Monday, May 13, 2013

First Look at Fox's Fall TV Batch

This is always a very exciting time of year for fans of television shows, but at the same time, not so great, because some people lose their favorite shows. While I'll mourn the loss of some shows, there's always more to look forward to by the time Fall rolls around, and this year is no different. All the networks seem to have some great shows to look forward to, but right now it's time to take a closer look at Fox, and what they'll be offering viewers next year for the 2013-2014 TV season. 

We've got a new J.J. Abrams produced series starring Karl Urban, a new comedy from the guys who brought us 'Parks and Rec', and starring Andy Samberg, a new twist on the Sleep Hollow legend, and more. Hit the jump for trailers for the new shows, the full Fox line up, and my thoughts on their newest shows. 

First Look AT NBC's New Fall TV Series Batch



It's that time a year again, folks. We're at that moments where one season of TV winds down, and we look ahead to see what the networks have to offer us this fall. Out the gate, we've already got some great looking shows from the networks, but lets take a look specifically at what we've got coming from the Peacock network. A few new ensemble comedies, one featuring the return of Michael J. Fox to TV screens, a remake of a classic procedural series from the 1960s, a new take on Dracula, and a few new thriller starring James Spader. 

It's been no secret that NBC has been struggling in the ratings, so it really seems like they're trying their hardest to find a solid footing with this new season, and from the looks of it, some of their pilots seem very promising, while others not so much. Hit the jump for the trailers for each of these new series, and leave your thoughts and comments below on the new shows. What are you most looking forward to on NBC this fall?

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

'Iron Man 3' Review - Marvel's Most Well Made Film to Date is the Most Personal




"Big man in a suit. Take that off, what are you?", Captain America famously quips at Tony Stark in 'The Avengers'. A throwaway line to some, but one that holds more significance than many originally imagined. Just what is Tony Stark without his suits? Is he really Iron Man, or is it that suit that makes him Iron Man? That line was just a hint of what we could expect from 'Iron Man 3', Marvel Studio's first film of their new Phase 2, and the first film following the mega blockbuster, 'The Avengers'. Director Shane Black, who's credits include writing the first two 'Lethal Weapon' films, as well as directing Robert Downey, Jr. in one of his comeback films, 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', decided to explore that very question, while sending Tony Stark through an emotional wringer that will change who he is, and how he sees himself, forever.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Remembering Roger Ebert, Beloved Film Critic and a Personal Hero


There aren't enough words to describe what the passing of Roger Ebert made me feel. I found out in the final minutes of my lunch break at work, thanks to some fellow film bloggers on twitter. My twitter was overrun with condolences and grievances, and my heart sunk. I couldn't believe it, I didn't want to believe it. Roger Ebert, this brave and wonderful man, who had been publicly fighting cancer over the past few years, had seemed so strong in his final days. His final blog post, just two days, prior said he was going to be taking a "leave of presence", where he would take the time to review the films he wanted to review, while focusing on new things, including a new site, while fighting his resurgence of cancer. Some days would be better than others, some where he'd talk about what it's like to fight these things, and other days where he'd just geek out hard over a great film he just saw. He seemed in such high spirits, and in closing, he left this final note, which as beautiful as it was then, seems even sadder and more prophetic now:
So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I'll see you at the movies.
I'm not sure if he knew this would be his final piece, but those closing words now make me choke up and bring tears to eyes. The man who made me want to work to become a film critic, and helped me completely embrace my love for film had sadly passed away.

Friday, March 8, 2013

'Oz the Great and Powerful' Review - A Wonderful Return to the Land of Oz


The world of Oz is about as synonymous with fantasy as Middle Earth, Hogwarts, and Narnia. Created by L. Frank Baum, it's a place full of magic, whimsy, darkness, and wonder, everything that you need to make a compelling world to draw people in. Over the years, we've had many attempts at bringing the world of Oz to life on film, most notably in the 1939 classic, 'The Wizard of Oz', starring Judy Garland. But Oz has had a level of difficulty since then on screen, with many of the other tries at bringing the land to life flailing and never taking off. But in Hollywood, it's not usual that we see things lay dormant too long, so it was only a matter of time until we saw Oz again. Now it's Disney's turn to take a swing at the wonderfully whimsical world, bringing us a prequel story about how the wonderful Wizard known as Oz became the man we see in 'The Wizard of Oz', and daring to make a film that'll leave a lasting effect on audiences of as the Judy Garland classic.