[[tmz:video id="0_tzade73h"]] Michael Sam went straight "Over the Top" in a Dallas bar -- arm wrestling a dude who called him a "p*ssy" ... and TMZ Sports has the video. Here's the deal ... Sam (the 1st openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team) was hanging out at Bottled Blonde when he started chatting it up with Miami designer Jared Lang. Lang playfully challenged Sam to a test of arm strength -- and Sam obliged.
- 12/11/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Jennifer Thelen woke up to her 7-year-old daughter, Aubree, shrieking on Monday morning. “She came running in my bedroom and I was like, ‘What in the world is going on?’ ” Thelen tells People.
Aubree was panicking after she discovered the family dog, Zoey, had attacked Sam, her Elf on the Shelf.
“We had a wreath on the inside of our front door, it was fairly high and Zoey hadn’t messed with it, so I tucked Sam on the top portion of the wreath and went to bed,” Thelen, of Oviedo, Florida, says. “But sometime in the middle of the...
Aubree was panicking after she discovered the family dog, Zoey, had attacked Sam, her Elf on the Shelf.
“We had a wreath on the inside of our front door, it was fairly high and Zoey hadn’t messed with it, so I tucked Sam on the top portion of the wreath and went to bed,” Thelen, of Oviedo, Florida, says. “But sometime in the middle of the...
- 12/8/2017
- by Michelle Boudin
- PEOPLE.com
In a very welcome development for connoisseurs of film graphics, Mubi has partnered with the prodigiously creative talents at Mondo to launch a new series of limited-edition posters for films we love. The “New Art for Timeless Cinema” series kicks off with Olivier Assayas’s modern classic Irma Vep (now playing on Mubi in the United States, and coming soon to the platform around the world). To get your hands on this beautiful screen-printed 18" x 24" poster, designed by artist Sam Smith (no stranger to this column), simply invite your friends to join Mubi. When five of them start a free trial, the poster is yours! You can find out more at mubi.com/referrals. I asked Sam to share his thoughts on his design process as well as some of his alternative designsI jumped at the chance to design something for this movie, which exists in an elite category as one of the most meta,...
- 12/1/2017
- MUBI
Before it's time for us to serve up some turkey Stateside, here are my thoughts on two recent indie genre films I’ve had the pleasure of checking out: Megan Freels Johnston’s horror comedy The Ice Cream Truck and Jamie Dagg’s crime thriller Sweet Virginia, featuring Jon Bernthal.
The Ice Cream Truck: Akin to an early Tim Burton-esque take on the horrors of suburbia and adulthood, Johnston’s The Ice Cream Truck is a slightly absurd yet wholly relatable exploration of the anxieties of modern women, particularly those who don’t necessarily fit in with the typical “Bake Sale Moms” out there who always seem to have “it” together, living out their existences happily defined by their roles within their respective households.
In The Ice Cream Truck, we are introduced to Mary (Deanna Russo) who is anything but confident in the woman she has become over the years.
The Ice Cream Truck: Akin to an early Tim Burton-esque take on the horrors of suburbia and adulthood, Johnston’s The Ice Cream Truck is a slightly absurd yet wholly relatable exploration of the anxieties of modern women, particularly those who don’t necessarily fit in with the typical “Bake Sale Moms” out there who always seem to have “it” together, living out their existences happily defined by their roles within their respective households.
In The Ice Cream Truck, we are introduced to Mary (Deanna Russo) who is anything but confident in the woman she has become over the years.
- 11/22/2017
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Delia Harrington Nov 21, 2017
A familiar face returns and a new villain is born in the latest episode of Supergirl. Spoilers ahead in our review...
This review contains spoilers.
See related Neill Blomkamp interview: sci-fi shorts and Oats Studios Neill Blomkamp's Oats Studios releases second teaser trailer
3.7 Supergirl
Wake Up is the definition of "your mileage may vary." If you love Mon-El, this was a triumphant yet heartbreaking return. If you've stayed spoiler-free, Sam's transformation into a ruiner of worlds is a dark twist. But there's also a large portion of Supergirl fans for whom neither of those things are true, and for those folks this episode was middle of the road, with a little Martian whimsy thrown in.
Wake Up puts a very fine point on Kara's continued struggle to reconcile the human and Kryptonian sides of her heart, though once again it is unclear when Kryptonians were ever established as heartless or unemotional.
A familiar face returns and a new villain is born in the latest episode of Supergirl. Spoilers ahead in our review...
This review contains spoilers.
See related Neill Blomkamp interview: sci-fi shorts and Oats Studios Neill Blomkamp's Oats Studios releases second teaser trailer
3.7 Supergirl
Wake Up is the definition of "your mileage may vary." If you love Mon-El, this was a triumphant yet heartbreaking return. If you've stayed spoiler-free, Sam's transformation into a ruiner of worlds is a dark twist. But there's also a large portion of Supergirl fans for whom neither of those things are true, and for those folks this episode was middle of the road, with a little Martian whimsy thrown in.
Wake Up puts a very fine point on Kara's continued struggle to reconcile the human and Kryptonian sides of her heart, though once again it is unclear when Kryptonians were ever established as heartless or unemotional.
- 11/21/2017
- Den of Geek
This year has been, by all accounts, tumultuous. In the past, viewers might turn to romantic comedies to remind them that everything will be Ok; to distract themselves from the seemingly unending onslaught of disheartening news, and inspire them to believe in the future.
But 2017 has seen a slight shift in the genre’s purpose. This year, more “rom-coms” than ever are taking their stories very, very seriously. From the black comic truths of Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Divorce” to the healing power of love post-trauma in Tig Notaro’s “One Mississippi,” this batch of romantic-minded comedies are addressing issues as honestly as anything else on television.
Sure, there’s still room for flirtatious fun, “will they or won’t they” pairings, and soul-bearing emotional confessions, but the list gathered below speaks to the state of the world: Love can still conquer all, but it’s not a cloaking agent.
But 2017 has seen a slight shift in the genre’s purpose. This year, more “rom-coms” than ever are taking their stories very, very seriously. From the black comic truths of Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Divorce” to the healing power of love post-trauma in Tig Notaro’s “One Mississippi,” this batch of romantic-minded comedies are addressing issues as honestly as anything else on television.
Sure, there’s still room for flirtatious fun, “will they or won’t they” pairings, and soul-bearing emotional confessions, but the list gathered below speaks to the state of the world: Love can still conquer all, but it’s not a cloaking agent.
- 11/7/2017
- by Ben Travers and Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Bridget Lamonica Nov 3, 2017
A classic monster returns in a fun, well-structured episode of Supernatural. Spoilers ahead in our review...
This review contains spoilers.
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Batman V Superman: Michael Shannon fell asleep watching it Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman
13.4 The Big Empty
Things are getting to a boiling point between the brothers and Jack, so it was about time for a little self-help. Meanwhile, Cass finds himself in a weird plane of nothing, but he’s not exactly alone.
I do enjoy when the writers bring back a classic monster and find a way to make it fresh. This week’s was a return to the Shapeshifter, those creepy monsters who can shed their skin to become any person they wish. The main shifter the Winchesters meet in this episode is not some vicious killer,...
A classic monster returns in a fun, well-structured episode of Supernatural. Spoilers ahead in our review...
This review contains spoilers.
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Batman V Superman: Michael Shannon fell asleep watching it Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman
13.4 The Big Empty
Things are getting to a boiling point between the brothers and Jack, so it was about time for a little self-help. Meanwhile, Cass finds himself in a weird plane of nothing, but he’s not exactly alone.
I do enjoy when the writers bring back a classic monster and find a way to make it fresh. This week’s was a return to the Shapeshifter, those creepy monsters who can shed their skin to become any person they wish. The main shifter the Winchesters meet in this episode is not some vicious killer,...
- 11/3/2017
- Den of Geek
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Thursday’s premiere of Supernatural.
Lucky Season 13 of Supernatural got off to a heartbreaking start for Dean and Sam on Thursday.
With God not answering Dean’s prayers to bring back his loved ones, the elder Winchester was forced to accept that his mom Mary and friend Castiel are dead for good. He then salted and burned Cas’ body as a goodbye, but the emotional toll of all that the brothers have been through and lost along the way will continue to be felt.
“This episode, although it did have action, there was a reflective quality to it,...
Lucky Season 13 of Supernatural got off to a heartbreaking start for Dean and Sam on Thursday.
With God not answering Dean’s prayers to bring back his loved ones, the elder Winchester was forced to accept that his mom Mary and friend Castiel are dead for good. He then salted and burned Cas’ body as a goodbye, but the emotional toll of all that the brothers have been through and lost along the way will continue to be felt.
“This episode, although it did have action, there was a reflective quality to it,...
- 10/13/2017
- TVLine.com
Hey Ubisoft, we're still waiting for Sam to come back...
- 9/12/2017
- Obsessed with Film
Hey Ubisoft, we're still waiting for Sam to come back...
- 9/12/2017
- Obsessed with Film
Even at 80 minutes in length, Sunday’s Game of Thrones finale zipped along at breakneck speed. And that’s really been the story of season 7 ever since “Dragonstone” aired back in July.
Unlike previous instalments of HBO’s fantasy flagship, the penultimate season of Thrones stretched for only seven episodes in total, resulting in an accelerated story that reached its conclusion when the Night King, armed with an undead dragon and countless Wights, laid siege to Eastwatch.
But this breathless pace raised some serious questions, too; How did Jamie and Bronn swim while dressed in armor? Why did the Winterfell storyline feel so contrived and bloated? And perhaps most pressing of all, how did Westeros’ power players manage to travel such great distances in a relatively short period of time? Alas, beyond some fun fan theories, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever get concrete answers to those burning questions,...
Unlike previous instalments of HBO’s fantasy flagship, the penultimate season of Thrones stretched for only seven episodes in total, resulting in an accelerated story that reached its conclusion when the Night King, armed with an undead dragon and countless Wights, laid siege to Eastwatch.
But this breathless pace raised some serious questions, too; How did Jamie and Bronn swim while dressed in armor? Why did the Winterfell storyline feel so contrived and bloated? And perhaps most pressing of all, how did Westeros’ power players manage to travel such great distances in a relatively short period of time? Alas, beyond some fun fan theories, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever get concrete answers to those burning questions,...
- 8/30/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Robert De Niro picks up a gun once again as a highly paid spy-mercenary-thief hired for a bit of international larceny, the robbing of a courier of some undisclosed secrets of one kind or another. Juicing up a Melville- like stoic crime fantasy with superb car stunt work puts director John Frankenheimer back in the game, with a worthy project.
Ronin
Blu-ray
Arrow Video USA
1998 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 122 min. / Street Date August 29, 2017 / Available from Arrow Video 39.95
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Sean Bean, Stellan Skarsgard, Skipp Sudduth, Michael Lonsdale, Jan Triska, Jonathan Pryce.
Cinematography: Robert Fraisse
Film Editor: Tony Gibbs
Original Music: Elia Cmiral
Written by J.D. Zeik, David Mamet (as Richard Weisz)
Produced by Frank Mancuso Jr.
Directed by John Frankenheimer
Ronin is something of a last gasp for the Mancuso-era United Artists (MGM), a lavishly appointed all-on-location major action picture directed by a great...
Ronin
Blu-ray
Arrow Video USA
1998 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 122 min. / Street Date August 29, 2017 / Available from Arrow Video 39.95
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Sean Bean, Stellan Skarsgard, Skipp Sudduth, Michael Lonsdale, Jan Triska, Jonathan Pryce.
Cinematography: Robert Fraisse
Film Editor: Tony Gibbs
Original Music: Elia Cmiral
Written by J.D. Zeik, David Mamet (as Richard Weisz)
Produced by Frank Mancuso Jr.
Directed by John Frankenheimer
Ronin is something of a last gasp for the Mancuso-era United Artists (MGM), a lavishly appointed all-on-location major action picture directed by a great...
- 8/15/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Louisa Mellor Aug 14, 2017
If your memory of past Thrones seasons is fuzzier than you’d like, here’s a refresher on key background relevant to this week’s ep…
Warning: contains spoilers for Game Of Thrones 7.5 Eastwatch.
See related Tom Hiddleston interview: The Avengers, modern myths, playing Loki and more Tom Hiddleston interview: The Avengers, War Horse, Greek mythology and more Why Thor: Ragnarok may be a pivotal film in Marvel's phase 3
As it builds towards its endgame, Game Of Thrones is now mining almost seven seasons of eventful intrigue, conspiracy and action. Plot-points disregarded for years are poping up and long-absent characters are returning to the fold. If your recall of what’s happened in seasons past isn’t as sharp as it could be, we’re here to help.
From Gendry, to Sansa’s season one letter to Robb, from Gilly’s unwitting discovery to the mystery reappearance of (hooray!
If your memory of past Thrones seasons is fuzzier than you’d like, here’s a refresher on key background relevant to this week’s ep…
Warning: contains spoilers for Game Of Thrones 7.5 Eastwatch.
See related Tom Hiddleston interview: The Avengers, modern myths, playing Loki and more Tom Hiddleston interview: The Avengers, War Horse, Greek mythology and more Why Thor: Ragnarok may be a pivotal film in Marvel's phase 3
As it builds towards its endgame, Game Of Thrones is now mining almost seven seasons of eventful intrigue, conspiracy and action. Plot-points disregarded for years are poping up and long-absent characters are returning to the fold. If your recall of what’s happened in seasons past isn’t as sharp as it could be, we’re here to help.
From Gendry, to Sansa’s season one letter to Robb, from Gilly’s unwitting discovery to the mystery reappearance of (hooray!
- 8/14/2017
- Den of Geek
Floyd Mayweather is adamant he's not in a huge hole when it comes to income taxes -- claiming he paid the IRS $26 million in 2015 ... saying, "What else could they possibly want?!" Tbe is firing back at reports he can't pay off his tax liability from that year and has asked Uncle Sam to cut him a break until after he gets his check from the McGregor fight. Fyi, 2015 is the year he fought Manny Pacquiao...
- 7/11/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Louisa Mellor Jul 14, 2017
As season 7 approaches, here are the broad strokes of what you need to remember from Game Of Thrones season 6…
Massive season 6 spoilers ahead, obviously.
See related Doctor Who, and the casting of Jodie Whittaker Doctor Who stars react to Jodie Whittaker casting Star Wars: Rey, & her absence from Force Awakens merchandise
When Game Of Thrones season five ended, Jon was dead, Arya was blind, Daenerys was a prisoner of the Dothraki, Cersei still had one remaining child, and winter was coming. When it finished, Jon was alive, Arya could see, Dany was the commander of the Dothraki, Cersei had lost her last son but gained the Iron Throne, and winter had finally come. Big wheel keep on turnin’, Proud Mary keep on burnin’.
Burnin’ was a theme of season six, which saw several women violently seize power, often by setting fire to stuff. Dany burnt a...
As season 7 approaches, here are the broad strokes of what you need to remember from Game Of Thrones season 6…
Massive season 6 spoilers ahead, obviously.
See related Doctor Who, and the casting of Jodie Whittaker Doctor Who stars react to Jodie Whittaker casting Star Wars: Rey, & her absence from Force Awakens merchandise
When Game Of Thrones season five ended, Jon was dead, Arya was blind, Daenerys was a prisoner of the Dothraki, Cersei still had one remaining child, and winter was coming. When it finished, Jon was alive, Arya could see, Dany was the commander of the Dothraki, Cersei had lost her last son but gained the Iron Throne, and winter had finally come. Big wheel keep on turnin’, Proud Mary keep on burnin’.
Burnin’ was a theme of season six, which saw several women violently seize power, often by setting fire to stuff. Dany burnt a...
- 6/29/2017
- Den of Geek
The Winchester brothers are no longer Supernatural's only double threat -- Jody Mills is back in action and, as any hunter worth their salt knows, two guns are better than one. It comes as no surprise that Sheriff Donna Hanscum will play the Sam to Mills' Dean in Wayward Sisters.
- 6/27/2017
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Well, that was a wild and unexpected ride, Supernatural.
D-Day — as in the day Kelly delivers Lucifer’s spawn — finally arrived during the show’s Season 12 finale on Thursday, bringing with it plenty of death and an otherworldly twist.
RelatedSupernatural Meets Scooby-Doo? Jinkies, It’s Happening!
But before the potentially evil nugget could be brought into the world he might one day destroy, there was the matter of the British Men of Letters to deal with in the first half of the two-hour finale event.
Let’s review the season ender’s many highlights:
* The Winchesters’ captivity in the bunker,...
D-Day — as in the day Kelly delivers Lucifer’s spawn — finally arrived during the show’s Season 12 finale on Thursday, bringing with it plenty of death and an otherworldly twist.
RelatedSupernatural Meets Scooby-Doo? Jinkies, It’s Happening!
But before the potentially evil nugget could be brought into the world he might one day destroy, there was the matter of the British Men of Letters to deal with in the first half of the two-hour finale event.
Let’s review the season ender’s many highlights:
* The Winchesters’ captivity in the bunker,...
- 5/19/2017
- TVLine.com
In the NCIS: Los Angeles Season 8 finale, Sam Hanna (two words) split off from the team to go rogue and hunt down Tahir Khaled, the Sudanese war criminal who in a vengeful fit had kidnapped Michelle, setting the stage for her eventual death.
RelatedRenewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled?
Sam has already held his wife’s dead body, but Tahir doesn’t know that. Ergo, he is trying to track down Sam, to arrange a face-off and taunt him further. When Tahir gets hold of the NCIS team, some whirlwind wizardry from Nell allows Sam’s...
RelatedRenewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled?
Sam has already held his wife’s dead body, but Tahir doesn’t know that. Ergo, he is trying to track down Sam, to arrange a face-off and taunt him further. When Tahir gets hold of the NCIS team, some whirlwind wizardry from Nell allows Sam’s...
- 5/15/2017
- TVLine.com
As fans of Michael Dougherty's Trick ’r Treat know, the lollipop little Sam carries around is more than just a sugary treat, it's also a weapon used to punish those who disobey the rules of Halloween, and Mezco Toyz is looking to stay in Sam's good graces by releasing a new mega scale figure based on the iconic character this fall.
You can view official photos and details below, and in case you missed it, check out Mezco's stylized Sam figure as well.
From Mezco Toyz: "Part pumpkin, part supernatural being, it's Sam, the enforcer of the rules of Halloween. Straight from the cult status film Trick 'r Treat, Sam shows no mercy to those who disrespect his holiday. He may look child-like and dressed for trick-or-treating, but Sam is the personification of Halloween itself. Standing an impressive 15 inches tall, Sam comes complete with his infamous and mysterious sack...
You can view official photos and details below, and in case you missed it, check out Mezco's stylized Sam figure as well.
From Mezco Toyz: "Part pumpkin, part supernatural being, it's Sam, the enforcer of the rules of Halloween. Straight from the cult status film Trick 'r Treat, Sam shows no mercy to those who disrespect his holiday. He may look child-like and dressed for trick-or-treating, but Sam is the personification of Halloween itself. Standing an impressive 15 inches tall, Sam comes complete with his infamous and mysterious sack...
- 4/12/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Mick’s slowly become much more of an interesting character on Supernatural.
His earlier appearances often had me mixing him up with Mr. Ketch, and the British Men of Letters storyline wasn’t so engaging as to make me care to know the two apart, either.
But it was Supernatural Season 12 Episode 14 that turned things around and really highlighted the differences between the two and the possibilities for making Mick more of a three-dimensional character.
He isn’t just some murderous psychopath with a “stiff upper lip.”
And Supernatural Season 12 Episode 16 continued to explore Mick and the changes his character is going through just by working with Sam and Dean.
It was fantastic to hear Sam and Dean bring up Garth and how despite him being a monster, he’s not some evil monster.
Even Dean’s one-on-one chat with Mick focused on the idea that not everything is black and white.
His earlier appearances often had me mixing him up with Mr. Ketch, and the British Men of Letters storyline wasn’t so engaging as to make me care to know the two apart, either.
But it was Supernatural Season 12 Episode 14 that turned things around and really highlighted the differences between the two and the possibilities for making Mick more of a three-dimensional character.
He isn’t just some murderous psychopath with a “stiff upper lip.”
And Supernatural Season 12 Episode 16 continued to explore Mick and the changes his character is going through just by working with Sam and Dean.
It was fantastic to hear Sam and Dean bring up Garth and how despite him being a monster, he’s not some evil monster.
Even Dean’s one-on-one chat with Mick focused on the idea that not everything is black and white.
- 3/31/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
‘We’re all about what’s next,’ says MGM president of television group and digital Mark Burnett.
The studio announced on Thursday it has brought on Sam Toles to served in the new position of senior vice-president of digital and new platforms.
The highly regarded executive will be based in Los Angeles and takes charge of MGM’s digital native and short form content development and distribution.
He will work on new and existing MGM properties alongside the scripted, unscripted and distribution teams.
Toles most recently served as senior vice-president and general manager of Vimeo’s Entertainment Group, where he directed all aspects of programing for the video sharing platform that reached more than 250m unique viewers each month.
He oversaw the first slate of original programming including HBO’s High Maintenance, the Emmy-nominated Garfunkel And Oats: Trying To Be Special, and the Oscar-nominated animated short Pear Cider And Cigarettes.
“Sam’s experience...
The studio announced on Thursday it has brought on Sam Toles to served in the new position of senior vice-president of digital and new platforms.
The highly regarded executive will be based in Los Angeles and takes charge of MGM’s digital native and short form content development and distribution.
He will work on new and existing MGM properties alongside the scripted, unscripted and distribution teams.
Toles most recently served as senior vice-president and general manager of Vimeo’s Entertainment Group, where he directed all aspects of programing for the video sharing platform that reached more than 250m unique viewers each month.
He oversaw the first slate of original programming including HBO’s High Maintenance, the Emmy-nominated Garfunkel And Oats: Trying To Be Special, and the Oscar-nominated animated short Pear Cider And Cigarettes.
“Sam’s experience...
- 3/30/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Rihanna made her television acting debut on Monday’s episode of Bates Motel -- and it’s going to leave the RihannaNavy wanting more.
The 29-year-old singer-actress plays Janet Leigh’s iconic Psycho role, Marion Crane, in the fifth and final season of the A&E drama, and her first scene is about as hot as you can get.
Viewers were introduced to Rihanna’s Marion smack dab in the middle of the action, as she and Sam Loomis (played by Austin Nichols) get it on in the bedroom -- except Marion doesn’t know she’s the other woman when she asks the already-married White Pine Valley real estate developer to marry her. Whoops!
Related: Watch Rihanna's First Scene as Marion Crane on 'Bates Motel'
The one time Sam did bring Marion by White Pine Valley was a night spent at the motel -- Bates Motel, to be more...
The 29-year-old singer-actress plays Janet Leigh’s iconic Psycho role, Marion Crane, in the fifth and final season of the A&E drama, and her first scene is about as hot as you can get.
Viewers were introduced to Rihanna’s Marion smack dab in the middle of the action, as she and Sam Loomis (played by Austin Nichols) get it on in the bedroom -- except Marion doesn’t know she’s the other woman when she asks the already-married White Pine Valley real estate developer to marry her. Whoops!
Related: Watch Rihanna's First Scene as Marion Crane on 'Bates Motel'
The one time Sam did bring Marion by White Pine Valley was a night spent at the motel -- Bates Motel, to be more...
- 3/21/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
It was kind of a "Freaky Friday" situation this episode.
Nell and Eric were assigned to the couples retreat in the woods, while Deeks and Kensi provided support on NCIS: Los Angeles Season 8 Episode 18.
These choices by Hetty made perfect sense to me. It was a lot easier for Nell and Eric to embrace the outdoors than for Deeks and Kensi to become genius-level at technology.
The plot was more than a little convoluted. As I followed it, a mess of data was stolen from the Treasury Department, including a list of undercover IRS agents. And apparently, an Arab religious/terrorist group wanted that list bad enough to kidnap Tara's sister. Which is why she ran off teary every time her sister was mentioned.
Ok, that makes sense, kinda.
But really, this was just an excuse to get Nell and Eric alone together so that they could bring out their feelings about each other.
Nell and Eric were assigned to the couples retreat in the woods, while Deeks and Kensi provided support on NCIS: Los Angeles Season 8 Episode 18.
These choices by Hetty made perfect sense to me. It was a lot easier for Nell and Eric to embrace the outdoors than for Deeks and Kensi to become genius-level at technology.
The plot was more than a little convoluted. As I followed it, a mess of data was stolen from the Treasury Department, including a list of undercover IRS agents. And apparently, an Arab religious/terrorist group wanted that list bad enough to kidnap Tara's sister. Which is why she ran off teary every time her sister was mentioned.
Ok, that makes sense, kinda.
But really, this was just an excuse to get Nell and Eric alone together so that they could bring out their feelings about each other.
- 3/20/2017
- by Dale McGarrigle
- TVfanatic
Secret Empire: Falcon Gallery 1 of 3
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Marvel has been teasing the return of their legacy heroes for some time now, and while we have no idea what exactly the Marvel Universe will look like following the events of Secret Empire, it appears as if Sam Wilson will no longer be wielding the shield as Captain America. Instead, he looks set to return to being the Falcon during the event, something which is evident from the images in the gallery above.
In the first photo, the hero can be seen alongside Mockingbird, Quicksilver, Hercules, Iron Man and Ant-Man on the cover of Jeremy Whitley and artist Eric Koba’s Secret Empire: Underground. The second one, meanwhile, is the cover of May 31st’s Captain America: Sam Wilson #22. On both, Sam is suited up as the Falcon rather than as Captain America,...
Click to skip
More From The Web Click to zoom
Marvel has been teasing the return of their legacy heroes for some time now, and while we have no idea what exactly the Marvel Universe will look like following the events of Secret Empire, it appears as if Sam Wilson will no longer be wielding the shield as Captain America. Instead, he looks set to return to being the Falcon during the event, something which is evident from the images in the gallery above.
In the first photo, the hero can be seen alongside Mockingbird, Quicksilver, Hercules, Iron Man and Ant-Man on the cover of Jeremy Whitley and artist Eric Koba’s Secret Empire: Underground. The second one, meanwhile, is the cover of May 31st’s Captain America: Sam Wilson #22. On both, Sam is suited up as the Falcon rather than as Captain America,...
- 3/17/2017
- by Josh Wilding
- We Got This Covered
Hellhounds. Lucifer vs. Crowley. Castiel’s choice.
So much went down on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 15, including Sam revealing to Dean he has been working with the British Men of Letters.
But was it all exciting? Did all those moments work?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky get right into it to talk all about “Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.”
So join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: The final scene with Sam and Dean. Honestly, given how slow and choppy the pacing of this episode was, I’m surprised I lasted that long.
It was a worthwhile scene, though. Sam didn’t have to fight hard to get Dean to come around about working with the British Men of Letters. After all, they work with Crowley, and they aren’t dead yet.
So much went down on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 15, including Sam revealing to Dean he has been working with the British Men of Letters.
But was it all exciting? Did all those moments work?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky get right into it to talk all about “Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.”
So join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: The final scene with Sam and Dean. Honestly, given how slow and choppy the pacing of this episode was, I’m surprised I lasted that long.
It was a worthwhile scene, though. Sam didn’t have to fight hard to get Dean to come around about working with the British Men of Letters. After all, they work with Crowley, and they aren’t dead yet.
- 3/14/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Did Wednesday’s Supernatural do anything to help you understand Mary’s actions?
Mama Winchester certainly tried her best to get Dean and Sam to see that she’s only working with the British Men of Letters because their resources help foster “a better way” of hunting. She just wants to rid the world of monsters for her boys! But Dean’s not having any of it.
RelatedSupernatural Preview: Is Mary in the Right? And Can She Recruit Her Sons?
“You didn’t need just space. You needed space from us,” he argues. “How about for once, you try just being our mom?...
Mama Winchester certainly tried her best to get Dean and Sam to see that she’s only working with the British Men of Letters because their resources help foster “a better way” of hunting. She just wants to rid the world of monsters for her boys! But Dean’s not having any of it.
RelatedSupernatural Preview: Is Mary in the Right? And Can She Recruit Her Sons?
“You didn’t need just space. You needed space from us,” he argues. “How about for once, you try just being our mom?...
- 3/3/2017
- TVLine.com
The premise of Groundhog Day, as well as some of its plot points and lessons are recycled for the chick-lit tear-jerker Before I Fall. Zoey Deutch plays Sam, a high schooler forced to relive the same day again and again but the new film has a more somber tone than the beloved Harold Ramis/Bill Murray classic, since what sets in motion Sam’s string of “daily do-overs” is her own death.
Sam is a 17-year-old girl who has it all: beauty, popularity, jock boyfriend Rob (Kian Lawley), a loving and wealthy family, and a trio of mean beauties as best friends (Halston Sage, Cynthy Wu, and Medalion Rahimi). Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be another perfect day in Sam’s perfect life. She plans to lose her virginity to Rob that night and has many roses get delivered to her in class, including one from Kent (Logan Miller...
Sam is a 17-year-old girl who has it all: beauty, popularity, jock boyfriend Rob (Kian Lawley), a loving and wealthy family, and a trio of mean beauties as best friends (Halston Sage, Cynthy Wu, and Medalion Rahimi). Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be another perfect day in Sam’s perfect life. She plans to lose her virginity to Rob that night and has many roses get delivered to her in class, including one from Kent (Logan Miller...
- 3/2/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Supernatural is no stranger to flawed parents — cough, John Winchester and Samuel Campbell, cough — but Dean and Sam’s resurrected mom has proven to be an especially polarizing figure.
Between secretly working for the British Men of Letters and putting her boys’ lives in danger, Mama Winchester hasn’t exactly been the picture-perfect mother. But during this Thursday’s installment (The CW, 8/7c), “the audience will see and understand a lot about Mary,” Samantha Smith tells TVLine.
The hour contains “a lot of action” and “some nice surprises,” the actress adds. “And selfishly for Mary, she’s really busy in this episode.
Between secretly working for the British Men of Letters and putting her boys’ lives in danger, Mama Winchester hasn’t exactly been the picture-perfect mother. But during this Thursday’s installment (The CW, 8/7c), “the audience will see and understand a lot about Mary,” Samantha Smith tells TVLine.
The hour contains “a lot of action” and “some nice surprises,” the actress adds. “And selfishly for Mary, she’s really busy in this episode.
- 3/1/2017
- TVLine.com
For many years, filmmaker Ry Russo-Young was hustling on the indie circuit both as an actor and as a writer/director with her well-received second movie You Won’t Miss Me famously not being released until nearly two years after it premiered at Sundance. Its release was predicated on by winning the less-than-coveted Gotham Award for “Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You.” (It actually beat La La Land director Damian Chazelle’s first movie for that award, too!)
Her fourth movie Before I Fall, adapted from Lauren Oliver’s popular young adult novel, is a giant step forward for Russo-Young in terms of tackling someone else’s material and a movie she didn’t write.
It stars Zoey Deutch (Everybody Wants Some) as Samantha Kingston, a typical high school student who hangs out with the popular girls, who are constantly tormenting a strange classmate named Juliet Sykes...
Her fourth movie Before I Fall, adapted from Lauren Oliver’s popular young adult novel, is a giant step forward for Russo-Young in terms of tackling someone else’s material and a movie she didn’t write.
It stars Zoey Deutch (Everybody Wants Some) as Samantha Kingston, a typical high school student who hangs out with the popular girls, who are constantly tormenting a strange classmate named Juliet Sykes...
- 3/1/2017
- by Edward Douglas
- LRMonline.com
General Hospital spoilers for Friday are juicy. Liz is not in a good place right now, and she’s going to need all the support she can find. She’s upset about the hospital, and she’s upset about so many other things in her life. She’s taking a stand, and she’s afraid that her entire world will come crashing down around her if she cannot find some support in her feelings. She’s going to look to Sam to help her find the support she needs, but she has no idea that Sam’s life is in danger. Instead, these two will spend Friday
General Hospital Spoilers: Liz Seeks Support from Sam...
General Hospital Spoilers: Liz Seeks Support from Sam...
- 2/17/2017
- by Tiffany Raiford
- TVovermind.com
Supernatural fans, brace yourselves, because a fan favorite is returning: Jensen Ackles’ infamous single perfect tear.
During this Thursday’s episode (The CW, 8/7c), which finds Dean struggling with rapid memory loss, “there’s a beautiful scene where he is talking to himself in the mirror, and he just cries a single tear,” Ruth Connell, who plays the Winchesters’ witchy frenemy Rowena, tells TVLine.
RelatedThe CW Renews The Flash, Supernatural, Crazy Ex and 4 Others
The hunter’s Memento-esque condition is the result of a spell that forces Sam to call upon Rowena for help in tracking down a powerful old-world witch clan.
During this Thursday’s episode (The CW, 8/7c), which finds Dean struggling with rapid memory loss, “there’s a beautiful scene where he is talking to himself in the mirror, and he just cries a single tear,” Ruth Connell, who plays the Winchesters’ witchy frenemy Rowena, tells TVLine.
RelatedThe CW Renews The Flash, Supernatural, Crazy Ex and 4 Others
The hunter’s Memento-esque condition is the result of a spell that forces Sam to call upon Rowena for help in tracking down a powerful old-world witch clan.
- 2/9/2017
- TVLine.com
From working with non-professionals to writing roles for specific actors to hiring a top casting director, there is no one way to find a great cast for an independent film. IndieWire checked in with the Dramatic Competition and Next directors of Sundance 2017 to find out their secrets.
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
Gillian Robespierre, “Landline” Jenny Slate was attached from the beginning. I wrote the role of Donna in “Obvious Child” for Jenny, and when sitting down to write the next project it was a no-brainer to write another role for her. We then built the family around her with the help of two incredible casting directors, Doug Aibel and Stephanie Holbrook.
Zoe Lister-Jones, “Band Aid” Almost all the actors in the film were either friends or people I had personal connections to, so it was a relatively easy process.
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
Gillian Robespierre, “Landline” Jenny Slate was attached from the beginning. I wrote the role of Donna in “Obvious Child” for Jenny, and when sitting down to write the next project it was a no-brainer to write another role for her. We then built the family around her with the help of two incredible casting directors, Doug Aibel and Stephanie Holbrook.
Zoe Lister-Jones, “Band Aid” Almost all the actors in the film were either friends or people I had personal connections to, so it was a relatively easy process.
- 1/28/2017
- by Annakeara Stinson and Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Need to catch up? Check out the previous Supernatural recap.
“We’re not trapped out here with you. You’re trapped out here with us.”
Those are the words of totally Bamf Dean during Supernatural‘s winter premiere. But before the hunter delivers that warning, the Winchesters find themselves locked up in separate cells.
RelatedThe CW Renews The Flash, Supernatural, Crazy Ex and 4 Others
The anti-terrorism specialist thinks isolating Dean and Sam from each other and the outside world will get them to talk eventually. My first thought: Dude, these guys have been to Hell. Silence doesn’t scare them.
“We’re not trapped out here with you. You’re trapped out here with us.”
Those are the words of totally Bamf Dean during Supernatural‘s winter premiere. But before the hunter delivers that warning, the Winchesters find themselves locked up in separate cells.
RelatedThe CW Renews The Flash, Supernatural, Crazy Ex and 4 Others
The anti-terrorism specialist thinks isolating Dean and Sam from each other and the outside world will get them to talk eventually. My first thought: Dude, these guys have been to Hell. Silence doesn’t scare them.
- 1/27/2017
- TVLine.com
Life in Pieces is about to get a little more star power.
Et has an exclusive look at Thursday's episode, in which John (James Brolin) teaches Samantha (Holly J. Barrett) to cut class -- with the help of a few famous guest stars.
Exclusive: 'Life in Pieces' Star Thomas Sadoski Gets Back to His Country Roots in Retro Photo Shoot
"I hate ballet. Mom did what she always does, sign me up, and then tell me I have to go, because she already signed me up," Samantha complains as John drops her off for class.
"Well, Mom does that to me with karaoke," John jokes. "Hey, you wanna play hooky?"
Of course, John's version of hooky includes a trip to the boxing gym, where world and national boxing champion Victor Ortiz and Victoria's Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes just happen to work out -- and encourage Sam to ditch ballet for a little "girl power."
Watch...
Et has an exclusive look at Thursday's episode, in which John (James Brolin) teaches Samantha (Holly J. Barrett) to cut class -- with the help of a few famous guest stars.
Exclusive: 'Life in Pieces' Star Thomas Sadoski Gets Back to His Country Roots in Retro Photo Shoot
"I hate ballet. Mom did what she always does, sign me up, and then tell me I have to go, because she already signed me up," Samantha complains as John drops her off for class.
"Well, Mom does that to me with karaoke," John jokes. "Hey, you wanna play hooky?"
Of course, John's version of hooky includes a trip to the boxing gym, where world and national boxing champion Victor Ortiz and Victoria's Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes just happen to work out -- and encourage Sam to ditch ballet for a little "girl power."
Watch...
- 12/1/2016
- Entertainment Tonight
A few thoughts on the end of Better Things season 1 coming up just as soon as there's a mustache in Mexico... Pamela Adlon's entire career hasn't been defined by gender fluidity, but a lot of it has. Her first movie lead was as the title character in Willy/Milly, who wished she could be a boy and woke up the next morning with a penis. Many of her early TV roles involved her playing girls passing as boys, and she even posed as a boy in real life to audition for one of her first big jobs. And her most famous role will likely always be as middle school boy Bobby Hill on King of the Hill. Still, when I spent a few minutes of my interview with Adlon at press tour revisiting her androgynous acting past, it was more for nostalgia's sake than because I felt it applied to Better Things,...
- 11/11/2016
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Forget Game of Thrones‘ Hall of Faces. Our gallery of the best moments from Thursday night’s Supernatural is a parade of visages, from a sexed-up Sam to a surprised Sam to a shocked Sam. We also threw in a grotesque Lucifer, for good measure.
RelatedSupernatural Ep Talks Complicated Winchester Family Reunion, ‘Very Driven’ Cas and More in Season 12
“Mamma Mia” — which felt like it should have been the season premiere, yes? — brought us several long-awaited scenes, including Sam’s reunion with his brother and his alive-again mother, who started to make an impression. (Perhaps like mom, we just...
RelatedSupernatural Ep Talks Complicated Winchester Family Reunion, ‘Very Driven’ Cas and More in Season 12
“Mamma Mia” — which felt like it should have been the season premiere, yes? — brought us several long-awaited scenes, including Sam’s reunion with his brother and his alive-again mother, who started to make an impression. (Perhaps like mom, we just...
- 10/21/2016
- TVLine.com
Comic Book Reviews: DC Comics Round Up Week 10/12/2016
A little late this time around, but never forgotten! This week I take a quick look at the developing stories from DC’s Rebirth line up. While not a huge week for story development, we do get to wrap up a few plots and open the doors to a few more!
Action Comics #965
Story: Dan Jurgens Art: Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert, Arif Prianto, Dave Sharpe
Review: So with Superman seemingly unable to prove anything nefarious about this new Clark Kent, it’s up to Lois to try to figure out what’s going on! To do that she pretends to the Lois Lane of New 52 Universe, and as expected things don’t go completely as planned. Jurgens continues to do an excellent job here with how he handles the characters. Everyone feels right, in that their motivations, manner of speech and actions...
A little late this time around, but never forgotten! This week I take a quick look at the developing stories from DC’s Rebirth line up. While not a huge week for story development, we do get to wrap up a few plots and open the doors to a few more!
Action Comics #965
Story: Dan Jurgens Art: Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert, Arif Prianto, Dave Sharpe
Review: So with Superman seemingly unable to prove anything nefarious about this new Clark Kent, it’s up to Lois to try to figure out what’s going on! To do that she pretends to the Lois Lane of New 52 Universe, and as expected things don’t go completely as planned. Jurgens continues to do an excellent job here with how he handles the characters. Everyone feels right, in that their motivations, manner of speech and actions...
- 10/18/2016
- by Jeremy Scully
- LRMonline.com
Mary Winchester is back! But is that a good thing?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk all about Supernatural Season 12 Episode 1.
Plus, there’s Toni and the new British Men of Letters, and it looks like Lucifer is making a return as well! So let’s dive into the latest Supernatural Round Table and discuss “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I loved a lot of little moments during the hour, but I think the best had to be Mary's reunion with Baby, and that longing look at the backseat... and Dean's totally uncomfortable reaction.
Alice: I’m with Christine. That was easily the best scene of the whole episode. It’s up there when Dean unleashed his baby after keeping her in storage in Supernatural Season 6. Dean...
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk all about Supernatural Season 12 Episode 1.
Plus, there’s Toni and the new British Men of Letters, and it looks like Lucifer is making a return as well! So let’s dive into the latest Supernatural Round Table and discuss “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I loved a lot of little moments during the hour, but I think the best had to be Mary's reunion with Baby, and that longing look at the backseat... and Dean's totally uncomfortable reaction.
Alice: I’m with Christine. That was easily the best scene of the whole episode. It’s up there when Dean unleashed his baby after keeping her in storage in Supernatural Season 6. Dean...
- 10/17/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Mark Harrison Published Date Friday, September 9, 2016 - 20:47
There's a scene early on in Brotherhood, the concluding chapter in Noel Clarke's British Hood trilogy, in which his Sam Peel checks himself out in a changing room mirror after a rigorous gym session. He ends up sadly patting his emerging belly and you realise that whatever his original intentions for this series, Sam has become his Rocky Balboa.
Having played the antagonist in 2006's Kidulthood and then switched gears in the hit 2008 sequel Adulthood to show the difficulties of that character's life after being released from prison, Brotherhood ties up a lot of loose ends but also rediscovers Sam a little further down the line, much like Sylvester Stallone brought back his most iconic character in Rocky Balboa or Creed. Sam the character has nothing like the innate sympathy that the Italian Stallion evokes, but the connecting tissue in all...
There's a scene early on in Brotherhood, the concluding chapter in Noel Clarke's British Hood trilogy, in which his Sam Peel checks himself out in a changing room mirror after a rigorous gym session. He ends up sadly patting his emerging belly and you realise that whatever his original intentions for this series, Sam has become his Rocky Balboa.
Having played the antagonist in 2006's Kidulthood and then switched gears in the hit 2008 sequel Adulthood to show the difficulties of that character's life after being released from prison, Brotherhood ties up a lot of loose ends but also rediscovers Sam a little further down the line, much like Sylvester Stallone brought back his most iconic character in Rocky Balboa or Creed. Sam the character has nothing like the innate sympathy that the Italian Stallion evokes, but the connecting tissue in all...
- 9/9/2016
- Den of Geek
Greg Berlanti, the mastermind behind The CW's shared universe of superhero shows like Arrow, The Flash, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl, is at it again. Deadline reports that Berlanti has teamed up with The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil and her husband Sam to develop a drama series centered on the DC Comics superhero Black Lightning, who has the power to create and manipulate electricity.
Written by the Akils, Black Lightning centers on Jefferson Pierce. He made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with a daughter hell-bent on justice and a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend Black Lightning.
Apparently this show has been in the works for over a year, but they've finally boiled it down to its final...
Written by the Akils, Black Lightning centers on Jefferson Pierce. He made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with a daughter hell-bent on justice and a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend Black Lightning.
Apparently this show has been in the works for over a year, but they've finally boiled it down to its final...
- 9/1/2016
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
A review of tonight's Game of Thrones season finale coming up just as soon as I examine the contents of this delicious meat pie... "But sometimes, before we can usher in the new, the old must be put to rest." -Qyburn Earlier today, a friend texted to ask for my final predictions on who would die in this episode. I quickly realized that I hadn't given the matter much thought at all in the past week, not only because the only death I particularly cared about at this stage was Ramsay's (and that was only to eliminate that character from the show), but because the combination of all the major deaths in previous years and Jon Snow's resurrection earlier this season had fundamentally devalued death as dramatic currency for the show. (It hasn't helped that so many other series have decided that this is the most important thing they can copy from GoT,...
- 6/27/2016
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Late in the movie-esque premiere of “Aquarius,” David Duchovny’s rambunctious detective Sam Hodiak scolds a fellow cop in a delightfully specific manner. You see, the young buck contaminated a piece of evidence by not using gloves, infuriating his commanding officer who’d been receiving pictures of kidnapped women in the mail for a few days already. He wants to get this guy, and his own team is letting him down! But Hodiak’s condescension isn’t fierce or ugly; instead, it’s marked with an infectious wink and smile — even though we know better.
And you do. The content itself is somewhat familiar, as is the dynamic of a superior officer chastising a rookie boy in blue, but the striking aspect of the exchange — beyond Duchovny’s addictive charm — is that while they bicker back and forth, we know the clue in question is opposite in nature of their superfluous exchange. And when Hodiak pulls open the envelope and sees what’s inside, the mood darkens and the laughs disappear.
This much might feel familiar and with good reason. “Aquarius” is largely the same show it was in Season 1 — which is fine. Big issues (like race) remain relevant, but tertiary; Charles Manson is a plot driver, but can’t stack up against Hodiak as a character; there’s fun to be had (nothing beats when Hodiak gives zero fucks), but business to take care of (broadcast cop cliches cannot be avoided). Yet beside the special presentation of the premiere episode — which really does add a grandiose atmosphere to the proceedings — there is one significant change: Women fare better in Season 2 than they did in Season 1.
Within these opening hours, two of last season’s most notable ladies get more definition than they did in 13 a year ago. Charmain (Claire Holt), a young cop looking to break into undercover work despite a gender bias in the Lapd, was on the right path by the end of Season 1, and she delves into an aptly risky storyline that will have to be handled with care. She’s become an extremely compelling character; one that threatens to rival Grey Damon’s Shafe as our second favorite of the show (behind Hodiak, of course). In addition, Hodiak’s new boo, Grace (Michaela McManus) takes a stand that defines her far better — and in a more complicated way — than any of her prior choices.
More named-but-disposable female characters are still the damsels in distress waiting for Sir Sam to save them, but opening with layered character analysis of the two most prominent women reassures us of the series’ feminist mentality. And this is key for “Aquarius” not only in the public eye, but in succeeding overall. John McNamara’s dark period piece has a knack for injecting infectious humor into every other scene, but tonally that demands the drama earn its levity — and it does. It was easy to fall for the series’ charms in Season 1, but “Aquarius” only now justifies them.
That being said, Season 2 sees a slight shift toward more serious content in its first two hours, and NBC’s uninterrupted presentation perfectly establishes the new year. The two-hour cut is actually three episodes worth of content diced together to become something filmic, if not fully cinematic. There’s a well-utilized time jumping element that will last throughout the season. Known historic events take precedence for the first time, building to a crescendo you may only fully appreciate if you’re steeped in Manson lore. And the performances overall improve, namely Gethin Anthony’s challenging portrayal of a future mass murderer. Titled “Helter Skelter,” Season 2’s introduction can’t quite stand on its own as a movie, but you wouldn’t want that. “Aquarius” is a TV show for a reason, and one that you want to spend time with — even when things turn grisly.
Thankfully, McNamara & Co. still find ways to allow Duchovny to be Duchovny — the delightful, uncensored quipster who takes nothing seriously until, you know, it matters. There’s something both admirable and frustrating in the series’ refusal to dive head first into its stars most watchable attributes — which, I imagine, is both what NBC wants and knows better than to ask for; “Aquarius” isn’t your typical cop show. It strives for more, and it merits that ambition in Season 2.
Grade: B+
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Related storiesReview: 'Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?' is Further Proof that James Franco Is Screwing With UsReview: 'UnREAL' Takes Aim at Confederate Flag ControversyHow to Survive Summer TV Season: 6 Shows to Binge, Now...
And you do. The content itself is somewhat familiar, as is the dynamic of a superior officer chastising a rookie boy in blue, but the striking aspect of the exchange — beyond Duchovny’s addictive charm — is that while they bicker back and forth, we know the clue in question is opposite in nature of their superfluous exchange. And when Hodiak pulls open the envelope and sees what’s inside, the mood darkens and the laughs disappear.
This much might feel familiar and with good reason. “Aquarius” is largely the same show it was in Season 1 — which is fine. Big issues (like race) remain relevant, but tertiary; Charles Manson is a plot driver, but can’t stack up against Hodiak as a character; there’s fun to be had (nothing beats when Hodiak gives zero fucks), but business to take care of (broadcast cop cliches cannot be avoided). Yet beside the special presentation of the premiere episode — which really does add a grandiose atmosphere to the proceedings — there is one significant change: Women fare better in Season 2 than they did in Season 1.
Within these opening hours, two of last season’s most notable ladies get more definition than they did in 13 a year ago. Charmain (Claire Holt), a young cop looking to break into undercover work despite a gender bias in the Lapd, was on the right path by the end of Season 1, and she delves into an aptly risky storyline that will have to be handled with care. She’s become an extremely compelling character; one that threatens to rival Grey Damon’s Shafe as our second favorite of the show (behind Hodiak, of course). In addition, Hodiak’s new boo, Grace (Michaela McManus) takes a stand that defines her far better — and in a more complicated way — than any of her prior choices.
More named-but-disposable female characters are still the damsels in distress waiting for Sir Sam to save them, but opening with layered character analysis of the two most prominent women reassures us of the series’ feminist mentality. And this is key for “Aquarius” not only in the public eye, but in succeeding overall. John McNamara’s dark period piece has a knack for injecting infectious humor into every other scene, but tonally that demands the drama earn its levity — and it does. It was easy to fall for the series’ charms in Season 1, but “Aquarius” only now justifies them.
That being said, Season 2 sees a slight shift toward more serious content in its first two hours, and NBC’s uninterrupted presentation perfectly establishes the new year. The two-hour cut is actually three episodes worth of content diced together to become something filmic, if not fully cinematic. There’s a well-utilized time jumping element that will last throughout the season. Known historic events take precedence for the first time, building to a crescendo you may only fully appreciate if you’re steeped in Manson lore. And the performances overall improve, namely Gethin Anthony’s challenging portrayal of a future mass murderer. Titled “Helter Skelter,” Season 2’s introduction can’t quite stand on its own as a movie, but you wouldn’t want that. “Aquarius” is a TV show for a reason, and one that you want to spend time with — even when things turn grisly.
Thankfully, McNamara & Co. still find ways to allow Duchovny to be Duchovny — the delightful, uncensored quipster who takes nothing seriously until, you know, it matters. There’s something both admirable and frustrating in the series’ refusal to dive head first into its stars most watchable attributes — which, I imagine, is both what NBC wants and knows better than to ask for; “Aquarius” isn’t your typical cop show. It strives for more, and it merits that ambition in Season 2.
Grade: B+
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Related storiesReview: 'Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?' is Further Proof that James Franco Is Screwing With UsReview: 'UnREAL' Takes Aim at Confederate Flag ControversyHow to Survive Summer TV Season: 6 Shows to Binge, Now...
- 6/16/2016
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Social media is dark and full of terrors spoilers. To avoid spoiling the fun for fans on the west coast and those who have to wait to beg, borrow, or steal an HBO Go password, this season I’m confining my stream-of-consciousness thoughts to this liveblog. Follow along or flee in fear. Here there be spoilers! Catch up on Episode Two, 'Home,' over here. ******************** [8:55 Pm Edt] - I should've gotten hazard pay for even having to watch the last five minutes of The Fantastic Four. [9:02 Pm Edt] - No one cares about anything but the Tower of Joy. Move it along, "Previously On." Wait. We're getting more Sam? Are we going to Oldtown too!?!? [9:06Pm Edt] - Jon Snow is confused, naked, full of bloody holes, and cold. That'd be enough to cause anyone to panic, without the "back from the dead" part. No no. No one cares if you remember that Olly is an asshole.
- 5/9/2016
- by Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
[[tmz:video id="0_itqm6nu2"]] When the going gets tough, you Don't Request A Trade -- so says Terrell Owens who says Sam Bradford's antics in Philly are straight up cowardly. T.O. was hangin' at The Grove in L.A. when we asked the ex-Eagles superstar who should start for the Birds at Qb this season ... Bradford or rookie prodigy Carson Wentz? "It's Sam Bradford's job to lose," Owens said. But when we started talking about Bradford's trade demand -- T.
- 5/5/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
We’re talking remakes again, and this time we’re dissecting not one but two popular films which were done previously as a single movie. This week, Cinelinx looks at Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring and Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
Ever since J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic book trilogy first came out in the 50s’ there had been talk of adapting it into film but the epic scope of the story often deterred filmmakers of the era from taking on the task. In the early 70’s, director John Boorman (Deliverance, Excalibur) wanted to do a condensed 100-minute version of the whole trilogy but that plan fell apart.
Then, animator/producer Ralph Bakshi (American Pop, Cool World) unveiled his idea to do a two-part adaptation of the trilogy in animated form. Since Tolkien’s daughter was a huge fan of Bakshi’s previous...
Ever since J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic book trilogy first came out in the 50s’ there had been talk of adapting it into film but the epic scope of the story often deterred filmmakers of the era from taking on the task. In the early 70’s, director John Boorman (Deliverance, Excalibur) wanted to do a condensed 100-minute version of the whole trilogy but that plan fell apart.
Then, animator/producer Ralph Bakshi (American Pop, Cool World) unveiled his idea to do a two-part adaptation of the trilogy in animated form. Since Tolkien’s daughter was a huge fan of Bakshi’s previous...
- 3/28/2016
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
[Brightcove "4801187290001" "" "" "auto"] Sally Field is an ardent advocate of Lgbt rights, even winning the Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality Award. Her youngest son, Sam, presented her with the honor. During an EW Radio town hall on SiriusXM this week, People and Entertainment Weekly editorial director Jess Cagle asked Field for any advice she would give to parents who expected their child was about to come out to them. "First of all, don't be frightened. And don't put your own prejudices or fears about sexuality - your own fears about sexuality - on your children," Field says. "Sexuality is a human glorious part of existence.
- 3/15/2016
- by Will Robinson for [ITALIC "EW"]
- PEOPLE.com
[Brightcove "4801187290001" "" "" "auto"] Sally Field is an ardent advocate of Lgbt rights, even winning the Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality Award. Her youngest son, Sam, presented her with the honor. During an EW Radio town hall on SiriusXM this week, People and Entertainment Weekly editorial director Jess Cagle asked Field for any advice she would give to parents who expected their child was about to come out to them. "First of all, don't be frightened. And don't put your own prejudices or fears about sexuality - your own fears about sexuality - on your children," Field says. "Sexuality is a human glorious part of existence.
- 3/15/2016
- by Will Robinson
- PEOPLE.com
Casting Director Daniel Edwards is currently casting for three teenage roles in a new Channel 4 drama Born To Kill.
Written by Tracey Malone & Kate Ashfield, Born to Kill is a 4 part thriller about a 15 year old boy called Sam whose fallen in love with a new girl at school Chrissy. But Sam is hiding something…..psychopathic urges.
This series will have its audience on the edge of their seats, both terrifying and heart breaking as we watch Sam’s journey and question how we can like someone so much when we know what he is capable of.
Production Co: World Productions For Channel 4
Exec Producer : Jake Lushington
Director: Tbc
Producer : Nick Pitt
Shooting Location : Cardiff
Overall Shoot Dates : 9th May – 17th July 2016
Casting Details – The majority of first round auditions, workshops and all the recalls will be in London, but we will also be...
Written by Tracey Malone & Kate Ashfield, Born to Kill is a 4 part thriller about a 15 year old boy called Sam whose fallen in love with a new girl at school Chrissy. But Sam is hiding something…..psychopathic urges.
This series will have its audience on the edge of their seats, both terrifying and heart breaking as we watch Sam’s journey and question how we can like someone so much when we know what he is capable of.
Production Co: World Productions For Channel 4
Exec Producer : Jake Lushington
Director: Tbc
Producer : Nick Pitt
Shooting Location : Cardiff
Overall Shoot Dates : 9th May – 17th July 2016
Casting Details – The majority of first round auditions, workshops and all the recalls will be in London, but we will also be...
- 2/16/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
A zombie outbreak survivor's work is never done. At least that's what The Walking Dead has proven. In a world where one slip-up can mean the difference between life and death, there is no such thing as a happy ending.
When we last left our heroes in the mid-season finale, they had to cover themselves in zombie grime in order to mask their scent from the hordes of flesh-eating zombies.
Now, AMC has seen fit to make a teaser out of that exact moment. Check it out below!
It's a scene straight out of Shaun Of The Dead, though of course, in a more serious context. Despite Rick's attempts to get Sam to quiet down during their attempts at sneaking, the poor kid can't seem to listen. Is Sam as doomed as he looks?
We'll have to wait a couple more weeks to find out!
The Walking Dead returns to...
When we last left our heroes in the mid-season finale, they had to cover themselves in zombie grime in order to mask their scent from the hordes of flesh-eating zombies.
Now, AMC has seen fit to make a teaser out of that exact moment. Check it out below!
It's a scene straight out of Shaun Of The Dead, though of course, in a more serious context. Despite Rick's attempts to get Sam to quiet down during their attempts at sneaking, the poor kid can't seem to listen. Is Sam as doomed as he looks?
We'll have to wait a couple more weeks to find out!
The Walking Dead returns to...
- 1/28/2016
- by Joseph Medina
- LRMonline.com
Lucifer’s quest for a vessel on Wednesday’s Supernatural takes a surprising twist.
RelatedSupernatural Boss Tackles Burning Qs About Amara, God, Adam and More
His plan to convince Sam to say, “Yes,” begins with a nostalgic “This is your life, Sam Winchester!” journey through moments from the hunter’s past. (It’s a clever use of “flashbacks” and features welcome appearances from Colin Ford as young Sam and old footage of Adam, but I really didn’t need to be reminded of the Amelia/”I hit a dog” arc.)
Despite Lucifer’s reasoning that in order to defeat The Darkness,...
RelatedSupernatural Boss Tackles Burning Qs About Amara, God, Adam and More
His plan to convince Sam to say, “Yes,” begins with a nostalgic “This is your life, Sam Winchester!” journey through moments from the hunter’s past. (It’s a clever use of “flashbacks” and features welcome appearances from Colin Ford as young Sam and old footage of Adam, but I really didn’t need to be reminded of the Amelia/”I hit a dog” arc.)
Despite Lucifer’s reasoning that in order to defeat The Darkness,...
- 1/21/2016
- TVLine.com
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