Happy New Year
Now that it has hit midnight, I want to wishes all of you a very Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed your holiday celebrations and will have a great time over the holiday weekend.
Enjoy!
Archive for December, 2010
Happy New Year!
Posted in Holiday, Messages on December 31, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Entertainment Update for Dec. 30 and Dec. 31
Posted in Daily/Weekly Updates on December 31, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Hey All,
It’s the last day of 2011. I hope you all are enjoying your big holiday celebration. Please don’t drink and drive, though. I have combined the entertainment news from yesterday and today together, but there wasn’t very much to share. Although it is short, I think you’ll find some interesting items below:
ARTICLE ABOUT TELEVISION
‘Chuck’ co-creator Chris Fedak answers your questions in this week’s Spoiler Room
BOX OFFICE NEWS
Actor Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) will play Hawkeye in the upcoming movie The Avengers (to be directed by Joss Whedon), but this character is expected to make a cameo in the soon-to-be-in-the-theatres movie Thor. Make sure you stick around for the very end of the movie Thor to see if this cameo actually takes place. (The Wrap)
Samuel L. Jackson and Luke Wilson will star in the adaptation of the novel Meeting Evil by Thomas Berger. The film will follow a depressed real-estate agent recently fired from his job who crosses paths with a mysterious stranger (Jackson) in need of his help. Before you know it, the duo embarks on a day-long crime spree in a strangely odd symbiotic relationship. Leslie Bibb (Talladega Nights and Iron Man) will also star as Wilson’s wife. (Scene Magazine via The Wrap and First Showing)
RUMOR PATROL
Rumor has it that Tim Burton MIGHT be developing a sequel his film The Nightmare Before Christmas, but there is no confirmation of this rumor as yet. (Dread Central and First Showing)
That’s it. Enjoy!
Happy New Year!!
January Box Office Movies
Posted in Movies on December 31, 2010| 1 Comment »
Based on information provided by the Dark Horizons site and internet research, here are just some of the movies you can expect to see in the movie theatres in January:
Season of the Witch
Opens: January 7
A 14th century Crusader returns to a homeland devastated by the Black Death. A beleaguered church, deeming sorcery the culprit of the plague, commands two knights to transport an accused witch to a remote abbey, where monks will perform a ritual in hopes of ending the pestilence. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Campbell Moore and Claire Foy.
Somewhere
Opens: January 7
Stephen Dorff stars as an actor whose life is chronicled in the tabloids until his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning) comes into the picture and he starts to question is life. The co-stars include Benicio Del Toro and Michelle Monaghan.
Barney’s Version
Opens: January 14
Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti) is a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life, spanning three decades, two continents, three wives, one outrageous father and a dangerously dissolute best friend. The film co-stars Dustin Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver and Scott Speedman.
Biutiful
Opens: January 14
Javier Bardem plays a man on the road to redemption who struggles with reality and the afterlife.
Blue Valentine
Opens: January 14
Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star as a couple who are at a crossroads in their relationship; she is a woman who has grown abundantly as a person since meeting her husband, but he has remained the same as the day they met.
Every Day
Opens: January 14
A dissatisfied TV writer finds himself suffering a mid-life crisis, his teenage son has just come out of the closet, his younger son is scared of everything, a sexy female co-worker is tempting him, and his wife has moved her sick and embittered father from Detroit into their home in NY which adds stress to an already strained marriage. The cast includes Helen Hunt, Liev Schreiber, Carla Gugino, Ezra Miller and Brian Dennehy.
The Cabin in the Woods
Opens: January 14
This movie is a twisted and unusual take on a familiar “cabin in the woods” formula, starring Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, Chris Hemsworth, Jesse Williams, Amy Acker and Fran Kranz.
The Dilemma
Opens: January 14
Ronny (Vince Vaughn) has idealized his business partner and best friend Isaac (Kevin James) marriage for years. But when he discovers that Isaac’s wife is cheating, his faith in relationships it shattered and he becomes unhinged. Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Channing Tatum and Queen Latifah co-star.
The Green Hornet
Opens: January 14
Britt Reid is a wealthy industrialist by day, but at night he goes out in his masked “Green Hornet” identity to fight crime as a vigilante, accompanied by his similarly masked Asian manservant Kato who drives a car equipped with advanced technology. Stars include Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz, Jay Chou, Edward James Olmos and Christopher Waltz.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
Opens: January 21
A young girl inadvertently unleashes a race of ancient monsters while exploring her father’s 19th century mansion, starring Guy Pearce and Katie Holmes.
No Strings Attached
Opens: January 21
A guy and a girl struggle to have an exclusively sexual relationship as they both come to realize they want much more. The film stars Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Greta Gerwig and Kevin Kline.
From Prada to Nada
Opens: January 28
Alexa Vega (Spy Kids) stars in this movie that is a take on the Jane Austen world of Sense and Sensibility only this is with a Latin spin and set in East Los Angeles.
Restless
Opens: January 28
The film follows a terminally ill teenage girl who falls for a boy who likes to attend funerals and their encounters with the ghost of a Japanese kamikaze pilot from World War II. The cast includes Mia Wasikowska, Henry Hopper and Ryo Kase.
The Mechanic
Opens: January 28
Jason Statham stars in this remake of the Charles Bronson film about an elite hit man as he teaches his trade to an apprentice who has a connection to one of his previous victims. The cast includes Ben Foster and Donald Sutherland.
The Rite
Opens: January 28
The film follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak, who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest (Anthony Hopkins) who introduces him to the darker side of his faith, uncovering the devil’s reach even to one of the holiest places on Earth. The cast includes Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds and Rutger Hauer.
Movies coming out in February will be posted at the end of January.
Enjoy!
TV Recommendations: Friday, December 31
Posted in Television, TV Calendar on December 31, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Trying to figure out what to watch tonight? Be it new episodes of the fall season, reairs of cable series or a movie, here are some suggestions:
NOTE: There will be a Doctor Who marathon on BBC America. Check your local listings for air times.
6 PM
Back to the Future movie on AMC
7 PM
Marley & Me movie on HBO Signature
8 PM
NCIS on CBS (reair)
Smallville on The CW (reair)
The Good Witch’s Gift movie on Hallmark
Men in Black movie on TBS
8:30 PM
Back to the Future II movie on AMC
9 PM
Supernatural on The CW (reair)
The Blind Side movie on HBO Signature
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 movie on Lifetime
10 PM
The Most Wonderful Time of Year movie on Hallmark
Enjoy!
TV Calendar for January 2011
Posted in Television, TV Calendar on December 31, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Here is what you can look forward to seeing on the major and cable channels throughout January, including new and returning shows as well as made-for-TV movies:
January – Breaking Bad continues its marathon on AMC with two back-to-back episodes every Wednesday night (check your local listings for airtime)
January 1 – Primeval is back for season 3 on BBC America at 9 PM
January 1 – Three episodes of V from earlier in the season will air on ABC at 8, 9 and 10 PM
January 2 – Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters are back with new episodes on ABC at 9 and 10 PM respectively
January 3 – Reruns of Doctor Who and The X-Files will air on Saturday mornings on BBC America at 10 AM and 11 AM respectively
January 3 – Watch a marathon of all the episodes of Pretty Little Liars from the first half of its first season (check local listings for start time) followed by the mid-season premiere at 8 PM on ABC Family Channel
January 3 – Greek will be back with its finale season on the ABC Family channel at 9 PM
January 3 – Castle will return with new episodes on ABC at 10 PM
January 3 – Hawaii Five-0 will be back with new episodes at 10 PM on CBS
January 4 – The 5 remaining episodes of Caprica will air back-to-back on Syfy starting at 6 PM
January 4 – Southland will be back on TNT with new episodes at 10 PM
January 4 – Parenthood will air at 10 PM on Tuesday nights on NBC for 4 episodes
January 4 – An encore episode of Glee will air on FOX at 8 PM
January 4 – V will be back with new episodes on ABC at 9 PM
January 4 – No Ordinary Family will be back on ABC in a new timeslot of 8 PM
January 5 – Season 1 of the former FX series Damages will be reaired on DirecTV at 10 PM
January 5 – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will air on Wednesdays at 9 PM starting tonight with a 2-hour episode
NOTE: The series will then remain in this timeslot with one hour episodes each week.
January 5 – A new 2-hour episode of Human Target will air on FOX at 8 PM
January 5 – The People’s Choice Awards will air on CBS at 9 PM
January 5 – Friday Night Lights will be back with new episodes on DirecTV at 9 PM
January 6 – Encore episodes of Bones will start to air at 9 PM on FOX
January 6 – CSI and The Mentalist will be back with new episodes on CBS at 9 and 10 PM respectively
January 6 – Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice will be back with new episodes on ABC at 9 and 10 PM respectively
January 7 – A marathon of all the episodes of season 2 of Merlin will air on Syfy (check local listings for start time) followed by the premiere of season 3 of the series at 10 PM
January 7 – CSI: NY and Blue Bloods are back with new episodes on CBS at 9 and 10 PM respectively
January 7 – Law & Order: UK will return with new episodes on BBC America at 9 PM
January 8 – The Hallmark Channel movie Perfectly Prudence, the sequel to the movie Dear Prudence, will air at 9 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: Prudence MacIntyre (Jane Seymour) is being asked to make changes to her successful TV show and is resistant, but much to her surprise, one of the new producers (Joe Lando, Seymour’s former Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman co-star) who is eager to revamp her image is an old flame. Unfortunately, the other producer (Adam Kaufman) is a seedy womanizer who enchants Prudence’s daughter. Hopefully, the head of the network (James Keach, Seymour’s real-life husband) will have her back when the battle goes down.
January 8 – Procter & Gamble and Walmart will premiere their latest made-for-TV family movie called Change of Plans on FOX at 8 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: The movie demonstrates how our lives can be turned upside down with a single phone call. When Sally Danville (Brooke White – a formerly American Idol top 10 contestant) finds out that her best friend from college died in a tragic accident while serving in the Peace Corps, she also learns that she has been named the legal guardian of her friend’s four children three of whom were adopted from third-world countries. Now Sally and her husband, Jason (Joe Flanigan from Stargate: Atlantis), must quickly learn to parent this instant family and help the kids deal with culture clashes and life in America. Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show) also co-stars as social worker Dorothy. Three songs from the movie’s soundtrack are from star Brooke White as well as tracks from various recording artists.
January 9 – The new NBC series The Cape will debut at 9 PM with a 2-hour premiere
Show Synopsis: Vince Faraday (David Lyons from ER) is an honest copy on a corrupt police force, who finds himself framed for a series of murders, and is then presumed dead, which forces him into hiding, leaving his wife and son alone. Fueled by a desire to reunite with his family and to battle criminal forces in his city, he becomes “The Cape,” his son’s favorite comic book hero. The series also stars Jennifer Ferrin, Summer Glau, Keith David, Dorian Missick and Ryan Wynott.
NOTE: The Cape will begin airing one hour episodes on January 17 at 9 PM
January 9 – The PBS Masterpiece Classic mini-series Downton Abbey debuts on PBS at 9 PM
Mini-Series Synopsis: This 4 part mini-series depicts the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them written and created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The cast includes Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern. The mini-series continues for the next 3 Sundays: January 16, 23 and 30 all at 9 PM.
January 10 – Lie To Me will air on FOX at 8 PM with a 2-hour episode
January 11 – Lights Out will debut on FX at 10 PM
Show Synopsis: Holt McCallany (CSI: Miami) stars as an aging former heavyweight boxing champion who struggles to find his identity and support his wife and three daughters after retiring from the ring. Financial problems leave him at a perilous crossroads, battling the urge to return to boxing or reluctantly accepting a job as a brutal and intimidating debt collector. Catherine McCormack (Braveheart), Pablo Schreiber (Law & Order) and Stacy Keach co-stars.
January 11 – New episodes of NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles and The Good Wife will be back on CBS at 8, 9 and 10 PM respectively
January 12 – A new 2 hour episode of Human Target will air on FOX at 8 PM
January 12 – The new ABC series Off the Map will debut at 10 PM
Show Synopsis: Six doctors will go to the ends of the earth to remember the reasons why they wanted to become doctors in the first place. The series stars Martin Henderson, Caroline Dhavernas, Mamie Gumer, Jason George, Zach Gilford, Valerie Cruz and Rachelle Lefevre
January 12 – Chase will move to Wednesday nights at 9 PM
January 15 – The Syfy movie Behemoth will debut at 9 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: Scientists discover a giant creature under the Earth that is wrapped around the entire planet. When the creature wakes all grumpy, it causes worldwide destruction. The movie stars Ed Quinn (Eureka and True Blood).
January 16 – BBC America will air a marathon of the 1st and 2nd seasons of the Showtime series The Tudors today then the remaining two seasons of the series will air every Tuesday at 10 PM
January 16 – The Golden Globes will be presented on NBC at 8 PM
January 16 – Big Love is back with new episodes on Showtime at 10 PM
January 16 – The PBS Masterpiece Classic mini-series Downton Abbey debuts on PBS at 9 PM
Mini-Series Synopsis: This 4 part mini-series depicts the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them written and created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The cast includes Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern. The mini-series continues for the next 2 Sundays: January 16, 23 and 30 all at 9 PM.
January 17 – The Syfy version of Being Human will debut at 9 PM
Show Synopsis: Three paranormal roommates – vampire Aidan (Sam Witwer from Smallville and Battlestar Galactica), ghost Sally (relative newcomer Meaghan Rath) and werewolf Josh (Sam Huntington from Superman Returns) – who share their secrets and a Boston brownstone.
January 17 – The Americanized version of the British series Skins will debut on MTV (check local listings for airtime)
January 17 – The new series Harry’s Law will debut on NBC at 10 PM
Show Synopsis: Harriet “Harry” Korn (Kathy Bates) is a curmudgeonly ex-patent lawyer who is abruptly fired from her blue chip law firm, forcing her to make a new start. She finds it in an unlikely place: an abandoned shoe store. The cast includes Aml Ameen, Nate Corddry and Brittany Snow. Joranda Spiro was just recently added to the cast.
January 17 – The Cape will begin airing one hour episodes tonight at 9 PM
January 17 – New episodes of House will start to air at 8 PM with Lie To Me airing at 9 PM both on FOX
January 17 – Chuck will be back with new episodes on NBC at 8 PM
January 18 – White Collar will be back with new episodes on the USA Network at 9 PM
January 18 – The final two episodes of Life Unexpected will air back-to-back on the CW at 8 and 9 PM
January 19 – Human Target moves to 9 PM on FOX starting tonight
January 19 – Criminal Minds will return with new episodes on CBS at 9 PM followed by Blue Bloods, which will move to its new day (Wednesday) for the next 4 weeks at 10 PM
January 20 – New episodes of Bones will start at 9 PM on FOX
January 20 – Royal Pains is back on the USA Network with new episodes at 9 PM
January 20 – The new series Fairly Legal will debut on the USA Network at 10 PM
Show Synopsis: Kate Reed (Sarah Shahi) is a frustrated attorney who leaves her family’s firm to become a mediator. She is a natural because of her understanding of human nature, thorough legal knowledge and wry sense of humor. The cast includes Michael Trucco, Virginia Williams and Baron Vaughn.
January 21 – Medium will air its series finale on CBS at 8 PM
January 21 – Spartacus: Gods of the Arena – the prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand will debut on Starz at 10 PM
Show Synopsis: The series tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus (Dustin Clare) in a more brutal time before Spartacus’ arrival where honor was just finding its way into the arena. Co-stars include Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, Peter Mensah and Manu Bennett.
January 21 – Fringe will move to its new timeslot of 9 PM on Fridays on FOX
January 22 – The Hallmark Channel movie Backyard Wedding will debut at 9 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: Kim Tyler (Alicia Witt) grew up loving her next-door neighbor Evan Slauson (Teddy Sears). Their fairy-tale romance and young elopement seemed like fate, until they realized they both wanted different things and got a swift annulment. Four years later, Kim is getting remarried to responsible, stable businessman Jeffrey (Ryan Bittle), but she runs into Evan during the final preparations for her wedding and things may never be the same. The movie also co-stars Frances Fisher and Markie Post.
January 23 – The PBS Masterpiece Classic mini-series Downton Abbey debuts on PBS at 9 PM
Mini-Series Synopsis: This 4 part mini-series depicts the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them written and created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The cast includes Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern. The mini-series concludes next Sunday, January 30 all at 9 PM.
January 23 – A sequel to the box office movie Mean Girls will air on the ABC Family Channel at 8 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: New girl Jo (Meaghan Martin from 10 Things I Hate About You [the TV series]) arrives at North Shore High School, with the goal being to skate under the radar to survive her senior year and definitely not get involved in any of the typical high school trappings. But her plan goes awry quickly when she meets Abby (Jennifer Stone from Wizards of Waverly Place), a girl stuck at the low end of the high school food chain and favorite target of “The Plastics”. After defending Abby against the queen bee of the school and lead Plastic, Jo is dragged into the very same girl drama she was hoping to avoid. Tim Meadows returns as the school’s principal, Mr. Duvall. The “Plastics” are played by Maiara Walsh (Desperate Housewives and The Vampire Diaries), Nicole Gale Anderson (Make It or Break It) and Claire Holt (H20: Just Add Water). Diego Boneta (Pretty Little Liars) also co-stars.
January 23 – Mini-Marathon of Being Erica on SOAPnet from 3 PM to 7 PM, featuring key episodes from season 2 in preparation for the season 3 premiere on January 26
January 24 – Both 90210 and Gossip Girl will be back from their hiatus with all new episodes on the CW at 8 and 9 PM respectively
January 25 – Both One Tree Hill and newly relocated Hellcats will return with new episodes on the CW at 8 and 9 PM respectively
January 26 – Being Erica is back with its 3rd season on SOAPnet at 11 PM
January 26 – Human Target will settle into its new time slot on Wednesdays at 9 PM starting tonight
January 27 – Both The Vampire Diaries and Nikita will be back from a six week hiatus with all new episodes on the CW at 8 and 9 PM respectively
January 28 – Both Smallville and Supernatural will be back from a six week hiatus with all new episodes on the CW at 8 and 9 PM respectively
January 29 – The Syfy movie Mega Python vs. Gatoroid will debut at 9 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: A fanatical animal rights advocate (Debbie Gibson) who frees illegally imported exotic snakes from pet stores runs up against an over-zealous park ranger (Tiffany) who is worried about the growing ecological damage.
January 29 – The Hallmark Movie Channel movie Goodnight for Justice will debut at 8 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: Luke Perry stars as Judge John Goodnight, a Circuit Judge, renders justice with a perfect persuasion of eloquence and deadly aim. The movie was directed by Jason Priestley.
January 30 – The SAG Awards will be presented on TNT and TBS at 8 PM
January 30 – The Hallmark Hall of Fame movie The Lost Valentine will air on CBS at 9 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: Jennifer Love Hewitt stars as a TV reporter whose own love life is impacted by her Valentine’s Day-themed assignment to profile a woman (Betty White) whose love for her husband remains as strong as when she last saw him several months before he was declared MIA while serving during WWII. The movie also stars Meghann Fahy, Billy Magnussen and Sean Faris.
January 30 – The Christian-themed movie What If…will debut on the GMC Network at 7, 9 and 11 PM
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: This movie tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), who 15 years ago left his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and his calling to be a preacher, in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancé and a new Mercedes, he hasn’t considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church for 15 years. But God has other plans, sending him into domestic chaos with his wife Wendy and daughters (including Disney star Debby Ryan) and into what his life could have been. The movie also stars John Ratzenberger.
January 30 – The PBS Masterpiece Classic mini-series Downton Abbey debuts on PBS at 9 PM
Mini-Series Synopsis: This 4 part mini-series depicts the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them written and created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The cast includes Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern. This is the final part of the mini-series.
Mark those calendars and enjoy!
Year-End Round-Up: Top 10 Shows of 2010
Posted in Messages, Television, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2010| 1 Comment »
In the ratings section, you will find out how all of the dramas that aired throughout 2010 fared in the overall ratings war, but the following list shows my personal choices for the top 10 shows (again, dramas only) of the year in no particular order:
Doctor Who
1. Doctor Who – Doctor Who is not only the longest-running sci-fi series in television history but it is also one of the most complex, compelling, entertaining, irreverent and just plain fun shows – period. With the introduction of the new Doctor – Matt Smith – and his new companion Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), the show has garnered even more fans with its over-the-top thrills and adventures. I, personally, cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store for the Doctor, Amy and her new husband Rory.
Terriers
2. Terriers – While Terriers was short lived on FX this fall, lasting only 13 episodes not to mention having one of the most obnoxious, unrelated titles, it was a cleverly written, wonderfully portrayed series to grace our screens this year. The characters were three-dimensional and complex, making for an edge-of-your seat thrill ride as Hank and Britt navigated the overall story arc. It’s just a shame that the show wasn’t given a second chance to continue its stories.
Eureka
3. Eureka – In the imaginative, science-based town of Eureka, you never know quite what will happen next. During the episodes that ran over the summer, the unbelievable did happen: Jack, Alison, Henry, Fargo and Jo all traveled back in time, eventually returning to what they believed was their time only to discover it wasn’t quite right. Maintaining their secret was not simple and all of them gained and lost what was most valuable to them in very unique and unexpected ways. All the while they were teamed with Dr. Grant, their unlikely companion who joined in their time travel back to the future. What will be in store for the inhabitants of Eureka next? Only time will tell…
Lost
4. Lost – Much has been written about the final season of this groundbreaking series with audiences arguing over the meaning of it all and the overwhelming religious overtones that were the cornerstone of the series finale especially the final 15 minutes; but one thing remains true: this show was one of the best on TV, bringing people together to wonder over what in the world was going on on that mysterious island. The characters will forever be a part of the lexicon of television history and will live on in pop culture forever. And I, for one, am glad to say I was present for every moment of it.
The Vampire Diaries
5. The Vampire Diaries – What can be said about this teen-based vampire series? Well, it’s certainly not Twilight, but it is one of the most deftly written series on TV right now. The show had a powerful season one that ended with a chilling cliffhanger; and when it returned for its second season there was absolutely no sign of a sophomore slump, as each episode has notched up the tension, romance and intrigue, which have become the signatures to this show.
The Closer
6. The Closer – Don’t let her southern drawl fool you – Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson is a force for which to be reckoned. Running the Priority Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department is in no way an easy job nor is dealing with the complex cases that come their way. But with her stalwart team consisting of Detectives Provenza and Sanchez, Lieutenants Flynn and Tao and Sgt. Gabriel as well as computer tech expert Buzz Watson and with the assistance of Commander Taylor and Agent Howard, they bring down the criminals behind some of the toughest, most sensitive cases in the city.
Friday Night Lights
7. Friday Night Lights – At first glance this series would seem to simply be a show about football but that is merely the icing on the cake where this fantastic program, now in its final season on DirecTV, is concerned. The show is probably the most honest, realistic portrayal of small town life in a Texas town where everyone is simultaneously consumed with family, love and football. The series will air its final season on NBC next year and it will be one hell of a ride for the fans of this much-beloved series.
Justified
8. Justified – The man in the hat is a good tagline of this new FX series, starring Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who is forced to go back to his hometown area in Eastern Kentucky because of literally taking down a criminal at a fancy Miami restaurant. While in Kentucky he deals with his estranged father, his former friend turned bank-robber turned religious zealot and an ex-wife he hasn’t gotten over, all the while being involved in cases that would otherwise be unbelievable in any other setting.
Sherlock
9. Sherlock – This spectacular present-day reimagining of the classic tale of Sherlock Holmes by the BBC was reaired here in the States on PBS stations in October and November. Divided into 3 parts this mini-series depicted the title character and his roommate John Watson as they delved into some very disturbing cases. Each case displayed the remarkable deductive characteristics of Sherlock and the wonderment expressed by those around him as he solved each crime for which he was brought in to consult. The mini-series left off with a cliffhanger that will thankfully be explained when Sherlock returns next year.
Luther
10. Luther – This slick unpredictable 6-part BBC series was a relative hit in the UK and was reaired on BBC America here in the States in October and November. This mini-series depicted the turbulent personal and professional life of John Luther, a police officer in the London Serious Crime Unit. Much like Sherlock Holmes, Luther investigated ever increasingly horrendous cases involving a double murder, a serial killer, a sniper intent on taking out police officers and a dirty cop. None of these episodes were easy to watch, but each was well-written and expertly portrayed; and new episodes will be aired sometime next year.
Honorable Mentions:
The following shows just missed the top 10 for 2010 by the slimmest of margins, but rather than leave them off the list all together, I wanted to include them as honorable mentions. They are listed in no particular order:
Supernatural
1. Supernatural – Much can be said about the horror-laced story lines within this series, consistently creeping out the audience on a weekly basis and just as much can be said about the handsome cast and guest stars. But, just as much can be said about the fans who rallied around the show in order to get it on the first ever fan-voted-on TV Guide cover. The show is simply a thrill ride each week and is a “can’t miss mainstay” no matter what night of the week for which it airs.
Chuck
2. Chuck – His name is Chuck, Chuck Bartowski and he is a part of the Buy More Nerd Herd but he is also probably one of the coolest nerds on TV. For the last few years now, Chuck has been one of those shows just on the cusp of mainstream success with a very avid and devoted fan following. The series itself may have had its ups and downs, but the audience can always count on the (mis) adventures of Chuck, Sarah and Casey each week.
Castle
3. Castle – What do you get when you combine a world-renowned author and one of New York’s finest detectives? You get Castle, the popular series that is a procedural at heart but covers much more than the expected. You get comedy, mystery, intrigue, romance and familial ties all wrapped into one terrific package; and you also get the best reason to tune in to TV on Monday nights at 10 PM.
Being Erica
4. Being Erica – If you were given the chance to travel back in time to correct a past regret, would you? Well, Erica Strange – the title character in Being Erica – is given that chance on a regular basis courtesy of her unorthodox therapist Dr. Tom; and the results are not always what the viewers – or Erica, for that matter – expect. But it certainly is exciting and fun to follow along while she makes her journeys of self-discovery.
Now, no proper top 10 list would be complete without mentioning those guilty pleasure shows that capture your attention or become the show that you simply cannot miss each week. For me the following three shows are the series that had me excited to watch TV (or catch them online) each week:
Lost Girl
1. Lost Girl – This new Canadian series is a big hit in its home country and has yet to receive distribution outside of Canada, but thank goodness for the internet. Over the course of a few weeks, I was able to watch all 13 episodes of the first season of this unique supernatural-based series that chronicles the life of Bo (Anna Silk), a beautiful young woman who just happens to be a succubus, as she learns more about who and what she really is and makes a life for herself within the “fae” (aka supernatural) world.
Pretty Little Liars
2. Pretty Little Liars – This new series, which debuted on the ABC Family Channel this past summer, is based on a series of books by Sara Shepard. It covers the secrets shared by 4 very different teenaged girls who are best friends in a small but affluent community in Pennsylvania. While the show is laced with typical teen-angst and family drama, it is a captivating story of just how far friends will go to keep each other’s secrets as well as keep secrets from those most dear. It is the epitome of that one guilty pleasure show that you just can’t seem to get enough of from week to week.
Nikita
3. Nikita – While the story of Nikita is not new to viewing audiences – given the fact it has been depicted in film several times and was a successful series on the USA Network – the CW has breathed new life into the franchise, making this new series one of the main reasons to tune into the network on Thursday nights. I really look forward to more intrigue, action and adventure in the new year.
So, there you have my list of the top 10 shows as well as my honorable mentions and the guilty pleasures for which I look forward each week. What are your top 10 shows? Do you have any guilty pleasures from this past year? Please share.
Year-End Round-Up: Faces to Watch in 2011
Posted in Messages, Movies, Television, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2010| 1 Comment »
Much like the New Faces of 2010, there are always entertainers of note to be on the look-out for in the new year. With the help of some online research, here are my predictions for the faces of 2011 (in no particular order):
Madeline Carroll
1. Madeline Carroll – Madeline starred in this year’s heart-warming movie by Rob Reiner called Flipped, but this talented 14-year-old has appeared in the box office movies The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Resident Evil: Extinction and The Spy Next Door as well as appearing in Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Lie to Me, NCIS and Private Practice. Among her five upcoming projects, she will appear in Mr. Popper’s Penguins with Jim Carrey and Vanilla Gorilla with Arnold Vosloo.
Sarah Shahi
2. Sarah Shahi – Sarah Shahi has the lead role in the new USA Network series called Fairly Legal that will debut on January 20 at 10 PM, but viewers will remember for her roles in the TV series The L Word and Life. She has also been seen in the first season of Alias, the pilot episode of Supernatural and an episode of Psych.
Rooney Mara
3. Rooney Mara – Rooney landed the plum role in the American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo that will be out in theatres next year; but her resume includes the films The Social Network, the 2010 version of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Youth in Revolt and Dare (with Emmy Rossum and Zach Gilford) and appearances in the TV shows ER, Women’s Murder Club, The Cleaner and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Rami Malek
4. Rami Malek – Rami will be seen in the two-part final movie Breaking Dawn in the Twilight saga franchise, but he has appeared in the final season of 24, the box office films Night at the Museum and its sequel and the mini-series The Pacific.
Jason Momoa
5. Jason Momoa – While Jason is recognizable to TV viewers for his roles as Ronan in Stargate Atlantis, Jason in Baywatch and Frankie in the short-lived series North Shore, he will gain much more notoriety when he appears in the lead role in the box office remake of Conan and the new HBO series Game of Thrones.
Tyler Posey
6. Tyler Posey – Early in 2011 Tyler will star in the new MTV series Teen Wolf loosely based on the 1985 box office film, but he got his start in the TV series Doc, starring Billy Ray Cyrus and starred in the box office film Maid In Manhattan with Jennifer Lopez. He has also appeared in the TV shows Lincoln Heights and Brothers & Sisters and the TV mini-series Into the West.
Lucy Punch
7. Lucy Punch – Lucy will be seen in the upcoming box office movie Bad Teacher alongside Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz; Take Me Home Tonight with Anna Faris, Topher Grace and Michelle Trachtenberg and A Little Bit of Heaven alongside Kate Hudson and Whoopi Goldberg. But audiences may recognize her as one of the evil step-sisters from the film Ella Enchanted and she has appeared in the films Hot Fuzz and Dinner for Schmucks.
Andrea Riseborough
8. Andrea Riseborough – Andrea starred in the 2010 box office movies Never Let Me Go with Carey Mulligan and Kiera Knightley and the independent films Made In Dagenham with Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins and Brighton Rock with Helen Mirren and John Hurt, but she has also been seen in the film Happy-Go-Lucky, the made-for-TV movie Margaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley and she will be seen in the films W.E. with Abbie Cornish and Resistance with Michael Sheen.
Jessica Chastian
9. Jessica Chastian – Jessica will star alongside Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Mike Vogel, Sissy Spacek, Viola Davis and Chris Lowell in the 2011 film The Help and in the upcoming film The Fields with Sam Worthington and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. She will also be seen in the movie Tree of Life, starring alongside Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. She has previously appeared in episodes of ER, Veronica Mars, Close to Home and the short-lived series Law & Order: Trial by Jury.
Keir Gilchrist
10. Keir Gilchrist – Keir has starred in the popular Showtime series United States of Tara and recently appeared in the independent film It’s Kind of a Funny Story with Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis, but he also appeared in episodes of Queer As Folk, Doc, 1-800-Missing and Life with Derek.
Are there any actors or actresses who you think are the faces to watch in 2011? Please share.
Rueben's Ramblings 