoy the performances by the stellar cast. The rapport between the principal players is always smart and often hilarious and they are ably supported by Catherine Zeta-Jones, as Miranda Wood, Frank's former flame who exercises unexpected control over him, while making Sarah very jealous. In addition, the always terrific Brian Cox returns as Ivan Simanov, who gets to picnic and smooch with the still lovely and vital Mirren, thus becoming the envy of viewers.
Jon and Erich Hoeber once again serve as screenwriters and, along with the many returning cast members, add a strong degree of continuity to the proceedings. Of course, the performances are terrific and the actors look like they are having a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the way the end of a scene would freeze and then be made to look like a page from a comic book. Red 2 is a terrific option for summertime viewing and features action, comedy, romance and intrigue in an effort geared towards adults. If it is anything like its predecessor, it will be a box office hit and deservedly so.
Cable giant HBO captured 108 Emmy nominations, including 16 for Game of Thrones, when the nominees were announced earlier today. However, FX's American Horror Story was the most nominated series, with 17 nods. Other nominees attracting much Emmy recognition were Saturday Night Live and the HBO movie Behind the Candelabra, which both nabbed 15. In addition, the Netflix series House of Cards received nine nominations, including one for Drama Series, which is a first for an online series.
I was pleased to learn of the multiple nominations for The Big Bang Theory, Glee, Downton Abbey, the now defunct USA series Political Animals, as well as the aforementioned American Horror Story and Behind the Candelabra. It was also great to see Connie Britton and Vera Farmiga receive recognition for their great work on Nashville and Bates Motel, respectively. On the other hand, I was very disappointed that Archer was not recognized for Outstanding Comedy Series or Animated Series, since it is one of the best and most consistent series on television. I was also disappointed to learn that Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel), Jonny Lee Miller (Elementary) Hugh Dancy (Hannibal) and Mads Mikkelson (Hannibal) did not receive recognition for their exceptional work either.
The 2013 Emmy telecast will air September 22 on CBS.
Here is a partial list of the nominees.
COMEDY SERIES “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) “Girls” (HBO) “Louie” (FX) “Modern Family” (ABC) “30 Rock” (NBC) “Veep” (HBO)
LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERES Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock,” NBC) Jason Bateman (“Arrested Development,” Netflix) Don Cheadle (“House of Lies,” Showtime) Louis C.K. (“Louie,” FX) Matt LeBlanc (“Episodes,” Showtime) Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)
LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Laura Dern (“Enlightened,” HBO) Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep,” HBO) Lena Dunham (“Girls,” HBO) Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie,” Showtime) Tina Fey (“30 Rock,” NBC) Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation,” NBC)
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Ty Burrell (“Modern Family,” ABC) Adam Driver (“Girls,” HBO) Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Modern Family,” ABC) Bill Hader (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC) Tony Hale (“Veep,” HBO) Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family,” ABC)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS) Julie Bowen (“Modern Family,” ABC) Anna Chlumski (“Veep,” HBO) Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock,” NBC) Jane Lynch (“Glee,” Fox) Sophia Vergara (“Modern Family,” ABC) Merritt Weaver (“Nurse Jackie,” Showtime)
GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Bobby Cannavale (“Nurse Jackie,” HBO) Louis C.K. (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC) Will Forte (“30 Rock,” NBC) Nathan Lane (“Modern Family,” ABC) Bob Newhart (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS) Justin Timberlake (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC)
GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Dot-Marie Jones (“Glee,” Fox) Melissa Leo (“Louie,” FX) Parker Posey (“”Louie,” FX) Molly Shannon (“Enlightened,” HBO) Elaine Stritch (“30 Rock,” NBC) Kristen Wiig (“Saturday Night Live,” NBC)
DRAMA SERIES “Breaking Bad” (AMC) “Downton Abbey” (PBS) “Game of Thrones” (HBO) “Homeland” (ABC) “House of Cards” (Netflix) “Mad Men” (AMC)
LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey,” PBS) Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad,” AMC) Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom,” HBO) Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” AMC) Damian Lewis (“Homeland,” AMC) Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards,” Netflix)
LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Connie Britton (“Nashville,” ABC) Claire Dames (“Homeland,” Showtime) Michelle Dockery (“Downton Abbey,” PBS) Vera Farmiga (“Bates Motel,” A&E) Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men,” AMC) Kerry Washington (“Scandal,” ABC) Robin Wright (“House of Cards,” Netflix)
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Jonathan Banks (“Breaking Bad,” AMC) Bobby Cannavale (“Boardwalk Empire,” HBO) Jim Carter (“Downton Abbey,” PBS) Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones,” HBO) Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland,” Showtime) Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Morena Baccarin (“Homeland,” Showtime) Christine Baranski (“The Good Wife,” CBS) Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones,” HBO) Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad,” AMC) Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men," AMC) Maggie Smith (“Downton Abbey,” PBS)
GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Dan Bucatinsky (“Scandal,” ABC) Michael J. Fox (“The Good Wife,” CBS) Rupert Friend (“Homeland,” Showtime) Harry Hamlin (“Mad Men,” AMC) Nathan Lane (“The Good Wife,” CBS) Robert Morse (“Mad Men,” AMC)
GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Linda Cardinelli (“Mad Men,” AMC) Joan Cusack (“Shameless,” Showtime) Jane Fonda (“The Newsroom,” HBO) Margo Martindale (“The Americans,” FX) Carrie Preston (“The Good Wife,” CBS) Diana Rigg (“Game of Thrones,” HBO)
TV MOVIE/MINISERIES “American Horror Story: Asylum” (FX) “Behind the Candelabra” (HBO) “The Bible” (History) “Phil Spector” (HBO) “Political Animals” (USA) “Top of the Lake” (Sundance)
LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE Benedict Cumberbatch (“Parade’s End,” BBC) Michael Douglas (“Behind the Candelabra,” HBO) Matt Damon (“Behind the Candelabra,” HBO) Tony Jones (“The Girl,” HBO) Al Pacino (“Phil Spector, HBO)
LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE Jessica Lange (“American Horror Story: Asylum,” FX) Laura Linney (“The Big C: Hereafter,” Showtime) Helen Mirren (“Phil Spector,” HBO) Elisabeth Moss (“Top of the Lake,” Sundance) Sigourney Weaver (“Political Animals,” USA)
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISEIES OR A MOVIE James Cromwell ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX) Zachary Quinto ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX) Scott Bakula ("Behind The Candelabra," HBO) John Benjamin Hickey ("The Big C: Hereafter," Showtime) Peter Mullan ("Top Of The Lake," Sundance Channel)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE Sarah Paulson ("American Horror Story: Asylum," FX) Imelda Staunton ("The Girl," HBO) Ellen Burstyn ("Political Animals," USA) Charlotte Rampling ("Restless," Sundance Channel) Alfre Woodard ("Steel Magnolias," Lifetime)
REALITY SHOW COMPETITION “The Amazing Race” (CBS) “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC) “Project Runway” (Lifetime) “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox) “The Voice” (NBC) “Top Chef” (Bravo)
REALITY PROGRAM “Antiques Roadshow” (PBS) “The Deadliest Catch” (Discover) “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” (Food Network) “MythBusters” (Discovery) “Shark Tank” (ABC) “Undercover Boss” (CBS)
REALITY SHOW HOST Tom Bergeron (“Dancing With the Stars,” ABC) Anthony Bourdain “(The Taste,” ABC) Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance,” Fox) Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn (“Project Runway,” Lifetime) Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol,” Fox) Betty White (“Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” NBC)
VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES “The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central) “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central) “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (NBC) “Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO) “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
The latest animated series to feature The Dark Knight, Beware the Batman, premiered this past Saturday on Cartoon Network, as part of the DC Nation block. The new series is a computer animated effort and it certainly looks contemporary and realistic. The focus is on the early days of Batman/Bruce Wayne, so mistakes are made that may startle some viewers, but Bruce is still honing his craft as a crime fighter. In addition, new twists on the legacy of the titular hero, including a different look for Alfred and contemporary villains (many from the Batman comic books), make Beware the Batman stand out from its predecessors. The first episode features relative newcomers Professor Pyg and Mr. Toad, but at least one classic villain, Ra's al Ghul, will be a part of the landscape in future installments. The debut episode was enjoyable and well crafted, although getting used to the updated look and new mythology may take some time for long time fans of Batman. Regardless, I plan to be a regular viewer, at least in the short term.
"Beware the Batman" airs Saturday mornings at 10:00am ET on Cartoon Network.
The Ultimate and Official Guide to Seasons 1 and 2 of the Hit Series Sherlock— A Must-Have for all Sherlock Fans.
Sherlock: The Casebook offers a multidimensional companion to the PBS hit show Sherlock. Covering the first two seasons in vivid detail, each case is richly captured on the page and re-examined through Dr. Watson's blog, Inspector Lestrade's police reports, and newspaper articles about the crimes. Sherlock's detective notes and any surviving clues from the cases are also included. Interspersed among the evidence are exclusive interviews with the stars of the show, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Rupert Graves; writers and co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat; and the production team on everything from writing the scripts and bringing the characters to life on-screen to how the new Sherlock both reinvents and pays homage to Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective.
The Sherlock Files: The Official Companion to the Hit Television Series (It Books) will be available for purchase tomorrow, July 17.
The first season of the outstanding A&E drama Bates Motel will be available on DVD and Blu-ray on September 17 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The fascinating and extremely well acted series stars Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore (pictured above) as Norma and Norman Bates. The series attracted a sizable audience that has already guaranteed a second season, which is scheduled to air early next year. Both the DVD and Blu-ray will be packaged with a set of collector cards featuring artwork from the series (“Jiao’s Sketchbook”) for a limited time only.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES (BLU-RAY™ and DVD): • DELETED SCENES • FEATURETTE: Paley Center Panel Discussion with the Cast and Creative Team
You can read my initial thoughts on Bates Motel here.
Frankly, I had some issues with Stephen King's latest effort, Joyland (Hard Case Crime), but they were of my own making. Despite understanding that Joyland is a crime novel, not a horror story, I was intent on the events depicted in the book becoming more creepy as I turned the pages. That did not happen, despite the presence of a ghost, albeit a friendly one. Joyland is set in coastal North Carolina during the early 1970s where Devin Jones finds work for himself far away from his home in New England. Devin, or Dev, is trying to forget a first, unrequited love, who clearly had no intention of becoming his girlfriend. Of course, young love blinds many of us and we refuse to see the truth until it smacks us in the face, so Dev is certainly not alone.
I would describe Joyland as more of a coming of age story than crime novel, complete with a character study of a solid young man who has faced difficult times, but keeps a sense of hopefulness about him which serves him well in his new job at an amusement park where the patrons expect to be treated to fun and excitement. In that respect, Joyland is aptly named. While Devin is at the center of events, many supporting characters are introduced along the way, including a wealth of carnival workers, Devin's father, and a potential new love interest for the protagonist. Casting a shadow on the everyday lives of the aforementioned characters is the alleged ghost of a young girl who was murdered at Joyland years earlier. Devin is intrigued and sometimes bordering on obsessed with the murder and sets out to uncover what really happened, since the killer was never apprehended. He enlists a few allies along the way, but the closer he gets to the truth, the more his life is in danger because the killer is someone he knows and who realizes that Devin is on to him or her.
Devin is certainly likable, but some of his actions border on being saintly, which I just did not believe. For instance, after saving a young girl's life, he is offered a cash reward, but turns it down, even though he needs the money for his college fund. His reasons for turning down the reward are also unselfish, but not completely believable. My point is that Devin is likable enough without the author trying to canonize him. On the other hand, I did enjoy the inclusion of a psychic character (what amusement park would be complete without one?), Madame Fortuna, who plays a major role in Devin's life, for better or for worse. Fortuna's presence also adds to the possible supernatural events surrounding Joyland and its suspenseful atmosphere.
In the first paragraph, I alluded to the fact that I initially had problems with Joyland. When I was 100 pages into the story, I wondered when something was going to happen with the ghost in the amusement park and when things were going to start getting creepy. They really never do, but that is not a criticism, since the story is more about Devin's journey in early adulthood. Joyland is a quick, easy and enjoyable read that would be perfect to take to the beach, where you could finish it in a few hours. Of course, reading it at a North Carolina beach may be appropriate, but not essential. Finally, reading Joyland brought back memories of West View Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which I had the pleasure of attending as a young child in the 1970s. Unfortunately, many of those independent theme parks have gone the way of the dinosaur, but they still hold cherished memories for their patrons.
Viewers will never know what to expect from director Steven Soderbergh's latest film, Side Effects. Indeed, the versatile director changes things up constantly throughout the film and it keeps the audience off balance, but in a positive way. For instance, even though Jude Law receives top billing, his character, Dr. Jonathan Banks, seems more like a supporting character throughout the first part of the film, while Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum, as married couple Emily and Martin Taylor, are front and center. However, as the story plays out, Dr. Banks is pushed into the center of an intriguing plot that threatens to ruin him and his career, but he plans to fight back.
The initial story centers around Martin Taylor, who is seen being released from prison after serving time for insider trading. His wife, Emily, appears strong, supporting and loving, but then purposely crashes her car into a wall in a parking garage. As a result, she is declared a suicide risk and is assigned to the care of Dr. Banks, who prescribes a series of anti-depressant medications. When they seemingly fail to work, Banks contacts Emily's former therapist, Dr. Victoria Siebert (Catherine Zeta-Jones), for advice. She suggests a new drug, Ablixa, that appears to help Emily, although she experiences bouts of sleepwalking. When Martin arrives home while Emily is apparently sleepwalking, she stabs him several times, leading to his death. The repercussions of that event are felt by Dr. Banks, whose professional and personal life are turned upside down by his alleged mishandling of the case, for the balance of the film.
Frankly, I had no idea where Side Effects was headed until around the final act. Viewers may think they have things figured out, but then another surprise is introduced into the story. In the meantime, the inmates are clearly running the asylum and the sane, and perhaps honest, characters are made to look crazy. That is the genius of the screenplay by Scott Z. Burns, which is reminiscent of a classic Alfred Hitchcock film, but without a blonde lead character. Emily and Dr. Siebert are brunettes, but Dr. Banks' wife, Deidre (Vinessa Shaw), has the distinction of being a buxom blonde, even though she is a supporting player in the endless drama that is filled with more twists than you can imagine.
Soderbergh's terrific cast deliver strong performances, especially the underrated Jude Law, who receives material worthy of his talents. Rooney Mara is also quite good, as the complicated Emily, as is Catherine Zeta-Jones, as the calculating Dr. Siebert. I am at a loss to explain why Side Effects was not at least a modest box office hit. It is one of the best films I have seen so far this year and boasts a terrific cast who are all given a chance to shine, courtesy of Steven Soderbergh, and rise to the occasion. Side Effects is a superb film.
(NASHVILLE, TN) - For years multitudes have praised the vocal styles of Michael English. His soulful, emotive voice wraps around a lyric and delivers a song like no one else can! That voice grabbed the attention of entertainment icon Cher recently and, like many celebrities in this day and time, took to Twitter to express her opinion.
On May 31, 2013, @Cher tweeted: “Just watched The Last Ride story of Hank Williams' last trip. "Hey Good Lookin'" was the first song my mom taught me. Michael English did a genius version of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" It says what we've ALL felt. Henry Thomas & Jesse James broke my heart.”
The song appears in The Last Ride, an emotional film that tells the powerful tale of country music’s original bad boy and his final days. The man, the myth and the music come together when Williams travels from Alabama to a series of New Year’s shows in West Virginia and Ohio. This remarkable journey leads straight into the heart and soul of the legendary performer...as he takes one last shot at redemption. Featuring all-new versions of Hank Williams’ greatest songs, this emotional tale of hope and truth is one you’ll never forget.
The Last Ride was released June 4, 2013 on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Entertainment and is available wherever movies are sold.
The Last Ride soundtrack was released by CURB Records and is currently in stores and available digitally on iTunes, Rhapsody and other retailers. The CD contains the performance of Michael English's "I'm So Lonesome" as well as Benjy Gaither, Doug Anderson, Russ Taff, The Isaacs, Jett Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Wes Hampton and others.
Michael English is currently on tour with the Gaither Vocal Band and select solo dates in support of his latest CURB Records' release Some People Change.
Ratings for the week of July 1, 2013 (courtesy of Nielsen Media Research)
Total Average Viewers (in millions) by Network:
CBS - 5.09 NBC - 4.65 ABC - 3.33
FOX - 2.57 The CW - .62
Top 10 Shows (viewers in millions):
1. Under the Dome (CBS) - 11.82 2. America's Got Talent (NBC) - 9.56 3. NCIS (CBS) (r) - 8.34 4. 60 Minutes Presents (CBS) (r) - 7.65 5. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks (NBC) (s) - 7.18
6. The Bachelorette (ABC) - 6.34 7. Big Brother 15 (CBS) - 6.25 8. The Big Bang Theory (CBS) (r) (s) - 5.83 9. Blue Bloods (CBS) (r) (s) - 5.75 10. Big Brother 15 (CBS-Tuesday) (s) - 5.64
