The Entertainment Guru

Fall TV is back!

2007-09-25T12:25:00.001-05:00

It's baaaaaack.

Last night was the first full night of NEW television in quite some time, and to this point it hasn't disappointed. Unfortunately, due to my schedule I have to catch shows a day or two after through Tivo or ::GASP:: VCR....but I managed to get in Heroes and Prison Break (second episode) this morning, and both were good TV.

Heroes was a minor letdown in it's finale last May, but I felt like this premiere took the show in another good direction, with better potential than it's breakout first season. I was glad to see David Anders on TV again (he was in Alias), though I'm probably not as big of a fan as some of those who have followed his career for much longer.

The episode mixed a lot of little humorous moments, but mainly spent it's time getting us adjusted to the new situations our heroes are in.....I particularly enjoy the fact that NBC now has two shows that have a focus on the paper industry (I thought the fact HRG was in a copy shop was a little more akin to The Office and Dunder Mifflin, even though he was sort of at a paper factory last season.

I'm interested to see where the Honduras fugitives fit into the story. My Tivo was so dark, I couldn't really see what the girl managed to do to all those guys she killed....I'm assuming we'll discover her power later, unless I just didn't see it the first time.

Moving on, Prison Break's second episode continued to keep me entertained. I'm curious about Whistler, and I'm excited to see what Michael cooks up this time. His tactics to get the water flowing in the yard showed shades of Season 1 material, which is a VERY good thing. I hope they can keep this story up for the whole season, because it could turn out to be better than anyone expected it to be. I still really miss having Sarah around as a main character. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she'll actually show up in person at some point. I can have a little hope, can't I?

If I get some time, I'll get some official recaps written, but I can't guarantee that. There's so much TV and so little time to write about it, I might stick to little blurbs here and there.

TV Addict Sums up the Upcoming Fall TV Season

2007-09-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

The TV Addict has a great guide for all the upcoming TV shows this season. Check it out if you have any interest.

They have great reviews, a great site, and I highly recommend you give it a look for all your Fall TV needs and questions.

Via the TV Addict

Jurassic Park IV

2007-08-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

You know, I thought the rumor of Jurassic Park 4 being based on the idea that dinosaurs would be trained to carry weapons and kill was a silly joke, but apparently it's going to be made....for now.

I'm not sure how they plan on making it believable, or even watchable after the embarrassment of Jurassic Park 3.

How can the people behind it possibly see it as profitable?!

Via Movies.com

Weekend Outlook

2007-08-10T16:13:00.000-05:00

The summer is winding down, and this weekend the main new release movie that is garnering attention is Rush Hour 3.

I've been a fan of the last two outings, Rush Hour 2 in particular because it greatly improved on the original and was very funny...I'm curious to see how the box-office reacts to this third installment. Typically, franchises have gotten huge on the third installments, but the quality of the movie suffered compared to previous tries. (I'm thinking Spiderman 3, Pirates 3, Shrek 3...)

I'm going to keep the bar set low and hope for the best, which is all I can do at this point. I've been riding a pretty good streak to this point, and most movies have been great for the past couple of months. Perhaps Rush Hour 3 will continue that trend.....

We'll see after this weekend.

Lack of Updates

2007-08-09T14:03:00.001-05:00

I apologize if anyone attends this site on a regular basis. It's pretty much a lull right now until fall TV returns, so expect sporadic updates at best....

Look for my posts to return in full-force around a month from now...

Iron Man Comic-Con footage is up!

2007-07-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

You should be as excited as I am right now....the exclusive Comic-Con footage is up on YouTube.

Not sure for how long...we'll see. It's got me even more excited for the next big superhero flick.

Check it out...

REMOVED!

The Dark Knight Teaser

2007-07-28T09:21:00.001-05:00

So the teaser trailer for The Dark Knight popped up online yesterday, though it wasn't at Comic-Con....

There's no footage, which is disappointing, but the reveal of Heath Ledger's Joker-voice was pretty darn good if you ask me....

Check it out for yourself....

Via The Movie Blog

The Joker is finally revealed!

2007-07-27T15:45:00.001-05:00

Today has been a big day for The Dark Knight....

Here's a new photo that reveals the Joker....along with Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes....

Via CanMag

New Ironman Image!

2007-07-26T11:37:00.001-05:00

When I saw the image below, all doubt I had about how cool Ironman would look in the movie was gone.

Seriously, is this not one of the coolest superhero poses you've ever seen? And man, that red and gold really looks good. You go Ironman!

Comic-Con 2007

2007-07-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

I found this great article up at Hollywood Reporter that I just had to share.

I just recently (as in the last couple of years) have started hearing about the Comic-Con convention in San Diego, but I've decided that next year I'd like to go....Maybe a yearly thing.

Anyway, this article talks about how the convention has suddenly become the next big thing for Hollywood (movies, TV, DVD...Entertainment in general).

I think I'd be out of my mind....like a kid in a candy store....seriously.

Go check this out....Any comments from previous attendees are welcome....I'd really like to know more about it....Seriously, I'm marking my calendar for next year right now....

Via The Hollywood Reporter

Deathly Hallows Sells 8.3 million in first 24 hours....

2007-07-24T10:09:00.001-05:00

I know this is delayed, but still, I think it is worth noting just how well Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is doing in its initial release.

I've already finished the book once, and I plan to read through it once more in the next couple of weeks.

It's really hard to believe that it's the last book of the series, but I think it's clear that J.K. Rowling is going out while she's at the top of her game, and that's the way everybody wants to go out, right?

But still, you have to wonder how long it will stand before she's tempted to come back to the characters one more (or multiple) times......

I don't know the next time we'll see a book release be as huge as all of the summer movie blockbusters out there....I just don't see it happening anytime soon.....

Stat via CanMag

New photo of Supergirl.

2007-07-20T15:35:00.001-05:00

I just might have to consider starting to watch Smallville again.

Check out the newest photo of Supergirl over at TV Addict...

Pick the next Transformer to appear in the sequel!

2007-07-20T15:16:00.001-05:00

Looking for a chance to help decide what Transformer should make it into the next movie?

USA Today is holding a poll to help determine which one the fans want to see most....Honestly, I've never heard of some of them, but I'd really like to see Soundwave show up. I've already read that he was planned for future sequels. He definitely stands out as one of the ones I remember most from my childhood.

Anyway, go vote!

Via USA Today

New Iron Man Pic! AWESOME!

2007-07-20T15:10:00.001-05:00

Has anyone else seen this new picture?!

Looks pretty sweet to me! Now, we just need to see Ironman in motion.....

Via The Movie Blog

What's wrong with this person?!

2007-07-19T17:06:00.001-05:00

Seriously, just came across this USA Today article, where they speak briefly about and to the person who's responsible for putting pictures of every single page of the latest Harry Potter book onto the Internet.

(NOTE: To avoid potential spoilers, I just read the first couple of paragraphs. I suggest any people who venture to this article do the same)

What he's essentially doing, which he says was "for fun" is one of the cruelest actions a person could do. What kind of person gets a kick out of ruining and spoiling potential surprises for one of the biggest events/book releases of the century?

Honestly, it makes me angry that someone would have fun doing that. He goes on to say he did it because he "doesn't play sports, doesn't have a girlfriend, and doesn't have a job". How about you get off your butt and do something better than be cruel to millions of Harry Potter fans.

Millions of people, just like me, surely are avoiding spoilers like this guy....but there's always someone out there looking to play spoiler......It'll be nice not to have to worry after this weekend.

Via USA Today

It's No Surprise...

2007-07-18T14:29:00.001-05:00

You know, I was really looking forward to Fred Claus last year when the first teaser ran. It was funny, in a non-slapstick kind of way, and it also mentioned it was directed by Wedding Crashers helmer David Dobkin.

That said, I was actually expecting an R-rated, or pushy PG-13 kind of movie, not another attempt at PG "kid and family friendly" stuff....It looks totally dumbed down to make sure they can market it to little kids and try to grab the older audience with Vince Vaughn.

This latest screening report seems to hint that my suspicions are correct....Fred Claus won't be any good....

Hopefully they're wrong, but I'm getting the vibe that this one will be a "PASS".

Via CanMag

Endless Movie Series that need to stop....

2007-07-18T13:09:00.001-05:00

The fact that a Saw 5 and Saw 6, those horror movies that are always out at Halloween now, are already in the pipe really concerns me.

How can the series of Saw movies continue when the bad guy has been revealed? It sure seems like it might get a little tedious to me. Going to movies just to watch newer and gorier methods of a crazed maniac to torture and kill victims. I've never been a fan of the horror genre, except a few minor exceptions (like Scream for instance).....

I guess as long as the sequels continue to do big business, they'll keep rolling the crap out. I just wish that money wasn't the only reason to continue rolling them out.

Take an example from Shrek, and go out with a set number of films....Then, shelve it, and let someone else reinvent it 20 years later......Of course, I guess Shrek won't be done with its run till sometime between 2010 and 2015.....

Via /Film

Stupid Movie Sequels 101

2007-07-17T14:16:00.001-05:00

I find the release of this information quite disturbing.

Have major motion picture studios learned nothing from previous releases such as Son of the Mask or Dumb and Dumberer?

Seriously, Ace Ventura 3, without Jim Carrey has "box-office bomb" written all over it. I can only imagine millions of other Jim Carrey fans as myself sighing after reading that crap like this is going to be forced into a sequel.

It's clearly all about the money the studio thinks it will make, but I'd like to know what genius thought up the idea of a sequel to Ace Ventura starring a kid instead of Jim Carrey....

Seriously?!

Via Coming Soon

The Dark Knight Tease on the horizon?

2007-07-14T19:43:00.001-05:00

There are rumblings of a teaser upcoming for The Dark Knight, the follow-up to Batman Begins, to run alongside FOX's Simpsons Movie.....

Honestly, it doesn't make much sense it would premiere in front of a FOX movie, when they could have easily released it with WB and Harry Potter, which is going absolutely crazy at the box-office.....

I'm not disappointed or anything, but it just doesn't make sense.....I know I won't see The Simpsons Movie....I'll just stick around and wait for the trailer online......I'm thinking The Dark Knight will be huge!

Via /Film

Iron Man Poster!

2007-07-10T13:29:00.001-05:00

Just found this movie poster over at The Movie Blog….

Ironman is one of the big films next summer that a lot of people are probably excited for, but may not know much about this story, or possibly didn’t even know who Iron Man was.

I just remember Iron Man vaguely from TV, and also he’s popped up in some Ultimate Avengers DVDs that I’ve seen just recently. I just remember loving the colors of his suit, and the suit in general. It’s going to be cool to see it on screen.The poster below gives a nice tease of the suit, and perfectly sets the tone for the film….I can’t wait!

Via The Movie Blog

Get Smart teaser trailer!

2007-07-10T08:50:00.001-05:00

There’s a new teaser trailer for Get Smart out today, and I have to say it looks pretty funny. Way better than I would have imagined.

That said, I’ll keep my hopes low, and plan to be surprised, but I can help but be a little more excited for this film. Hard to believe it’s still like a year away.

Via /Film

In the Director's Seat...Michael Bay

2007-07-09T14:33:00.001-05:00

FirstShowing.net has a look at Michael Bay’s career.

It’s essentially a short summary of all the movies he’s done to this point, without a whole lot of detail, but plenty to make you realize where he’s come from.

If you’re a fan of any of his films, I recommend you check it out.

Via FirstShowing.net

Optimus Prime reactions....

2007-07-08T22:57:00.000-05:00

You know, as I go over some posts from a few months back on my other blog, when they first starting releasing the flurry of Transformers pictures, I remember thinking that Optimus Prime would look weird with lips. They had that horrible looking “test shot”, and the “not-Peter Cullen” voice going on.

Having seen the film a couple of times, I have to say it really ended up working really well with the facial features on the robots. It was done in an incredibly realistic way, and not once did I think to myself it would have looked better with Optimus’ face shield up instead. It’s so lifelike and well-done by the animators at ILM, that I’m actually glad they did it the way they did.

It’s going to be interesting to see how, and if, they tweak it in the inevitable sequel….

Transformers Lights Up the Holiday Box-Office!

2007-07-08T14:41:00.001-05:00

I'm glad to see the returns for Transformers are turning out very well....near expectations for many of the predictions.

The one thing I'd like to have seen is what it would have pulled down if it had released on a Friday instead of a Tuesday (and even Monday night!).

For the 3-day weekend, Transformers racked up an estimated $67.6 million....Honestly, I would have liked to have seen it crack $70 million, but add that total to the $85 million or so it made up until Friday, and you've got some good numbers.

Also, the ratings are holding up surprisingly well. It still has a solid A- on the Yahoo! ratings, which is not a common feat. The last time I remember a movie pulling that off was X2: X-Men United....I'm sure there have been others, but off the top of my head I can't think of any blockbusters that scored that high.

Via Coming Soon!

Upcoming Release: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2007-07-07T14:41:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe, but the release of the latest entry into the Harry Potter franchise is right around the corner. In a mere 4 days I'll be headed out to my local theatre for a midnight screening of the flick, and I haven't been more excited for a Harry Potter movie.

I'm slightly concerned that reviews are rolling in saying the franchise may be showing signs of losing steam. Frankly, I'm not sure where these guys get it. The Potter films are still some of the top-grossing films of all-time, and I think they've all steadily improved overall (though I still like Azkaban slightly better than Goblet).

The previews/trailers I've seen to this point have left me wanting more, and the effects look really top-notch....So either these reviews are misleading and not the work of true Potter fans, or somewhere David Yates went wrong, and all the good stuff is in the trailers...and nothing more....Honestly, I'd stick with the former.

I'm looking forward to enjoying this one....over and over.....

Interview with Nicholas Hooper

2007-07-07T14:34:00.001-05:00

I know many people probably don't know who Nicholas Hooper is....Honestly, I hadn't ever heard of him before he was tapped to do the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix score, but by the sounds of what I've heard so far, I think he's going to be great.

Anyway, Leaky News has a link up to an audio interview with him....I'm going to consider giving it a listen, but I'm honestly more excited for the release of the actual score this week. Has it sunk in yet that another Harry Potter film comes out this Wednesday?! Not for me....yet...

Via Leaky News

Unnecessary Sequels...

2007-07-07T14:19:00.001-05:00

You know, I just read something the other night that bothered me....

Usually I'm a huge fan of sequels, as long as they aren't stupid, useless, or for a movie that would not or does not need another addition (Like Titanic, or Big....for example...Sequels just wouldn't work).

I read an article that seemed highly unlikely, so this may be a rumor at best. Dennis Hopper mentioned the possibility of a Speed sequel...yes....Speed 3.

Honestly, where do you even begin with that. Hopper's character was decapitated in the first one, and a prequel would just be impossible considering how much he's aged. So I ask, if reception was so bad for the first sequel (which isn't great),, why even bother...The original Speed was a great movie...seriously, a great action film......Why tarnish it's name with a third film, which, and many people may agree, is totally unnecessary and also not very exciting?