Season 2 of Game of Thrones premieres on April 1st – which seems to be taking forever to get here – and in support of the new season, HBO has unveiled a behind-the-scenes video focusing on the extras. Crowd Assistant Director Colin Azzopardi says most of the extras are people who took time off from their real jobs just because they love the series and want to be a part of the production. Other crew members discuss the process extras go through and the hours they put in while on the set of Game of Thrones.
Jenny McCarthy - Photo by: Isabella Vosmikova/BravoLove in the Wild is returning for a second season, this time with Jenny McCarthy as host. NBC promises even wilder adventures for this upcoming season which begins shooting later this month.
“Everyone knows I’ve looked just about everywhere except the jungle for love — I wanted to apply as a contestant and ended up with a job,” stated McCarthy in the official announcement.
Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment explained why McCarthy was a perfect match for the adventure dating series: “It’s a huge advantage to have the versatile Jenny McCarthy return to host an alternative series on our network in a genre that she first helped to make popular on television. She brings a measure of unpredictability to the show’s unique format and we are thrilled to feature her charisma, enthusiasm and magnetism in this adventure series.”
David Goldberg, Chairman of Endemol North America, added. “McCarthy knows a thing or two about being wild and we couldn’t think of a better person as our new host. Her infectious and comedic personality will bring a new dimension to season two.”
The Plot:
Love in the Wild puts relationships to the ultimate test with exhilarating and wild adventures that push participants to the limit, both physically and emotionally. Single men and single women, all looking for love, will experience a romantic quest unlike anything they could have ever imagined. These singles have tried it all — speed-dating, blind-dating, Internet dating — and now, they will journey to a tropical paradise to see if they can find that special someone for whom they’ve been looking.
During elimination, all of the couples will come together to reveal whether a connection has been formed with their current partner — or if they would like to switch and get to know someone else. At the end of every episode, heartbroken singles are sent home. The series culminates with just one couple left standing. That couple will have completed the adventure of a lifetime and found the one thing they’ve been searching for — “Love in the Wild.”
NBC’s new drama Awake doesn’t premiere until March 1, 2012 at 10pm, however you don’t have to wait until then to check it out. NBC has made the first episode available early online, with Jason Isaacs in the lead role as a detective who leads a “double life that defies reality.”
The Plot:
Following a tragic car accident, detective Michael Britten finds himself awake in two separate realities: one where his teen son, Rex (Dylan Minnette, Saving Grace), died in the crash and his wife, Hannah (Laura Allen, Terriers) survived; and another where Hannah has perished, leaving Michael and Rex to pick up the pieces. In order to keep both of his loved ones alive, Michael begins living in two dueling realities, churning up confusion. In one reality, Michael and his wife debate about having another child, while in the other his son Rex is turning to his tennis coach, Tara (Michaela McManus, The Vampire Diaries), to fill the void from the loss of his mother.
Trying to regain some normalcy, Michael returns to solving crimes in both worlds with the help of two different partners, Detective Isaiah “Bird” Freeman (Steve Harris) and Detective Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama). Michael is assigned a different case in each reality and quickly discovers that his dual existence is actually a powerful tool. He begins to solve impossible cases by using his two realities to gain unique perspectives and link clues that cross over from world to world.
Helping Michael to navigate his two realities are his bureau-assigned therapists Dr. Evans (Cherry Jones) and Dr. Lee (BD Wong). While both therapists work to untangle his two worlds, Michael has no interest in proving either one is false. But when memories of the accident begin to haunt him, he is forced to confront the truth about what really happened the night of the crash.
Check out the latest trailer for Ridley Scott’s return to the sci-fi genre and try to not think of it as an Alien spin-off. This new Prometheus trailer is actually a tad more interesting than the original, and shows us Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender in action.
The cast of Prometheus also includes Noomi Rapace as Elizabeth Shaw, Idris Elba as Janek, Logan Marshall-Green as Charlie, Rafe Spall as Millburn, and Guy Pearce as Peter Weyland. The sci-fi thriller’s rated R for sci-fi violence including some intense images, and brief language.
The Plot: With Prometheus, Ridley Scott creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
Charlize Theron and Idris Elba in a scene from ‘Prometheus’
Finally, it’s happened. 2012’s nightmare of January dumpage and February no-thought rom-coms is over. Audiences can actually go to the movie theaters to see a movie that’s fun and worth the price of admission.
Ironically, it comes in the form of This Means War, which the studio itself isn’t sure if they should have a whole lot of faith in. Originally slated for a February 17th release, it was bumped up to Singles Awareness Day but The Vow and all of its Channing Tatumness scared the decision makers back to the 17th.
That’s a real shame, not only because they’re probably right that the average 18 year-old girl will drag their unlucky boyfriend to sit through Nicholas Sparks lite, but because This Means War is a far better date movie. Not only do you have the attractive and charming men competing for the affections of Reese Witherspoon, the guys are CIA operatives who perform all sorts of crazy action; so the girls AND the guys get something they want. What a concept! (Smell that sarcasm?)
Speaking of the actors, this was a perfectly cast effort. Reese has both the spunk and chops to hold her own against the fellas, but she’s also looking better than she has in years (not that she ever looked bad). She also makes the simple process of microwaving popcorn far sexier than it is at my place. Chris Pine brings the cocky charm and pretty boy looks (aren’t those eyes dreamy? Wait …) while Tom Hardy has the physicality and British accent to ensure that the pair are opposites, yet still complimentary.
The action is 97% over the top, with the guys doing the sorts of things that only happen in movies, but it’s all a lot of fun and exactly the kind of stuff that director McG knows how to do (robot movies not so much). The humor is also delivered on a high scale; the contest between the Pine and Hardy elicited more laughs than perhaps any comedy in the last year. It blends not only the posturing any romantic triangle normally elicits but the boys’ CIA assets are brought into play and they make stalking a hilarious affair. Even not being a big fan of Chelsea Handler didn’t dampen spirits as her boozy, poor-advice giving character helped keep Witherspoon from getting too serious.
Simply put, if your significant other has any intentions of submitting you to the weepy Tatum averageness, let them know there’s more than enough romance here and you get TWO hunky guys who can actually act; rather than one who knows his lines and where the camera is. This Means War is almost a movie out of its time, combining a funny script, excellent actors and fun action. We really haven’t seen this in a few years as most movies are content to throw the “it” celebrities into a raunchy situation and see what happens, without much regard as to the results since audiences seem to go to just about anything these days.
I know it’s well past New Year’s Eve but let’s make a resolution to only go to movies that aren’t made for the lowest common denominator. I’ll be your best friend! Pretty please? With sugar on top? Well … it was worth a try.
GRADE: A-
This Means War hits theaters on February 17, 2012 and is rated PG-13 for sexual content including references, some violence and action, and for language.
2011 was an abysmal year for animation. Aside from Kung Fu Panda 2, there wasn’t a single animated affair screened in the year that elicited more than a “meh” upon exiting the theater (if you were over 10 years-old).
Getting 2012 off to a promising start is The Secret World of Arrietty. Anime fans know that this comes from Studio Ghibli and they’re probably aware that the renowned Hayao Miyazaki isn’t in the director’s chair this time around (he had a hand in the screenplay and kept the producer’s hat on). First-time director Hiromasa Yonebayashi steps in, and whether or not he had a great deal of guidance from Miyazki, the end result is a lovely interpretation of the classic kids novel, The Borrowers. This isn’t the first adaptation of the text but is a rare case of creating excellence despite the lack of originality.
The story concerns a family of little people (no, not dwarves) who live underneath a house and “borrow” bits of things in order to survive; a cube of sugar, a piece of tissue, whatever they might need but something that shouldn’t go noticed when it goes missing. A sick young boy comes to live in the house and befriends the youngest of them, unsurprisingly named Arrietty. The caretaker of the home is intent on proving the Borrowers are there and her quest eventually threatens the safety of the family. Cue resolution, saying anything more would fall under the category of spoiler alerts.
As for the film itself, first and foremost, the animation style on display is luscious and beautiful. In an age of computer-generated films, seeing hand-drawn artwork at such a high level is a visual treat. Sure, it’s not in glorious 3D, but the manner in which the background and foreground interact in all of the Studio Ghibli films creates a sense of depth that’s immersive and almost mesmerizing. The character designs won’t be new to fans of the studio’s previous works (I see a lot of Totoro in the cat for example) but there’s also a superb mix of realism to go along with many exaggerated outbursts, grounding everything in an emotional, almost textual experience.
What sets this film apart from the normal fare, seemingly slapped together around little more than an inkling of an idea and famous voice actors, is the ability to rely on the story to keep audiences engaged. Almost every animated film of last year may have been entertaining overall to the wee ones, but there was also the kind of restlessness exhibited that meant they weren’t truly focused and involved; and perhaps the most impressive aspect of this movie was that despite often methodical pacing, the kids were all glued to the events unfolding on screen.
While there aren’t too many “action” scenes, the film goes into great detail about the way in which the characters go about their lives and presents a clear path for the problems that need resolving to complete the story. Seeing everyday life reduced in scale for people small enough to live in a dollhouse is a little magical, and kids with their active imaginations understand this. The film doesn’t talk down to them nor does it worry about throwing in “adult” material to keep parents interested. It doesn’t need to and that’s what makes a great story.
The Secret World of Arrietty is a family treat and will surely factor into the best that the animated genre will deliver to American audiences in 2012. While it may not have toys and happy meals to tie in with the production, kids will nonetheless get excited about this fantastical world … and the parents won’t feel they got suckered into another marketing trap along the way. Win/Win.
Official Synopsis: Jill Parrish (Amanda Seyfried) comes home from a night shift to discover her sister Molly (Emily Wickersham) has been abducted. Jill, having escaped from a kidnapping a year before, is convinced that the same serial killer has come back and taken Molly. The police think Jill is crazy and are unwilling to use their resources to help her. Afraid that Molly will be dead by sundown, she sets out alone on a heart-pounding chase to find the killer, expose his secrets and save her sister.
[tabs style=”default” title=”‘Gone’ Resources”] [tab title=”Cast”]
Amanda Seyfried – ‘Jill’
Daniel Sunjata – ‘Powers’
Jennifer Carpenter – ‘Sharon Ames’
Sebastian Stan – ‘Billy’
Wes Bentley – ‘Peter Hood’
Nick Searcy – ‘Mr Miller’
Socratis Otto – ‘Jim’
Emily Wickersham – ‘Molly’
Joel David Moore – ‘Nick Massey’
Katherine Moennig – ‘Erica Lonsdale’
Michael Pare – ‘Lt Ray Bozeman’
Sam Upton – ‘Officer McKay’
Ted Rooney – ‘Henry Massey’
[/tab]
Auditions begin online on March 1, 2012 at www.TheXFactorUSA.com for the second season of The X Factor, with solo artists and vocal groups (including artists with pre-existing management contracts) age 12 and up eligible to try out. Open call auditions kick off on March 14th in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by Austin, Texas (March 22), San Francisco (April 20), Greensboro, North Carolina (May 1), and a to-be-announced additional city.
The winner of The X Factor season 2 will receive a $5 million recording contract from Sony Music.
“We wanted to change a few things this year, so starting with the auditions, we’ve torn up the rulebook again. Even if you have management you can still enter, and we are making it easier by extending the online auditions and taking the MyStudio booths to even more cities. You can enter as many times as you want and come to any of the cities, too. We’re here to discover stars from all music styles including groups. I really believe a group can win this show!,” stated Simon Cowell, judge and mentor on The X Factor.
Cowell and L.A. Reid are the only returning talents from season one, with Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, and host Steve Jones not asked back for the second season.
L.A. Reid said, “In the music industry, when you’re looking for new talent you can discover it anywhere. The X Factor is opening this up to go further than anyone has before, and that’s what it takes, so I can’t wait to see what amazing talent we might find. I urge people to go out and audition, this is the real deal.”
Jason Mraz has a new release date for Love is a Four Letter Word and has revealed the track list for his much-anticipated upcoming album. The album, which features his hit single “I Won’t Give Up,” will now drop on April 17, 2012.
Love is a Four Letter Word, produced by Grammy Award-winner Joe Chiccarelli, marks the San Diego-based singer/songwriter’s fourth studio release. Speaking to Billboard, Mraz said the album is personal, melodic, and mellow. “There’s a couple of up-tempo tunes, but mostly the rhythm-of-the-heartbeat kind of takes precedence on this record,” explained Mraz. “It feels more like the pace of life. At least, based on my life and what I’ve been doing.”
Prior to Love is a Four Letter Word hitting stores, Atlantic Records will release the live acoustic four-song EP Live is a Four Letter Word on February 28th. The live recordings were done at the Spreckels Theater in San Diego last fall, and two of the songs on the EP will also appear on Love is a Four Letter Word.
LOVE IS A FOUR LETTER WORD Track List
1. Freedom Song
2. Living in the Moment
3. The Woman I Love
4. I Won’t Give Up
5. 5/6
6. Everything is Sound (La La La)
7. 93 Million Miles
8. Frank D Fixer
9. Who’s Thinking About You Now?
10. In Your Hands
11. Be Honest (Feat. Inara George)
12. The World As I See It
“LIVE IS A FOUR LETTER WORD”
1. The World As I See It (Live EP Version)
2. You F**king Did It (Live EP Version)
3. The Woman I Love (Live EP Version)
4. I Never Knew You (Live EP Version)
Stated Wilson: “It is with mixed emotion that I am announcing my departure from the cast of Ghost Hunters. While paranormal investigating has always been and will remain a passion for me, after enjoying nearly eight successful seasons on television, I have made the decision to leave the series in order to focus on other aspects of my personal life.
I will deeply miss working with Jason and the rest of the dedicated investigators and crew that have become like family, and I wish them all the best as they continue to follow their passion and realize the vision of TAPS. I will also miss interacting with our wonderful fans worldwide. You are all at the heart of what we do on Ghost Hunters, and I’m grateful to have gotten to know many of you over the years.
Thank you to Syfy and Pilgrim Studios for giving me the opportunity to do what I love for nearly eight years, and for supporting this difficult decision.”
Statement from Jason Hawes, TAPS Co-Founder & Co-Lead Investigator, Ghost Hunters:
“When Grant and I founded TAPS nearly 20 years ago, we never imagined that we would be able to make such an impact just by doing what we enjoy every day. I will miss working with Grant on a daily basis, and am indebted to the level of dedication and expertise he has brought to our field.
I can’t imagine having a better partner through it all – both on the show and off. Grant and I, along with our spouses and children, are all like one big family. While I fully support his decision to move on from the series, this longtime friendship – as well as our business partnership – will continue off-camera for years to come.”
Statement from Mark Stern, President, Syfy Original Content and Co-Head, Universal Cable Productions:
“Grant has been an integral part of a show that has become the standard-bearer for paranormal investigation. The fact that Ghost Hunters is still going strong in its eighth season is a testament to Grant’s amazing partnership with Jason and their clear connection to the audience. We respect and support this difficult decision that Grant has made, and wish him all the best in his new endeavors. The hard work, integrity, and compassion that he has consistently brought to his work won’t be easily replaced, but this successful series will find a way to reshape itself as it moves forward.”
Statement from Craig Piligian, Executive Producer, Pilgrim Studios:
“It’s been a great eight seasons so far for Ghost Hunters, and a terrific partnership between Pilgrim Studios and TAPS. We wish our good friend Grant Wilson all the best.”
