Armchair Commentary

The Surging Popularity of Films Based on Young Adult Books

Films based on young adult novels are hot right now--so hot they're breaking box office records. While a cursory look suggests that young adults have a much larger discretionary income and more autonomy in spending it than ever before and that filmmakers are just capitalizing on that opportunity, the audiences filling the theaters for these young adult films represent a surprisingly diverse age demographic. Why? Because both young adult fiction and films have become much more popular with adults in in the past few years thanks in part to better writing, more universal themes, and cross-genre marketing. The result is a sharing of experience between young adults and adults that translates not only to money at the box office and bookstore, but to a common ground between generations that's filled with promise.

Do we hand the credit to J.K. Rowling and say it all started with the Harry Potter books and films? Or did it really start with films like The Lord of the Rings? How do children's stories like the Lorax and The Borrowers or comics like Tintin fit in to the equation? 

 

 

The Hunger Games is certainly the most recent example of how insanely popular a young adult film can be and the film's momentum from its record-breaking first couple of weekends doesn't seem likely to slow down anytime soon. Of course, the books of the Hunger Games Trilogy have also been hugely popular with both teens and adults for the last several years. The idea of a dystopian world where kids are dropped into the wilderness and pitted against one another in a fight for survival is nothing new (think William Golding's Lord of the Flies way back in 1954), but the powerful way this story is told, both on the page and screen, absolutely captivates both teens and adults.

 

  

The Twilight Series of novels by Stephenie Meyer were ravenously devoured by the target young adult female audience, but what was a bit more surprising was how appealing these romance novels about vampires, werewolves, and true love were to adult women. Likewise, the first Twilight film was madly popular with women of all ages, fueled by the popularity of the books and some serious hype about the contemporary fascination with vampires and the promise of a tale of first love like no other. New Moon was equally strong as Bella battled a broken heart and came face to face with the Volturi. Eclipse explored a love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob which, if not completely believable in its presentation, was certainly compelling as was Bella's steadfast determination to give up virtually everything for true love. Filmmakers decided to break the final book into two films and Twilight Breaking Dawn Part One deals with the decidedly mature subject of childbirth gone extreme--suddenly what began as a young adult saga has matured into an adult story that's basically unsuitable for all but the oldest end of the young adult market.

 

 

Where does one begin with the eight iconic Harry Potter films that broke box office records and drew huge fans from every conceivable age group? Literally everyone was reading these books--kids, parents, and young adults alike--just as fast as they came off the presses. And how about the block-long lines of people that camped out to see the films at midnight on opening night? Harry Potter was truly a phenomenon unlike any other--one that brought together young and old in a powerful shared experience that created memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

 

 Hugo is another film that bridges the gap between the young adult and adult markets. It's a story of a young orphaned boy struggling to solve a mystery left by his father while simply surviving, but the story transcends the situation into a universally appealing message about hope. Five Oscar awards isn't too shabby for a young adult film!

 

 

Tolkien's classic Lord of the Rings Trilogy took on truly epic proportions in the three Lord of the Rings films that absolutely re-defined the role of animation in live-action films. A young adult book series to be sure, but the films are definitely now considered classics in the adult film genre.

 

 

 

The Secret World of Arrietty is a film based on Mary Norton's The Borrowers--a classic book that's captivated the imaginations of generations of young adults. Sure, the film is rated G and is great for kids, but like many of Miyazaki's best films, it's just as appealing to adults. 

 

 

 

The Adventures of Tintin is based on the classic comic by Herge, but again, the film transcends age barriers and appeals not only to kids and adults with fond childhood memories of Tintin comics, but animation fans of all ages.

 

 

 

 Dr. Seuss' The Lorax may look like a kid's film based on a kid's picture book, but it really deals with the very grown-up subject of environmental preservationism. Of course, the movie throws in a whole new sub-plot about young love as another lure to the young adult market. 

 

Other notable young adult films:

I Am Number Four--A young adult fantasy in which an exile seeks to discover his own heritage and the powers hidden within himself while experiencing his first love.

The Golden Compass--An orphan girl sets out on a perilous journey in search of truth and a lost friend.

The Chronicles of Narnia Series--Adventures of good versus evil that culminate (thus far) in a personal war against the darkness within.

Alice in Wonderland--An adventure tale that celebrates the strength of one young woman.

What's Up Next?

Plenty more young adult novels are coming to the movies in the next year or so including J.R.R. Tolkein's The Hobbit, Lois Lowry's The Giver, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Ally Carter's Heist Society, and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. And I hear that Scott Westerfeld's Uglies is also in production!

So what's so important about the rise in popularity of young adult films? Authors of young adult fiction are selling more copies of their books than ever before and filmmakers are breaking records for money grossed at the theaters--that certainly helps the economy. But in my mind, an equally important result is that young adults and adults are finding a common ground through entertainment--their shared experiences reading these books and watching the films are forging a connection between generations and opening avenues of communication that might not otherwise exist. Does that mean that your teen is going to suddenly confide their deepest, darkest secrets and insecurities to you on the drive home from the theater? Or that your newly-on-his-own 20-something will call you up to solicit advice about his personal life? Probably not, but you never know where a conversation about Harry's complicated relationships with his classmates and teachers, Bella's struggle to choose between Edward and Jacob and then live with the far-reaching consequences of her decision, or Katniss' determination to survive without losing her own sense of humanity might lead.

 

--Tami Horiuchi

It’s “Movie Summer”! Time to Look at Would-Be Blockbusters Though Venn-Colored Glasses

Spring’s just sprung, but if you were to consult Hollywood’s calendar, you’d see that Movie Summer, the season of would-be blockbusters and sold-out midnight screenings, has already begun. And to help you decide where to spend your box office dollars this season, we’ve got a different kind of movie guide, from our friends at the Amazon Studios Hollywonk blog. It’s not about dates or ratings, it’s about you. 

Are you a comic book-collecting superhero-worshipper? Or a responsible investor with a popcorn-chomping kid in tow? (We’re sorry to say that if you’re neither, this summer holds for you few delights: but at least there’s Piranha 3DD, or Magic Mike, or Step Up 4, or... nope, we're just sorry.)

Click here to see the chart in all its glory.

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

Gear Jammers and Night Riders: 10 Great Car Chase Movies Before "Drive"

With its blend of high-octane car action and an indie-friendly cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Bryan Cranston and Ron Perlman, the thriller Drive, which opens September 16, appears to pay homage to the great auto-oriented action and suspense films of the 1970s, where top actors like Steve McQueen, Gene Hackman and Peter Fonda vented their frustration over the decade's turmoil from behind the wheel of some heavy-duty horsepower. No Michael Bay histrionics or Fast and Furious drift here - just four wheels, an open road and plenty of attitude.

Following are some of the best and most ballsy car chase films from that decade, as well as a few from the 1980s and 1990s that took their MPH to heart.

Bullitt (1968) Steve McQueen's Inspector Frank Bullitt and his '68 V8 Ford Mustang are pursued by a 440 Dodge Charger through San Francisco's highly vertical Mission District in the landmark 9-minute chase scene from Peter Yates' police thriller. McQueen did about 10% of his own driving in the film, leaving the rest to veteran stunt drivers Bud Ekins (who executed McQueen's barbed wire fence jump in The Great Escape, 1963) and McQueen's usual stunt double, Loren James. The Bullitt Mustang was revived by Ford in 2008 to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary.

The French Connection (1971) Gene Hackman's tough cop Popeye Doyle pits his 1971 Pontiac Le Mans against New York's BMT West Line train in a frenzied attempt to stop hitman Marcel Bozzuffi after a botched attempt on Doyle's life. An astonishing display of cinematic bravura, director William Friedkin puts the viewer in the driver's seat (well, the back seat, where he shot over stunt driver Bill Hickman's shoulder while wrapped in a mattress for protection) or on the Pontiac's front bumper to provide one of the movies' greatest adrenaline rushes.

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

2011 Summer Television: What We're Looking Forward To

It's summer, and you know what that means: a slew of new shows premiering or returning for another season. While Falling Skies, which started June 19 on TNT, has us intrigued, it's no Lost (and really, no show ever will be, so we should probably stop the unfair comparisons). Still, summer is no longer the dearth of television it used to be, and that's mostly thanks to the cable and premium channels. It's easy to include the obvious fan faves, like True Blood and Weeds, so we're trying to branch out … at least a little. Some shows are just too good to leave off, no matter how obvious their inclusion. The below list is by no means everything the summer has to offer, but they're the shows we're the most excited about.

 

White Collar

We know, we know, the new season started already, but Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) charmed us with those eyes and that smile and we were helpless against both. Are the cases easy to predict? Yes. You know going in that the “good” guys almost always win and the “bad” guys are going to get what's coming. But it's as refreshing as a cold glass of lemonade after mowing the lawn. Plus, the relationship between Caffrey and his FBI handler Peter Burke (Tim DeKay)--neither completely trusts the other--is a delight to watch. Throw in paranoid accomplice Mozzi (Willie Garson) and Neil's new love interest, Sara, and we're ready to commit a white collar crime ourselves, just in case they're assigned our case. Returned June 7 on USA.

 

Burn Notice

Grab a yogurt and get ready for something we've not yet seen. Über spy Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan) is not just back, he's back in bed with the CIA. Or is he? Granted he's not a full agent again, merely an “asset,” but after all those years trying to get back at the people who burned him, can he pretend it never happened? Or is he still out for revenge? Only time and the rest of the season will tell, but with Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) and Sam (Bruce Campbell) on his side, we know he'll be well-armed and well-beered as he out-MacGyver's, well, MacGyver. Returned June 23 on USA.

 

 

Leverage

Nate Ford (Timothy Hutton) & Co are back on the job, helping the wronged and doing what they can to stick it to the man or company responsible. By now, we know that the heart-of-gold criminals will prevail, with a number of Ocean's 11-style misdirections. For all that, though, it is pure fun watching it happen and trying to figure out just how they'll dupe the baddie of the week. And while yes, Hardison (Aldis Hodge) and Eliot (Christian Kane) will spar ("Dammit, Hardison!"), Parker (Beth Riesgraf) will awkwardly learn some aspect of humanity, Sophie (Gina Bellman) will use an accent, and Eliot will hit someone … we want it that way. Predictable or not, we're totally along for the con. Returned June 26 on TNT.

 

Necessary Roughness

This new series introduces us to Dani Santino (Callie Thorne), a woman trying to start her life over after she discovers her husband is cheating on her. As she delves into work, she becomes the go-to therapist for a number of high profile clients, including athletes, politicians, and entertainers. The previews have us intrigued, (and it also stars Buffy alum Marc Blucas, so there's that reason to tune in!) but we hope it doesn't become a troubled “famous person” of the week show. Let's see her putting her life back together, failing, trying again. And with two teenagers in the mix, there's definite promise for some fallbacks. Premiered June 29 on USA.

 

The Closer

Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) takes on ten more cases this summer as head of the Major Crimes department. While the crimes were far from the stars of the show–often easy to solve or borderline ridiculous–the ensemble cast was a pleasure to watch, especially led by the talented Sedgewick. The tough-as-nails female police officer/detective/lieutenant is a familiar television trope, but Brenda wore it with a side of Southern charm, and most suspects never knew which was coming into that interrogation room. One of cable’s highest-rated dramas, this is the show's last season. Sort of. Next year, it will continue on without Sedgwick, as a spinoff called Major Crimes starring Mary McDonnell. Returns July 11 on TNT.

 

Eureka

Okay, we admit to a (loud and prolonged) fangirl squee we heard geekdom fave Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and The Guild) was arriving in the genius town for a seven-episode arc. Notjust that, but her Department of Defense character will be involved in a possible love triangle with Fargo (Neil Grayston) and guest star Wil Wheaton, of Star Trek: TNG fame. Um, super squeee! Now in its 4.5th season, it's a safe bet that everyman Sheriff Carter (Colin Ferguson) will make an off-handed comment or ask a stupid question and save the town from some crazy experiment gone awry, but the scientific hijinks are almost beside the point. The quirky collection of characters are the heart of this show. Returned July 11 on the SyFy Channel.

 

Warehouse 13

What started as a total guilty pleasure show for us has grown into a smart bit of pure summer fluff, and way more fun than the Income Tax Return Forms building the warehouse masquerades as. Last season, agent Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly) walked out the door. Our fingers are crossed she returns–and mum's the word on if that's a yes or no–but Smallville's Aaron Ashmore is joining the team as a new agent, Steve Jinks. He'll join forces with agent Pete Lattimer (Eddie McClintock) and Artie Neilsen (Saul Rubinek) as they secretly try to keep seemingly ordinary objects--Mata Hari's stockings, Babe Ruth's bat--from wreaking havoc on the civilian population. Returned July 11 on the SyFy Channel.

 

Alphas

Whew! July 11 is a busy night for the SyFy Channel … joining the previously mentioned Eureka and W13, this new show sounds like part Heros (hopefully season one) and part No Ordinary Family. Starring Emmy® Award winner David Strathairn as Dr. Lee Rosen, a group of five genetically superior people are brought together by the Department of Defense to investigate cases that might point to others with special powers. It has promise, but shows like this haven't always fared so well. That said, it's not on one of the basic network channels, so maybe there's hope for it. Our fingers are certainly crossed. Premiered July 11 on the SyFy Channel.

 

Rescue Me

An obvious selection, perhaps, but since this is the final season, we were afraid leaving it off would give us a serious case of heartburn. Firefighter Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary) has battled more than just fires in the show's seven seasons, and the question now becomes will he redeem himself? And do we, as viewers, want things tied up with a ribbon when the series bows out (appropriately around the 10th anniversary of September 11)? Returns July 13 on FX.

 

Breaking Bad

This is another obvious one, yes, but for good reason. It's one of the best shows on television. Period. And if you don't believe us, stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are both Emmy® Award winners, Cranston for three consecutive years. Awards aside, the unlikely drug-lord duo find themselves in even deeper at the beginning of the season--no surprise there, though the end of last season was a shocker! Oh Walter! Oh Jesse!--with Jesse most likely on the run and Walter's fate unsure. Returns July 17 on AMC.

 

We're also looking forward to these summer shows, though they'll probably build up on the DVR before we get around to them. Of course, that means one thing: lazy summer day marathon!

Memphis Beat: Another police procedural, true (it seems summer television is rife with cops and lawyers), but at least this one isn't set in Los Angeles or NYC. And Jason Lee is thoroughly enjoyable as Elvis-loving, guitar-playing MPD detective Dwight Hendricks. Returned June 14 on TNT.

Suits: We want to like this new show, but admit that smarter-than-anyone Mike (Patrick J. Adams) might get a tad too know-it-all for us. But Firefly alum Gina Torres, even in a small, supporting role, will keep us tuning in for now. Premiered June 23 on USA.

Rizzoli and Isles: A generally enjoyable tough female cop-fashinonista female coroner buddy show, it doesn't pop with anything especially new. Yet we can't take it off of our season pass list. Chalk-line it up to the chemistry between Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. Returned July 11 on TNT.

 

Which shows are you most looking forward to this summer? -- Jill Corddry