Entourage is drawing to a close with the final two episodes of the series set to air in September. It’ll be said to say good-bye to Vince (Adrian Grenier), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara), Drama (Kevin Dillon), Eric (Kevin Connolly) and Ari (Jeremy Piven), but they had a good run – and supposedly there is a feature film in the works.
From HBO:
September 2011 Episode Guide:
Episode #95: “Second to Last”
Debut: SUNDAY, SEPT. 4 (10:35-11:05 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 4 (12:05 a.m.), 6 (11:05 p.m.), 8 (10:35 p.m.) and 15 (10:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Sept. 5 (8:00 p.m.), 9 (1:45 a.m.) and 10 (2:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m.)
Vince (Adrian Grenier) continues to woo Sophia (Alice Eve). The DeLucas (Sonny Marinelli, Elizabeth Regen) fall in love with a pricey restaurant space, forcing Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) to pitch his investors for more money. Distraught over Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui), Eric (Kevin Connolly) turns to Melinda Clarke (again) and the pair crash Sloan’s date. Ari (Jeremy Piven) makes an emotional connection with the script for Vince and Drama’s (Kevin Dillon) miner movie.
Written by Ally Musika; directed by Kevin Connolly.
Episode #96: “The End” (series finale)
Debut: SUNDAY, SEPT. 11 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 11 (midnight), 13 (11:00 p.m.) and 15 (10:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Sept. 12 (8:00 p.m.), 16 (3:30 a.m.) and 17 (2:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.)
After a first date, Vince pulls out all the stops for Sophia. Ari and Mrs. Ari (Perrey Reeves) take a step forward, and a step back, at therapy. Drama, Turtle and Vince try to convince Sloan to give Eric another chance.
Written by Doug Ellin; directed by David Nutter.
“The Muppets Theme Song” is one of those tunes that gets stuck in your head and you can’t stop singing…so be prepared to be humming the song all day long after watching this video. The song’s included on the Muppets: The Green Album, which just released on August 23rd – well in advance of The Muppets hitting the big screen on November 23, 2011.
The Muppets marks the first time in 11 years that the popular puppets have appeared in a feature film.
Eric McCormack and Rachael Leigh Cook on the Perception Set - Photo Credit: Doug Hyun/TNT
TNT announced filming has begun on their new series Perception starring Eric McCormack (Will & Grace). The series about an eccentric neuroscientist who helps solve complex criminal cases also stars Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That), Arjay Smith (The Day After Tomorrow) and Kelly Rowan (The O.C.). TNT has ordered 10 episodes of Perception, which will join the network’s lineup in summer 2012.
The plot: “In Perception, McCormack plays Dr. Daniel Pierce, a neuroscientist and professor recruited to help the federal government crack difficult cases. His intimate knowledge of human behavior and masterful understanding of the mind give him an extraordinary ability to read people, but his eccentric view of the world and less-than-stellar social skills can often interfere with his work.
Cook co-stars as FBI agent Kate Moretti, Pierce’s former student and the person responsible for recruiting him to work for the government. Smith plays Max Lewicki, the teaching assistant whose primary job is to keep Pierce in line and on task. Rowan is Natalie Vincent, Pierce’s best friend and every bit his intellectual equal.”
Perception was created by executive producer Kenneth Biller and co-executive producer Mike Sussman, with McCormack serving as producer. The pilot was directed by Alan Poul (Six Feet Under) who also served as executive producer.
Carrie-Anne Moss and Ryan Reynolds in 'Fireflies in the Garden'
Starring: Julia Roberts and Ryan Reynolds [full cast list under the ‘Cast’ tab]
Directed By: Dennis Lee
Release Date: October 14, 2011
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 120 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for language and some sexual content
Official Synopsis: To an outsider, the Taylors are the very picture of the successful American family: Charles (Willem Dafoe) is a tenured professor on track to become university president, son Michael (Ryan Reynolds) is a prolific and well-known romance novelist, daughter Ryne (Shannon Lucio) is poised to enter a prestigious law school, and on the day we are introduced to them, matriarch Lisa (Julia Roberts) will graduate from college—decades after leaving to raise her children. But when a serious accident interrupts the celebration, the far more nuanced reality of this Midwestern family’s history and relationships come to light.
[tabs style=”default” title=”‘Fireflies in the Garden’ Resources”] [tab title=”Cast”]
Julia Roberts – ‘Lisa’
Ryan Reynolds – ‘Michael’
Shannon Lucio – ‘Ryne’
Charles – ‘Willem Dafoe’
Emily Watson
Carrie-Anne Moss
Ioan Gruffudd
Hayden Panettiere
[/tab]
Want to know what’s in store in September on HBO’s comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm? Well, here’s your answer:
From HBO:
Episode #79: “Mister Softee”
Debut: SUNDAY, SEPT. 4 (10:00-10:35 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 4 (12:35 a.m.), 6 (10:30 p.m.) and 8 (9:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Sept. 5 (8:30 p.m.), 7 (12:35 a.m.), 9 (8:00 p.m.), 10 (9:30 p.m.) and 11 (2:00 p.m.)
An ice-cream truck triggers a painful childhood memory for Larry (Larry David) that impacts a softball title game, a therapist’s fees, Bill Buckner’s legacy and his new girlfriend’s travel preferences.
Directed by Larry Charles.
Episode #80 “Larry vs. Michael J. Fox” (season finale)
Debut: SUNDAY, SEPT. 11 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Sept. 11 (12:30 a.m.), 13 (10:30 p.m.) and 15 (9:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Sept. 12 (8:30 p.m.), 14 (12:50 a.m.), 16 (8:00 p.m.), 17 (9:30 p.m.) and 18 (noon)
Larry accuses NYC neighbor Michael J. Fox of harassment; Jeff (Jeff Garlin ) takes a bullet for Susie (Susie Essman); and Larry is scolded for giving an inappropriate birthday gift to Jennifer’s (Ana Gasteyer) son, Greg (Edward Schweighardt).
Directed by Alec Berg.
HBO’s True Blood season four keeps getting better with each successive episode. The ninth episode of the season, “Let’s Get Out Here,” is no exception, with the writers doing an excellent job of finishing up a storyline while efficiently moving forward on half a dozen others. There are a lot of balls to juggle this year, and the writers and Alan Ball are doing a great of job of making sure each character gets his/her time in the spotlight.
Here’s our recap (definitely spoiler-ish) of episode #9:
Alcide (Joe Manganiello) rescues Sookie (Anna Paquin) from the witch/vampire skirmish, but it’s Bill’s blood that ultimately saves the day. Once Sookie’s out of danger, Alcide gets frustrated with her continued insistence on helping vampires – in particular, Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) – and stomps out of her home leaving her with just Bill (Stephen Moyer) for company. Eric’s missing and Sookie makes Bill promise he’ll devote all of his resources to finding the missing amnesic vampire and bringing him home safely.
Meanwhile, Antonia’s got Eric under her power, and Eric sits out most of the rest of the episode in a bathroom in Marnie’s shop (which made me think of the whole “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” line, which has nothing to do with True Blood but everything to do with leaving my personal favorite character out of the action).
But Alcide has troubles of his own as Debbie (Brit Morgan) knows he’s been with Sookie after promising her he’d stay away from the vampire-magnet. Trying to appease his girlfriend, Alcide visits his new pack leader, Marcus (Daniel Buran), and lets him know he’s willing to be more involved in the management of the pack. Marcus is happy about Alcide’s decision, mostly because he wants to use him as backup when he meets with Sam (Sam Trammell) later that night.
And speaking of the shifter, Sam’s not about to let a jealous werewolf come between him and his new lady, Luna (Janina Gavankar). So instead of backing down, he takes Luna and her daughter, Emma, off on a camping trip where he turns into a cute and fluffy bunny just because Emma wants to pet one. Later, Sam and Luna don’t seem to care what Emma’s doing while they get all hot and bothered in a tent…
And speaking of getting all hot and bothered, after sucking down some Bill blood, Sookie has an extremely sexy dream in which she suggests a threesome to her ex and her current vampire lover. The boys aren’t into it at first, but Sookie – wearing a red negligée with some F-me heels – doesn’t have too difficult a time changing their minds.
Last week the show ended with Lafayette (possessed by Mavis) kidnapping Arlene (Carrie Preston) and Terry’s baby. We pick up here with Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) barging into Hoyt’s house claiming it’s her home, pulling Andy’s gun on Hoyt and forcing him to leave. Hoyt (Jim Parrack) calls Jason who’s at the Bellefleur’s taking a police report, Jason (Ryan Kwanten) lets the worried parents know what’s going on, and Andy (Chris Bauer) sneaks off and takes V before heading over to Hoyt’s. There, they determine that a) Lafayette is willing to shoot anyone who tries to take away the baby, b) he thinks he’s a woman, and c) they have no clue what the hell’s going on.
Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) shows up and sort of explains things before heading into Hoyt’s house to confront Mavis in Lafayette’s body. Once Mavis discovers she has a penis, she believes Jesus’ story that she’s possessed a man and stolen another woman’s baby. They help her dig up the baby she never got to hold and find her body is buried right next to her infant’s. Lafayette gets his body back, Mavis hugs her baby for the first time, thanks Lafayette, and disappears into a bright light. It appears Arlene and Terry’s baby will no longer have to worry about being sung to by a ghost. Oh, and Terry (Todd Lowe) had flashbacks while trying to get into the house to disarm Lafayette, which provided some much-needed comic relief.
Sam’s trouble-making little bro, Tommy (Marshall Allman), skinwalks into Sam’s body and meets with Marcus in his place (Sam has no idea this is going on as he’s in the forest in a tent all snuggly with Luna). Marcus and a few of his werewolf brothers beat the crap out of Sam/Tommy until Alcide steps in and rescues him (Alcide’s all about rescuing people these last few episodes).
Back to the vampire action, Nan’s in town for a tolerance event which she refuses to cancel (the media and bloggers will be there!) despite the fact witches are on the rampage. Bill and Nan fight, Nan of course wins, and the meeting’s going to move forward no matter what. And Jessica is still upset over breaking up with Hoyt and being rejected by Jason, however, she quickly learns pouring her heart out to Nan is less effective than spilling her guts to a brick wall.
Debbie tries to be all buddy-buddy with Sookie and takes her to Marnie’s emporium where Antonia has her coven and Eric holed up. Antonia (Fiona Shaw) is going to use Eric to kill Bill during the tolerance event, but her coven’s not supportive of the idea. After Tara (Rutina Wesley) helps Sookie escape the emporium, Antonia locks the members of her coven (except for one follower who remains dedicated to killing vampires) in the shop with no way of escaping.
Sookie races to the meeting, hoping to be in time to warn Bill that Eric and Antonia are on their way to kill him. She rushes into the packed auditorium (where video cameras from attendees and the media are capturing all the action) just as Antonia and Eric strike…
Sam Worthington in 'Texas Killing Fields' - Photo Credit: Gusmano Cesaretti, Property of Anchor Bay Films
Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Sam Worthington [full cast list under the ‘Cast’ tab]
Directed By: Ami Canaan Mann
Release Date: October 14, 2011
Genres: Drama, thriller
Running Time: 105 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for violence and language including some sexual references
Official Synopsis: Inspired by the string of real-life unsolved murders in a small Texan town, this tense and haunting thriller follows a local homicide detective (Sam Worthington), and his partner, a transplanted cop from New York City (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) as they track a sadistic serial killer dumping his female victims’ mutilated bodies in a nearby marsh dubbed “The Killing Fields.” The killer changes the game and begins hunting the detectives, teasing them with possible clues at the crime scenes while always remaining one step ahead. When a familiar local girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) goes missing the detectives find themselves in a race against time to find their killer before she is murdered.
[tabs style=”default” title=”‘Texas Killing Fields’ Resources”] [tab title=”Cast”]
Sam Worthington – ‘Mike Souder’
Jeffrey Dean Morgan – ‘Brian Heigh’
Jessica Chastain – ‘Detective Pam’
Chloe Grace Moretz – ‘Little Anne Sliger’
Jason Clarke – ‘Rule’
Stephen Graham – ‘Rhino’
[/tab]
Guillermo del Toro says one of the scariest films he remembers seeing as a kid was the original made-for-TV movie Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. Now, he’s bringing the story of a family terrorized by scary creatures in an old mansion to the big screen with the 2011 feature film version of Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.
Del Toro produced and co-wrote the film, which was directed by Troy Nixey and stars Bailee Madison, Guy Pearce, and Katie Holmes.
In support of the film’s August 26, 2011 release, Guillermo del Toro and Katie Holmes sat down to discuss the film. In this video, del Toro and Holmes discuss working together to bring this horror film to life on the big screen.
Watch the Guillermo del Toro and Katie Holmes video:
Official Synopsis: Based on the debut novel by Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary tells the increasingly unhinged story of itinerant journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp). Tiring of the noise and madness of New York and the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America, Kemp travels to the pristine island of Puerto Rico to write for a local newspaper, The San Juan Star, run by downtrodden editor Lotterman (Richard Jenkins). Adopting the rum-soaked life of the island, Paul soon becomes obsessed with Chenault (Amber Heard), the wildly attractive Connecticut-born fiancée of Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart). Sanderson, a businessman involved in shady property development deals, is one of a growing number of American entrepreneurs who are determined to convert Puerto Rico into a capitalist paradise in service of the wealthy. When Kemp is recruited by Sanderson to write favorably about his latest unsavory scheme, the journalist is presented with a choice: to use his words for the corrupt businessmen’s financial benefit, or use them to take the bastards down.
[tabs style=”default” title=”‘The Rum Diary’ Resources”] [tab title=”Cast”]
Johnny Depp – ‘Paul Kemp’
Aaron Eckhart – ‘Sanderson’
Amber Heard – ‘Chenault’
Richard Jenkins – ‘Lotterman’
Giovanni Ribisi – ‘Moberg’
Marshall Bell – ‘Donovan’
Michael Rispoli – ‘Sala’
Amaury Nolasco – ‘Segurra’
Marshall Bell – ‘Donovan’
Bill Smitrovich – ‘Mr Zimburger’
Julian Holloway – ‘Wolsley’
Bruno Irizarry – ‘Lazar’
Enzo Cilenti – ‘Digby'[/tab]
Ben McKenzie and Michael Cudlitz in 'Southland' - Photo Credit: Doug Hyun/TNTTNT’s coming off a great summer with the successful launch of the alien action series Falling Skies, and now they’re hoping to continue to attract viewers with the return of popular shows including The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, and a new season of the police drama, Southland.
Here’s the rundown of what to expect from the network in the coming months:
TNT Original Series:
Leverage – Season 4 returns Sunday, Nov. 27 – Season 4 Winter 2011: 8 Episodes
Television’s coolest gang of thieves, grifters and con artists are ready to freeze out the bad guys this winter as this fast-paced, light-hearted caper series returns to wrap up its fourth exciting season. Academy Award® winner Timothy Hutton stars, along with Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. Leverage premiered in 2008 and is currently averaging more than 4.8 million viewers in its fourth season, up 10% over last season.
The Closer – Season 7 returns Monday, Nov. 28, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) – Season 7 Winter 2011: 5 Episodes
TNT’s The Closer, starring Emmy winner Kyra Sedgwick, will be back this winter as the blockbuster series’ seventh and final season continues. This year, Mary McDonnell has joined the cast of The Closer as Capt. Sharon Raydor, the role she will continue to play in TNT’s upcoming new series Major Crimes. In its seventh season, The Closer has averaged 8.6 million viewers, while its performance among key adult demos are up significantly over last season. The Closer will return to wrap up its seven-season run with six episodes in summer 2012, followed by the premiere of Major Crimes.
Rizzoli & Isles – Season 2 returns Monday, Nov. 28, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) – Season 2 Winter 2011: 5 Episodes
Topping the charts for the second consecutive year as basic cable’s most-watched drama, Rizzoli & Isles will return this winter with Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander as Boston’s top crime-solving duo. Developed for television by executive producer Janet Tamaro and based on characters created by best-selling crime novelist Tess Gerritsen, Rizzoli & Isles is currently averaging 8.8 million viewers for its second season.
Southland – Season 4 premieres Jan. 17, 2012, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) – Season 4: 10 Episodes
This critically acclaimed drama series takes viewers directly to the streets of LA to present an intensely personal, first-person look at cops and detectives on the beat. The extraordinary show – starring Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King and Ben McKenzie – has redefined the police drama genre with a raw, authentic look at the lives and work of detectives and beat cops. Special guest star Lucy Liu will appear throughout the season as a member of the LAPD. In its third season, Southland grew its audience by 8% over the second season.
TNT Mystery Movie Night:
Scott Turow’s Innocent – Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
Bill Pullman stars as Rusty Sabich, a judge charged with the murder of his wife, a situation that comes 20 years after he was cleared in the death of his mistress. During this latest trial, a secret affair from Rusty’s recent past threatens to hamper his defense and fracture his relationship with his son. Oscar® winner Marcia Gay Harden plays Rusty’s wife, while Alfred Molina is his friend and defense attorney. Emmy® winner Richard Schiff (The West Wing, The Lost World: Jurassic Park), Callard Harris (TBS’s Glory Daze, Intermedio) and Mariana Klaveno (True Blood, While the Children Sleep) also star. Scott Turow’s Innocent is a sequel to Turow’s bestseller Presumed Innocent. The movie is written and directed by Mike Robe (TNT’s HawthoRNe, Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King), with Robe and Frank von Zerneck (We Were the Mulvaneys, Miracle on Ice) serving as executive producers.
Ricochet – Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
Two homicide detectives find their careers – and lives – on the line when they get caught up in a case of murder and betrayal in high-society Savannah. Emmy nominee John Corbett is set to star in this atmospheric tale based on the book by #1 New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown. Corbett plays Det. Sgt. Duncan Hatcher, who is investigating a corrupt judge (Gary Cole) while also becoming romantically involved with his wife (Julie Benz). Kelly Overton plays Det. Deedee Bowen, Hatcher’s blue-collar partner; Kadeem Hardison (Panther, Made of Honor) is Detective Bob Worley; and Haaz Sleiman (The Visitor, Nurse Jackie) is drug dealer Robert Savich. Nick Gomez (Dexter, Drowning Mona) is directing Ricochet from a script by Donald Martin (The Craigslist Killer). Howard Braunstein (The Informant!) and Jim Head (On Strike for Christmas) serve as executive producers.
Hide – Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
In this movie based on Lisa Gardner’s book, Carla Gugino plays Boston Police Detective D.D. Warren, who is called to the grounds of an abandoned mental hospital where a buried chamber is discovered. Inside are the mummified remains of six young women, who have all been missing for years. The case leads D.D. to Annabelle, a young woman who spent her childhood moving from city to city, from identity to identity, hiding from someone or something totally unknown to her. D.D. uses clues from Annabelle’s secret past to unravel the mystery behind her twisted family history. Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Kevin Alejandro also star. Hide is written by Janet Brownell (Eloise at the Plaza), directed by John Gray (Ghost Whisperer, Helter Skelter) and executive-produced by Stephanie Germain (The Day After Tomorrow).
Silent Witness – Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
This legal drama based on Richard North Patterson’s novel stars Dermot Mulroney as prominent defense attorney Tony Lord, who returns to his hometown to defend an old friend, played by Michael Cudlitz. The friend is a teacher accused of murdering one of his students, and the case re-opens the heartache from Tony’s own high school days, when he was a student falsely accused of murdering his first love. Lizzie Friedman and Greg Little, the team behind One Lucky Elephant, Whiz Kids and Sex and Death 101, serve as executive producers along with Howard Braunstein (The Informant!). Peter Markle (Bat*21, Flight 93) is set to direct from a script by Thomas Michael Donnelly (Our Fathers).
Good Morning, Killer – Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
Adapted by April Smith from her own novel, this thriller stars Catherine Bell as FBI Special Agent Ana Gray, an undercover operative tracking down a serial kidnapper. As Ana develops a rapport with the kidnapper’s latest victim, the suspect suddenly changes his pattern. Now Ana must race to find him before he strikes again. Cole Hauser (Chase, K-Ville) co-stars as Detective Andrew Berringer. In addition to writing the screenplay, Smith is set to executive-produce Good Morning, Killer with Frank von Zerneck (We Were the Mulvaneys, Miracle on Ice). Maggie Greenwald (Songcatcher, The Ballad of Little Jo) will direct.
Deck the Halls – Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
Based on the first book in Mary Higgins Clark and daughter Carol Higgins Clark’s series of holiday mystery novels, this warm-hearted story brings together two of the authors’ most popular characters: Cleaning-woman-turned-private-eye Alvirah Meegan (Kathy Najimy) and Detective Regan Reilly (Scottie Thompson). The women investigate the kidnapping of Regan’s father and a young female driver just before the holidays. The race is on to rescue the pair and get them home in time for Christmas. Two-time Emmy® winner Jane Alexander plays Regan’s mother, famed mystery writer Nora Regan Reilly. Ron Underwood (Tremors, City Slickers) will direct from a script by Howard Burkons (John Q, TNT’s The Ron Clark Story), who also serves as executive producer with Brenda Friend (Joan of Arc, TNT’s The Ron Clark Story) and Frank von Zerneck (We Were the Mulvaneys, Miracle on Ice).
TNT Specials
Christmas in Washington – Annual special airing Friday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011, this holiday concert is a star-studded musical celebration benefiting the Children’s National Medical Center. Annually attended by the President and First Lady and other Washington VIPs, the spectacular concert takes place at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. This marks TNT’s 13th year presenting Christmas in Washington.
18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® – Live simulcast with TBS on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)
One of the industry’s most respected award presentations, this prestigious industry event honors performances in five film categories and eight television categories, including the unique Ensemble Award and an award for stunt performers.
