Based on three novels by Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford follows the lives of villagers in a remote Midlands market town as the modern age encroaches on it. The story is follows the lives of the early-Victorian backwater from June 1842 through May 1843, beginning with the nearly simultaneous arrivals of Mary Smith, whose mother was from Cranford, and Dr. Frank Harrison, a doctor fresh out of medical school who is joining his cousin's practice. Cranford is populated with a remarkable number of aging spinsters and widows. "All the householders above a certain rent are women." Men take a backseat to the influence the women wield through their control of the village's social life. Cranford is absolutely charming. The comedy of manners is now on DVD. Cranford Miniseries DVD Full Review >>
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Shiny Surprises for Kids
In Zakland: The Shiny Surprise, children's entertainer Zak Morgan takes kids and families on a kaleidoscopic adventure into his world of magic, music, song, and puppets. His clear and concise lyrics are filled with humor as they guide children to dealing with emotional issues, including jealousy over the attention a parent gives another sibling. Each chapter of the DVD is filled with catchy music with meaningful lyrics. This is one DVD that will be played over and over to the delight of young and old. Great for rainy day inspiration, as well as dealing with negative emotions. Zakland: The Shiny Surprise DVD Review >>
Family Comedy
TBS's family comedy returns for its second season Thursday, June 12, 9:00pm e/p. Engvall is best known for his comedy acts, particularly Blue Collar Comedy Tour and the former WB TV series, Blue Collar Comedy. He adjusts his routine for the sit-com, which is one of the rare truly family sit-coms on broadcast or cable network television. It is warm-hearted, always humorous, and sometimes hilarious. It is also a show that most parents will feel comfortable watching with their kids.
The Bill Engvall Complete Season One DVD was released May 20. Those who enjoy his stand-up comedy will find it's still thriving on the DVD bonus feature, "Ask Bill," a series of answers to fan mail.
For Father's Day, Bill provides insight into what it means to be a father and shares his favorite Father's Day gifts for great ideas for your own dad! Bill Engvall's Fatherly Advice >>
Classic Fun
Million Dollar Password premieres Sunday, June 1, 8:00-9:00pm e/p on CBS. Regis Philban will host it as contestants and their celebrity partners compete for a $1,000,000 jackpot. The first celebrities are Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") and Rachael Ray ("The Rachael Ray Show"). Among the other entertainers participating is Betty White, who was a regular on the original Password series. She eventually married host Alan Ludden.
Hiding In Plain Sight
USA Network's newest crime drama, In Plain Sight, premieres Sunday, June 1, 10:00pm e/p. Mary McCormack stars as U.S. Marshal Mary Shannon, whose job it is to hide and protect witnesses so they can testify at the trial of the perpetrators of heinous crimes. In Plain Sight is an intriguing, unique crime drama with a touch of humor and a twist in each of the three episodes previewed. No stories are the same. Surprising secrets are revealed in each episode. in Plain Sight Full Review >>
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friendship and Honor
The Fourth Season Finale was way over the top, but still pretty good. The creative team concluded this year's theme of friendship in a bizarre way. They had already sent Edie Britt packing because she had been told by the ladies that she knew nothing about real friendship and they no longer wanted anything to do with her. Katherine Mayfair's mystery resolved. Her daughter, Dylan, died in a tragic home accident that she and her now deceased aunt conspired to conceal. They buried the five-year-old in the woods. Then, Katherine moved, went to Romania and adopted an orphan that looked like her deceased daughter. The Dylan we saw all year was not the same Dylan who was living on Wisteria Lane 14 years ago. In the end, Katherine killed her abusive ex-husband and was released because the murder was self-defense. This was one of the most unrealistic moments of all. Of course, in real life, it would gone through the courts, even if the charges were dismissed before going to trial. Nevertheless, the problem was resolved in a soap-operaish way. Wayne Davis, Katherine's ex-husband did kill Gabrielle and Carlos's drug-dealing roomer. But not before Gabrielle had found the drug money and lied to Ellie that the police had confiscated it when they raided the house. Thus, the Solis's financial problems are solved. Lynette was accused of child abuse, then arrested and thrown into jail. Tom had trouble facing the reality of the situation, but finally, after Lynette's chastisement, did what had to do. He tricked his tricky daughter into confessing what she had done. Kayla was sent packing to live with her grandparents 4 1/2 hours away from the Scavos family. Marc Cherry resolved one of the problems of the large family he wished he hadn't made so big. Mike and Susan battled over a name for their son. Finally, Mike settled it by insisting the infant be named Maynard for his honorable grandfather, who had started the first integrated school in Tennessee and helped Mike and his mother when Mike's father was sent to prison. Julie is heading to college, with a special internship in the summer. This causes Susan much angst and she lies in a feeble attempt to keep her daughter for three more months. After Katherine's confession that she had lied to Dylan all of her life, she fesses up and let's her daughter go. But not before Julie tells her that she, herself, is ready to spread her wings and fly. Julie tells Susan she's no longer needed there. Bree and Orson had not yet reconciled, in spite of Orson's persistant stalking. She won't until he goes to the police about what he did to Mike. He says he can't. The season finale was also filled with moments about honor. Orson publicly defends the honor of Bree when a spurned suitor who happens to be a respected minister decides to sermonize about the "temptress." Julie was honored for her intelligence when she was accepted at the school of her choice and invited to come early for a summer internship. Adam Mayfair honored his estranged wife by coming to her rescue and saving her and Bree muderous Wayne. Tom honored his wife by sending his deeply disturbed daughter to live with her grandparents. We also saw that some friendships are based on convenience. Ellie sold drugs out of Gabrielle and Carlos's house, feigned love for them, then threatened to throw acid on Gabrielle's face when she realized Gaby had found the drug money and was lying to her about it. Gaby, of course, showed her real concern was for herself and her husband by keeping the money, a kind of theft (although a lawyer might tell you that possession is 9/10 of the law and therefore, it might rightfully be considered Gabrielle's.) What are their fates? Marc Cherry had promised a twist that would change the show. That was a flash forward, a story telling device that proved successful for ABC's other cult favorite, Lost. Mary Alice zooms to the year 2013. We see the ladies playing cards. Bree's there, Lynette with her hair back, Susan, a plumper looking Gabrielle, and Katherine. The twist wasn't as dramatic as rumors had it. Marc Cherry had told reporters that he thought it might be fun to see how things out for this eclectic group in five years. The twist was really letting fans know that Dana Delaney has joined the cast on a permanent basis. She had rejected the part of Bree Van de Kamp when Marc Cherry was first casting the show. Now, we have two Brees... Tom and LYnette are still together, having trouble with preteen sons. Gabrielle is having trouble with two young daughters who love to play dress-up just like mommy. No Carlos (doesn't mean he's gone, just not in that scene, anyway.) Bree is about to get a book published and seems to be the new Marth Stewart. Orson and she are still married, and Andrew seems to be her agent or assistant. Katherine is alone in a bedroom, talking to Dylan, who is in Paris and called to tell her that her boyfriend proposed. Susan, though, was a shocker. She has a new husband and they kiss like a cover of a romance novel. It was symbolized the creative team's understanding of women's fantasies. Edie was not in the picture. Rumors had circulated since the first year that Edie may be written out of the story. Friendship, real friendship, and honor won in a strange and strangely satisfying conclusion to Desperate Housewives' fourth season.
Desperate Housewives. A friend of mine loves watching it because it was so unrealistic. I loved watching it because it was so realistic. The first season, that is. Now I watch it because it still is one of the best satires of soap operas and the upper middle class. You have to remember that when you're watching the show. It's basically a soap opera and ocassionally uses soap opera methods for resolving plots that are going no where or to rid a show of a character who has outlived their usefulness, or to allow an actor to move on to another project.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Finale Watch List
In Part 1 of the three-hour finale, the plane crash survivors' troubled mystic John Locke will try to carry out the island spirit Jacob's directive to move the huge island... The second part will set-up the plot for the fifth season, revealing some of who are still alive on the island and more about the Oceanic Six, who have successfully escaped the island's magnetic pull - or have they? We'll also learn whose funeral was held in last year's season finale. House - Season Finale, Pt. 2 - Wilson's Heart (May 19, 9:00pm e/p) - FOX In Part 2 of the season finale, Wilson's Heart, House's relationship with Wilson is threatened and may change their lives forever as more from the previous night are revealed from House's peculiar subconscious mind. If the conclusion of the two-parter is anything like the first part, it will be a radical television moment. Other season finales to watch: Friday, May 16 Sunday, May 18 Monday, May 19 Tuesday, May 20 Wednesday, May 21 Thursday, May 22
Lost - No Place Like Home, Pt. 1 (May 15, 10:02-11:00pm e/p) and No Place Like Home, Pt. 2 (May 29, 9:00-11:00pm e/p) - ABC
Viewers' reactions to this show range from an abnormal passion to sheer frustration. Whatever your opinion of Lost, the creative team continues its efforts to redefine television storytelling as it incorporates psuedo science and science fiction into the drama about human nature. This has resulted in a rollercoaster ride for the characters and fans that Damon Lindelof and Carleton Cuse are trying to alleviate.
In Part 1, which aired earlier this week, the ascerbic Dr. House was a passenger on a bus that had an awful crash. The doctor cannot remember what happened, but he does know there's something he must recall - and time is running out! As he faces his own potentially life-threatening injuries, his team puts him under hypnosis as they hope to pull forward the memories of the crash. A mysterious woman in his subconscious teases and taunts him to remember, until he realizes Amber was on the bus and is dying. No one knew because she was admitted as Jane Doe No. 2.
Thursday, May 15
My Name is Earl - 8:00-9:00pm e/p - NBC (renewed)
The Office - 9:00-10:01pm e/p - NBC (renewed)
ER - 10:01-11:00pm e/p - NBC (renewed)
Ghost Whisperer - 8:00pm e/p (renewed)
Desperate Housewives - 9:00-11:00pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
Dancing with the Stars Performance Finale - 8:00-9:30pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
House Season Finale, Pt. 2 - 9:00-10:00pm e/p - FOX (renewed)
American Idol Season Finale, Pt. 1 (Performances) 8:00-9:02pm e/p - FOX (renewed)
Dancing with the Stars Results / Season Finale - 8:00-9:00pm e/p - ABC
American Idol Season Finale, Pt. 2 (results) - 8:00-10:00pm e/p - FOX
Ugly Betty - 8:00-9:00pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
Grey's Anatomy - 9:00-11:00pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian
Adventure/Fantasy/Family/Sequel C.S. Lewis' books are a spiritual journey for its readers. The author, however, was not a theologian, nor was he particularly religious in his early years. He was a classics scholar and close friend of J.R. Tolkien, who wrote The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Both influenced the book series and Lewis' personal philosophy. The latest installment in Disney's film franchise promises to be action-packed with stunning cinematography, but does have a fair amount of violence. It is, however, one of the few family films that has a positive message for all ages, without a condescending tone. Even if you aren't looking for a film to enlighten you, the story in and of itself is compelling enough to spend a couple of hours at the theater.
In Theaters: May 16, 2008
Walt Disney Pictures
Rated: PG
One year after their heroic adventures in Narnia, Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan Pevensie return to the parallel world. They are surprised to learn they have been transported 1300 years into the future. Their mission is to restore Prince Caspian to the throne.
Speed Racer
Speed Racer Speed Racer Synopsis, Cast, Characters and Fast Cars, Daring Tracks, Combative Races.
In Theaters: May 9, 2008
Action/Kids/Family
Warner Bros. Pictures / Village Roadshow Pictures
Rated: PG for sequences of action, some violence and language. (Parents cautioned.)
This live-action adaptation of the classic anime series was overshadowed by Iron Man. While I'm not knocking the blockbuster, it's a shame that more families didn't go to Speed Racer's opening. The Wachowski Brothers remembered that the cartoons were written for kids, keeping the movie's parental guideline rating to a mere PG, making it suitable for all but the youngest children. It is another film with a positive message as Speed, his stylish girlfriend, Trixie, and his family fulfill their drive to win, as they defeat corruption and bad guys. Besides, the visual and special effects are stunning.
Broadcast Network Upfronts
'Tis the season...for 2008-2009 programming announcements by ABC, CBS, CW and FOX. This year, there were no shocking cancelations, no schedules for a new network, and, really, nothing terribly notable. Anything that would set fans on their ears was leaked in advance, preparing them for bad news. The CW did announce it would lease its Sunday evening programming block, but they already announced doing the same with their Saturday morning cartoons. That means more to advertisers and production companies than to the average viewer, except, as the network noted, the Sunday programming block will now have more original programming than the previous two years. The change is really a sign that things are not going all that well at the fledgling network. That's too bad for some of it programs. Smallville continues to be one of the most underated dramas on television. Life is Wild was not all that bad, either. We do wish CW more success in the coming year. The most notable announcements were made in April when NBC courted potential advertisers a good six weeks early. Although NBC is barely ahead of The CW in ratings, it pitched its upcoming year with an emphasis on mobile and Internet content in a way that sounded unusually exciting. The rundown for each network:
* ABC
* CBS
* CW
* FOX
* NBC
* Broadcast Network Fall Programming Grid
Bob the Builder - The Three Muksetrucks
Bob the Builder continues to be an inspiring children's series, especially for preschool boys. The release of The Three Musketrucks showcases Dodger the Milk Truck, Packer the Delivery Truck, and Scrambler the four-wheeler's adventures. Oh! Bob has a different voice in this collection. In the title episode, Dodger, Packer, and Scrambler call themselves the Three Musketrucks when Bob and Wendy send them off together for a pick-up and delivery. They get into all kinds of trouble, of course. In the end, they get the job done and have learned important life lessons along the way. Other episodes center on building a creamery, a weaving studio, and a general store. The DVD also contains episodes of Fireman Sam and the always charming Fifi and the Flowertots. These supplement Bob the Builder themes with lessons on outdoor play, cooperation and playing nicely. Fireman Sam also shows by example the necessity of doing as adults say and following safety rules. The Three Musketrucks DVD Review >> Other recent Bob the Bilder DVD releases are Building Bobland Bay and the excellent Bob Onsite: Building Roads and Bridges, which features real-life segments of construction projects. The Hit Favorites: Summertime Fun DVD centers on seasonal activities and outdoor play. Bob the Builder: Dizzy goes Camping is included. There is also an excellent Barney episode, titled The Wind and the Sun, as well as episodes of Thomas and Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam, and Fifi and the Flowertots.
Qubo Health and Nutrition Initiatives
As the Summer Olympics near, qubo has teamed with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Ad Council to produce PSAs starring Shawn Johnson, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh, and Sanya Richards. The PSAs are a part of HHS' Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future, and the Ad Council's Coalition for Healthy Children. The focus of the ads is to stay healthy and fit, even if you are not an Olympic athlete. The TV spots debuted April 15 to coincide with the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Media Summit in Chicago. qubo is the children's entertainment service featured Saturday mornings on NBC. qubo is also seen on Telemundo Saturday and Sunday mornings and weekdays on ION.
Sinatra
One thing you can say about Frank Sinatra is that he was determined to succeed in the music industry, and he pretty much did it his way, as reflected by his mid-life hit single, "My Way." Warner Home Video has released the Award-winning bio-pic, Sinatra, which was made while he was still living. Sinatra's daughter, Tina, executive produced the made-for-TV-movie. Contradiction and controversy followed him throughout his life. More than sixty years after he started his Big Band career, Sinatra remains an international icon, transcending genres. He still influences the industry in music, motion pictures, or lifestyle. The acting captures the essence of the characters and the eras in which they lived, including superior performances from Olympia Dukakis as Sinatra's brash mother and Marcia Gay Harden as the sultry Ava Gardner, both of whom have since won Academy Awards. The teleplay and music of Sinatra are as timeless as its subject.