"The Sing-Off": A Singing Competition for People Who Can Sing
By Karen Moul
Ratings juggernaut American Idol has spawned endless copies all over the world; the quality of those shows varies. There have been at least a half-dozen singing competitions in the last few years and The Sing-Off is the best of the bunch. It's got talented contestants, excellent judges, and a likeable host with actual singing experience, but where this show really stands out is in its emphasis on technical excellence.
Ratings juggernaut American Idol has spawned endless copies all over the world; the quality of those shows varies. There have been at least a half-dozen singing competitions in the last few years and The Sing-Off is the best of the bunch. It's got talented contestants, excellent judges, and a likeable host with actual singing experience, but where this show really stands out is in its emphasis on technical excellence.
"Alphas:" 1.07 - "Catch and Release" Preview
Early Review:
Alphas: 1.07 - Catch and Release"
8/22/11
SUMMARY: Agent Sullivan (Valerie Cruz) charges Dr. Rosen (David Strathairn) and the Alphas team with tracking down and protecting Skylar (guest star Summer Glau), an Alpha and technology whiz with a penchant for amazing inventions which, in the wrong hands, could prove lethal.
Alphas: 1.07 - Catch and Release"
8/22/11
SUMMARY: Agent Sullivan (Valerie Cruz) charges Dr. Rosen (David Strathairn) and the Alphas team with tracking down and protecting Skylar (guest star Summer Glau), an Alpha and technology whiz with a penchant for amazing inventions which, in the wrong hands, could prove lethal.
"Teen Spirit" Review
By AJ Grillo
I'm not really the target audience for a movie like Teen Spirit, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the fine acting talents of two up and coming stars, Cassie Scerbo and Lindsey Shaw. However, that is why I watched with my daughter to get insight from someone who is within the target audience.
The story has been told time and again: unpopular kid that not many people are aware exists turns into the popular person at school. This time though, it was done with a twist. Amber (Cassie Scerbo) is dead and now must find a way to turn a wall flower (Lisa; Lindsey Shaw) into a rose by becoming prom queen so that she can get to Heaven.
I'm not really the target audience for a movie like Teen Spirit, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the fine acting talents of two up and coming stars, Cassie Scerbo and Lindsey Shaw. However, that is why I watched with my daughter to get insight from someone who is within the target audience. The story has been told time and again: unpopular kid that not many people are aware exists turns into the popular person at school. This time though, it was done with a twist. Amber (Cassie Scerbo) is dead and now must find a way to turn a wall flower (Lisa; Lindsey Shaw) into a rose by becoming prom queen so that she can get to Heaven.
"Almighty Thor" Premieres Saturday on Syfy
By Jamie Ruby
For comic book and science fiction fans everywhere, this weekend will be about Thor, the Norse god of thunder. But not everyone is talking about the Marvel movie being released this weekend, for some, like myself, it's about the Syfy Saturday movie Almighty Thor.
Almighty Thor, an Asylum film, written by Eric Forsberg, directed by Chris Ray, and starring Cody Deal, will be premiering Saturday night on Syfy.
For those not familiar with the story, according to the official Marvel Universe Wiki, Thor is "one of several powerful ancient beings who dwell in a magical realm called Asgard." Thor is also the son of Odin, who gave him his famous hammer. In the original Marvel universe, to teach him a lession in humility, Odin sends his son to Earth in a crippled mortal body as well as takes away his hammer, powers, and memory of who he is. Subsequently Donald Blake uses his secret identity as Thor to fight crime.
The Syfy movie follows quite a different storyline, making it unique and enabling it to stand on its own. The movie begins in Asgard with the character of Loki, played by Richard Grieco, who with the help of the Norns, the Weavers of Fate, trying to convince Odin (Kevin Nash) to give him the hammer of invincibility, with which he will cause havok in Asgard and on Earth.
To stop Loki and to get to the hammer before him, where his father has hidden it, Thor must travel to Earth, where he is joined by his guardian Jarnsaxa played by Patricia Velasquez. Thor trades in his hammer for a uzi as he learns to fight and hopefully defeat his enemy.
For comic book and science fiction fans everywhere, this weekend will be about Thor, the Norse god of thunder. But not everyone is talking about the Marvel movie being released this weekend, for some, like myself, it's about the Syfy Saturday movie Almighty Thor.Almighty Thor, an Asylum film, written by Eric Forsberg, directed by Chris Ray, and starring Cody Deal, will be premiering Saturday night on Syfy.
For those not familiar with the story, according to the official Marvel Universe Wiki, Thor is "one of several powerful ancient beings who dwell in a magical realm called Asgard." Thor is also the son of Odin, who gave him his famous hammer. In the original Marvel universe, to teach him a lession in humility, Odin sends his son to Earth in a crippled mortal body as well as takes away his hammer, powers, and memory of who he is. Subsequently Donald Blake uses his secret identity as Thor to fight crime.
The Syfy movie follows quite a different storyline, making it unique and enabling it to stand on its own. The movie begins in Asgard with the character of Loki, played by Richard Grieco, who with the help of the Norns, the Weavers of Fate, trying to convince Odin (Kevin Nash) to give him the hammer of invincibility, with which he will cause havok in Asgard and on Earth.
To stop Loki and to get to the hammer before him, where his father has hidden it, Thor must travel to Earth, where he is joined by his guardian Jarnsaxa played by Patricia Velasquez. Thor trades in his hammer for a uzi as he learns to fight and hopefully defeat his enemy.
Are You "Tough Enough?"
By AJ Grillo
I haven't consistently watched wrestling for quite a few years, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten who the Rattlesnake is. Six-time WWE Champion, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is hosting the latest installment of USA Network's WWE Tough Enough, the first since 2004. In this reality series, contestants will compete to become the new WWE superstar. I for one think Austin is a perfect choice, because when talking about being tough enough, Austin is one of the toughest S.O.B.s you'll ever meet. Just ask him, he'll tell you.
We start by meeting our fourteen contestants: Martin Casaus, Matt Capiccioni, Christina Crawford, Michelle Deighton, Rima Fakih, Andy Leavine, Eric Watts, Mickael Zaki, Ariane Andrew, Ryan Howe, AJ Kirsch, Jeremiah Riggs, Luke Robinson, and Ivelisse Velez. There is an interesting mixture of experience and celebrity among the contestants. Some, like Capiccioni and Velez, have wrestled in the independent circuit, while Fakih has no experience and is the reigning Miss USA.
I haven't consistently watched wrestling for quite a few years, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten who the Rattlesnake is. Six-time WWE Champion, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is hosting the latest installment of USA Network's WWE Tough Enough, the first since 2004. In this reality series, contestants will compete to become the new WWE superstar. I for one think Austin is a perfect choice, because when talking about being tough enough, Austin is one of the toughest S.O.B.s you'll ever meet. Just ask him, he'll tell you.We start by meeting our fourteen contestants: Martin Casaus, Matt Capiccioni, Christina Crawford, Michelle Deighton, Rima Fakih, Andy Leavine, Eric Watts, Mickael Zaki, Ariane Andrew, Ryan Howe, AJ Kirsch, Jeremiah Riggs, Luke Robinson, and Ivelisse Velez. There is an interesting mixture of experience and celebrity among the contestants. Some, like Capiccioni and Velez, have wrestled in the independent circuit, while Fakih has no experience and is the reigning Miss USA.
"Fringe: Concentrate & Ask Again": A Fan's Perspective
By AJ Grillo
Just when you thought Lost was gone...
It was bound to happen. Fringe was craeated by Lost creator JJ Abrams. He has two of TV's best writers at the helm. I had to think to completely understand the latest episode; I haven't had to do that since Lost. Fringe continues to be, in this writer's opinion, the best show on TV. Unfortunately the ratings don't show it. Aside from all that though, this past Friday's episode was the best and worst episode of the season at the same time. What starts out as a monster of the week episode turns into the most revealing episode yet.
Just when you thought Lost was gone...It was bound to happen. Fringe was craeated by Lost creator JJ Abrams. He has two of TV's best writers at the helm. I had to think to completely understand the latest episode; I haven't had to do that since Lost. Fringe continues to be, in this writer's opinion, the best show on TV. Unfortunately the ratings don't show it. Aside from all that though, this past Friday's episode was the best and worst episode of the season at the same time. What starts out as a monster of the week episode turns into the most revealing episode yet.
"White Collar" Advanced Review
USA's hit original series White Collar returns tonight with the first of all new season two episodes in its new timeslot at 10/9C. The series stars Matt Bomer as the slick and charismatic con artist Neal Caffrey and Tim Dekay as FBI agent Peter Burke. The show follows the unlikely partnership of Peter and Neal as they use Peter's FBI smarts and Neal's experience in the art of forgery and other cons. They are joined by returning stars Willie Garson, who plays Mozzie, a friend and confidant of Neal's who's always ready to help with a con, and Marsha Thomason as Diana Berrigan, who works with Burke at the FBI. Hilarie Burton also returns in the mid-season premiere as Sara Ellis, the insurance investigator, who has helped them out in the past.
"Being Human" Early Preview & Pilot Review
The wait is finally over. Tonight SyFy will premiere their new series, Being Human, a "reimagining" of the BBC series of the same name. Some fans of the original series aren't sure if they should tune in tonight, but they should. The new series stands on its own, even with the same overall story - a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost live together as roommates. After that, is anyone's guess. According to those involved in the series, plots may change and even if situations are the same, characters may react in different ways. The second season may not resemble that of the original series at all. Regardless, the series so far is brilliant. After watching the pilot tonight you will be thirsting for more.Meet Aidan (Sam Witwer; Battlestar Galactica; Smallville), a tortured vampire who wants to control his addiction. He doesn't always succeed, and his "mentor" Bishop isn't helping things, always trying to pull him back into his seedy underworld. Aidan, however, would rather walk his own path, even if it is not easy.
Josh (Sam Huntington; Supernan Returns; Fanboys) is not a typical werewolf. He's shy and also nervous around the ladies. Not the alpha male that Hollywood has made us use to. Though that doesn't mean we don't get to enjoy him running through the woods naked.
Sally (Meaghan Rath; Prom Wars, 18 to Life) is the free-spirit. Even though she's been living a lonely existence for six months, considering no one but Aidan and Josh can see or talk to her, she often is the most cheerful of the bunch, even as she struggles with not being able to leave the house.
The three live together, trying to have some normalcy, and at the same time retain their humanity.
"Being Human" Holds its Own
Syfy has carried reimagined series before, take Battlestar Galactica for example. However, Syfy's newest series, Being Human, is different in that the original series is currently still on television in its third season on the BBC. Many people have been hesitant on whether or not to tune in to Syfy's version, especially fans of the original. After watching the first three episodes and talking to some of those involved in the show, however, I think everyone should give it a shot. Syfy's version can definitely hold its own.It's true that the general story line is the same - a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost become roommates, and because of the success of franchises like Twilight and True Blood, that may be enough to pull a certain demographic in. Some of the rules and myths of supernatural creatures are of course the same, but it is almost unavoidable that there would be an overlap with all of the other shows out there. However, this show is nothing like the other current popular shows with similar themes.
All three characters long for normality and consider themselved cursed. As you would expect, Aidan, the vampire (Sam Witwer; Battlestar Galactica, Smallville), tries (and at times fails) not to kill humans, as does Josh (Superman Returns, Fanboys), the werewolf played by Sam Huntington, who turns once a month. Meanwhile Sally, the ghost (Meaghan Rath; Prom Wars, 18 to Life) who haunts the friends' new apartment, learns what it means to be ethereal and struggles to live without being able to interact with others, or even to leave the apartment.
Having only seen a couple episodes of the original, I cannot say how similar certain storylines are, but from what I have seen, regardless, they are very enjoyable, even if some were familiar. The producers and actors of the show have stated in various interviews that even if certain situations are the same, they may be handled completely different on the new series. And it's great that Syfy also gets thirteen episodes compared to BBC's six to develop the story during the first season.
I found the stories compelling and the characters believable in their struggles. The scripts were well written and I was really surprised when each episode was over because it moved so quickly and was quite eager to start the next.
Review: The Walking Dead 1x03, "Tell it to the Frogs"
By Karen Moul
As The Walking Dead approached the halfway point of the season, the writers took a step back and gave us some character development and group dynamics. Episodes like this are needed to sustain the major themes through the rest of this season and into next. While it seemed as if not a lot happened, we had a huge advance in the Rick-Lori-Shane storyline. Add in some compelling action among the supporting cast and overall this was another excellent episode.
The Grimes family reunion was handled beautifully. I actually had a knot in my stomach waiting for Shane and Lori to see Rick. I can't remember the last time a TV show made me feel that much tension and anticipation, probably not since Lost. Sarah Wayne Callies was excellent in this scene, in just a few moments you could see the disorientation on Lori's face, then the recognition, and perhaps a split second of joy before her expression turned to horror. Andrew Lincoln's reactions as Rick saw his son were also moving. Nice work all around.
As The Walking Dead approached the halfway point of the season, the writers took a step back and gave us some character development and group dynamics. Episodes like this are needed to sustain the major themes through the rest of this season and into next. While it seemed as if not a lot happened, we had a huge advance in the Rick-Lori-Shane storyline. Add in some compelling action among the supporting cast and overall this was another excellent episode. The Grimes family reunion was handled beautifully. I actually had a knot in my stomach waiting for Shane and Lori to see Rick. I can't remember the last time a TV show made me feel that much tension and anticipation, probably not since Lost. Sarah Wayne Callies was excellent in this scene, in just a few moments you could see the disorientation on Lori's face, then the recognition, and perhaps a split second of joy before her expression turned to horror. Andrew Lincoln's reactions as Rick saw his son were also moving. Nice work all around.
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Welcome! This is a place for those inspired by the strange, fantastic, and unknown. It is dedicated to those who share their talents with us and shine, whether it be on our televisions or on the silver screen. Here you will find interviews with celebrities, reviews from multiple genres, and other pop culture news and multimedia. While we originally started with a love for science fiction and fantasy, this site is no longer just for any one genre.Something you want to see featured here? Have your own site you'd like to see here? Don't hesitate to let us know!