Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz star in Bones, a one-hour crime series airing on Fox. Season one kicked off in September 2005 and introduced the world to Deschanel as forensic anthropolist Dr. Temperance Brennan and Boreanaz as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth. Season seven premieres on November 3, 2011.
The cast also includes Michaela Conlin as Angela Montenegro, Tamara Taylor as Dr.
Camille Saroyan, T.J. Thyne as Dr. Jack Hodgins, and John Francis Daley as Dr. Lance Sweets.
Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz star in Fox’s ‘Bones’
The Plot:Bones, a darkly amusing procedural entering its seventh season, is inspired by real-life forensic anthropologist and novelist Kathy Reichs.
DR. TEMPERANCE BRENNAN (Deschanel) is a highly skilled forensic anthropologist who works at the Jeffersonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and writes novels on the side. When the standard methods of identifying a body are useless (when the remains are so badly decomposed, burned or destroyed), law enforcement calls on Brennan for her uncanny ability to read clues left behind in the victim’s bones.
While most people can’t handle Brennan’s intelligence, her drive for the truth or the way she flings herself headlong into every investigation, SPECIAL AGENT SEELEY BOOTH (Boreanaz) of the FBI’s Homicide Investigations Unit is an exception. A former Army sniper, Booth mistrusts science and scientists – the “squints,” as he calls them – who pore over the physical evidence of a crime. But even he cannot deny that the combination of his people smarts and Brennan’s scientific acumen makes them a formidable duo.
Reviewing a film like The Avengers is sort of like letting surfers know that the ocean can be fun. There are legions of fanboys foaming at the mouth to see what director/co-writer Joss Whedon has done with the culmination of four origin stories for the characters. There are even bigger legions of movie audiences who enjoy summer blockbusters, only need a modicum of story to go along with heaps of action/explosions/superpowers, and are obviously not picky (see the box office take on X-Men Origins: Wolverine).
All of the early buzz and studio-allowed reviews (from outlets almost guaranteed to like this movie) have been stellar. Seriously, at this point you’re either completely out of the demographic and couldn’t care less, are planning to see it opening weekend, or are planning to see it opening weekend and possibly a few more times after that.
Well, while I’m sure you can find a metric ton of glowing reviews, I can pretty much sum up my take on things with: “Yeah, it’s really good. Probably the best of the Marvel movies to date. When does Looper come out?” And before anyone looks through their closet to find the costume Wolverine claws or Hulk hands, they wore a few Halloweens ago, allow me to explain.
In an age of origin stories to allow audiences who didn’t read the comic books to understand the characters, we’re finally being given a movie where it should just be plug and play … and it is for the most part. However, replacing the need to fill up the first 75% of the story with back story is an overall plot that is merely an origin tale for how all of these A-list actors/chosen heroes formed a supergroup named The Avengers.
There are some gaping plot holes (the sudden ability for the Hulk to do more than smash objects with the targeting selection of a T-Rex being one of the biggest), but Whedon is quite familiar with the Marvel universe (he’s written comics, including a stint on Astonishing X-Men) and he has done the very best of any director in staying true to these characters. I’d love, love, LOVE to see him at the reins of a rebooted X-Men franchise (those movies hurt my comic-geek soul more than any other). So for anyone worried he might switch things up drastically, you can relax.
That doesn’t mean Whedon managed to avoid a few scenes which severely slow down the film’s momentum. It’s fine to slow down from a breakneck speed occasionally, but some of the actors are less engaging than others, and watching them work so consciously to seem “real” was like a bright red stop sign.
There’s also a problem in being forced to release this in 3D. While it’s okay for the most part, there are a couple of scenes that take place in very low light which are not adjusted for the extra dimming brought on by tinted 3D glasses. Also, during the final fight scenes, the numerous fast-moving objects and actions were reminiscent of Clash of the Titans. Save those extra bucks and buy yourself some candy or use it as a down payment on your repeat visit to this opening salvo to blockbuster season.
Other than that, the film was quite enjoyable. Robert Downey Jr.’s comedic timing helped keep things light, Scarlett Johansson may be the least believable of the bunch when it comes to embodying a former Russian spy, but she looks great in those skintight outfits, and even Mark Ruffalo came off okay as the latest actor to step into the role of Dr. Bruce Banner (Lou Ferrigno lends his talents as the voice of the Hulk though, which is a fantastic decision).
The rest of the gang all do their bit ably, Natalie Portman’s character is hilariously written out (it wasn’t funny “ha ha” but funny “that’s the easiest way to do it”), and anyone familiar with Whedon’s modus operandi as it comes to every character living to see the end credits is intact.
If you’ve happily watched all the movies leading up to this, seeing The Avengers is a no-brainer. I’m not sure how anyone would be on the fence, making your ability to read all of this review much appreciated. Really, all one needs to know is to go to the bathroom right before it starts (this clocks in at almost 2 ½ hours) and stay in your seat for an extra scene midway through the credits that hints at who’ll be causing trouble in the sequel. Other than that, enjoy assembling in theaters worldwide. We’re all about to see just how much money a superhero film can make … and whether Batman can reclaim box office supremacy once this summer is said and done. Hopefully, it’ll be a decent fight no matter how you look at it.
GRADE: B+
The Avengers hits theaters on May 4, 2012 and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference
Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson on the set of AMERICAN IDOL Sunday, Sept, 16. CR: Michael Becker / FOX.
Judges: Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Randy Jackson
Host: Ryan Seacrest
Season 1 Premiere: June 11, 2002
Season 2 Debut: June 21, 2003
Season 3 Debut: January 19, 2004
Season 4 Debut: January 18, 2005
Season 5 Debut: January 17, 2006
Season 6 Debut: January 16, 2007
Season 7 Debut: January 15, 2008
Season 8 Debut: January 13, 2009
Season 9 Debut: January 12, 2010
Season 10 Debut: January 19, 2011
Season 11 Debut: January 18, 2012
Season 12 Debut: January 16, 2013
The Synopsis: A variety program that empowers viewers to discover America’s next solo superstar. Competing hopefuls sing for a panel of expert industry judges and for the television audience, and viewers vote weekly for their favorite performers.
Season #11
DeAndre Brackensick
Hollie Cavanagh
Colton Dixon
Heejun Han
Skylar Laine
Joshua Ledet
Phillip Phillips – Winner
Jessica Sanchez
Elise Testone
Erika Van Pelt
Season #10
Casey Abrams
Naima Adedapo
Lauren Alaina
James Durbin
Stefano Langone
Jacob Lusk
Scotty McCreery – Winner
Paul McDonald
Thia Megia
Haley Reinhart
Pia Toscano
Other Past Winners:
Season 1 – Kelly Clarkson
Season 2 – Ruben Studdard
Season 3 – Fantasia Barrino
Season 4 – Carrie Underwood
Season 5 – Taylor Hicks
Season 6 – Jordin Sparks
Season 7 – David Cook
Season 8 – Kris Allen
Season 9 – Lee DeWyze
The new web series Burning Love debuts on the Yahoo! Comedy Channel on June 4th starring Ken Marino in the lead role. Marino, who co-wrote the series with Erica Oyama, plays a fireman named Mark Orlando who’s searching for the perfect woman. Per Paramount’s Insurge Pictures, Burning Love “gives viewers a front row seat to the champagne toasts, candles, heartbreak, bubble baths, chocolate, choreography, hair extensions, roller skating, betrayal, spray-tans, and rainbows in the most romantic, comedic web series ever made.”
The series also features Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell, Michael Ian Black, Adam Scott, Ken Jeong, Abigail Spencer, Deanna Russo, Natasha Leggero, June Diane Raphael, Janet Varney, Noureen DeWulf, Beth Dover, Morgan Walsh, Helen Slayton-Hughes, Carla Gallo, Kerry Kenney, Jake Pavelka, and Erin Muroski.
Fox is going to debut a new celebrity dating show this summer that’s kind of like The Voice but without the singing. The Choice will take eligible celebrities and pit them against each other in a quest to find true love “among a group of sexy singles” they won’t be able to see.
So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley is hosting the new dating show set to debut on Thursday, June 7 (9-10pm ET/PT).
“We wanted to put a new spin on the dating game show that gives celebrities THE CHOICE of a lifetime and the chance to prove you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” stated Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.
The Plot:
Filmed in front of a live audience, each episode begins with four of the world’s most eligible bachelors sitting in rotating chairs, turning their backs on love and unable to see the sexy singles looking for a date with fame. In this initial “Blind Round,” each celebrity can only use his suitors’ voices – as they share information about their life, passions, turn-ons and turn-offs – to help himself make THE CHOICE. When the celebrity bachelor likes what he hears, he pulls his “love handle,” spinning his chair around to bring him face-to-face for the first time with his potential mate. If more than one celebrity pulls the handle, they must battle it out for her affection until the sexy single gets THE CHOICE to pick whose dating pool she wants to swim in.
Once each bachelor has his three hotties, the teams enter the “Speed Choice” round, where each woman has only seconds to convince her leading man to sweep her off her feet to the final round.
In the final round, love is on the line when host Deeley poses a challenge question to each of the team’s final two. The celebrities must then make THE CHOICE between each of their two remaining eligible ladies, whisking one away on a dream date and leaving one in no man’s land.
Some of the world’s most famous bachelorettes will also be blinded by love in an episode that features the ladies sitting in the hot seats. These coveted women will make not only their chairs, but their suitors’ heads spin when the men realize this is a date of a lifetime.
Magnolia Pictures has picked up Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview for release in the US. The interview with Jobs was conducted back in 1995 and features Jobs talking about “his early days, career battles, and vision for the future.”
Most of the interview was put on the shelf, with small bits used in a television series – and, according to Magnolia Pictures, the entire interview was thought to be lost for 17 years. The film presents the entire interview, unedited, and provides an incredible look behind the scenes into Jobs’ life just two years before he retook control of Apple.
“Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview is a fascinating document that will be enlightening and entertaining for anyone that’s interested in Jobs’ legacy,” stated Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “It’s a valuable piece of history that has thankfully been rescued from obscurity.”
Magnolia will release the film in select theaters on May 11th followed by a DVD and VOD release this summer.
Get to know the Collins family and assorted friends and associates with this behind-the-scenes look at Dark Shadows. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Eva Green, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Jonny Lee Miller, this twisted take on the classic TV series hits theaters on May 11, 2012.
The Avengers‘ ‘Black Widow’ – Scarlett Johansson – has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Accepting the award, Johansson thanked Disney for sponsoring her and talked about how honored she is and how she feels extremely privileged to be able to be able to make a living as a professional actor.
Elijah Wood (the Lord of the Rings film franchise) stars as a man who believes a dog is human in FX’s half-hour comedy Wilfred. James Gann plays the titular character, the dog Wood’s character, Ryan, believes is just a man in a dog costume.
FX has set a June 23, 2011 premiere date.
In addition to Wood and Gann, the series stars Fiona Gublemann as Jenna and Dorian Brown as Kristen.
The Synopsis: Elijah Wood stars as “Ryan,” an introvert who struggles to find social and professional happiness, until he meets “Wilfred” (played by Gann), who Zuckerman describes as part Australian Shepherd, part Russell Crowe on a bender. The world sees Wilfred as a dog; Ryan sees Wilfred as a man dressed in a dog suit.
Wilfred is Ryan’s alter-ego intent on pushing Ryan out of his shell. Fiona Gublemann co-stars as “Jenna,” Ryan’s attractive next-door neighbor and owner of Wilfred.
Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens in ‘Justified’ (Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels III / FX)
Timothy Olyphant leads the cast of FX’s critically acclaimed drama Justified which returned for season three on January 17, 2012. The one-hour primetime series is based on the works of crime novelist Elmore Leonard, including Leonard’s short story “Fire in the Hole.”
Timothy Olyphant stars as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, Walton Goggins plays Boyd Crowder, Joelle Carter is Ava Crowder, and Jacob Pitts is Deputy Marshal Tim Gutterson. Erica Tazel is Deputy Marshal Rachel Brooks and Natalie Zea stars as Winona Hawkins.
The Synopsis: U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is a modern-day 19th-century-style lawman, enforcing his brand of justice in a way that puts a target on his back with criminals and places him at odds with his bosses in the Marshal service. That conflict results in a reassignment for Givens to the U.S. District covering the town where he grew up. He is an anachronism – a tough, soft spoken gentleman who finds his quarry fascinating, but never gives an inch. Dig under his placid skin and you’ll find an angry man who grew up hard in rural Kentucky, with an outlaw father, who knows a lot more about who he doesn’t want to be than who he really is.
The Season 3 Plot: The end of Season 2 brought about the end of the Bennett family’s hold over Harlan County and the return of Raylan’s old nemesis/friend Boyd Crowder to the criminal life. This season, Boyd and his crew will find they aren’t the only ones making a play to rule the Harlan underworld. Now Raylan finds himself facing off against dirty politics, hidden fortunes, a mysterious man named Limehouse and an enterprising and lethal criminal from the Motor City.
