Eight years after Harry Potter made his debut on the silver screen with The Sorcerer’s Stone, the franchise’s magic beams as bright as ever. The initial appeal of the Harry Potter series was the mystical appeal of the incredible fantasy world that many of us dreamt about. Even though the magical world just beyond the Leaky Cauldron is now embedded in every Harry fanatic’s mind, the love for these books and films has never dwindled. J.K. Rowling not only created a fantastical world, but an ever intriguing drama within it.
The latest installment to the film franchise, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, propels the series forward not only by pushing forward the plotline, but by keeping these maturing characters fresh. Any fan of the series has undoubtedly noticed the dark nature of the thickening plot. The emergence of Voldemort and his Death Eaters has cast a shadow over the entire wizarding world, making the consequences of Harry’s every action dire. Throughout the series, Harry has always shied away from his famous name, but here he embraces his role as The Chosen One in a number of ways. He uses his celebrity status to seduce important information from teacher and he carries out missions for Dumbledore. As a hero, Harry truly comes into his own.
Despite the dark nature of the plot, it is balanced out by easily being the most humorous film of the series and possibly the second most funny of the summer (behind The Hangover of course). In the past, Rupert Gint as Ron has admirably carried most of the comical relief efforts by himself, but this time he gets help. Hogwarts might easily be mistaken for a witty version of Bayside High (Saved By The Bell). The awkward and humorous situations never seem to end and surprisingly never take away from the real action being taken place.
For its dark spellbinding action and witty humor, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the best installment into the film’s franchise and one of the top films of the summer.
[*Author’s Note: I felt that it should be mentioned that it is almost impossible to give a brief synopsis of this film since its main progression is often fueled by subtle actions rather then major landmark moments. Thus, the following review truly hopes to serve as encouragement for you to quickly trade in your Potter tickets and go see this truly beautiful classic in the making]
When most men hear the phrase “Romantic-Comedy” they usually envision a lost coin toss between their significant other, but Fox Searchlight’s latest film takes aim to change that. The premise may be disguised as the simple scenario of boy meets girl, however 500 days approaches the famous (and often sought after) perfect romance a different way, with a realistic dose of pain and a surprisingly hopeful outlook.
From the very beginning we are warned by the film’s Narrator (the often snarky voice of reason) who states “this is not a love a story” a statement we forget almost instantly as we are introduced to our hero, Tom Hanson, who is earnestly embodied by the instantly lovable Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Tom is one of the few remaining modern day romantics, who finds himself working at a Greeting Card Company, even though Tom once hoped to be an architect now he sits at his desk in waiting for “the one”. Enter Summer Finn, played with a sense of unexplainable beauty by the lovely and delightfully awkward Zooey Deschanel, Summer joins the staff as the new assistant, and does not share Tom’s belief or hunger for love.
Regardless of Summer’s original disinterest the days go by (and often out of order) showing the passionate progression of Tom’s feelings for Summer, from beginning to end. The inevitable relationship is filled with its giggly ups and heavy downs, but even the familiar moments are filled with a fresh sense of purpose.
The story finds itself carried on the shoulder’s of Gordon-Levitt and his hopelessly romantic perspective, but does also receive reinforcement from the powerful chemistry of the 500 days supporting characters, from Tom’s younger sister Rachel and her worldly advice, to the jaded input of Tom’s romantically impaired chums McKenzie and Paul. These characters provide a dialogue and connection so real; one could not help but be reminded of their own personal confidants and their often misplaced opinions.
Overall, it should be stated that the power of this film is not found in one particular element, but in the almost fated unity of all its different components, a process that echoes the very pattern of the love the movie aspires to describe.
Almost instantly inviting the viewer into the colorful and almost unrecogonizable streets of Los Angeles with bright cinematography, Director Marc Webb helps to deliver a very quaint and playful visual picture, (and at several points even incorporating some good old fashioned split screen filming) This intentionally colorful setting is not only one without nudity and gratuitous sexuality but one stuffed to the brim with old school charm and music that serves as a cultural time machine. The mere fact that the movie manages to leave itself chronologically ambiguous, aside from the transitional countdown, is powerful proof for this timeless story.
Praise is due to relatively green-horned writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, whose gentle handcrafting of personal experience into screenplay, expresses a shared understanding of the rippling impact in even the smallest events on one’s the heart, an understanding which manages to keep this film and its sorted timeline well-paced and fresh.
Following the note of well-paced freshness, much credit also goes to composer Andrea von Foerster who masterfully arranges a moving soundtrack anchored by two particularly beautiful pieces by Russian anti-folk artist Regina Spektor, that manage to layer into the piece’s overall glisten.
Truthfully, I never thought that I would find myself falling in love with a movie, but director Marc Webb’s modern day “not quite love” story has proved me wrong. A film for anyone those who finds themselves still salvaging belief in true love, finally Hollywood has delivered a story just for you, one that carefully carries a realistic message while portioning in a good old fashioned pinch of hope. Which is why this movie gets: 5 hundred out of 5 hundred days of Summer. (5 out of 5)
Living in a world where it is often impossible to avoid the constant media buzz, one can usually have a pretty solid understanding of a film before they sit down to watch it. However recently I was subject to a film I knew absolutely nothing about aside from the title.
The Betrayed, is written and directed by Amanda Gusack. I cannot admit to having had high hopes, since the almost instant correlation to having never heard of the movie automatically caused me to assume it MUST be bad. However I must admit that I was slightly impressed by this relatively unknown movie.
The story follows a young mother and restaurant owner Jamie, played by the Angelina Jolie look-alike Melissa George, who finds herself held captive in an abandoned warehouse. There in her cell she is psychologically tortured and questioned as to the whereabouts of her husband, who may not have been the innocent family man he claimed to be, but rather a manipulative killer and high profile criminal
As if this scenario weren’t suspenseful enough, consider the unknown motives of her captor Alec, played Oded Fehr of “Mummy” fame, who serves as her makeshift warden and dare I say sympathetic protector. Alec is under orders of his enigmatic boss Falco, and quickly reveals the added danger of Jamie’s kidnapped son Michael, a diabetic who without proper supervision could die.
Throughout the movie Jamie learns from Alec, that her husband had stolen forty million dollars from Falco, a sum that if not claimed within a certain time period could result in death for everyone involved, Alec included. So she begins to search through recorded tapes from her own home as she seeks to find some clue as to her husband’s whereabouts and most importantly where he hid the money.
Where the script did manage to present a very interesting premise, one that could make any audience member connect to the protagonist’s plight, the pacing of the film managed to stagger and dissolve any sympathy. For me, there was a general want for Jamie’s freedom, unfortunately there was also a genuine desire for my personal freedom from the movie’s lengthy and poorly edited scenes. Take in to account some rather interesting subplots, one of which I felt could have served as a major drive in the film, which are passed over all to quickly, only adding to the disappointing presentation.
In regards to the cinematic composition of the Betrayed, I felt that the amateur cinematography, and uninspired musical compositions caused the overall presentation to fall short. Though at first glance they do add a very gritty and eerie feel to the film, it can be quickly realized that anything marked as genius is purely accidental.
In conclusion, if you find yourself in the mood for an interesting yet poorly paced thriller, with several missed opportunities, the Betrayed is for you. However, I would suggest this as a summer rental, as the DVD itself contains absolutely no added content, and only the usual language tracks. But please be advised, that in the end the only one betrayed here was the potential of this mediocre movie.
Writer and director Max Mayer has just created another winner for Fox Searchlight Pictures. “Adam” evokes emotion, personality, and originality unlike most new films of today. It is movies like this that is giving Fox Searchlight such good reputation. This dramatic love story screenplay was chosen as the 12th Annual Writers’ Network Fiction and Screenplay winner. I don’t know if we have another “The Wrestler” or “Slumdog Millionaire” on our hands, but “Adam” definitely deserves some buzz.
I really didn’t know much going into the film other then who is the distributor and that it was a love story of two opposites. Basically, that’s all I needed to know to understand I was probably in for a treat. No disappointment here. This is a movie that starts off intriguing yet manages to hold your interest throughout by creating all the necessities of a good movie. Max Mayer has created two captivating characters played by terrific actors able to pull every emotion from the audience. The plot is basic with some twists, but is able to pull forth uniqueness with some realness. Best of all… no cookie cutter resolution.
“Adam” is the most heartfelt movie of the year that deals with many relatable relationship issues. The case of our star is what sets this apart from an ordinary romantic comedy. Hugh Dancy (“The Jane Austen Book Club”, “Confessions of a Shopaholic”) plays Adam, an eccentric that has recently lost his father and been living his life quietly in New York City until a new cute neighbor moves into his building. Rose Byrne (“28 Weeks Later”, “Knowing”) plays the adorable, friendly, and lovable neighbor, Beth. She immediately finds Adam attractive even after it’s obvious upon their first encounter he suffers from social interaction abilities.
Beth begins becoming interested in Adam before knowing that he is actually diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is associated with autism. Adam has autistic tendencies, but Asperger’s has a higher degree of functionality allowing him to live a normal independent life. However, he still has poor social skills. This syndrome also causes obsession toward specific subjects allowing Adam to be very smart in certain fields like astronomy, but lacks emotional reciprocity. He has difficulty telling what another is thinking causing him challenges within relationships.
Even though Adam suffers from many things that will make their relationship extremely difficult, Beth is comforted by his honesty. She is coming out of bad relationship where the man cheated several times. What Beth has to face is whether or not Adam will ever truly be able to love or show any real closeness. These are still real problems that are dealt with every single day in normal relationships. Regardless of Adam’s condition, the audience can still relate to the two and their “wants” in the relationship.
The movie also deals with Beth’s father, Marty (Peter Gallagher), who has been indicted and his persuasion to not let his daughter get involved with Adam. He truly wants what’s best for her, but doesn’t really understand what actually is best for her. Instead he is pushing for her to marry a rich man even if he has flaws. Beth has absolute trust in her father, but Adam being as blunt as he is, feels otherwise and isn’t afraid to ask the inappropriate questions. It is her dad and how he is that made her realize who she really is. I really appreciated how Beth’s dad isn’t just some jerk of a father. Instead, he is still a very loving father and wants his family to be happy; however he is just trying to live vicariously through Beth. This is problematic for Beth as she sees people a little differently. Hence Adam who is not someone she would typically go after. At the beginning it seems forced as she was seemingly looking for any guy who walked into her life. Luckily, Adam is encouraged to make some moves from his friend Harlan, Frankie Faison, making it so she just didn’t instantly fall for Adam. It does appear this way at the beginning though. This was really the only problem I had with the movie though.
Hugh Dancy does a magnificent job portraying someone with Asperger’s and really shines throughout the movie. It really was a breakthrough performance along with Rose Byrne. You’ll fall in love with Rose and then feel every emotion she goes through while she tries to figure out if she is doing the right thing.
The movie has the feel of “Garden State”, but is a little more dramatic. Being a love story you expect those cheesy moments except in this movie, there are none. In my book, it’s a successfully made romance if you can avoid these cringing moments.
The acting really was top notch and the script was well written. I found myself glued to the screen as if I was a part of these people’s lives. I don’t know if I have ever rated a movie this high, but I think I am going to have to give “Adam” 5 stars. My one complaint wasn’t really justified later in the movie anyway. This is a movie that was made for all the right reasons. “Adam” has heart and realism to our everyday lives in society. I became immersed within the film just by their acting and intense scenes. No action required, just a moving screenplay. I highly recommend giving this surprise hit of the summer a try.
Dragonball: Evolution follows in the footsteps of it’s fellow anime film-adaptation Speedracer, in which a beloved series is snipped and crammed into a poorly constructed storyline that cuts and pastes familiar mythos with little rhyme or reason.
It should be first noted that the story of Dragonball: Evolution is blatantly formulaic and arguably cliché. The underappreciated Goku finds himself beginning a hero’s journey after his Grandfather is killed by the evil Lord Piccolo on his vengeful quest to gather the seven wish granting dragonballs. Goku embarks to find his Grandfather’s master Roshi and along the way gathers new allies as they attempt to stop Piccolo’s quest for world domination. I cannot admit to having high hopes for the film and lucky for that because had I placed any desire for a familiar Dragon Ball world and decent Goku story-arc I would have found myself sorely disappointed and met instead with an oddly designed costume scheme and barely noticeable musical score.
Furthermore, Some of my favorite pieces of the original story managed to disappear thanks to Director James Wong’s misguided attempt to approach the story realistically. Which of course brings a question to mind, How do you portray a story which centers itself around inner ki-bending, vengeful immortal aliens, and a wish granting dragon realistically?
Now despite the pages of static dialogue and less then thrilling, slow-mo indulging digital effects the film itself does offer a few highlights. Including the numerous combat sequences, which do manage to capture the series familiar over the top nature. Of course there is also the charming portrayal of Goku by “War of the Worlds” star Justin Chatwin and the spot-on representation of Lord Piccolo by James Marsters of Angel Fame. Likewise there is also a major disappointment found in cast member Yun-Fat Chow who delivers a rather hollow performance as Roshi.
Aside from the shaky feature film the DVD itself does include a few enjoyable features such as a Dragonball Workout-esque video, which goes into a little detail regarding the fight choreography and even attempts to deliver a quick lesson in Dragon Ball themed stage combat. A few deleted scenes which mainly contain more of the film’s chalky dialogue can be missed without loss of sleep.
Interestingly enough the DVD does not provide a director’s commentary, though after viewing the film I cannot imagine I would be willing or able to comment on this film’s directorial decisions either.
Personally, I would discourage fans of the manga, original anime, or a decent storylines to steer clear of this film. On the other hand I may recommend this film to families looking for a on the fly movie night. It will manage to keep the whole gang entertained but shouldn’t keep anyone up all night.
Overall I give this DVD: three Dragonballs out of seven (2 out of 5)
Mike (Matt Long) was the star quarterback in his small hometown.He is invited back to the field on homecoming night for the retiring of his football jersey number.Everyone is a little surprised to see him show up with a new girlfriend Elizabeth, played by Jessica Stroup.It’s when Mike runs into his insanely jealous ex-girlfriend Shelby, Mischa Barton (The O.C.), when the plot thickens.
Shelby is still madly in love with Mike and will do anything in her power to get him back.This includes kidnapping his girlfriend after hitting Elizabeth with her car.She tells lies to Mike to make him believe his girlfriend left him and wasn’t happy when in reality Shelby is keeping her captive.Once her unwell thought out plan starts to have some complications, Shelby takes matters in her own hands by threatening Elizabeth with her life.Now Elizabeth is forced to try and escape.
This pitiable big screen feature feels as if I plopped in a Lifetime movie DVD into a projector at a movie theater.The quality of the film in parts is good, but in most areas it looks like a student film.I know this isn’t a big budgeted film, but I thought the CW only did television.
Should I even get started with the acting?Mischa Barton does play an excellent psycho when she is in “crazy mode”.However, in any other scene it’s as if she is reading from a prompter.Matt Long basically doesn’t have to talk much, just listen to others as they praise him in his hometown.Jessica Stroup (90210) is cute and actually does the best out of the three main characters.Then again, she mostly has to just be scared for her life and limp around.Maybe I am being a little too harsh.I don’t see many suspense thrillers/horrors often anyway.What am I expecting?
“Homecoming” is nothing more than a cookie-cutter teen based suspense thriller.There is no uniqueness of the film.You won’t leave the theater feeling like you saw something new.In fact, you may be asking yourself was this originally made in the mid 90’s.If it was, then I’m okay with this film.Since I know that this film was years in the making with many problems holding it back from being released just helps display what a jumbled mess the outcome became.Wait for the television world premiere, and then try to forget this ever made it into the theaters.
This highly entertaining and fantasmagorical Browadway musical has landed, or shall I say drove in, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.The musical’s adaptation of the 1968 classic film stays true to the original maintaining the story of the loving family, the original score, and most importantly it still has the flying car!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang begins with two young children playing on a junky old racecar from the British Grand Prix.It’s been out of commission since a race in 1910 and now just a toy in a junkyard. The children have grown fond of the car and are shocked when owner of the junkyard, Mr. Coggins, sells the car for 30 shillings.They tell their father Caractacus Potts (Steve Wilson), an eccentric English inventor, he should buy the car.Caractacus understands his children very well and doesn’t want them to lose touch of the car so he claims he will buy it.The only problem is that he doesn’t have 30 shillings.
Luckily, a pretty lady runs into Caractacus, literally, and she’s truly scrumptious.No seriously, her name is Truly Scrumptious, played by Kelly McCormick, whose father is candy maker Toots Scrumptious.You can see just by this how insanely silly this musical is.Their adventure begins with Truly and the kids after Caractacus is able to buy the rusty car after selling his outlandish hair-cutting machine.Caractacus quickly repairs the car, only he doesn’t just repair it, he improves it.The car basically becomes magical with the justification that it was fixed by an inventor.
This is where the movie and the musical differ.The story is practically the same however the ridiculous, yet crazily fun, adventures take place in reality rather than in a dream.I have no issue with this since they make their world believable.The musical’s world felt like a mix between Willa Wonka and Pinocchio’s Pleasure Island.
It’s in the second act that this new world plays out as they must outwit the comical Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria in their evil plan to steal the flying car for their ruler.Let me just say that everyone in Vulgaria seemed to be a little vulgar.The humor has some contemporary jokes, but fit in well.I only worry that writers may be pushing it a little too far for this family show.Then again, they even joke about how they are vulgar people.None of the jokes are anything you have to worry your kids understanding though.It’s the cleverly written songs of the second act that truly, really shine.
Every song has that catchy beat from composers Richard and Robert Sherman.Even if you don’t recognize their name, you know their music.The Sherman Brothers are responsible for such classics as the “Marry Poppins” soundtrack, “The Jungle Book” and even the infamous “it’s a small world” song.People in the attendance for opening night were even treated to Richard M. Sherman sitting with the audience watching the show.
The crucial moral to get from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the importance of nurturing imagination and creativity.It’s wonderful that this on stage production managed to portray this by not having a dream sequence but rather just allowing the audience to have a bigger imagination.
This is a great one to bring the family.If you don’t have any children to bring, I believe that it will make you smile just as much.Try telling me you won’t be singing “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” when you exit the hall.It’s worth just seeing the great special effects and specially designed stage for their rolling sets.Of course, there is also that darn car.Simply, irresistibly, magical!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is now playing through July 19th at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Segerstrom Hall.Tickets start at $20 to $70 and are available at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office or by calling (714) 556-2787.
Admittedly, as a series Power Ranger RPM does a few things wrong, but surprisingly quite alot right. With a fine balance of humor, story, and signature pyrotechnics, this first entry into the RPM series proves to have a whole lot of potential.
For those who are unfamiliar with the series; Power Rangers capitalizes on a teenage team of heroes who unite to defeat the latest power-hungry villain. This time around said baddie is Venjix, a diabolical and omniscient computer virus who is able to construct an army of robotic grunts and even more intricate mechanical monsters (which inevitably are defeated by the Rangers…until they increase in size and are defeated by the Megazord)
This new team of Rangers features a varied cast, not just in appearance or uniform color but also in character development. That’s right; shocking. The latest installment not only provides high-energy fight scenes and ridiculous Zord sequences, but also fast-paced dialogue and a rather intriguing story (so far) Scott, Flynn, and Summer (the Red, Blue and Yellow rangers; respectively) under the leadership of the mysterious Dr. K, unite as a team of super-suited defenders charged with the protection of the dome-city of Corinth, the last safe haven for humans on the planet.
The show is also driven by the new members of the team and relative outsiders, Dillon the mysterious, rugged, “rogue-hero” who’s loss of memory and mechanical circuitry make him an incredibly interesting character to follow. And rounding out the team with the lovable Ziggy, who serves as the sleezy sidekick, and accidental Green Ranger, and provides hilarious interactions with the rest of the team and even some of the Venjix operatives.
As far as DVD’s go, this is easily the most lackluster I have seen. From the confusing cover to the frustrating lack of anything resembling bonus material. Furthermore, as this disc holds only five episodes, this latest Ranger release strikes me as anything but consumer-oriented.
Power Rangers RPM is recieving an unimpressive 2 out of 5. The 2 points being in favor of this rather enjoyable Sci-Fi series, that is crippled by Buena Vista’s extremely poor delivery.
(*Author Advice: Why not consider saving your money for a more complete collection?)
The real heroes that keep New York City and its residents safe are back for their sophomore season. Working the 3-11 p.m. shift (known as the “third watch”), these ordinary people perform extraordinary feats of bravery on a daily basis. Featuring an all-star cast including Bobby Cannavale, Eddie Cibrian, Michael Beach, and Kim Raver, Third Watch portrays the best – and sometimes the worst – of “the city’s finest.”
Created by John Wells (ER, The West Wing) and Edward Allen Bernero (Criminal Minds), Third Watch: The Complete Second Season is an Emmy® and Peabody® Award winning series that follows professional rescuers and first responders as they take on crime, medical emergencies, and blazing buildings in the largest city in America. Police, firefighters and paramedics all work together as the show explores the intricacies of their relationships on the streets, in the station, and back at home. Episodes include situations ranging from dangerous (tracking a sniper who targets cops) to playful (a football match between fire departments), to the mundane (a frequent 911 dialer). These heroes risk their lives every day so we can sleep soundly, knowing that we’re protected by the “third watch.”
“Third Watch: The Complete Second Season contains 22 action-packed episodes that focus on the unsung heroes of New York City,” said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV & Special Interest Marketing. “After the recent event on the Hudson, the world is increasingly fascinated by these first responders, and Warner Home Video is proud to present the second season on DVD.”
Third Watch was successful in presenting the ensemble of characters as real people and not just chiselled stereotypes. The characters had real problems, struggled to make ends meet and dealt with complicated situations both on and off the job. One of the great things about the show was how it balanced multiple-episode continuity with dive-right-in storylines that encompassed several episodes and even overlapped into other seasons. Viewers grew with the characters and became involved in their lives.
Third Watch – The Complete Second Season provides 975 minutes of one of the most intricate and realistic procedural shows on major network television. It is well-acted and surprisingly tender in places, providing hours of gripping, fulfilling viewing on DVD.
Chiller and Universal Studios HollywoodSM are partnering to recognize the nation’s top short-form filmmaking horror genre talent with the “Halloween Horror Nights-Chiller Scary Good Film Competition,” offering filmmakers an opportunity to have their scariest short film rewarded with a broadcast on Chiller of their work, a $1,000 cash prize and a trip for two to the October 2 opening night of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Contest entries will be accepted from July 1, 2009 through August 21, 2009. Prospective filmmakers are invited to submit short films of 90 seconds to three minutes in length on DVD (two copies of each film must be submitted). Selected films will be judged by a panel of horror industry professionals. Criteria will be storytelling skill, originality and the degree of the “good scare.” The top 10 shorts will be posted online at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Chiller from September 8 – 24 for public voting.
The winning “Scary Good” film will be announced on September 25. In addition to the prize and the Chiller broadcast of the film, the winning filmmaker will be honored in front of celebrities, studio executives and media at the October 2 Chiller-Eyegore Awards ceremony, which will kick off the annual Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Entries should be sent to Halloween Horror Nights-Chiller Scary Good Film Competition, 100 Universal City Plaza, Building 5511, 100 Universal City CA 91608. Additional information on the contest, including a complete list of rules and regulations, is available online at the website above.This year, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights will present all-new “live” experiences based on one of the all-time biggest box-office horror franchises, “Saw,” per an agreement among Universal Studios Theme Parks, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures and on “The Wolfman,” per an agreement with Universal Pictures. All-new mazes, all-new new scare zones and new shows will be featured.
Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com), The Entertainment Capital of L.ASM., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex; the Universal CityWalk Cinemas; and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as “The Simpsons Ride®,” “Revenge of the MummySM – The Ride,” “Shrek 4-D™,” “Jurassic Park® – The Ride,” and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations as Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds.
Chiller, the recently-launched channel from NBC Universal, is the only network devoted to delivering viewers round-the-clock scares. Chiller’s eclectic slate of adrenaline-fueled, soul-stirring entertainment includes classic drama and anthology series (Tales from the Darkside, Twin Peaks, Nightmare Cafe), international programming (Spine Chilers, Strange) and a broad offering of films, including feature-length premieres every Friday. Chiller is currently available in 35 million homes. To learn more, visit: www.chillertv.com.
THE FIRST NATIONAL TOUR OF LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will begin performances at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on September 8. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
Tickets to LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL are $20 – $80 and go on sale July 12. They will be available online at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 15 or more, call the Group Sales office at 714.755.0236. The TTY number is 714.556.2746. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, September 19 will be sign-language interpreted.
Bank of America is the Title Sponsor of the Center’s Broadway Series. Cox Communications is the Media Partner of the Broadway Series and Mercedes-Benz USA is the Premier Sponsor of the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s 2008-2009 Season.
In its first year on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL earned seven 2007 Tony® Award nominations, ten 2007 Drama Desk Award Nominations, a 2007 Outer Critics Circle Award and the chorus of the musical was honored by Actors’ Equity Association’s Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) with the first ever ACCA Award. The musical also ranked in the top ten list of the most requested Ticketmaster “Arts & Theatre Events” for 2007. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL received three 2009 Touring Broadway Awards in New York City on May 4, 2009. The show won awards for Best New Musical, Best Production Design and Best Choreography of a Touring Production. The Awards, presented by The Broadway League, honor excellence in Touring Broadway. It is the only such national award.
Becky Gulsvig, the Elle understudy in the original Broadway cast, is Elle Woods in the tour. Gulsvig was recently seen on the 63rd Tony Awards performing a song from LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. Fans of the MTV reality show Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods, which premiered on June 2, 2008, will recognize two familiar faces in the tour casting: Third runner-up Rhiannon Hansen plays Elle’s best friend Margot and fourth runner-up Lauren Zakrin is an ensemble member and understudies the role of Elle. The reality show represented the musical’s second venture with MTV. In the fall of 2007, MTV aired LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in its entirety to stellar ratings and the broadcast show was subsequently nominated for two 2007-2008 Daytime Emmy Awards.
The original Broadway cast recording for LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL was released on Ghostlight Records, an imprint of Sh-K-Boom Records, and captured the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Cast Album chart and charted at No. 86 on the Billboard Top 200. The album has continued its success, charting every week as one of the top-selling Broadway cast recordings and it soared to the Top 10 albums (of any genre) on iTunes once the show premiered on MTV.
As on Broadway, Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell is the director and choreographer. Music and lyrics are by both Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the book is by Heather Hach. The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller, orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and sound design by ACME Sound Partners.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is produced on tour by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals and Dori Berinstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber. For more information visit LegallyBlondeTheMusical.com.
There is something so profoundly powerful about truth. Which explains the fuel of Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts”, which chronicles the American day-dream, one that is a little more realistic, and often alot less glorified then our more fantastic dreams. “Peanuts” is for anyone who has ever found themselves feeling sick of being the runner up; being the last picked for the ballteam; or not being able to talk to that little red-headed girl.
No matter your story, this collection is guaranteed to touch at least one soft spot.
Ofcourse in the Peanuts gang, one is bound to have a favorite or two; From the delightfully melancholy misadventures of Good Ole’ Charlie Brown to the unexpected existentialism of the blanket-bound Linus. However regardless of preference, the true heart of this series may lie under the big-nose of the brilliant beagle himself. (Eat your heart out Scooby-Doo) Snoopy, Daisy Hill Puppy Farm’s original animated pooch who uses an endless imagination and often rebellious antics to add a layer of freedom and social commentary to the specials.
This long-awaited collections carries all six of the original 1960 TV specials; which include: The infamous “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, the warmly written “You’re in Love, Charlie Brown” and the well-timed “It was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown.” This 2-disc set is chock-full of these timeless stories wrapped in a 150 minutes worth of nostalgia. Charlie Brown’s famous catchphrase sums it all up. “Good grief” is the perfect summary for the Peanuts latest multimedia journey; a pleasant presentation of our slightly-tragic round-headed hero.
However for all of it’s memorable moments, impressive presentation, and charming packing, the set itself contains little bonus material aside from the usual language tracks and a very misleading “Woodstock” trailer (no, Warner Bros is not releasing a movie about Snoopy’s feathered compatriot) Although the second disc does hold a very interesting profile piece on Peanuts composer and jazz genius Vince Gauraldi, a definate must-see for any true Beagle Scout.
For it’s fantastic presentation of a remastered collection, the “Peanuts 1960’s Collection” is receiving a commendable 4 out of 5, just short of the trophy score for lacking some extra goodies. (Which for a series so rich in history, is a bonus Snoopy reel too much to ask?)
In the end, this set is recommended to anyone looking for an extra dose of cozy over their summer break or to the average Joe Cool looking for an escape from the latest televised mediocrity. Take this quick dip into yesterday and pick up this truly classic collection of heart-felt and downright funny stories. Personally, I will be making sure to put this on the top of my next list to the Great Pumpkin!
(–And if you want to avoid a visit from the fearless WWI flying ace himself…You would be wise to do the same)
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