Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new Pivot mystery drama Fortitude will debut with a two-hour episode on January 29 at 10 PM.
The story explores what happens when a town in the Arctic Circle, dubbed one of the safest places on the planet to live, copes with a brutal murder and the suspicions that generates.
The cast includes Stanley Tucci, Michael Gambon and Christopher Eccleston.
The trailer for Fortitude can be seen further down the page at this link.
Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 19, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new Teen Nick drama Open Heart will debut on January 20 at 9 PM.
This thrilling drama tells the story of Dylan Blake (newcomer Karis Cameron), a rebellious daughter in a family of doctors who has to solve one giant family mystery. When a run-in with the law lands Dylan community service at Open Heart Memorial Hospital, she uses her volunteer position to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her father. And even though she’s surrounded by a family of doctors and good friends, Dylan is determined to unravel the secrets of Open Heart Memorial Hospital all while trying to find her place in the world.
The cast includes Cristine Prosperi and Justin Kelly (both from Degrassi) and Demore Barnes (The Unit and Supernatural).
Here is a trailer for Open Heart.
Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 18, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new FOX drama Backstrom will debut on January 22 at 9 PM.
The series follows Detective Everett Backstrom (Rainn Wilson from The Office), an unhealthy, offensive, irascible – albeit brilliant – detective who sees the worst in everyone, and he’s usually right.
The cast includes Dennis Haysbert (24), Kristoffer Polaha (Ringer) and Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles).
Here is the trailer for Backstrom:
Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 12, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new Syfy drama 12 Monkeys will debut at 9 PM on January 16.
Based on the 1995 box office film, the series follows the journey of a time traveler, James Cole (Aaron Stanford from Nikita), from the post-apocalyptic future. Using a dangerous and untested method of time travel, Cole arrives in the present day on a mission to locate and eradicate the source of a deadly plague that will eventually decimate 93.6% of the human race.
The cast includes Amanda Schull (Suits), Noah Bean (Nikita), Kirk Acevedo (Fringe) and Emily Hampshire (Rookie Blue).
Here is a trailer for 12 Monkeys:
Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 8, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new MTV series Eye Candy will debut on January 12 at 10 PM.
Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice plays tech genius Lindy Sampson, who begins to suspect that one of her online suitors might be a deadly cyber stalker. When her friends at the cyber-police uncover a potential serial killer in Manhattan, she works with the hackers to solve the murders while unleashing her own style of justice.
The cast includes Casey Deidrick (Days of Our Lives), Harvey Guillen (Huge), Kiersey Clemons (Austin & Ally) and newcomer John Garet Stoker.
Here is a trailer for Eye Candy.
NOTE: When Calls the Heart fans will be excited to see series regular Daniel Lissing in the pilot.
Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 3, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new FOX drama Empire will debut on January 7 at 9 PM.
Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is the CEO of Empire Entertainment (and a former street thug) who has reigned as the king of hip-hop for years. But that all changes when he learns he has a disease that will render him crippled and incapacitated in a matter of three years. He has to decide which of his three sons will take over the empire while dealing with his recently released from prison ex-wife Rhonda (Taraji P. Henson from Person of Interest).
The cast includes Gabourey Sidibe (American Horror Story) and Malik Yoba (New York Undercover and Alphas).
Here is a trailer for Empire:
Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 3, 2015| Leave a Comment »
On January 7, the new VH1 scripted drama Hindsight will debut at 10 PM.
The drama centers on Becca (Laura Ramsey from The Ruins) who, as she nears 40, is about to embark on her second wedding to Andy Kelly, but her joy is tempered by the absence of her old best friend Lolly (relative newcomer Sarah Goldberg) who’s a no-show, having dropped out of their relationship years ago. Then during a freakish elevator ride, Becca wakes up in 1995, reliving her life and first marriage to Sean (Craig Horner from Legend of the Seeker).
Here is a trailer for Hindsight:
Posted in New Shows, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 2, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The new series Marvel’s Agent Carter will air its 2-hour debut on ABC at 8 PM.
In 1946, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) must balance the routine office work she does for the Strategic Scientific Reserve while secretly assisting Howard Stark (Dominic Copper), who finds himself framed for supplying deadly weapons to the top bidder. Carter is assisted by Stark’s butler, Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy), to find those responsible and dispose of the weapons.
The cast will include Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill), Lyndsy Fonseca (Nikita), Bridget Regan (Legend of the Seeker and Jane the Virgin) and Enver Gjokaj (Dollhouse and Rizzoli & Isles).
Here is a preview for Marvel’s Agent Carter:
Posted in Movies, New Faces, New Shows, Online Series, Television, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2014| 1 Comment »
Much like the Faces of 2014, there are always entertainers of note to be on the look-out for in the new year or those who made great waves throughout the current year who will, undoubtedly, be big stars in the new year.
Here are my predictions for the faces of 2015 (in no particular order):
Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato
Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato – Luke is known for his work on the Australian soap opera Home and Away and small roles in the films Monte Carlo and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Liana has appeared in TV shows like House, Cold Case, CSI: Miami and Sons of Anarchy as well as the films Trespass and Stuck in Love. But, this year they starred in the film The Best of Me, the latest Nicholas Sparks movie adaptation; and Luke appeared alongside Pierce Brosnan in The November Man while Liana also appeared in If I Stay. She will next be seen in the film Dear Eleanor alongside Jessica Alba, Josh Lucas and Isabelle Fuhrman while Luke will next be seen in American Dream with Nick Stahl and Michiel Huisman and the remake of Point Break.
Robin Lord Taylor
Robin Lord Taylor – Robin’s first big break came via the film Accepted then he appeared in episodes of Life on Mars, Law & Order, Person of Interest, The Good Wife and The Walking Dead and he also appeared in the films Another Earth. But, it has been his role as Oswald Cobblepot (aka The Penguin) in the new FOX drama Gotham that has brought him accolades and attention.
Tobey Kebbell
Toby Kebbell – Toby has appeared in the box office films Alexander, Match Point, RocknRolla, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, War Horse and The Counselor. But it was his role in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes that put him in front of the public. And now, he has been cast as Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four reboot as well as appearing in the video game adaptation Warcraft and the upcoming Ben Hur remake.
Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate – This SNL alum has appeared in episodes of Bored to Death, Raising Hope, House of Lies, Parks and Recreation and the FX series Married, but it was her lead role in this year’s hit indie film Obvious Child that garnered her the most attention. She will soon be seen in the box office film The Longest Week alongside Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde and Billy Crudup as well as the upcoming Digging for Fire that will star Anna Kendrick, Orlando Bloom, Sam Rockwell, Chris Messina and Jake Johnson.
Nolan Sotillo
Nolan Sotillo – Newcomer Nolan is one of the teen stars of the under-appreciated new FOX medical drama Red Band Society and he appeared in the box office film Prom. Nolan is also a singer-songwriter, who was part of a teen musical group called Invasion.
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan – Matt stars as John Constantine in the NBC thriller series Constantine based on the DC Comics character, but he has appeared in episodes of The Tudors, Torchwood and the short-lived spin-off Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. He has also appeared in the films Layer Cake, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, Flypaper, Armistice and provided his voice to the video game Assassin’s Creed IV.
Keiynan Lonsdale
Keiynan Lonsdale – Keiynan is an Australian actor, singer and dancer who appeared in the Aussie series Dance Academy who has landed a role in the upcoming film Insurgent (the sequel to Divergent based on the book series by Veronica Roth). He will also appear in the upcoming film The Finest Hours that will also star Chris Pine, Eric Bana, Holliday Grainger, Ben Foster and Casey Affleck.
Camren Bicondova
Camren Bicondova – Newcomer Camren is a teen model and dancer who landed a pivotal role on the FOX drama Gotham, playing Selina Kyle (aka the future Catwoman). She guest-starred in an episode of the Disney series Shake It Up and in the foreign dance film Battlefield America.
Jack O’Connell
Jack O’Connell – British TV viewers will know Jack from the series Skins and he had a role in the box office film 300: Rise of an Empire, but his role in the acclaimed film ’71 and his upcoming role in the Angelina Jolie-directed film Unbroken that will put him on top of the heap. He will then be seen in next year’s Tulip Fever with Zach Galifianakis and Christoph Waltz and Section 6.
Wes Chatham
Wes Chatham – Wes turned heads in his recurring role on the CBS series The Unit and appeared in the films W. and The Help; but it will be his role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2 that will get him noticed. He will also appear in the film Broken Horses with Vincent D’Onofrio and Anton Yelchin and he will be seen in next year’s Syfy drama The Expanse.
Ryan Guzman
Ryan Guzman – Ryan turned heads in several of the Step Up franchise films and his brief recurring role on Pretty Little Liars; but he will appear alongside Jennifer Lopez in the thriller The Boy Next Door and then in the live-film adaptation of Jem and the Holograms as well as That’s What I’m Talking About with Tyler Hoechlin and Zoey Deutch.
Grant Gustin
Grant Gustin – He may have made fans of Glee upset with his role of Sebastian Smythe in Glee as well as a recurring role on 90210, but it has been his role in this fall’s small-screen adaptation of The Flash that has put in on the map.
Gina Rodriguez
Gina Rodriguez – In her role of Jane Villanueva on the charming new CW series Jane the Virgin, Gina is being touted as one of the breakthrough faces of the fall TV season. But this isn’t her first time on the small screen, she has appeared in episodes of Law & Order, Army Wives, The Bold & the Beautiful and Longmire as well as the acclaimed indie film Filly Brown.
Lorenzo Richelmy
Lorenzo Richelmy – Lorenzo is an Italian actor who has appeared in TV and film in European productions, but who has made his American debut in the Netflix drama Marco Polo about the famed explorer’s adventures in 13th Century China.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot – Film goers may recognize Gal from her role in the Fast & Furious franchise or possible from the small screen in the extremely short-lived series The Beautiful Life, but it is her casting as Wonder Woman in the upcoming film Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice that will turn heads. She is also set to appear in the Wonder Woman stand-alone film (there is FINALLY going to be one!!) and the 2017 Justice League film.
Are there any actors or actresses who you think are the faces to watch in 2014? Please share.
TOMORROW: Closing Out 2014
Posted in Movies, New Faces, New Shows, Television, Year End Round Up on December 29, 2014| 1 Comment »
The following list highlights the actors and actresses on television and on the big screen who really caught viewers’ attention throughout this year. They appear in no particular order:
Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan
Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan – Relative newcomers Caitriona and Sam landed the lead roles in the highly anticipated Outlander series based on the international best-selling novel of the same name by Diana Gabaldon. Caitriona got her start as a runway model before landing small roles in the box office films Super 8 and Now You See Me as well as the online series H+. Meanwhile, Sam appeared in the Hallmark Channel movie A Princess for Christmas (with his naturally short blonde hair), the made-for-TV movie Any Human Heart and the British medical soap opera Doctors.
Adele Exarchopoulos
Adele Exarchopoulos – This French actress, who got her start at the tender age of 12, really burst onto the scene in the acclaimed foreign film Blue Is the Warmest Colour, which earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations as well as being heralded as the best film of 2013 by many critics. She will next be seen in the Sean Penn-directed film The Last Face that is set to star Charlize Theron, Javier Bardem and Jean Reno.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o – Lupita, of course, won an Oscar this year for her first role (ever) in the acclaimed film 12 Years a Slave; and then starred alongside Liam Neeson in the film Non-Stop. Her voice will be featured in next year’s The Jungle Book and she also landed a role in the highly-coveted Star Wars: Episode VII film.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie – Margot was a huge star in her native Australia by starring in the soap opera Neighbours, but she was first noticed by an American audience in the short-lived drama Pan Am and then the film The Wolf of Wall Street. She has a lot of projects coming up including Suite Francaise with Michelle Williams, Focus with Will Smith, Z for Zachariah with Chris Pine and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tarzan with Alexandar Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson, The Taliban Shuffle with Tina Fey and The Mountain Between Us with Charlie Hunnam.
Ansel Elgort
Ansel Elgort – Newcomer Ansel seemed to be all over the place in 2014, appearing in the film adaptation of the Veronica Roth novel Divergent, the film adaptation of the John Green book The Fault in Our Stars and the Jason Reitman film Men, Women & Children. He will next be seen in the Divergent sequel Insurgent.
Michiel Huisman
Michiel Huisman – Michiel seemed to be everywhere on TV between appearing in episodes of the ABC music-themed drama Nashville, taking over the role of Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones and showing up in the second season of the acclaimed BBC America drama Orphan Black. He has also been appearing in the latest Chanel No. 5 commercials. He will be seen in the films The Age of Adaline with Blake Lively and American Dream with Nick Stahl and Luke Bracey.
Kathryn Alexandre
Kathryn Alexandre – No one knows her “real” face, but everyone who has watched just one episode of Orphan Black knows Kathryn’s work. She is the 24-year-old actress who plays alongside Tatiana Maslany as her clone double. She wears the wigs and costumes and plays out the roles of the clones just as well as Tatiana; and deserves to be praised for what she does. Also, viewers who watched closely to the October 16 episode of Reign would have seen Kathryn as Lady Barnard.
Charlotte Le Bon and Manish Dayal
Charlotte Le Bon and Manish Dayal – Charlotte and Manish appeared in the acclaimed independent film The Hundred-Foot Journey that starred Helen Mirren. Charlotte appeared in the box office movie Yves Saint Laurent and will next be seen The Walk with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley and James Badge Dale as well as the upcoming film Bastille Day with Idris Elba and Richard Madden. Meanwhile, Manish appeared in episodes of 90210, Rubicon and Switched at Birth.
Brenton Thwaites
Brenton Thwaites – The Australian actor appeared in a number of films throughout the year, including The Signal with Laurence Fishburne and Olivia Cooke, Maleficient with Angelina Jolie, The Giver with Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep and Son of a Gun with Ewan McGregor and Alicia Vikander. He will next be seen in Gods of Egypt with Gerard Butler, Rufus Sewell, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Geoffrey Rush.
Jacqueline Toboni
Jacqueline Toboni – Virtually fresh out of college with a degree in theatre, Jacqueline landed a recurring role in the NBC fairytale drama Grimm, appearing as Theresa Rubel – aka Trubel – a new “Grimm” who arrives in Portland not knowing or really understanding her gift until she meets Detective Nick Burkhardt.
Nicola Peltz
Nicola Peltz – Back in 2010, Nicola starred in the much-maligned film The Last Airbender, but three years later she landed a role in the FX drama Bates Motel and then she landed a role in the latest Transformers franchise film alongside Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci and Kelsey Grammer.
Jamie Blackley
Jamie Blackley – Two years ago, Jamie starred in Snow White and the Huntsman, but it was his roles in this year’s The Fifth Estate alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Capaldi, Dan Stevens and David Thewlis as well as his lead role in the film adaptation of If I Stay with Chloe Grace Moretz, that got him noticed. He will next be seen in the as-yet untitled Woody Allen film that will star Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix and Parker Posey.
Alex Saxon
Alex Saxon – Alex is a relative newcomer, who landed a recurring role on the ABC Family drama The Fosters; a role that became a fan favorite. And then not that much later he landed a recurring role on the MTV family drama Finding Carter where his character, once again, became a fan favorite.
Arden Cho
Arden Cho – Arden joined the cast of the MTV thriller Teen Wolf during the latter half of the third season and became a series regular for the show’s fourth season that aired this summer, playing Kira Yukimura. Previously, she appeared in episodes of Castle, Pretty Little Liars, Rizzoli & Isles and CSI: NY. She will next be seen alongside Giancarlo Esposito in the film Stuck.
Who are some of the new faces from this year who caught your attention either on television or in film? Please share.
TOMORROW: New Faces of 2015
Rueben's Ramblings 