Armchair Commentary

And the Nominees Are....

The nominees for the 84th Annual Academy Awards have been out for a few days now so we've all had time to stew and gain some perspective. I can describe the nominations and this whole year in film in terms that my once favorite English teacher told me never to do, as "interesting". As a group it just doesn't seem like a stellar year. This year we've got nine nominees. Apparently Oscar got an editor because it's really getting clipped back from the last two year's ten choices. Go back to five, I beg you Oscar. Where's the tradition? That's what you're all about right?

Some of us have always attached too much significance to both the nominees and the winners as if it validates our personal taste in the art of cinema. I can remember jumping up and cheering for a Braveheart win back in 1995, or screaming profanities at my TV when Driving Miss Daisy beat Dead Poet's Society in 1989. This year there doesn't seem to be much of a favorite with The Golden Globes and SAG Awards differing on their best movies. There is definitely not a lurking dominant force like Titanic. We shall see who picks up momentum as we get closer to the red carpet.

Best Picture

From Woody to a silent film to a horse. Does anyone else think maybe War Horse wouldn't be here if it didn't have Spielberg's name on it? It's quite a mix of films this year. Will it be the feel good favorite with The Help or Alexander Payne's The Descendants? It's a wide open field so far but the front runner may be the return of the silent film. The Artist just seems to be the kind of movie the Academy likes and picking up steam with its Golden Globe success.

The Ides of March may have been the most talked about "snub" but I'd like to mention another film that should have been considered. Warrior is an excellent film. The acting buy Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte, who was nominated in a supporting role, is brilliant. It's a more raw, indie feeling version of The Fighter and that may be the reason it didn't get more love. Do yourself a favor and watch it.

Best Actor

What?! No Hugh Jackman in Real Steel, no Shia LaBeauf for Transformers: Dark of the Moon? Oh, wait that's the best actor alongside a robot category. It's easy to confuse. Again, no clear favorite in this category but if I had to pick one it would be Jean Dujardin of The Artist. But don't underestimate the power of the Clooney. Big snub here was Michael Fassbender for the film Shame but that's not too surprisng for those of us who seen Oscar snub a "controversial" film before.

Best Actress

What's that you say? Meryl Streep is nominated? Get out! Well, it's nice to see that up and comer get some recognition. Just fresh into the game and already people are noticing. Really though, Streep is the best but she could have three minutes of screen time in The Zookeeper Part 2 and she'd get nominated. It's just ridiculous. Very strong year for women's roles including the amazing success of Bridesmaids but mark this on your ballot. Viola Davis is going to win for her role in The Help. It's gotta happen. Its feel good, its tears and its everything we've come to expect from this category.

 

I could keep going through all the categories all the way down to sound editing (C'mon Transformers!) but I'll spare us all the debate of whether the winner of best film should match the winner of best director. But here's the biggest shocker that will happen at this year's Oscars.....Christopher Plummer will win Best Supporting Actor for Beginners. OK, not a shocker but ink it into your ballot.

I would also like to remind the Academy that one Nic Cage was in five eligible films this year. Hello? Academy.....five movies and you couldn't recognize old Nic for his brilliance. Have you seen Seeking Justice? No? Me either.

 

 

 --Adam

 

 

 

 

Now Showing: Amazon Studios Movies in the Making

Imagine that you could see a movie before it gets made, and tell the filmmakers what you think of it (Tweak that ending! Cut the sidekick! More chase scenes!). Now quit imagining, and check out the Amazon Studios “test movies” that just debuted on Amazon Instant Video and Prime Instant Video, where they are available to download and stream at no charge.

A test movie is a visual rough draft of a script. Live action? Animated? It’s all good: The key is that it allows movie fans from around the world to see a story in its early stages and share their thoughts on how that story should be made into a full-on feature film (or whether it even should be made into a full-on feature film) — before millions of dollars get spent.

The test movies premiering at Amazon.com are the best that Amazon Studios has to offer: Finalists for its $1 million Annual Award (winners to be announced on Feb. 7) and work created by specially selected filmmakers. Take a look! We’d love to know what you think.

• 12 Princesses (can a farmboy in love survive the royal sisters’ secret?)
• The Alchemist Agenda (treasure hunters find a deadly formula in a Nazi sub)
• Evolver (criminals battle a seemingly indestructible and ever-changing enemy)
• I Think My Facebook Friend is Dead (a geek in shining armor gets his chance to shine)
• The Nevsky Prospect (a photojournalist searching for her father finds trouble)
• Sky Pirates (can a barnstormer keep Hitler’s army from becoming invincible?)
• The Temple (mercenaries face the ultimate evil)
• Velvet Elvis (a singer struggles with the demands of his career and his calling — demon hunting)
• Touching Blue (a woman with a painful gift helps the FBI track a killer)

The 69th Golden Globes - What Went Down

The 69th Golden Globes have happened; click here for the full list of winners, including which ones you can order on DVD, Blu-ray, or Amazon Instant Video; the others you can sign up to be notified whenever they become available to pre-order. Meanwhile, check out some opnions on last night's ceremony.

Everyone will talk about the heart warming success of the The Help, or on a bigger scale the strength of important and sometimes hilarious roles for women, Bridesmaids. Of course one has to mention the definition of acting class and brilliance with the incomparable Morgan Freeman. These are the deserved themes of the evening but here are a few other, smaller moments that supplied an overall flat night with some memories.

Classy Christopher

    

Christopher Plummer. Kudos to this gentleman being recoginzed for his role in The Beginners. Although there is a whole new generation of leading men from George Clooney to Leo and Pitt, there is just something about that classic generation of Hollywood that will never be matched again. There is definitely some old school Tinseltown glamour in thanking your bartender in an acceptance speech.

 

 

 

Good for Joey

Maybe it was just me but it just felt good to see Matt LeBlanc up there receiving an award for Episodes. Not because I was rooting one way or the other but because I thought it was the most geniune and humble moment of the night. LeBlanc was authentic, truly nervous and suprised and it was heart warming.

Pure Harmony

    

It was just the moment that put a big smile on your face. Husband and wife William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman harmonizing a little ditty while presenting. How can you not like these two?

 

 

 

These "Talkies" Are Going to Kill the Movie Biz

I guess we were all wrong about this whole "sound" thing. It appears that the real darlingn of last year and this year's awards circuit might be The Artist. It's time to face reality if you're a big movie and award show fan. You are going to have to watch a silent (mostly) film. It's already won best movie at the Critic's Choice and now Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. It could shock at the Oscars.

Just Shut Up!

Madonna, you are just....obnoxious. We get it, you directed a movie. Good for you. You were sure to remind us of that in you boring and awkward speech as you uttered "My Movie" countless times. Guess what, nobody saw it and your movie career is still the source of punchlines not praise.

Best David Bowie Impersonation

      And the winner is........Tilda Swinton. Brilliant actress and I'm sure when the movie is made about the life and times of David Bowie  she will play the role and probably receive a Golden Globe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table We Most Want to Sit At

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman? Yes, please. While Tina Fey's photobomb was one of the most gif worthy moments of the night, we can only imagine the champagne buzz chatter emmenating from that table. As Liz Lemon would say, "I want to go to there."

--Adam & Megan

Best of 2011 in Art House & International

From tense thrillers to tuneful documentaries, literary adaptations to windswept westerns, this year's art house DVDs covered every emotion. Characters with trouble expressing their feelings paid the highest price, while happier fates awaited the more forthright protagonists.

1. Fish Tank (The Criterion Collection)

Oscar-winning filmmaker Andrea Arnold took her intimate technique to a whole new level with the riveting follow-up to Red Road, in which newcomer Katie Jarvis tangles with a dangerously seductive Michael Fassbender.

2. Drive

Every bit as gripping as Thief and American Gigolo, Denmark's Nicolas Winding Refn’s 1980s-style noir made an electrifying mark on Hollywood, distinguished by a super-cool antihero and an unsettling synthesizer score.

3. Poetry
A sweet-natured grandmother with a fading memory (the luminous Yun Jung-hee) fulfills her artistic destiny in Lee Chang-dong's heartbreaking and lyrical tale, winner of the best screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival.

4. Meek's Cutoff
Always attuned to the unique rhythms of nature, Kelly Reichardt's meditative take on the western feels more enigmatic than most, even if the period details always look right, resulting in a beautiful vision of harsh times.

5. Jane Eyre 
Charlotte Brontë's Victorian romance is no stranger to the silver screen, but Cary Fukunaga's skillfully mounted adaptation represents one of the most affecting, on account of a steely Mia Wasikowska and a smoldering Michael Fassbender.

6. Beginners
For this delicate drama, Thumbsucker director Mike Mills drew from his own experience in depicting an artist (Ewan McGregor) navigating a new relationship while mourning his father (Christopher Plummer), who came out late in life.

7. Win Win
In Tom McCarthy's funny and touching film, an unexpected house guest (Alex Shaffer) shakes up the life of a suburban couple (Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan) doing their best to make ends meet in the face of an unsympathetic economy.

8. Cave of Forgotten Dreams
Contemplative and reflective, Cave of Forgotten Dreams confirms Werner Herzog as one of the finest and most original chroniclers of the natural world, going below the ground to document the oldest paintings known to man.

9. Weekend
Much as in Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise, Andrew Haigh’s second feature captures the indelible experience of meeting someone new and feeling an instant connection. It’s all the more touching for feeling so true.

10. Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest 
In his assured directorial debut, actor Michael Rapaport documents the ups and downs of influential hip-hop troupe A Tribe Called Quest, particularly the rocky relationship between rappers Q-Tip and Phife Dog.

--Kathy Fennessy

Best of 2011 in Anime

In the United States, 2011 was the year of the animated sequel (Cars 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, Hoodwinked 2, etc.) And many of the year’s best anime releases were also sequels, continuations or reworkings of familiar properties. But the re- imagined stories were often improvements on the original. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) would be high on anyone’s list of the best series of the last decade. But the more recent Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, which follows the original manga more closley, boasts a more emotionally charged story and flashier special effects. The characters and storylines in many of this year’s best anime may be familiar, but the filmmakers have racheted everything up a notch—or in some cases, several notches.

1. Summer Wars (Blu-ray | DVD )
Director Mamoru Hosoda skillfully juxtaposes the brightly colored CG cyber-realm of Oz with drawn everyday reality in this sci-fi fantasy. But the two worlds are intimately linked. Über-nerd and teenage math wiz Kenji has to defeat a renegade AI program in one and cope with the large, fractious family of his pretty classmate Natsuki in the other. The skillful blend of romance, comedy, action, drama and disparate visual styles in Summer Wars marks Hosoda as one of the most interesting directors currently working in Japan. (Although it had a short theatrical release in America in 2010, Summer Wars made its video debut in 2011.)

2. & 3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part Four (Blu-ray | DVD )
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part Five ( Blu-ray | DVD

Fullmetal Alchemist was an excellent series, but it was completed before manga artist Hiromu Arakawa had envisioned her story’s outcome. Brotherhood, which follows the plot of the manga more closely, is even better. During the solar eclipse on the Promised Day, the "Father" of the Homunculi plans to activate a country-wide transmutation circle, killing untold thousands to create an enormous Philosopher's Stone--and activate the "Mannequin Army," a corps of deathless zombies. The Elric Brothers and their allies strive to thwart his machinations. The climactic battles are spectacular, but the emotional impact overshadows the visuals. Edward and Alphonse discover how just much they’re willing to sacrifice for each other in the appropriately dramatic and moving conclusion.

4. Neon Genesis Evangelion Movie 2.22 You Can [Not] Advance (Blu-ray | DVD)
In the second installment in his four-feature retelling of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hideaki Anno diverges further from the original storyline--and pushes the visual boundaries of his epic. The cinematography is more imaginative, the animation more polished and special effects more striking. The prismatic colors, thunderous explosions and eerie lighting in the final battle show that like the original TV series, Anno's new vision will be influencing artists on both sides of the Pacific for years to come.

5 & 6. Eden of the East: The King of Eden (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Eden of the East: Paradise Lost (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
Although they were released a year apart, the Eden of the East theatrical features form a single story. In The King of Eden, Saki searches New York for Takizawa, who vanished at the end of the series. Takizawa and Saki return to Japan to end the game Mr. Outside created involving the 12 special agents known as Seleçaos in Paradise Lost. The theme of Eden of the East, the need for young people to revitalize the faltering spirit and economy of Japan, seems prescient in light of the reports of young Japanese volunteering in record numbers to assist in the cleanup of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Director Kenji Kamiyama brings the Eden of the East saga to a conclusion that feels appropriate yet remains ambiguous.

7. Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black (Blu-ray | DVD)
The most exciting and engaging of the theatrical features based on Tite Kubo’s best-selling manga, Fade to Black packs a stronger emotional punch than Memories of Nobody and offers more spectacular battles than Diamond Dust Rebellion. The result is a high energy yet moving film that will delight fans of the long- running Bleach series

8. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (Blu-ray | DVD) Disappearance reunites the characters (and crew and voice cast) of the popular series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya in an extended and suitably offbeat adventure that has a darker tone than the often farcical TV series. Directors Tatsuya Ishihara and Yasuhiro Takemoto build the suspense skillfully, playing on Kyon’s (and the viewer’s) uncertainties. Disappearance is at least 15 minutes too long and suffers from multiple endings: It’s a good film, but if the artists had tightened the story and ended it more surely, it could have been a great one.

9. Trigun: Badlands Rumble (Blu-ray | DVD)

More than a decade after the Trigun broadcast series debuted (1998), Vash the Stampede is back. Although bullets fly, Vash keeps people from being killed, even when it means facing down his old friend Nicholas Wolfwood. Meryl, Millie and red-haired bounty Amelia add to the drama and the comedy. When the smoke finally clears and the credits roll, Vash learns that every throw of the dice can have greater consequences then he’d realized.

10. Transformers Japanese Collection: Headmasters (DVD)
In 1987, the toy company Takara and the Toei studio began producing an alternate version of Transformers, featuring characters and storylines geared to the Japanese market—that has never been released in America. The familiar Autobots and Decepticons are replaced by a new corps of robots who turn into tanks, helicopters, etc. However, the basic elements of the storyline remain the same: friendships are forged, battles are fought, allegiances shift, threats appear, and good robots triumph over bad ones. The animation is extremely limited, the Japanese voice actors chew the scenery, and the direction repeats many of the clichés of ‘80s Saturday morning kidvid. But for viewers who grew up on Transformers, Headmasters offers an enticing blend of nostalgia and new adventures.

In addition, two reissues warrant special mention:

Mobile Suit Gundam: Complete Collection 1: Anime Legends
Yoshiyuki Tomino’s landmark Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) launched a continuity that’s lasted more than three decades—and revolutionized the mecha genre with its anthropomorphic robots that are part space suit, part space ship, and part samurai armor. When his home satellite is attacked, teen-ager Amuro Ray stumbles into the cockpit of the top secret weapon, the Gundam Mobile Suit RX-78—and becomes a hero in spite of himself. Although it often feel old-fashioned, Gundam is still a landmark series, and this reissue includes the original Japanese dialogue for the first time.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
Hayao Miyazaki gained widespread attention in Japan for his complex fantasy manga series, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1982), which he adapted for the screen two years later. In it, he began to explore elements he would develop more fully in his later films: daring, compassionate heroines; exciting flying sequences; colorful side characters; strong interpersonal relationships; and a call for an ecological sanity. Although Nausicaä was only his second feature, Miyazaki was already an assured and strikingly original director. - -Charles Solomon

Best DVDs of 2011: Kids and Family

You could say that 2011 was the year of the book in the kids and family DVD genre. There were Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Mr. Popper's Penguins, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, and Winnie the Pooh--all movies based on childrens and young adults books. It was also the year of the unexpected--writers took a Shakespearean romantic tragedy and made it into high comedy and called it Gnomeo and Juliet, mashed the genres of animation and spaghetti Western together in Rango, completely reinvented a bunch of classic fairytale characters in Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil, and added a whole new back story to the classic Rapunzel fairytale and renamed it Tangled. The end result for viewers is a comfortable familiarity juxtaposed with a sense of the impending unexpected that keeps the entire family guessing. Check out my top ten kid and family picks for the year below and then head over to the Best of 2011 in Movies & TV store to see the best of lists in other categories.

 

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2: Though I hesitate to put a film rated PG-13 at the top of a best of list for children, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was far and away the best film released on DVD in 2011.  And while the Harry Potter films are certainly not appropriate for the very young, families with older children have grown and bonded over the Harry Potter films for a full decade. This final chapter in the series is a masterful mix of romance, adventure, and magical effects that stays true to the author's intent, is visually stunning, and, most importantly, provides a satisfying ending to a truly epic journey.
2. Rango: A chameleon starring in an animated Western is one strange idea, but clever writing, skilled animation, and great voice talent combine to produce a film that's highly entertaining for both kids and adults--on two completely different levels, of course. 
3. Kung Fu Panda 2: Sequels often fall short of their predecessors, but Kung Fu Panda 2 is funny, well animated, and full of action. Po has definitely grown up in this second film, but he hasn't lost his most lovable qualities, or his penchant for steamed buns, and when he and the Furious Five wage a fierce battle against a mysterious and deadly new weapon, it keeps everyone on the edge of their seat. Equally interesting is Po's quest for inner peace, which really just boils down to dealing with his own insecurities.
4. Tangled: Not your typical imprisoned princess, the impulsive and maybe even a bit schizophrenic Rapunzel leaves her tower to embark on a quest that will forever change the lives of herself, Flynn Ryder, and the entire kingdom--not to mention the way viewers think about this classic fairytale character.
5. Megamind: An interesting look at a villain whose destruction of the world's last hero also destroys his own sense of purpose and happiness.
6. Mars Needs Moms: An intriguing adventure with some interesting characters and a message that speaks to both kids and adults--even if the story is rather far-fetched and the characters act a bit predictable at times. The motion-capture technology is pretty cool too.
7. Rio: While this film doesn't really offer anything new plot-wise, it's a visual feast of color that pits cute, lovable characters with the best of intentions against some not-so-smart bad guys in a battle that spans from a dingy back room to the streets of Rio de Janeiro and even the middle of a Carnaval parade. Throw in a little romance, some fun Brazilian music, and a little self-discovery and you've got a recipe for family fun.
8. Mr. Popper's Penguins: While the script writers and filmmakers took some serious liberties with the  original book, Jim Carrey did a great job of capitalizing on the comic possibilities of caring for a flock of penguins in the middle of New York City. This movie is funny, heartwarming, and has a great message about the value of family.
9. Gnomeo and Juliet: Garden gnomes acting out the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet is absolutely ridiculous, but somehow the film actually works. Romantic tragedy turns comedy thanks to a heavy dose of humor and a commitment to pushing everything way over the top. Tons of famous voice talent doesn't hurt either.
10. Winnie the Pooh: Because who doesn't love a Winnie the Pooh film? Especially one that's as well done as this one.

What are your favorite kids and family DVD picks for 2011?

--Tami Horiuchi

 

Fall Television 2011: New Shows

Ah, fall! Along with your crisp, cool days and the craving for warm apple cider, you bring about television's newest offerings. The networks seem to have recurring (or is that repetitious?) themes this year. Magic abounds, as do fairy tales and other monstrous creatures. And, since the 60s worked so well for AMC's Mad Men, we should have known the era would be ripe for the picking. The following list--in no particular order--are a few of the new series we're looking forward to this year. **Warning, spoilers ahead**

 

Ringer, Aired September 13, The CW

The premise: Sarah Michelle Gellar returns to television, in not one role, but two, playing twin sisters--Bridget, witness to a crime and on the run from the FBI; and Siobhan, trapped in a high society life and loveless marriage. The pilot episode threw a lot at us (affairs, a faked suicide, attempted murders, impersonation), and might have been better served over two hours. But we admit we're hooked already.

Why we're watching: Umm, SMG is back on television! And for all of the other above reasons. For all that the pilot was busy, we can't wait to see where this winding neo-noir road leads us. Also starring Ioan Gruffudd as Siobhan's husband, Kristoffer Pulka as Siobhan's lover, and Nestor Carbonella (and his too-good-to-be-true eyelashes) as an FBI agent searching for Bridget, all good reasons to tune in.

 

Death Valley, Aired August 29 on MTV

The premise: Not for the feint of heart or stomach, MTV's original series is in your face gore and snark … and is incredibly fun. Told Cops-style, this mockumentary follows the UTF precinct officers (Tania Raymonde, Texas Battle, et al.) under Captain Dashell (Bryan Callen) as they take on the vampires, zombies, and werewolves that inexplicably appeared in the valley. While it started a few weeks ago, you can get caught up online.

Why we're watching: Irreverent adult humor that turns the supernatural trend on its sparkling head. 

 

Person of Interest, Aired September 22 on CBS

The premise: After September 11, 2001, eccentric billionaire (is there any other kind?), Finch (Michael Emerson of Lost fame) created a pattern-recognition system that collects information--through computers, cell phones, and cameras on the street--to predict who will become involved in violent crimes. Some years later, he teams up with Reece (Jim Caviezel), a presumed-dead CIA agent, to help him stop those crimes. While it doesn't sound like these two initially trust each other: Reece pokes into Finch's past and Finch doesn't really trust anyone. Complicating matters is Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson), who starts tracking Reece.

Why we're watching: Complicated premise? Perhaps. Hopefully this show will find the gray line separating protection vs. spying vs. paranoia … then stomp all over it and make us think. Besides, we'll watch anything with Michael Emerson.

 

2 Broke Girls, Aired September 19 on CBS

The premise: A(nother) modern take on The Odd Couple, this time featuring snarky street smart waitress Max (Kat Dennings) and bankrupt ex-heiress Caroline (Beth Behrs), who works with Max. These two opposites not only decide to live together, but to start a business together.

Why we're watching: In less capable hands, we might be dubious, but exec producer Michael Patrick King worked on Sex and the City, and we've heard that was a success! Also, Kat Dennings (usually) walks that delightfully fine line between sass and being obnoxious very skillfully, so count us in.

 

Terra Nova, Aired September 26 on Fox

The premise: Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, this is one of the most ambitious series we've seen in a while. Terra Nova takes us 138 years into a bleak future, where humans have all but ruined Earth. The discovery of a rift in time prompts a new generation of “pilgrims” to go back in time to a prehistoric, Cretaceous-period Earth so they can start fresh. The Shannon family (including Jason O'Mara and Shelley Conn) take the plunge, so to speak, and come under the leadership of Commander Nathaniel Taylor (Avatar baddie Stephen Lang). As the Shannons learn to survive on this new--but old to them--world, they come under the attack of a rogue group of residents called the Sixers, for reasons unknown; deal with the Commander's cagey tactics; and, oh yeah, there's dinosaurs.

Why we're watching: The series is exec produced by Spielberg, and the man knows his way around dinosaurs. Think what you will about Avatar, Stephen Lang was ridiculously over-the-top entertaining, and his role here has a similar feel. And then there's those dinosaurs …

 

The Secret Circle, Aired September 15 on The CW

The premise: Newly orphaned 16-year-old Cassie (Britt Robertson) is sent to live with her grandmother in the town her mother grew up in, but never talked about. Cassie is approached--and tested--by five of her new classmates (including Thomas Dekker as Adam) who break the news to her: she's a witch, as were all of their parents until something tragic and unspoken happened. Cassie's arrival completes the circle of magic they formed, upping their powers to dangerous and hard to control levels. Keeping things from getting too new agey, two of the parents (Natasha Henstridge and Gale Harold) seem to have a bloody agenda … one that involved killing Cassie's mother, perhaps to lure/force her back?

Why we're watching: Magic seems to be the new vampire, but we're okay with that--for now. Britt Robertson was a delight to watch in Life UnExpected, as was Thomas Dekker in the still missed Sarah Connor Chronicles.

 

Prime Suspect, Aired September 22 on NBC

The premise: A remake of the British Hellen Mirren staple, Jane Timoney (Maria Bello), is a tough, no-nonsense NYC homicide detective (as so many female cops on television seem to be), who will deal with hostility from both the perps she arrests and her fellow officers. Unlike the UK version, which used an entire mini-series for the case, each murder will be solved within an episode.

Why we're watching: This adaptation is executive produced by Alexandra Cunningham, who worked on the original, as well as NYPD Blue. Though it will probably follow the typical procedural formula we're used to, there's comfort in that style and it's worked for many a cop show. Then there's that news-making hat …

 

Revenge, Aired September 21 on ABC

The premise: Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) tells it straight: she's come home not to dispense forgiveness, but to exact revenge against those who destroyed her family. Her new neighbors have no idea who Emily is, as she skillfully blends into the community, makes new friends, and sets her plan into motion.

Why we're watching: Every season needs at least one guilty pleasure show, and we're hoping this will be worthy of our time. While the Klingons may prefer their revenge served up cold, there's nothing like a warm summer in the Hamptons to really heat things up!

 

Grimm, October 21 on NBC/ Once Upon A Time, October 23 on ABC

The premise(s): Taking the fairy tale trail, you have two options (or both, we won't make you chose!). Grimm seems to be the darker of the two, following Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) who discovers he's descended from a line of criminal profilers--called Grimms--tasked with keeping the world's mythological creatures in line.

Once Upon A Time looks to be a beautiful mystery set in the (subtly) named town of Storybrooke, Maine. A group of fairy tale characters are trapped in the town and have been cursed to forget their true origins, including Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin), her--possibly--long-lost daughter, Emma (Jennifer Morrison), and, of course, Prince Charming (Josh Dallas). We'll also be treated to flashbacks showing the characters' former lives in Fairy Tale Land.

Why we're watching (both): Though viewers may tune into Grimm, which airs a couple days earlier, and not give Once Upon A Time a chance, we think the two shows will be different enough that you can enjoy both and not feel like you're getting a second helping of the same entreé. Here's wishing upon a star …

Pan Am, Aired September 25 on ABC

The premise: Based on a woman's actual experiences (executive producer Nancy Hult Ganis), many of the larger storylines are at least modeled after real events, including the stealth rescue mission to Cuba and the assassination of JFK. Follow Laura (Margot Robbie) as she runs out on her wedding and takes to the skies with her sister, Kate (Kelli Garner), a Pan Am stewardess. Joining the sisters are they travel around the world are fellow stewardesses Maggie (Christina Ricci) and French-born Colette (Karine Vanasse), and pilot Dean (Mike Vogel).

Why we're watching: Set in the heyday of airline travel, flying has never looked so good. But we don't think this show will be all pie in the sky. It doesn't sound like the writers are going to back away from the tumultuous political climate of the early-to-mid 60s.

 

Which new shows are you watching? --Jill Corddry

Fall Television 2011: Returning Shows

Get your DVR warmed up! May's cruel cliffhangers are unfurling as fall 2011-2012 television season begins. Everyone has their favorite genre(s)--from procedurals to dramas to sitcoms and everything in between--and we won't judge. Though we can't possibly list everything coming back this fall, here are a few returning series we're looking forward to. The following list is in no particular order. **Warning, spoilers ahead**

Supernatural, September 23 on The CW

Where we left off: So … Castiel is God now…

Or at least he thinks he is. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are up against their toughest (at least emotionally) big bad yet, as their juiced-up-on-souls friend takes over as the ultimate power hungry CEO. Early clips indicate the former angel isn't exactly a benevolent dictator and will no doubt cause Sam and Dean trouble, but rumors indicate the Castiel (Micha Collins) isn't the worst thing the Winchester brothers will encounter in the show's seventh season.

 

Castle, September 19 on ABC

Where we left off: The secret of who killed Detective Beckett's mother and why was (mostly) revealed, and surprisingly, involved Captain Montgomery, who ultimately sacrificed himself to save her. As Beckett bled on the ground after being shot at the captain's funeral, Castle whispered, “I love you.”

Season four picked up where the last season ended, and we all knew Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) would survive, because Rick Castle (Nathan Fillion) wouldn't be Castle without his muse. With the departure of Captain Montgomery last season, we're getting a new face in the squad: Captain Victoria “Iron” Gates (Penny Johnson). Though Beckett has been telling everyone she doesn't remember anything regarding her shooting, she confesses to her therapist that she does … which more than likely accounts for her putting some distance between her and Castle, and should cause some interesting conflicts. The rumor mill indicates the 3XK killer will be back at some point, and we're hoping for some hilarious hijinks for Detectives Esposito (Jon Huertas) and Ryan (Seamus Dever) as the latter plans his wedding.

 

Chuck, October 21 on NBC

Where we left off: “Guys, I know King Fu!” After the Intersect was forcibly removed from Chuck's brain, Morgan inadvertently downloads it, becoming the new Intersect. Oh yeah, and the entire team was fired, Sarah and Chuck bought the Buy More (and the secret rooms below) after getting married, and they're starting their own spy business.

The much loved geek-spy series is coming to a close after five seasons, but at least the creative team knew in advance and can plan a proper farewell. Besides having a new Intersect in town and some notable guest stars villains (Mark Hamil and Craig Kilborn), Chuck (Zachary Levi) has to adapt his role from super Intersect spy to handler as Morgan (Joshua Gomez) learns to use his newly amped-up brain. And no one thinks it will be cake for Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) to work together as their own bosses.

Fringe, September 23 on Fox

Where we left off: Both rapidly deteriorating parallel universes were brought together by a time-traveling Peter Bishop, who quite literally disappeared before our eyes. And no one cared. Or even noticed.

We cannot wait to see how Peter (Josh Jackson) is reintegrated into the show, since we've been promised he hasn't been written out! But besides that, the season should prove a fascinating look at what would happen if Peter had never existed. How far over the edge would his crazy scientist father Walter (the amazing John Noble, also playing "over there's" Walternate) have gone? Fauxlivia (Anna Torv, also playing Olivia in “our world”) would never have had a baby … or at least not Peter's son. We're assuming much of the season will deal with both worlds trying to stop the process that's destroying them both, and a healthy dose of the fringe-type science that makes this series what it is.

 

How I Met Your Mother, September 19 on CBS

Where we left off: Marshall and Lily are having a baby!

As excited as we are for this fun couple (Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan) and their impending bundle of joy, we want the main focus of the show's seventh season to come back to Ted (Josh Radnor) and his search for love (and the mother of the title). There's also the lingering question of who on Earth managed to snare Barney (the legen-wait for it-dary Neil Patrick Harris) and get him to pop the question. Is his wedding where Ted meets the woman of his dreams? Love is also--possibly--in the air for Robin (Cobie Smulders) with guest star Kal Penn.

 

Glee, September 20 on Fox

Where we left off: The New Directions finally made it to NYC and Nationals, only to have their dreams once again dashed when Finn kisses Rachel on stage.

Whew! It almost feels like we had a whole season of Glee over the summer with all the off-camera theatrics and rumors: Rachel (Lea Michele) and Kurt (Chris Colfer) are graduating and leaving after this season … no they aren't; they're getting their own series (which might have been kind of awesome!); no, wait, they'll be sticking around. And then there was the reality show that selected three winners for small roles. No wonder we're tired! Here's hoping this season returns focus to its true strengths: the singing, the dancing, Jane Lynch's tyrannical Coach Sue Sylvester and the outrageous story lines that made us love season one.

 

Modern Family, September 21 on ABC

Where we left off: Mitchell and Cameron are thinking of adopting a another baby.

This multi-family-within-a-family series has too much going on for us to dive into each and every aspect of this upcoming season, but season three opens with the families exploring their inner cowboy on a dude ranch, giving Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) a chance to see if they are ready to adopt a boy. We can't wait to watch as this part of the clan prepares to enlarge their family. Also in the future, Jay (Ed O'Neill) and Gloria (Sofia Vergara) have their hands full as Manny (Rico Rodriguez) runs afoul of the law.

 

The Walking Dead, October 16 on AMC

Where we left off: Big badda boom! The survivors battle zombies as they escape an explosion at the C.D.C.

Season two picks off seconds later, with Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and the rest of the survivors speeding away from the burning remains of the C.D.C. Fans of the graphic novel will recognize their destination, as they try to get to the farm of Hershel Green (Scott Wilson). Fingers crossed the departure of producer Frank Darabont won't hurt the show. Viewers should take heart that star Andrew Lincoln had this to say: “The scripts are sooo good,'' he insists. ''They're amazing.”

 

Psych, October 12 on USA

Where we left off: Serial killer Yang was back for a third (and final … probably) time, as she helped catch her partner Ying. Shawn and Juliet hooked up last year, but kept it a secret due to a no dating policy within the Santa Barbara police department. But Detective Lassiter caught them kissing.

Normally a summer staple, Psych was moved to fall to make room in USA's busy schedule, and we've been craving our fake psychic Shawn (James Roday) and his partner Gus (Dulé Hill) more than a pineapple upside down cake. As always, we're prepared for a plethora of pop culture references, ridiculous crimes, and Shawn's even crazier antics as he tries to solve them. We're assuming that strict rule-following Lassie (Timothy Omundson) will have a problem with the still burgeoning relationship between Shawn and his partner, Juliet (Maggie Lawson) … but what will he do about it?

 

Bones, November 3 on Fox

Where we left off: Bones is preggers! Booth is the daddy!

Okay, so fans of the show all knew star Emily Deschanel was pregnant (and recently delivered a baby boy), but we certainly didn't expect to see it written into the show, even though Temperance Brennan (Deschanel) had previously explored having a child. This season will be abbreviated due to her real life pregnancy, but we can only imagine the challenges the non-couple couple will go through as things progress: Booth (David Boreanaz) will no doubt grow increasingly protective and Bones will try to carry on as though nothing has change--at least not with the work. We can already a see a rounded Bones crawling through some vile crime scene, thinking nothing of it. Oh yeah, and there's the rest of the squints, Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins' (T.J. Thyne) new baby, the rotating squinterns, and all those murders.

 

What returning shows are you most excited about? --Jill Corddry

Talking "Prohibition" with Ken Burns

Last month, I had the opportunity to sit down with beloved documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. I will admit I was pretty nervous. For the past 25 years Ken has made over 20 films, one of which (The Civil War) was honored with more than 40 major film and television awards. Younger generations are learning American and World History through his films while older generations are forced to re-learn, seeing the past through his unique cinematography. In fact, Ken's way of bringing life to photographs by zooming in on specific objects and then panning slowly from one object to the other has been coined "The Ken Burns Effect" in Apple's iPhoto and iMovie applications. So what was I going to ask such a well-respected, adored historian? I polled our Facebook fans and except for questioning his Bieber-esque hair do, asked Ken all about his new film Prohibition and much more. --Amanda

 

The Best Movies & TV of 2011 So Far

In picking our Best of 2011 So Far list, we took everything that released between January 1 and August 15 of this year, put the names in a jar, shook it, and wrote down whatever pieces came out at random.

Just kidding. But we DID get in a room and debate the merits of a great movie in a mediocre Blu-ray release vs. a mediocre movie with a spectacular Blu-ray release; how to compare a great movie that released this year vs. the re-release of a classic movie; and the comedic chops of one Russell Brand (be assured, this did not derail our conversation too much). Without further ado, here's a look at our editors' picks on DVD, Blu-ray, and Instant Video.

Top 10 on DVD
1. The Social Network
2. The King's Speech
3. Mad Men: Season Four
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I
5. True Grit
6. Black Swan
7. The Fighter
8. Tangled
9. The Walking Dead: Season One
10. True Blood: The Complete Third Season
>See the rest of the top 50 on DVD

Top 10 on Blu-ray
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part I
3. The Social Network
4. Black Swan
5. True Blood: The Complete Third Season
6. Tangled
7. The Fighter
8. Raging Bull (Two-Disc 30th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
9. The Incredibles (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)
10. The Walking Dead: Season One
>See the rest of the top 50 on Blu-ray

Top 10 on Instant Video
1. Black Swan
2. Biutiful
3. Dexter: Season Five
4. Waiting for Superman
5. Justified: Season Two
6. The King's Speech
7. Tangled
8. The Fighter
9. The Killing
10. The Walking Dead: Season One

What are your picks for the Best of the Year So Far? --Ellen