We're coming up on the return of the network television shows, hoping that an actors strike doesn't impact this season the way the writers strike did last year. No need to worry about that yet, I suppose, so let's take a look at what awaits us starting in September. As always, I ignore Reality tv.
-Monday, Sept. 1
I'll be watching the two hour season premiere of Prison Break (because I can't quit this show even when I want to.)
SPOILER ALERT ON PRISON BREAK
If somehow you haven't heard, Sara is back and apparently wasn't beheaded. I'm not that shocked. I always assumed that she would be back as I heard her talking about in interviews how she would be off the show for bit while she had her baby. I am interested in seeing how they bring her back, however.
SPOILER ALERT OVER
Others might be excited about the return of Gossip Girls on the CW or the return of One Tree Hill on the same station.
-Tuesday, Sept 2
The premiere of the CW's big hope 90210. Yeah.
-Wednesday, Sept 3
The return of Bones on FOX. (I still don't get how Angel can walk around in sunlight. I thought Angel destroyed that ring after Oz gave it to him.)
-Tuesday, Sept 9
The two hour premiere of Fringe, the new show from J.J. Abrams, and along with Dollhouse, the front runner for Josh's Choice for Best New Show of the Season Award. I can't wait for this show.
Also, the new show called Privileged on CW. Doesn't really scream out to me.
-Wednesday, Sept 10
The return of Til Death and the premiere of Do Not Disturb on FOX.
-Tuesday, Sept 16
The return of Hugh Laurie as House (a show I really need to start watching.)
-Thursday, Sept 18
The return of Smallville and Supernatural on the CW. Hopefully this season of Smallville is better then the last. Come on Clark. The exit of Lex and Lana has me a little worried though, not going to lie.
-Sunday, Sept 21
An interesting thing tonight. The CW leased out thier Sunday night lineup to an independent company, Media Rights Capital who are producing the shows CW will be showing including two that premiere tonight, Valentine and Easy Money.
-Monday, Sept 22
Now things really get going.
CBS premieres Big Bang Theory, the greatness that is How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, the new comedy Worst Week Ever, and the return of CSI: Miami.
ABC brings back Boston Legal for its last season (supposedly).
NBC premieres an entire night of Heroes, hopefully having figured out it's recent slump.
-Tuesday, Sept 23
CBS gives us their Psych knock off The Mentalist in between the return of NCIS and Without a Trace and NBC presents the return of da-DAH (my written interpretation of the Law and Order musical intro) Law & Order:SVU.
-Wednesday, Sept 24
Knight Rider rides again on NBC, but my bet is not for long. Speaking of NBC, the Seinfeld curse continues to be beaten by Elaine in The New Adventures of Old Christine to be followed by new series Gary Unmarried on CBS, who will then give us the returns of Criminal Minds and CSI:NY (if anyone cares). Meanwhile, ABC brought back Lipstick Jungle for some reason.
-Thursday, Sept 25
My Name is Earl and The Office each get hour long premieres followed by the premiere of the final season of ER, which honestly probably should have happened about 10 years ago, on NBC.
ABC shows the premieres of Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatamy.
-Sunday, Sept 28
The return of our favorite animated shows on FOX, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy, and American Dad.
Also Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters on ABC and Cold Case and more President Palmer kicking A** on The Unit on CBS.
-Monday, Sept 29
Chuck returns and Life, last year's third place finisher in Josh's Choice for Best New Show of the Season, is given a Heroes lead-in in order to maximize its viewership on NBC, although that lead-in didn't work for Journeyman, last year's winner of Josh's Choice for Best New Show of the Season.
-Wednesday, Oct 1
ABC owns the night with the premieres of Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money. Oh yeah, Private Practice will be shown in between them.
-Friday, Oct 3
Ghost Whisperer, new show The Ex-List, and Numb3rs premiere on CBS. Everybody Hates Chris and The Game return to the CW.
-Monday, Oct 6
Samantha Who returns to ABC.
-Thursday, Oct 9
Kath & Kim joins the NBC comedy lineup. Time will tell if it keeps the Thursday lineup at must see comedy level like last year (we miss you Scrubs, but maybe you're in a better place, one that recognizes your greatness).
CSI (the original one) returns on CBS followed by the series premiere of Eleventh Hour. ABC premieres the new show Life on Mars.
-Monday, Oct 13
The new Christian Slater show, My Own Worst Enemy takes over Journeyman's slot. Hopefully it will do better.
-Tuesday, Oct 14
The return of America's Next Top Prophet, Eli Stone!!!
-Friday, Oct 17
Two hour premiere of Crusoe on NBC. The previews during the Olympics have me intrigued.
-Thursday, Oct 30
The return of Liz Lemon and 30 Rock.
-Sunday, Nov 2
Bob Saget returns to sitcom-ville in Surviving Suburbia on MRC's Sunday night lineup on the CW.
So, there you have it, the premieres of network television's scripted shows this fall. As always, times are subject to change. The networks aren't very good at sticking to plans.
Until Next Time, For ABC's full fall schedule, click here, For CBS's here, For NBC's here, For FOX's here, and for the CW's here. Enjoy.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I heard about this, but I got excited despite myself. So, as with any other STAR WARS movie, my friends and I found ourselves at Rave for the midnight premiere.
Unlike for Indiana Jones (and I hear for Dark Knight, but I wasn't able to make that one) the line was non existent. Clearly the majority of the STAR WARS community hadn't been sucked in as I had by the trailers.
Their loss.
Sure it isn't live action, but I thought the animation was pretty good. The story is different from the main Episodes, but it's very good and it is a lot more action oriented. The interplay between the characters is very good, like classic STAR WARS good. And it is a pleasure to see a heroic Anakin and not either the young (some might say annoying, but what 6 year old isn't?) Anakin or the emo (some might still say annoying) Anakin or the evil (some might still say annoying, and I'm beginning to wonder if people have something against Hayden) Anakin. We've heard about heroic and cool General Anakin Skywalker, but we hadn't seen him yet. Until now. (Plus, he wasn't even voiced by Hayden, so there's that).
His new Padawan was a very interesting addition. There was great interplay between her and Sky Guy (as she called him, one of her many fun nicknames, although R-twoie got on my nerves a little bit, but I did enjoy imagining that R2's beeps and boops were cursing at her every time she used it).
I'm really looking forward to the new animated series that this leads into, and after all that was the point.
Mainly, the film was a lot of fun. Good, old fashioned STAR WARS fun.
A couple other little points I noticed... it seemed like the general of the Droid Army that Kenobi and Skywalker were fighting at the beginning of the movie was totally putting on a fake Sean Connery accent, and it seemed like Ziro the Hutt, Jabba's uncle, had a bit of a Cartman (from South Park) accent going. In fact I called him Cartman the Hutt in my head. "Screw you guys, I'm going to take over the Hutts."
Until Next Time, I loved Stinky the Hutt, not even going to lie. "He's really sick. He's turning every shade of green except for the one he's supposed to be!"
Unlike for Indiana Jones (and I hear for Dark Knight, but I wasn't able to make that one) the line was non existent. Clearly the majority of the STAR WARS community hadn't been sucked in as I had by the trailers.
Their loss.
Sure it isn't live action, but I thought the animation was pretty good. The story is different from the main Episodes, but it's very good and it is a lot more action oriented. The interplay between the characters is very good, like classic STAR WARS good. And it is a pleasure to see a heroic Anakin and not either the young (some might say annoying, but what 6 year old isn't?) Anakin or the emo (some might still say annoying) Anakin or the evil (some might still say annoying, and I'm beginning to wonder if people have something against Hayden) Anakin. We've heard about heroic and cool General Anakin Skywalker, but we hadn't seen him yet. Until now. (Plus, he wasn't even voiced by Hayden, so there's that).
His new Padawan was a very interesting addition. There was great interplay between her and Sky Guy (as she called him, one of her many fun nicknames, although R-twoie got on my nerves a little bit, but I did enjoy imagining that R2's beeps and boops were cursing at her every time she used it).
I'm really looking forward to the new animated series that this leads into, and after all that was the point.
Mainly, the film was a lot of fun. Good, old fashioned STAR WARS fun.
A couple other little points I noticed... it seemed like the general of the Droid Army that Kenobi and Skywalker were fighting at the beginning of the movie was totally putting on a fake Sean Connery accent, and it seemed like Ziro the Hutt, Jabba's uncle, had a bit of a Cartman (from South Park) accent going. In fact I called him Cartman the Hutt in my head. "Screw you guys, I'm going to take over the Hutts."
Until Next Time, I loved Stinky the Hutt, not even going to lie. "He's really sick. He's turning every shade of green except for the one he's supposed to be!"
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Dark Knight
First off let me say to Iron Man that you have my condolences. It's kind of unfair to come out with the greatest comic book movie ever made only to have your title stripped away from you so completely two months later.
Because, yes, The Dark Knight is that good. It's everything that you hoped that it might be and more. Very, very rarely does a movie that is this hyped and that has such high expectations ever live up to them, much less exceed them. In fact, up until now, only Serenity had ever achieved that feat in my mind. Now it has company as The Dark Knight blew away even the highest expectations.
I didn't get to see the movie until Saturday, but it was well worth the wait.
On the Heath Ledger issue, he was unbelievably good. It was hard to even remember that the Joker was actually Heath Ledger, because he embodied the character on screen. He truly was the Joker.
Overall, it was quite a cast. Even William Fichtner had a small role at the beginning of the film (and I love William Fichtner.)
Until Next Time, I can't believe that we are only a few days away from the greatness that is The X-Files in theaters!
Because, yes, The Dark Knight is that good. It's everything that you hoped that it might be and more. Very, very rarely does a movie that is this hyped and that has such high expectations ever live up to them, much less exceed them. In fact, up until now, only Serenity had ever achieved that feat in my mind. Now it has company as The Dark Knight blew away even the highest expectations.
I didn't get to see the movie until Saturday, but it was well worth the wait.
On the Heath Ledger issue, he was unbelievably good. It was hard to even remember that the Joker was actually Heath Ledger, because he embodied the character on screen. He truly was the Joker.
Overall, it was quite a cast. Even William Fichtner had a small role at the beginning of the film (and I love William Fichtner.)
Until Next Time, I can't believe that we are only a few days away from the greatness that is The X-Files in theaters!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hellboy II
What an awesome movie. Once again, I am in awe of the imagination of Guillermo Del Toro and eagerly awaiting his take on The Hobbit.
Going far beyond the fantasy world he introduced in Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy II is a wonder to behold, filled to overflowing with fantastic creatures. Add to that the inventive storyline and the fantastic Mike Mingola characters, and this is a sequel that far surpasses the original (which was also a great movie).
While the characters are strange and eye catching, they are also extremely relate-able, turning the fantastic characters into people that you can't help but connect to. Even a character formed only by steam is instantly made real and grows on you throughout the film. (Plus he's voiced by Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy fame).
While the action is top notch and the film features some amazing fight sequences, it is really the subplots that make this film outstanding. The ever intriguing plot line of Hellboy's desire to belong remains from the first movie with an even greater potential of a storyline hinted at for a future film. Then there is the subplot of romance that is handled expertly by Del Toro and the cast fitting in seamlessly with the more action fueled main plot.
And I would be remiss not to add that the romantic subplot allows for the best use of Barry Manilow by any movie ever. Trust me, it's brilliant.
Until Next Time, I cannot wait for Hellboy III.
Going far beyond the fantasy world he introduced in Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy II is a wonder to behold, filled to overflowing with fantastic creatures. Add to that the inventive storyline and the fantastic Mike Mingola characters, and this is a sequel that far surpasses the original (which was also a great movie).
While the characters are strange and eye catching, they are also extremely relate-able, turning the fantastic characters into people that you can't help but connect to. Even a character formed only by steam is instantly made real and grows on you throughout the film. (Plus he's voiced by Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy fame).
While the action is top notch and the film features some amazing fight sequences, it is really the subplots that make this film outstanding. The ever intriguing plot line of Hellboy's desire to belong remains from the first movie with an even greater potential of a storyline hinted at for a future film. Then there is the subplot of romance that is handled expertly by Del Toro and the cast fitting in seamlessly with the more action fueled main plot.
And I would be remiss not to add that the romantic subplot allows for the best use of Barry Manilow by any movie ever. Trust me, it's brilliant.
Until Next Time, I cannot wait for Hellboy III.
Monday, June 30, 2008
WALL-E
PIXAR is just unbelievable. Really. What they've managed to do is simply unprecedented. They've come out with 9 films so far. All have been good movies (at the worst, and brilliant at the best). All have been blockbusters (the original Toy Story has the smallest world wide gross).
This success gives PIXAR the ability to take a risk or two. Last summer their film was about a rat who could cook and yet they managed to make it charming (although it and A Bug's Life are definitely my two least favorite PIXAR movies). This summer they went even further and released a film about a robot, set 700 years in the future, and that goes for long amounts of time without dialogue. Add to all of that the fact that it has a bit of an environmental (okay, a lot of an environmental) message and you have what could easily become a disaster.
Instead, PIXAR gives us easily their best effort since The Incredibles and Finding Nemo, and possibly one that's even better then those outstanding films.
Wall-E is, in fact, by far the best movie that I've seen so far this year, and probably the best film I've seen since Zodiac last year. It is touching, funny, smart, beautiful to look at, and above all, real. This could be the first time that an animated movie wins Best Picture, because Wall-E is certainly of that caliber.
If you haven't seen it yet, go immediately. It doesn't matter if you have kids who want to see it or not (for the record, they'll love it just because of how cute Wall-E and EVE are), this is truly a movie for everyone, enjoyable on multiple different levels.
Sure it's a risk to make this type of film (at times channeling 2001, to the point where one robotic character, Auto, is no doubt intentionally patterned after HAL) but when done right (as PIXAR never fails to do) you have in your hands a masterpiece that is destined to become a classic.
Until Next Time, Do yourself a favor. Go see this movie.
This success gives PIXAR the ability to take a risk or two. Last summer their film was about a rat who could cook and yet they managed to make it charming (although it and A Bug's Life are definitely my two least favorite PIXAR movies). This summer they went even further and released a film about a robot, set 700 years in the future, and that goes for long amounts of time without dialogue. Add to all of that the fact that it has a bit of an environmental (okay, a lot of an environmental) message and you have what could easily become a disaster.
Instead, PIXAR gives us easily their best effort since The Incredibles and Finding Nemo, and possibly one that's even better then those outstanding films.
Wall-E is, in fact, by far the best movie that I've seen so far this year, and probably the best film I've seen since Zodiac last year. It is touching, funny, smart, beautiful to look at, and above all, real. This could be the first time that an animated movie wins Best Picture, because Wall-E is certainly of that caliber.
If you haven't seen it yet, go immediately. It doesn't matter if you have kids who want to see it or not (for the record, they'll love it just because of how cute Wall-E and EVE are), this is truly a movie for everyone, enjoyable on multiple different levels.
Sure it's a risk to make this type of film (at times channeling 2001, to the point where one robotic character, Auto, is no doubt intentionally patterned after HAL) but when done right (as PIXAR never fails to do) you have in your hands a masterpiece that is destined to become a classic.
Until Next Time, Do yourself a favor. Go see this movie.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Movie Reviews and More
First off, let me say how saddened I am by the death of two of the best and brightest in the world of entertainment...
George Carlin and Stan Winston
They will both be greatly missed as pioneers in two of my favorite fields, comedy and sci-fi.
Last weekend was the opening of the new Hulk movie as well as the latest from M. Night. Here are my reviews...
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
So much of an improvement over the last film (Ang Lee's Hulk in 2003) that it seems like two completely different characters inspired the films.
Perhaps in a way that is true, as the inspiration for the latest incarnation of the great big green guy seems to be almost as much the 80's television show as the comic book.
Sure, Ang Lee's version had a cameo by Lou Ferrigno, this version also had a cameo by Bill Bixby (despite the fact that he's dead) and a "cameo" by the television show's outstanding theme song. Also, at one point, Bruce Banner uses the alias David B. (on the show, the character was named David Banner).
Sure, it isn't as good a film as Iron Man was, but since Iron Man is clearly the best comic book movie ever made, it seems unfair to compare Hulk too closely with it. As a comic book movie, it's more then adequate, and it has a lot of Hulk Smashing, and isn't that what we wanted anyway?
Add to that the fact that the CG Hulk doesn't take away from the film the way that it did 5 years ago as realistic CG characters continue to get better and better.
Bottom line is any fan of the old television show will absolutely adore this film, and anyone who just likes to see "Hulk Smash" will be equally excited by it.
THE HAPPENING
I knew going in that Marky Mark's character was a science teacher, so when the movie opened with some horrendously clunky dialogue and bad acting, I naturally thought that Marky Mark was showing some awful biology video or something (after all, we've all seen those videos).
As it continued, however, I had the sinking realization that it wasn't a bad science video, but was actually the beginning of the movie. Not a good start.
It does get better, although the dialogue stays pretty clunky throughout (although still better then Titanic, I still get chills remembering the dialogue in that movie). There are some genuinely creepy moments towards the end of the film, very reminiscent in many ways of the Hitchcock classic The Birds. However it takes way too long to get to those moments and unlike The Birds (or the far superior and scarier The Strangers) it doesn't use the time it takes to get to the scares to really make you care about the characters. (Again, probably because the dialogue is so unrealistic and the acting not very strong).
Another problem I had with the movie was the cameo by M. Night. Just like Hitch, Night has been putting himself in each of his films, and the smart audience is conditioned to wonder about when and where he will show up. Sure, I thought his cameo in this movie was extremely clever (by far his best cameo yet), but it really distracted from the film while you were continuously wondering where and when he would appear. Hitchcock realized this problem and began putting his cameos very early in the film to get them out of the way and distract as little as possible. If Shyamalan plans to continue this tradition, perhaps he should think about doing the same thing.
The best parts about The Happening both happened before the movie even began in the form of me getting carded trying to buy a ticket (seriously! Dude, I'm 30!) and The X-Files: I Want To Believe trailer playing before the movie. It got no better after that.
Until Next Time, I've been out of town and incommunicado for over a week (hence the lateness of these reviews) and therefore I want to rewatch the BSG mid-season finale one more time before I talk about it, but let me just say.... HOLY CRAP! AMAZING!! I totally didn't see that coming.
George Carlin and Stan Winston
They will both be greatly missed as pioneers in two of my favorite fields, comedy and sci-fi.
Last weekend was the opening of the new Hulk movie as well as the latest from M. Night. Here are my reviews...
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
So much of an improvement over the last film (Ang Lee's Hulk in 2003) that it seems like two completely different characters inspired the films.
Perhaps in a way that is true, as the inspiration for the latest incarnation of the great big green guy seems to be almost as much the 80's television show as the comic book.
Sure, Ang Lee's version had a cameo by Lou Ferrigno, this version also had a cameo by Bill Bixby (despite the fact that he's dead) and a "cameo" by the television show's outstanding theme song. Also, at one point, Bruce Banner uses the alias David B. (on the show, the character was named David Banner).
Sure, it isn't as good a film as Iron Man was, but since Iron Man is clearly the best comic book movie ever made, it seems unfair to compare Hulk too closely with it. As a comic book movie, it's more then adequate, and it has a lot of Hulk Smashing, and isn't that what we wanted anyway?
Add to that the fact that the CG Hulk doesn't take away from the film the way that it did 5 years ago as realistic CG characters continue to get better and better.
Bottom line is any fan of the old television show will absolutely adore this film, and anyone who just likes to see "Hulk Smash" will be equally excited by it.
THE HAPPENING
I knew going in that Marky Mark's character was a science teacher, so when the movie opened with some horrendously clunky dialogue and bad acting, I naturally thought that Marky Mark was showing some awful biology video or something (after all, we've all seen those videos).
As it continued, however, I had the sinking realization that it wasn't a bad science video, but was actually the beginning of the movie. Not a good start.
It does get better, although the dialogue stays pretty clunky throughout (although still better then Titanic, I still get chills remembering the dialogue in that movie). There are some genuinely creepy moments towards the end of the film, very reminiscent in many ways of the Hitchcock classic The Birds. However it takes way too long to get to those moments and unlike The Birds (or the far superior and scarier The Strangers) it doesn't use the time it takes to get to the scares to really make you care about the characters. (Again, probably because the dialogue is so unrealistic and the acting not very strong).
Another problem I had with the movie was the cameo by M. Night. Just like Hitch, Night has been putting himself in each of his films, and the smart audience is conditioned to wonder about when and where he will show up. Sure, I thought his cameo in this movie was extremely clever (by far his best cameo yet), but it really distracted from the film while you were continuously wondering where and when he would appear. Hitchcock realized this problem and began putting his cameos very early in the film to get them out of the way and distract as little as possible. If Shyamalan plans to continue this tradition, perhaps he should think about doing the same thing.
The best parts about The Happening both happened before the movie even began in the form of me getting carded trying to buy a ticket (seriously! Dude, I'm 30!) and The X-Files: I Want To Believe trailer playing before the movie. It got no better after that.
Until Next Time, I've been out of town and incommunicado for over a week (hence the lateness of these reviews) and therefore I want to rewatch the BSG mid-season finale one more time before I talk about it, but let me just say.... HOLY CRAP! AMAZING!! I totally didn't see that coming.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
BSG Sine Qua Non & The Hub
So, it's been two episodes since I last talked about what's happening on the greatest show on television, and I have a few thoughts based on the last two episodes that I would like to share before the mid-season finale airs on Friday.
1. Lee Adama = Barack Obama
Many people throughout the years have talked about the parallels between Laura Roslin and George W. Bush, and I agree with them. Roslin was never actually elected President by the people, which correlates to the controversy regarding Bush's right to the White House, and Roslin making decisions based on what might be a misguided faith, which again could correlate to W. and his God that is a little Old Testament for my tastes.
Well, with the move bringing Lee to the big chair on Colonial One, there are some definite parallels to Barack Obama, primarily brought out by the conversation that Lee had with Romo Lampkin (of Firefly and a season one episode of X-Files), where Lampkin accuses Lee of relying on HOPE and not having any real solutions. I thought for a moment that Lampkin might call Apollo a Hopemonger. Alas, the writers were not that direct, but then that's why we love them.
2. Roslin's Visions during the Jumps
I found it interesting that the visions were attempting to re-humanize Roslin. In the past she wasn't as ruthless as she has become, and while I didn't always agree with her decisions (and certainly with how she sometimes arrived at them) I felt that she was a good choice for President given how she was a voice for the common people while The Old Man was completely out of touch with the civilian fleet.
No longer is that the case. Roslin and the elder Adama are both coming at things from the same place (more or less) and somehow, Adama is the more human of the two. (This of course is an interesting way to look at things, since a major theme of the series is of course about discussing exactly what it means to "be human" as often, it is the Cylons that portray this the best.)
Roslin decided to save Baltar's life and admitted her love for Adama ("About time," he says, very Han Solo of him), but I feel like she still has more to learn. I wonder if her visions are quite done. As idiotic as Baltar sometimes is, I feel like he is doing a good job of spreading the word of the Cylon God, who in the beginning of the series was also very Old Testament, but through Baltar has been increasingly more familiar to many of the monotheists of today, I wouldn't be too surprised if at some point Roslin finds herself a convert despite herself.
3. Caprica 6 is Pregnant?!?!?
Tigh is a Cylon, Caprica 6 is a Cylon. The two should not be able to procreate. Of course it is always possible that one of the guards is actually responsible for the baby inside 6, but I doubt that very much.
Way back in the beginning of the show, we were told that the reason that Cylons couldn't procreate was because they couldn't comprehend love, they needed a human to help complete them.
We've seen that often Tigh sees Caprica 6 as Ellen (his deceased wife) who, as odd as their relationship often was, he loved very much. I'm betting that it is his love for Ellen that has allowed him to impregnate Caprica 6.
4. The Cylons are mortal
This is big, and I can't wait to see the ramifications that it has. Cylons now can no longer resurrect. If they die in battle they are dead forever, just like the humans against whom they fight.
This is what will lead to a final and real pact of peace between the Cylons and Humans.
My theory is that ultimately they will work together to find Earth and populate it together long before our time.
Although I was thinking the other day, wouldn't it be something if only Nicky and Hera survive and all of humanity as we know it comes from the two half-Human/half-Cylons.
5. Previews for the mid-season finale
Well, it looks like the cat's out of the bag (metaphorically speaking, not meant to represent the 6th Sense cat of Romo Lampkin) and that in the next episode at least a couple of the Final Five will become known to the fleet. I can't wait to see what that will mean, although I dread the cliff hanger that will force us to await the last half of the last season of the greatest show on television.
Until Next Time, at least the pilot for Caprica is being filmed, meaning that we will have a little more from the BSG Universe to look forward to.
1. Lee Adama = Barack Obama
Many people throughout the years have talked about the parallels between Laura Roslin and George W. Bush, and I agree with them. Roslin was never actually elected President by the people, which correlates to the controversy regarding Bush's right to the White House, and Roslin making decisions based on what might be a misguided faith, which again could correlate to W. and his God that is a little Old Testament for my tastes.
Well, with the move bringing Lee to the big chair on Colonial One, there are some definite parallels to Barack Obama, primarily brought out by the conversation that Lee had with Romo Lampkin (of Firefly and a season one episode of X-Files), where Lampkin accuses Lee of relying on HOPE and not having any real solutions. I thought for a moment that Lampkin might call Apollo a Hopemonger. Alas, the writers were not that direct, but then that's why we love them.
2. Roslin's Visions during the Jumps
I found it interesting that the visions were attempting to re-humanize Roslin. In the past she wasn't as ruthless as she has become, and while I didn't always agree with her decisions (and certainly with how she sometimes arrived at them) I felt that she was a good choice for President given how she was a voice for the common people while The Old Man was completely out of touch with the civilian fleet.
No longer is that the case. Roslin and the elder Adama are both coming at things from the same place (more or less) and somehow, Adama is the more human of the two. (This of course is an interesting way to look at things, since a major theme of the series is of course about discussing exactly what it means to "be human" as often, it is the Cylons that portray this the best.)
Roslin decided to save Baltar's life and admitted her love for Adama ("About time," he says, very Han Solo of him), but I feel like she still has more to learn. I wonder if her visions are quite done. As idiotic as Baltar sometimes is, I feel like he is doing a good job of spreading the word of the Cylon God, who in the beginning of the series was also very Old Testament, but through Baltar has been increasingly more familiar to many of the monotheists of today, I wouldn't be too surprised if at some point Roslin finds herself a convert despite herself.
3. Caprica 6 is Pregnant?!?!?
Tigh is a Cylon, Caprica 6 is a Cylon. The two should not be able to procreate. Of course it is always possible that one of the guards is actually responsible for the baby inside 6, but I doubt that very much.
Way back in the beginning of the show, we were told that the reason that Cylons couldn't procreate was because they couldn't comprehend love, they needed a human to help complete them.
We've seen that often Tigh sees Caprica 6 as Ellen (his deceased wife) who, as odd as their relationship often was, he loved very much. I'm betting that it is his love for Ellen that has allowed him to impregnate Caprica 6.
4. The Cylons are mortal
This is big, and I can't wait to see the ramifications that it has. Cylons now can no longer resurrect. If they die in battle they are dead forever, just like the humans against whom they fight.
This is what will lead to a final and real pact of peace between the Cylons and Humans.
My theory is that ultimately they will work together to find Earth and populate it together long before our time.
Although I was thinking the other day, wouldn't it be something if only Nicky and Hera survive and all of humanity as we know it comes from the two half-Human/half-Cylons.
5. Previews for the mid-season finale
Well, it looks like the cat's out of the bag (metaphorically speaking, not meant to represent the 6th Sense cat of Romo Lampkin) and that in the next episode at least a couple of the Final Five will become known to the fleet. I can't wait to see what that will mean, although I dread the cliff hanger that will force us to await the last half of the last season of the greatest show on television.
Until Next Time, at least the pilot for Caprica is being filmed, meaning that we will have a little more from the BSG Universe to look forward to.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Strangers
While I realize that I am biased, and some might use that to discredit my review, let me say that I am being completely unbiased when I say that The Strangers (written and directed by Crowley High Grad Bryan Bertino) is the best pure horror film in decades. It is a true and full return to the suspenseful horror that used to keep me up at night when I was younger. Unlike what many of the so-called "horror films" of today (I'm looking at you Saw and Hostel) much of the violence actually takes place off screen, and other then one exception, the blood and gore stuff is really pretty mild.
Being biased doesn't generally lead one to jump at the scary parts, and I guarantee that there are lots of genuinely scary moments in this film, and isn't that what a horror movie is supposed to do? Scare us? Not gross us out with body parts being cut off (sorry Ruins, this movie is much better, not to say I didn't think you were pretty good).
Another great thing about this film is that it takes the time to allow us to get to know the characters as well as make us anticipate that first scare making that much more surprising when it happens. And getting to know the characters makes us a little more frightened for them.
This movie also does a pretty good job of having the main characters not act too stupid the way that most horror movie characters act. The only exception is the introduction of a third character a little of midway through the film, and although you'll probably see his fate coming a mile away due to his stupidity, it doesn't lessen the impact of the scene.
If you feel like a good scare, (and you didn't already follow my advice and see the film last weekend) make it a point to go check out The Strangers. You won't regret it.
Until Next Time, while I'm saddened that the film didn't beat out Sex and the City, I am extremely pleased with how well it did. Help support a fellow Crowley High School Graduate.
Being biased doesn't generally lead one to jump at the scary parts, and I guarantee that there are lots of genuinely scary moments in this film, and isn't that what a horror movie is supposed to do? Scare us? Not gross us out with body parts being cut off (sorry Ruins, this movie is much better, not to say I didn't think you were pretty good).
Another great thing about this film is that it takes the time to allow us to get to know the characters as well as make us anticipate that first scare making that much more surprising when it happens. And getting to know the characters makes us a little more frightened for them.
This movie also does a pretty good job of having the main characters not act too stupid the way that most horror movie characters act. The only exception is the introduction of a third character a little of midway through the film, and although you'll probably see his fate coming a mile away due to his stupidity, it doesn't lessen the impact of the scene.
If you feel like a good scare, (and you didn't already follow my advice and see the film last weekend) make it a point to go check out The Strangers. You won't regret it.
Until Next Time, while I'm saddened that the film didn't beat out Sex and the City, I am extremely pleased with how well it did. Help support a fellow Crowley High School Graduate.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Summer Movie Update
Well, it turns out in my first Summer movie post I missed an important film and it opens today.
I know what you're all thinking. Josh Man, you mentioned The Sex and the City Movie.
Well, it has come to my attention that the SatC movie is a distant second in important films being released today.
THE STRANGERS
Yeah, you've seen the trailers. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedmen are home and those creepy people in masks show up to wreak horrific havoc.
Sure, movies like this are all too often horrible, but most movies like this (in fact, all but this one as far as I know) weren't written by one of my best friends growing up. This one was. Congrats to Bryan Bertino.
We went to Elementary School together (Bess Race), Middle School together (HF Stevens), and High Scool together (Crowley, go Eagles).
Not only did he write this film, but although it is a rare occurrence, he's directing it also.
I'm asking all of my readers to make an effort to go see this movie this weekend, boosting it's box office. I would greatly appreciate it, as I'm sure, would he.
The only point of having a fairly popular (according to my hits/footprints) blog (although most people only read it for LOST) is too occasionally be able to ask for a small favor. I'm doing that now.
If you feel you must, go see Sex and the City too, but try to give this film a shot.
Until Next Time, I'm going to be seeing it tonight with some other Crowley High grads, I'll put up my review tomorrow.
I know what you're all thinking. Josh Man, you mentioned The Sex and the City Movie.
Well, it has come to my attention that the SatC movie is a distant second in important films being released today.
THE STRANGERS
Yeah, you've seen the trailers. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedmen are home and those creepy people in masks show up to wreak horrific havoc.
Sure, movies like this are all too often horrible, but most movies like this (in fact, all but this one as far as I know) weren't written by one of my best friends growing up. This one was. Congrats to Bryan Bertino.
We went to Elementary School together (Bess Race), Middle School together (HF Stevens), and High Scool together (Crowley, go Eagles).
Not only did he write this film, but although it is a rare occurrence, he's directing it also.
I'm asking all of my readers to make an effort to go see this movie this weekend, boosting it's box office. I would greatly appreciate it, as I'm sure, would he.
The only point of having a fairly popular (according to my hits/footprints) blog (although most people only read it for LOST) is too occasionally be able to ask for a small favor. I'm doing that now.
If you feel you must, go see Sex and the City too, but try to give this film a shot.
Until Next Time, I'm going to be seeing it tonight with some other Crowley High grads, I'll put up my review tomorrow.
LOST There's No Place Like Home Parts Two and Three, first thoughts
Alright, lots to get to tonight...
Let's start with the extra scene from last weeks episode that they showed before the episode. We now know the three other people who survived the crash but didn't live to rescue in the O6 cover story, Boone, Libby, and Charlie.
So, why these three?
They all actually died on the Island, but so did many others that could have been used, Shannon, Ana Lucia, Eko, hell, even Paulo and Nicki (remember them?), so why Boone, Libby, and Charlie?
Well, I don't know Dr. Jack's reason for picking those three, but I think I know the writer's.
First, each one represents a prominent death from each of the previous seasons, Boone was the show's first main character to die, Libby was a shocking death in season two, because there is obviously still so much we need to learn about her past, and Charlie was (and still is) the fan favorite dead character.
But more importantly, of all of the Oceanic LOSTies who have died on the Island, these are the only ones that we've seen since they died and have been seen by the LOSTies since they died (although I would, and soon will, make the case that Claire would fit this bill as well).
Locke has seen and conversed with Boone since his death, Libby appeared to Michael off the Island, and Hurley hangs with Charlie all the time outside the mental institution. Clearly these three were chosen for a reason.
Wow, we've already covered a lot and we haven't even gotten to the new episode yet.
First, let me just say, great Mind Frak moment to open the show, Kate slowing down and reversing directly out of the "Previously.... on LOST". Loved it.
Okay, onto the meat. (Sorry to all of you vegetarian readers out there)
What I was right about....
The Island's move, I'm feeling pretty good about my theory on that. I love time travel (and clearly it still plays a role) but moving the Island strictly in time just didn't feel right in my head. How about Benry moving the Island and ending up in Tunisia almost ten months later though. When he heads to the hotel after appearing in the Dharka, he asks the date and instead of late December 2004, it's late October 2005. He asks the date and the October date is given to him which causes him to inquire, "2005?" I guess he knew he didn't get thrown back two months, and was hoping that he had only been thrown forward 10. Something to keep in mind, however.
The way the Oceanic 6 happen, I predicted a couple of posts back that they would be headed back to the Island for more people, and that the Island wouldn't be there anymore. Called that one.
My biggest prediction that came true, of course, was the future of the show. I predicted that Dr. Jack would have to get everyone back together in order to get back to the Island, and clearly that is what he must do now. Feeling pretty good about that one considering I made it right after the Season finale last year.
Now, what I was wrong about...
Locke in the coffin, never saw that coming. It makes sense of course. Travel back with me to the last Locke-centric episode, Cabin Fever, I stated my theory that it was always John's place to be the leader of the Others and Benry was just the substitute. Now let's think about the fact that Benry is always (at least) three steps ahead of everyone else. Do you have any doubt when he told Dr. Jack to leave with Kate, Sayid, Hurley, et al. that he knew that this is exactly what would happen? The Island would go down the crapper (which is kind of what it looked like when it "moved", flush) and John would have to come off Island to try and bring everyone back resulting in his death and therefore, the Island would once again need......
BENRY GALE!!!!!!!
Yeah, the second he gave into them leaving so easily, I should have known it would be the only way that he would get his post back, meaning it would lead to the ultimate death of John Locke.
Of course, we've got lots of stuff happening in between the O6 leaving the Island and Locke dying in the Tower, so even though Locke will ultimately die, I doubt that he'll be off of the show anytime soon.
RIP Michael. He wasn't in the coffin, but he is most certainly dead. After all, Christian (current Jacob stand in for whatever reason) told him the Island no longer needed his services. And there is the fact that he was like less then a foot from a crap load of C4. So, yeah. I'll miss him, anyway. I was always a big Michael fan.
Claire is also dead, in my opinion. Otherwise, how would she have appeared to Kate? Sure, some might say, "It was just a dream," but does this seem like the show where a character would have just a dream? No. The creepy phone call by the way? We recorded it at the LOST watching party I attended and played it backwards. It said, "The Island needs you; you have to go back before it's too late."
We emailed the clip to DarkUFO, here's a link to listen to it yourself.
http://losteastereggs.blogspot.com/2008/05/reversed-phone-message-for-kate.html
Right after Kate gets this creepy whispered (and backwards) phone message, she sees Claire (or the ghost of Claire, whatever) who tells her that she mustn't take Aaron back there.
Let's talk a little about Desmond.
First of all, wow. Loved that scene. I'm a sucker for the Desmond/Penny stuff, not even gonna lie, but I was a lot shocked to see it happen here. Two seasons earlier then I was expecting it.
Still, I won't be surprised if along with dead body Locke (Weekend at Lockies?), Dr. Jack has to get Desmond to return. The show loves the Ironic Statements, and Desmond's "I'm never going to set foot on that Island again" is begging to become on of the show's finest. WAAAAAAAALT!!!! will probably have to come too.
Well, since the show ended the possibility of a Series Finale Desmond/Penny reunion, I guess we'll have to settle for a Jin/Sun reunion instead.
But Josh Man, Jin died on the freighter when it exploded.
Hah!
Right.
Just like Krazy Keamy died when Richard Alpert shot him in the back.
Just like Desmond, Eko, and Locke died when the Hatch exploded.
Just like Patchy died any of the like one hundred times Patchy has "died".
I'm not buying a dead Jin when we didn't see a body. He'll either float up on shore of the Island or get picked up by Faraday in the Zodiac, but I'm telling you right now, Jin is not dead. If he were going to die we would have seen his face right before the boat exploded underneath him. We always get a good shot of the character right before they die, especially when it's a main character.
Jin's not dead simply because we didn't see him die. He deserved at least that much.
Wow, I'm really tired. I'm pretty sure that there are other things I wanted to touch on, but I guess we have 8 months to go over them all (like C.S. Lewis looking for her birth place and Miles telling her that she's been to the Island before), but
Until Next Time, only 34 episodes until we know it all.
Let's start with the extra scene from last weeks episode that they showed before the episode. We now know the three other people who survived the crash but didn't live to rescue in the O6 cover story, Boone, Libby, and Charlie.
So, why these three?
They all actually died on the Island, but so did many others that could have been used, Shannon, Ana Lucia, Eko, hell, even Paulo and Nicki (remember them?), so why Boone, Libby, and Charlie?
Well, I don't know Dr. Jack's reason for picking those three, but I think I know the writer's.
First, each one represents a prominent death from each of the previous seasons, Boone was the show's first main character to die, Libby was a shocking death in season two, because there is obviously still so much we need to learn about her past, and Charlie was (and still is) the fan favorite dead character.
But more importantly, of all of the Oceanic LOSTies who have died on the Island, these are the only ones that we've seen since they died and have been seen by the LOSTies since they died (although I would, and soon will, make the case that Claire would fit this bill as well).
Locke has seen and conversed with Boone since his death, Libby appeared to Michael off the Island, and Hurley hangs with Charlie all the time outside the mental institution. Clearly these three were chosen for a reason.
Wow, we've already covered a lot and we haven't even gotten to the new episode yet.
First, let me just say, great Mind Frak moment to open the show, Kate slowing down and reversing directly out of the "Previously.... on LOST". Loved it.
Okay, onto the meat. (Sorry to all of you vegetarian readers out there)
What I was right about....
The Island's move, I'm feeling pretty good about my theory on that. I love time travel (and clearly it still plays a role) but moving the Island strictly in time just didn't feel right in my head. How about Benry moving the Island and ending up in Tunisia almost ten months later though. When he heads to the hotel after appearing in the Dharka, he asks the date and instead of late December 2004, it's late October 2005. He asks the date and the October date is given to him which causes him to inquire, "2005?" I guess he knew he didn't get thrown back two months, and was hoping that he had only been thrown forward 10. Something to keep in mind, however.
The way the Oceanic 6 happen, I predicted a couple of posts back that they would be headed back to the Island for more people, and that the Island wouldn't be there anymore. Called that one.
My biggest prediction that came true, of course, was the future of the show. I predicted that Dr. Jack would have to get everyone back together in order to get back to the Island, and clearly that is what he must do now. Feeling pretty good about that one considering I made it right after the Season finale last year.
Now, what I was wrong about...
Locke in the coffin, never saw that coming. It makes sense of course. Travel back with me to the last Locke-centric episode, Cabin Fever, I stated my theory that it was always John's place to be the leader of the Others and Benry was just the substitute. Now let's think about the fact that Benry is always (at least) three steps ahead of everyone else. Do you have any doubt when he told Dr. Jack to leave with Kate, Sayid, Hurley, et al. that he knew that this is exactly what would happen? The Island would go down the crapper (which is kind of what it looked like when it "moved", flush) and John would have to come off Island to try and bring everyone back resulting in his death and therefore, the Island would once again need......
BENRY GALE!!!!!!!
Yeah, the second he gave into them leaving so easily, I should have known it would be the only way that he would get his post back, meaning it would lead to the ultimate death of John Locke.
Of course, we've got lots of stuff happening in between the O6 leaving the Island and Locke dying in the Tower, so even though Locke will ultimately die, I doubt that he'll be off of the show anytime soon.
RIP Michael. He wasn't in the coffin, but he is most certainly dead. After all, Christian (current Jacob stand in for whatever reason) told him the Island no longer needed his services. And there is the fact that he was like less then a foot from a crap load of C4. So, yeah. I'll miss him, anyway. I was always a big Michael fan.
Claire is also dead, in my opinion. Otherwise, how would she have appeared to Kate? Sure, some might say, "It was just a dream," but does this seem like the show where a character would have just a dream? No. The creepy phone call by the way? We recorded it at the LOST watching party I attended and played it backwards. It said, "The Island needs you; you have to go back before it's too late."
We emailed the clip to DarkUFO, here's a link to listen to it yourself.
http://losteastereggs.blogspot.com/2008/05/reversed-phone-message-for-kate.html
Right after Kate gets this creepy whispered (and backwards) phone message, she sees Claire (or the ghost of Claire, whatever) who tells her that she mustn't take Aaron back there.
Let's talk a little about Desmond.
First of all, wow. Loved that scene. I'm a sucker for the Desmond/Penny stuff, not even gonna lie, but I was a lot shocked to see it happen here. Two seasons earlier then I was expecting it.
Still, I won't be surprised if along with dead body Locke (Weekend at Lockies?), Dr. Jack has to get Desmond to return. The show loves the Ironic Statements, and Desmond's "I'm never going to set foot on that Island again" is begging to become on of the show's finest. WAAAAAAAALT!!!! will probably have to come too.
Well, since the show ended the possibility of a Series Finale Desmond/Penny reunion, I guess we'll have to settle for a Jin/Sun reunion instead.
But Josh Man, Jin died on the freighter when it exploded.
Hah!
Right.
Just like Krazy Keamy died when Richard Alpert shot him in the back.
Just like Desmond, Eko, and Locke died when the Hatch exploded.
Just like Patchy died any of the like one hundred times Patchy has "died".
I'm not buying a dead Jin when we didn't see a body. He'll either float up on shore of the Island or get picked up by Faraday in the Zodiac, but I'm telling you right now, Jin is not dead. If he were going to die we would have seen his face right before the boat exploded underneath him. We always get a good shot of the character right before they die, especially when it's a main character.
Jin's not dead simply because we didn't see him die. He deserved at least that much.
Wow, I'm really tired. I'm pretty sure that there are other things I wanted to touch on, but I guess we have 8 months to go over them all (like C.S. Lewis looking for her birth place and Miles telling her that she's been to the Island before), but
Until Next Time, only 34 episodes until we know it all.
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