Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
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The Zocalo Today
Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Babylon 5 brought many of us together -- and it remains with us, despite the fact that is no longer in production. The good thing is that
the internet gives a LOT of ways to stay in touch. Don't be shy. Join in the discussion today or
drop by my blog! You can also find me on FaceBook and Twitter.
If you have questions or items for the news, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com.
Again, WELCOME!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2011
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE NUMBERS
The Hollywood Reporter has begun looking at the weekend offerings. The Liam Neeson action-thriller UNKNOWN overtook
the Alex Pettyfer sci-fi adventure I AM NUMBER FOUR at the Friday box office, grossing $6.7 million from 3,043 theaters
for Warner Bros. and Joel Silver’s Dark Castle.
I AM NUMBER FOUR, from DreamWorks and Touchstone, grossed an estimated $6.2 million from 3,154 theaters. Pic is the first
DreamWorks title to be distributed by Touchstone under Disney’s output deal with Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider’s
company.
Box office observers aren’t ready to call the weekend race between UNKNOWN and NUMBER FOUR, since bad weather on the
West Coast affected Friday’s grosses, although some are now betting on UNKNOWN, which should open in the mid $20
millions over the four day President’s Day weekend.
Heading into the holiday, tracking showed NNUMBER FOUR in the lead. UNKNOWN’s strong showing is similar to Neeson’s
TAKEN, which was a sleeper box office hit.
Elsewhere at the box office on Friday, Sony’s Adam Sandler-Jennifer Aniston romantic comedy JUST GO WITH IT came in
No. 3, falling only 44% from the previous Friday to an estimated $5.3 million for a cume of $47.9 million.
BIG MOMMAS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON, from 20th Century Fox and New Regency, opened at No. 4, grossing an estimated $4.8
million from 2,821 theaters.
Disney’s GNOMEO & JULIET beat Paramount’s JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER to come in No. 5, grossing an estimated
$4.3 million from 3,014 theaters for a cume of $35.3 million.
NEVER SAY NEVER had a big fall in its second week, as expected. The movie fell 69% to an estimated $3.8 million from
3,118 theaters for a cume of $38.7 million.
The Weinstein Co.’s THE KING'S SPEECH will jump the $100 million mark at the domestic box office this weekend. The
awards contender grossed an estimated $1.5 million on Friday for a cume of $98.2 million.
THE GREAT GATSBY
The New Zealand Herald writes that Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann will start shooting his 3D adaptation of F. Scott
Fitzgerald's THE GREAT GATSBY in Sydney later this year.
The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, starts pre-production in March with 17 weeks of filming starting
in August, followed by 30 weeks of post-production.
The newspaper adds that an "estimated 275 crew will be employed during pre-production, more than 400 cast and crew will
be employed during principal photography, and an estimated 150 post production and visual effects crew will also be
employed."
Warner Bros. Pictures is backing the Bazmark Films production and filming will primarily take place at Fox Studios,
though shooting will also happen in other parts of New South Wales.
First published in 1925, THE GREAT GATSBY is set in Long Island's North Shore and New York City during the summer of
1922. It is the story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish
parties on Long Island at a time when "gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession."
ANOTHER HOUDINI PROJECT IN THE WORKS
Noah Oppenheim ("Jackie") has been hired to pen an adaptation of "The Secret Life of Houdini, The Making of America's
First Superhero" for Summit Entertainment reports Reuters.
William Kalush and Larry Sloman penned the 2006 biography which insinuates that master illusionist Houdini acted as a
spy for Britain. He was said to be in cahoots with police organizations, the Secret Service, and was asked to be an
adviser to Czar Nicholas II's court in pre-revolutionary Russia.
The aim isn't a biopic but rather an action thriller akin to a fusion of "Indiana Jones" and "Sherlock Holmes". Rival
projects about Houdini including a DreamWorks film and a possible Syfy TV series are in the works.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2011
SERIES NEWS
Deadline reports that James Wolk, the star of FOX's short-lived "Lone Star," is moving to Washington. Wolk has
landed a lead role in GEORGETOWN, an ABC drama pilot from executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage
("Gossip Girl," "The O.C."). He'll play a presidential speechwriter who's starting to become disillusioned with
his job.
GEORGETOWN will also focus on the friends and colleagues of Wolk's character. Will Fetters ("Remember Me") wrote
the script and is a co-exec producer.
Wolk's "Lone Star" co-star, Eloise Mumford, has also joined an ABC pilot: THE RIVER, a drama about a group of
people who go searching for a famed adventurer who has disappeared in the Amazon basin. She'll play a helicopter
pilot who's also searching for her dad, a TV cameraman who went missing along with the adventurer.
More than a decade after "Home Improvement" ended, Tim Allen is returning to ABC in a comedy pilot called THE LAST
DAYS OF MAN. He will play a guy in a family full of women who's trying to maintain his manliness -- apparently without
the aid of a TV show about power tools. [EW]
Diane Farr is reuniting with her boss on "The Job" and "Rescue Me," Peter Tolan, for Tolan's FOX comedy COUNCIL OF
DADS. She'll play a widow whose recently deceased husband formed the COUNCIL to help her raise her two kids. Ken
Howard ("Crossing Jordan," "The White Shadow") and Patrick Breen ("Eli Stone") will play two members of the
council. [Deadline]
GLEE's Mike O'Malley has taken the lead role in another FOX comedy, FAMILY ALBUM, about a father who tries really,
really hard to bond with his family. (His deal with the pilot will allow him to continue appearing on "Glee" should
"Family Album" be ordered to series.) Rachael Harris ("The Hangover") will play his wife. [Deadline]
THOR co-star Kat Dennings will be one of TWO BROKE GIRLS for CBS. The comedy pilot from "Sex and the City's" Michael
Patrick King and comedian Whitney Cummings is about a pair of twentysomething roommates trying to survive Manhattan
on a shoestring budget. [EW]
CBS' drama THE DOCTOR has cast Christine Lahti ("Chicago Hope," "Jack & Bobby") in the title role. She will star as
a woman who reconnects with her adult children when she joins her family's medical practice. [Hollywood Reporter]
Leelee Sobieski ("Public Enemies," "The Good Wife") has joined another CBS drama, the Richard Price-written, Robert
De Niro-produced ROOKIES, about the lives of six rookie New York City cops. Sobieski will play one of the six, an
officer who was part of the White House Color Guard before joining the NYPD. [Deadline]
Eric Roberts, late of "Heroes" and "The Expendables," has come aboard ABC's GRACE, a family drama with the dance world
as a backdrop. He's playing the patriarch of the Grace family. [EW]
ABC's crime drama IDENTITY has tapped Orlando Jones as one of its leads. The show centers on a police unit that works
identity-related cases. [Hollywood Reporter]
David Giuntoli ("Privileged") will play the lead in NBC's fairy tale-inspired drama GRIMM. He'll play a detective
who comes to learn that the creatures described in Grimm's fairy tales are real. [Deadline]
UNTITLED CBS PILOT
LITTLE CHILDREN and WATCHMEN star Patrick Wilson has been cast in CBS' untitled Susannah Grant pilot. Wilson will
play the character Michael in the drama about a surgeon with a direct line to the afterlife via his ex-wife.
Jonathan Demme (Philadelphia, Silence of the Lambs) is executive producing the series, and directs the pilot as well.
Wilson has worked on primarily film projects since 2003's Angels in America. His latest film, Insidious, screens at
the SXSW Film Festival next month ahead of its April 1 theatrical release.
APOLLO 18
The Weinstein Company has released a teaser trailer for their upcoming APOLLO 18 through iTunes Movie Trailers.
The sci-fi horror film is slated for release on April 22nd.
The film, which was shot in a "found footage" documentary style, will pretend to unearth lost footage from APOLLPO 18's
undocumented and covert mission to the moon, revealing disturbing new evidence of other life forms.
FORGOTTEN
Paramount has announced plans to adapt the upcoming novel, Forgotten, and has Hailee Steinfeld lined up to star.
The psychological thriller, arriving this June, is the first published work from author Cat Patrick, who describes
the book as follows on her site.
Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all London
can “remember” are events from her future and the people who will play a part in it. In order to get by, London relies
on reminder notes and a trusted friend to navigate relationships and high school life. Adaptable by nature, she tries
to view her memory loss as a fact of life rather than a condition. But when London starts experiencing disturbing
flashbacks, or flashforwards, as the case may be, she realizes that in order to understand her present and her future,
she must solve the mystery of her past.
Steinfeld, whose debut role in the Coen Brother's True Grit last December landed her an Academy Award nomination for
Best Supporting Actress, will play Lane with other creative positions on the project yet to be announced.
FARPOINT 2010
Looking for something to do this weekend? One of the best fan-run conventions is underway near Baltimore.
Place: Crowne Plaza Baltimore North, City: Timonium, MD. Guests: Adam Baldwin, John Billingsley, Bonita Friedericy
For more information, go to http://www.farpointcon.com/
SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
If you don't see what you are looking for here, check out the
News Archive. Here you'll find items from yesterday
and last month -- all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.
6:30pm on ABC Family
Titanic(1997)
A society girl abandons her haughty fiance for a penniless artist on the ill-fated ship's maiden voyage.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher
8:00pm on BBC America
The Edge(1997)
A plane crash strands rivals in the Alaskan wilderness, where they contend with nature and a vicious kodiak bear.
Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, Elle Macpherson, Harold Perrineau, L.Q. Jones
9:00pm on FX
Iron Man(2008)
A wealthy industrialist builds an armored suit and uses it to defeat criminals and terrorists. Based on the comic
book character. Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub
10:00pm on CBS
CSI: Miami-Episode: Last Stand (NEW)
The murderer of Horatio's wife returns to take control of Miami, causing crime and chaos to explode across the city.
ON SYFY TONIGHT
9:00pm
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines(2003)
A cyborg from the future must protect John Connor from a superior model sent to kill him.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire Danes, David Andrews, Kristanna Loken.
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
JMS UPDATE
Here is the word from JMS Facebook page:
The announcement is up...this was a huge sale to Dreamworks, and I'm also on as an Executive Producer on the
film as well as the writer. The search is on now for a director aand stars, nd the hope is to get this in front
of the camera asap.
DreamWorks Buys J. Michael Straczynski's Script About Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle - Heat Vision
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/dreamworks-buys-j-michael-straczynskis-97732
I thought I'd share the news that there's been a new addition to the Straczynski family: I've always wanted a
custom made keyboard, and I now have one. If you want to share the joy, it can be seen
at
http://www.datamancer.net/keyboards/newyorker/newyorker.htm
PAT TALLMAN CONVENTION NEWS
Pat Tallman (Lyta) will be on her way to Sydney and Adelaide, Australia at the end of February/early March. It is
Patty's first trip to Australia and she will be participating in Armageddon Expo 2011. For more information,
go to http://armageddonexpo.com/au/sydney-general-info/.
WALTER KOENIG JOINS WIZARD CON TOUR
Walter Koenig, Pavel Chekov from Star Trek, has joined the Wizard World Comic Con Tour with his next stop at New Orleans
Comic Con, January 29-30, 2011 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Join tens of thousands of fans as
they celebrate Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Anime, Manga, Horror, Wrestling, MMA, Original Art,
Collectibles & More!
Bill is inviting you to check out his brand new weekly radio show, "THE REAL GOOD RADIO HOUR with your
host Bill Mumy". We'll be listening to many different styles of music and learning about those who
pioneered them. "The Real Good Radio Hour" will air every Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM both Pacific
and Eastern time and can be heard weekly on KSAV.org.
Bill has a new place on FaceBook as well
http://www.myspace.com/billmumy. There you will find information about some of his new projects,
including a graphic novel LOST IN SPACE and a Star Trek novel with Peter David, "The Return of the Worthy."
NEW INTERVIEWS
Marc N. Kleinhenz has begun a series of interviews of the cast of BABYLON 5, one of the landmark television
shows in American history. Look back with them as they discuss their characters, their emotional evolution,
and their participation in television history.
BABYLON 5 PRESENCE ON FACEBOOK
I know a lot of you are already on FaceBook. However, I don't know if you knew how many other Babylon 5
folks have taken the plunge and opened FaceBook accounts. In fact, Pat Tallman has reopened her Fan Club
using FaceBook at the site. For a peek, go to
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45593318387. Claudia Christian has been really active -- sharing
pictures of her recent trips and letting us know about upcoming convention activities. J. Michael Straczynski
(JMS) has a FaceBook page as well as a new "Fans of J. Michael Straczynski" page. So check it out!
Here is a quote from J. Michael Straczynski about emotions. I had this theory that the more important and intimate the emotion, the fewer words are required
to express it.
First it's in dating: "Will you go out with me?" Six words.
"Honey, I care for you." Five words.
"You matter to me." Four words.
"I love you." Three words.
"Marry me." Two words.
But what's left? What's the one most important and intimate word you can ever say to somebody?
It's "goodbye."
While Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), Rick Biggs (Dr. Franklin) and Tim Choate (Zathras) are no longer with us,
we will not forget their wonderful personalities and talent -- as well as their significant contributions
to the BABYLON 5 universe. Be sure to visit In Memory Of
for more information about memorial efforts.
Until we met again, in a place where no shadows fall.
BABYLON 5 BIRTHDAYS
Michael Beck - February 4
Ardwight Chamberlain - February 16
Karen Harrell - February 21
John Iacovelli - February 25
Bill Mumy - February 1
Matt Plummer - February 26
Majel Barrett Roddenberry - February 23 - she is greatly missed
John Schuck - February 4
Myriam Sirois – February 2
Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5, pass the
information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.
DISCUSSION TOPIC AND ISN BLOG
OK, the new season has begun and we've had a taste of some of the new shows. What have you watched? What did you
like -- and not so much? A number of my favorites haven't premiered yet, but I thought FRINGE was awesome.
Join me on the ISN News Blog at
http://isnnews.blogspot.com. I’ll put in stuff that I think is interesting
for others to read about and I hope you will join in to discuss of the issues --
related to science fiction or not!
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #224!
Tim and Summer are growing concerned, because we don’t have any solid ideas for our 6th season opening yet.
Hopefully, Gary and Edmund have been plotting mischieviousness on our behalf.
Universal Studios has put the Lensman feature film project on hold, and Tim goes into mourning.
If you are a die-hard B5 fan, and for some reasons you haven’t purchased any previous B5 Script Books, get
your hands on “Artifacts from Beyond the Rim”. It will be available from B5 Books until January 20, 2011.
Listener Voicemails: Time to catch up on the voicemails from the end of 2010!! And we are happy to hear the
new voices chiming in after all this time!
Tom from Brooklyn comments on breaking the fourth wall; Colin gives us his “5 Best B5 Episodes” list; Dan
from Honolulu comments on the impression Michael Ansara left on him in an original Outer Limits episode
(watch on Hulu, written by Harlan Ellison); Ben from California lends his insight on the difference between
using actual models and CG; Gary veers off into the Star Trek universe to make a joke; Gary reminds us that
there are wireframe editions of the original B5 ship models out in the wild on the Internet, but resolution
would be a problem.
Gary recomments on the CGI, specifically shots used in Crusade (and we are still interested in who put the B5
station on the DVD menus of Space: Above and Beyond); Gary clarifies a little of the Foundation/Netter transition;
Gary comments on Delenn’s comments about “thinking like the enemy” from And the Rock Cried Out…; Gary details
the differences between the Narn blaster and the gun from Space: 1999; Gary has New Year’s Babylon 5 thoughts,
and wonders if B5’s use of calendar years helped or hurt the story and arcs; Rapid Eye sings “Grandma Got Run
Over by a White Star” for us all.
Catch up on all the podcasts at www.babylonpodcast.com.
Synopsis:
The imaginary world of the most popular fantasy role-playing game ever comes to life in this special-effects-filled
adventure. In the Empire of Izmer, magic is the key to power in both the supernatural and political realms. The Mages
are a sect who know the secrets of magic and use it to hold sway over the masses. The youthful Empress Savina wants
to use her powers to bring justice and prosperity to all, but Profion is an evil Mage who wants to use his knowledge
of magic to overthrow Savina and establish his own despotic rule. Through deceitful means, Profion wins away the
special scepter that allows him to control the nation’s Golden Dragons; Savina’s only hope to recover the scepter
and the rule of Izmer is to obtain the Rod of Savrille, a talisman that will give her powers over the Red Dragons,
even more powerful than their golden counterparts. As Savina sets out to gain control of the Red Dragons, she gains
a number of unlikely allies.
FELICITY: AN AMERICAN GIRL ADVENTURE
Available: February 15, 2011
Synopsis:
Meet Felicity Merriman, a 10 year-old girl who’s as spirited and independent as the American colonies she lives
in. For the first time ever, Felicity comes to life on screen in Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, a full-
length live action movie based on American Girl’s best-selling books.
When Felicity meets Penny, a beautiful copper colored mare, she knows with all her heart that she must free Penny
from her cruel owner. Felicity desperately wishes for that same sureness of heart about the rumors of revolution
swirling through Williamsburg. Felicity’s father believes that the colonies should be free form England’s rule,
but her beloved grandfather and her best friend Elizabeth both support the king. With fiercely conflicting
loyalties dividing the colonists, something as simple as a cup of tea could divide Felicity from her best friend
forever. As Christmastide draws near, Felicity struggles to hold her family and friends close, and to find ways
for love and friendship to rise above the growing conflict.
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT -- On Demand and For Download for Valentine’s Day!
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT is available now On Demand and For Download http://bit.ly/f0FI2q
SYNOPSIS
After a distastrous first date for caterer Holly (Katherine Heigl) and network sports director Messer (Josh Duhamel),
all they have is common is a dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter Sophie. But when they suddenly
become all Sophie has in this world, Holly and Messer must set their differences aside. Juggling careers and social
calendars, they’ll have to find common ground while living under the same roof. Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks,
Hayes MacArthur and Jean Smart co-star in this tart and tender romantic comedy directed by Greg Berlanti (Brothers &
Sisters, Everwood). http://lifeasweknowitmovie.warnerbros.com/
VIDEO CLIPS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7OUb1Pz9MM
Review:
While the plot of this movie seemed pretty familiar, it had a number of twists and turns. Katherine Heigl is wonderful
as Holly - a baker/caterer who must take on the responsibility of raising a young baby with a network sports director
(Josh Duhamel). Neither were ready for this kind of life, but they honored the request of their best friends, to raise
their daughter, Sophie if anything happened to them. Holly & Messer's first date was a total disaster, yet Sophie had
brought them together and they loved the child and were willing to give up quite a lot in each of their lives. Through
the dirty diapers, first steps, competing careers, Holly and Messer do develop feelings for each other. They realize
they complete each other -- with Sophie -- they are a family.
If you like love stories, this is a good Sunday evening flick. Girls -- Josh Duhamel is very easy on the eyes. This
is well worth the price -- and you'll want to share it with your friends.
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TOM AND JERRY: FUR FLYING ADVENTURES
Available February 8, 2011
Synopsis:
They’re at it again – hilariously – in a new and nutty 14-cartoon collection! In this corner, a perturbed pussycat.
In the other corner, a mischievous mouse. Let the comedic mayhem begin with this menagerie of 14 fur-flying dust-ups.
The tussling twosome travel through time (Guided Mouse-ille), to Europe (Neapolitan Mouse) and into space (O-Solar-Meow).
And it’s two against one when Tom’s scaredy-cat cousin George comes to town in Timid Tabby. But Jerry comes out on
top time and again in Pet Peeve, That’s My Mommy and Robin Hoodwinked. This collection’s classic cartoons starring
your family’s longstanding favorite cat and mouse duo again prove that as their rivalry is neverending, so are the
joy and the laughs they spark!
Synopsis:
Hop in the van for Mystery Inc.’s new, cool series of spooky capers. Like, it’s an all-new Scooby-Doo TV series
for families who want their mysteries like Scooby-Doo and Shaggy want their pizza … spicy with extra sauce! Join
the gang in Crystal Cove – the most haunted place on Earth – to solve creepy cases packed with fearsome spooks
and frights, exciting chases, terrifying surprises and of course, Freddy’s ingenious traps. But the gang doesn’t
fall for that ghost stuff anymore. They know there’s always a bad guy behind the monster suit, until they receive
a cryptic clue from the mysterious Mr. E, who challenges them with their greatest mystery yet – to uncover the
secret behind the curse of Crystal Cove! Get trapped with Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Freddy, Daphne and Velma in four
action-packed adventures from the cool, new show that’s a lot of doggone fun!
MERLIN - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
Availabe on DVD: January 18, 2011
Official Site URL: http://www.bbcamericashop.com
Synopsis:
Merlin is back with even more magic, adventure and romance as the young wizard struggles to protect Prince Arthur in
the perilous world of Camelot. While battling deadly assassins, mystical monsters and the most powerful sorcerers
Camelot has ever seen, Merlin must work harder than ever to conceal his unique abilities, as King Uther redoubles
his war against magic. And Merlin isn’t the only one whose destiny calls—Lady Morgana , Uther’s ward, discovers
dangerous secrets she dare not reveal; Lancelot returns, changing everything for both Gwen and Arthur; and King
Uther fall in love, little knowing that the charming Lady Catrina is secretly a hideous troll. And as Arthur
continues on his path from arrogant prince to the noble and just King Arthur of legend, we see the return of the
one prophesised to kill him—the mysterious druid boy, Mordred. Featuring exciting new villains, white-knuckle
stunt sequences, and spectacular CGI monsters, Merlin season two is more thrilling than ever.
Review:
I love BBC series! They have great stories, marvelous acting -- and in this case -- awesome special effects.
MERLIN is one of those shows you could sit and watch for a while and not get the least bit bored. You are always
looking for the next turn, the next magical moment. I absolutely love the dragon (voiced by John Hurt). Merlin
seeks help from the dragon reluctantly -- and must promise to free the dragon from his chains one day. Anthony
Head is very good as King Uther along with all the other cast members. This would be a good one to watch with
children. While there is some violence, there is also lessons to be learned about leading people (from Prince
Arthur) and service others (Merlin).
ER: THE COMPLETE FOURTEENTH SEASON
Available on DVD: January 11, 2011
Synopsis:
At an ER party, Nurse Chuny Marquez recalls, “I still remember when Mark Green and Doug Ross were running the place.”
“Who?” asks a newcomer. So much has happened in 14 seasons, so many people have come and gone, but the chaos of saving
lives and the dedication of the people who make County General run remain. In this penultimate season of the powerful, award-winning series, personal tragedies threaten – and sometimes strengthen – relationships among the staff. And the
patients bring their own compelling stories. A boy genius diagnoses his mysterious illness, a cancer-ridden prison
doctor is haunted by the men he put to death, a woman arrives in the ER expecting her 13th baby. Triumph, loss,
tears, joy…next!
SAMANTHA: AN AMERICAN GIRL HOLIDAY
Available on DVD: January 7, 2011
Synopsis: The American Girl collection of books, dolls, and accessories makes its film debut in this inaugural title featuring bestselling character Samantha, in a live-action holiday story set in 1904. AnnaSophia Robb plays Samantha Parkington, a poised yet playful 9-year-old who lives with her wealthy grandmother (Mia Farrow) in a country estate
after the untimely death of her parents. Still grieving her loss, Samantha takes comfort in her friendships with new pal
Nellie, a servant girl, and her dashing Uncle Gard (Jordan Bridges), a successful businessman. When Uncle Gard
marries Cornelia (Rebecca Mader), Samantha is reluctant to embrace this female "intruder" until she spends three
months with the newlyweds in New York City. In time, Samantha grows to trust and admire Cornelia, a spirited
suffragette. Emboldened by Cornelia's example, Samantha takes her own courageous risks to improve the plight
of some young orphans. This superbly produced film provides a glimpse into America during the Industrial Revolution,
while showcasing the promising talents of young Robb. (Ages 8 and older) --Lynn Gibson, Amazon.com
Review:
This is one of those movies all ages can watch -- and enjoy. While targeted at girls, with tons of merchandising to
go along with it (books, dolls, etc.), the story is a good one that sends a good message as well.
This is a wonderful period piece, showing people dealing with issues like Womens Sufferage, Child labor, and the lack of mandatory education. More movies of this sort need to be show -- to enlighten young people to conditions that were quite
different from today's society -- yet needed to make us appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today.
LOONEY TUNES SUPER STARS: FOGHORN LEGHORN & FRIENDS
and LOONEY TUNES SUPER STARS: TWEETY & SYLVESTER
Both available on DVD: November 30th
Looney Tunes Super Stars: Foghorn Leghorn & Friends
Synopsis:
Foghorn Leghorn, the overgrown, adult rooster with the strong Virginia accent and a penchant for mischief, is
featured as the Super Star is these Looney Tunes cartoon shorts. Watch the diminutive Henery Hawk’s attempts
to catch and eat Foghorn, Foghorn’s gags on his canine nemesis Barnyard Dawg and finally the overgrown rooster’s
efforts to woo the widowed hen Miss Prissy in this collection of cartoon shorts. Additionally Foghorn is joined
on the disc by some other Looney Friends such as Elmer Fudd and Two Crows.
This second installment of the “Looney Tunes Super Star” series, prominently stars Foghorn Leghorn & some of his
Looney Tunes friends – Fans have been asking for more of Foghorn Leghorn so I Say I Say I Say Son here it is!
Looney Tunes Super Stars: Tweety & Sylvester
Synopsis:
When Friz Freleng directed 1947's "Tweetie Pie," he may not have known he was making history. This, the first pairing
of Sylvester the sputtering cat and Tweetie (later Tweety) the wide-eyed canary, won an Academy Award and united a
duo that would appear in more than 40 Warner Brothers cartoon shorts by 1962. Sylvester and Tweety earned their
studio another Academy Award for 1957's "Birds Anonymous" and several other Oscar nominations through the years.
Generations of Americans have grown up watching Sylvester's classic, ever-thwarted attempts to catch Tweety. With
two of the most famous voices in cartoons, both supplied by Mel Blanc, Sylvester's sloppy "sufferin succotash"
and Tweety's baby-voiced "I tawt I taw a puddy tat," Sylvester and Tweety are two of the most quickly identified
characters in cartoons.
This second installment of the “Looney Tunes Super Star” series prominently stars one of the Looney Tunes franchise’s
most popular characters, Tweety!
Review:
I have to thank Warner Bros. for bringing these cartoons back. They are THE BEST of the best when talking about
Sylvester & Tweety and Foghorn Leghorn & Friends. These cartoons have been hand picked, starting with the first
Tweety Pie cartoon and going forward. These award-winning cartoons will make you laugh -- guaranteed.
The best part is that they have also been restored, so the colors are vivid and the animation still holds up after
all these years. While I enjoyed watching them, I'm sure the children in my family will enjoy them as well. Can't
wait to see what their reaction will be.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
Available on DVD: November 9th
Official Site URL: www.bbcamericashop.com
Synopsis:
C.S. Lewis’s enchanting tale comes to life in this classic BBC adaptation from 1988. When young Second World War evacuee Lucy Pevensie hides in an old wardrobe during a game of hide and seek, she finds herself transported to the magical land of Narnia, locked in eternal winter by the evil White Witch. Her siblings do not believe her when she tells them of this strange new world, but they are soon in Narnia themselves, fighting alongside the noble lion Aslan to defeat the witch and her mighty army. This set includes the following complete stories from the book series: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair.
Review:
I have loved all the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA movies so far. However, this BBC production is equally as wonderful.
While done on a much smaller scale, the story still is magnificent. The actors, young and old, are terrific and
I find the episodic nature of the stories much easier to follow -- especially for younger viewers. This production
is a good introduction to the novels written by C.S. Lewis.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - Part 1
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) prepares you for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 1
with the release of the first five Harry Potter films this month On Demand (cable & satellite) and through
digital Download on iTunes, Amazon Video On Demand, XBOX and PlayStation and other online digital retailers.
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) has announced that all seven seasons of THE WEST WING are now available
for the first time in high definition exclusively through digital download on iTunes, Amazon Video On Demand and
other online digital retailers. Winner of 30 Emmy Awards™ and two Golden Globes™, The West Wing aired between
1999 and 2006, giving viewers a fictionalized look inside life in the Oval Office.
WBDD is also giving fans of THE WEST WING an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with one of the show’s executive
producers, Thomas Schlamme. Now available at http://bit.ly/WBDD_WestWing,
fans can get a sneak peek and hear details about the show they love.
THE WEST WING offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of the eclectic group of frenzied staffers in the Oval
Office. The sophisticated series starred Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John
Spencer, Bradley Whitford and Martin Sheen. Acclaimed dramatist Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The American President,
The Social Network) created the series and executive produced with Thomas Schlamme and John Wells. The West Wing
is from John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Warner Home Video is proud to distribute two exciting DC Comics-based titles -- "The DC Showcase Animated
Shorts Collection" featuring the all-new short, "Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam"; and the 75-
year documentary celebration, "Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics."
Review:
I couldn't wait to see the Superman/Shazam DVD. The story of the origin of Shazam is wonderful. Many have read the
story of how Shazam came to be. Orphaned Billy Batson is a friend of Clark Kent and later they become an invinsible
team. Good story, especially for smaller children. The triumph of good over evil -- right over wrong.
Also on the DVD are stories featuring The Spectre (with voice of Gary Cole as The Spectre); Green Arrow and Jonah
Hex. While I enjoyed all four features, it seemed that they became increasingly violent as the DVD went on. So
parents will want to review the material (as they always should) before having smaller children watch the segmentrs.
GOING THE DISTANCE Synopsis:
When a six week romp through NYC inadvertently becomes meaningful, Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garret (Justin Long)
decide to see if they can go the distance in a coast-to-coast relationship.
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long
Supporting actors: Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Christina Applegate
Review:
I'm not much on romantic comedies. While this one had a decent story, I was turned off by the somewhat vulgar
and sophomoric dialog/situations.
SCOOBY-DOO! CURSE OF THE LAKE MONSTER
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Mystical moonstones, creepy creatures and unlikely romances are on the docket for Mystery Inc. in SCOOBY-DOO! CURSE
OF THE LAKE MONSTER, an all-new, live action movie featuring an exclusive extended cut of the film with never-before-
seen music sequences coming to Blu-Ray™ and DVD March 1, 2011 from Warner Premiere and Cartoon Network. A follow-up
to its smash-hit predecessor Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster will be available
from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and single disc DVD. Order due date is January 25, 2011. The film
will also be available On Demand and for Download.
SCOOBY-DOO! CURSE OF THE LAKE MONSTER finds the Mystery Inc. gang heading toward summer jobs at a country club owned
by Daphne's uncle, only to stumble onto strange happenings around the local lake - including an enormous Frog Monster terrorizing the locals. There's mystery afoot and romance in the air that only the fearful foursome-plus-one can
solve. Group leader Fred, drama queen Daphne, brainiac Velma, fun-loving Shaggy and the cowardly Scooby-Doo are on
the case!
SHERLOCK: SEASON ONE
Release date: November 9, 2010
Synopsis:
A contemporary take on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories, Sherlock is a thrilling, funny, fast-paced adventure
series set in present-day London. Co-created by Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock stars BAFTA-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Hawking, Amazing Grace) as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman (The Office,
Love Actually), as his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson. Rupert Graves plays Inspector Lestrade. The iconic details
from Conan Doyle's original books remain ? they live at the same address, have the same names and, somewhere out
there, Moriarty is waiting for them. And so across three thrilling, scary, action-packed and highly modern-day
adventures, Sherlock and John navigate a maze of cryptic clues and lethal killers to get at the truth.
Review:
Like so many BBC series, SHERLOCK is very well done. SHERLOCK HOLMES is a wonderful combination of crisp writing,
subtle humor and engaging. With the recent big screen version of SHERLOCK HOLMES, more viewers should seek out this
BBC series. It is smart and fast paced, with original stories that make you want to see more. The fact that the
series is set in modern time does not detract from the original concept at all -- in fact it adds to the enjoyment
and makes it easier to relate to the current time period.
DVD REVIEWS
There are a number of DVDs coming out each month. I have divided them into two types -- regular entertainment
and family DVDs. Information about regular DVDs can be found at
DVDs. Looking for movies you can watch with your children? I have moved many of the family-oriented DVDs to
a Family DVDs page. Here you will find wonderful
DVDs you can enjoy with your entire family -- no matter the age. You will find background information about the
DVD, but there are clips as well from Warner Bros. Enjoy!
CHRISTMAS DVDS
With the passing of the holidays, I have moved all the Christmas videos over to the Christmas DVD page.
NEW BOOKS TO CHECK OUT
STARGATE SG-1 - SUNRISE
Author: J.F. Crane
Published by Fandemonium Ltd.
Product Description:
Shortly after the events of the season 4 episode, "Beneath the Surface", SG-1 find themselves on a bleak and
lifeless world. There they discover long-dead bodies frozen in the snow, and a clue to a device that promises
protection from the Goa'uld forever. Following the trail they go in search of the Shield of the Gods, but all
is not as it seems and soon SG-1 find themselves entangled with a people facing annihilation on a drowning
world.
BABYLON 5 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TRIBUTES
I found a touching tribute to Johnny Sekka this morning. Johnny was Dr. Kyle in "The Gathering" - the original pilot for
Babylon 5. I met Johnny at a convention once. He was an awesome personality. He had vast experience in theater and a
resonent voice that was hard to forget. Johnny died in 2006 of lung cancer.
I found this message on the Babylon 5 moderated newsgroup this morning and just
had to post it so that others might enjoy the marvelous music videos created by
John Hudgens.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
As some of you may know, I was hired by Joe Straczynski back in the
day to create Babylon 5 music videos for him to use at science fiction
conventions, and later to promote the show to networks. Eight were
produced over the run of the series, not including the memorial videos
I did later for Rick Biggs and Andreas Katsulas.
For the longest time, the only way to see these was if Joe or I showed
them at a convention, but now, after numerous requests from fans over
the years, Joe has given me permission me to post these online.
- This is the extended version that I did for Andreas' widow ater the
original cut was released on the net. It's never been seen online
until now.
For those of you who've never seen these, I hope you enjoy them - and
for those that have (and emailed me many times over the years about
releasing them), I hope they're as good as you remember. Working with
Joe on these videos was one of the highlights of my career, and I'll
be forever grateful to him for the doors these have opened for me. I'm
proud to have them on my resume.
John Hudgens
www.zteamproductions.com
COMIC BOOKS
Over the long summer break, Fringe has been quietly releasing comic books.
Tales from the Fringe has been revealing character backstories unrevealed on the show. Comic #1 followed Peter’s
exploits in Iraq, while #2 followed Broyles’ first encounter with the alien from “Earthling.” Astrid became the
focal point of issue #3, where we learned how she came to join the FBI, while the fate of Nina’s arm in the aftermath
of the events of “Peter” was seen in issue #4. Gene the Cow’s dreams will be the focus of #5, out later this month,
and Olivia’s “early days in the Fringe division” will be the subject matter of next month’s #6.
You can order back issues of each comic for only a couple of bucks from Amazon.com, and you can also get the
big paperback compilation of the six issues for only $10.11. Of course, you’ll have to wait a while for the
144-page volume: it’s not slated to land until January.
ARMAGEDDON EXPO 2011
February 26/27, 2011
The Dome, Olympic Park, Sydney Showground
Babylon 5 Guest - Pat Tallman
Other guests: Christopher Heyerdahl, Robert Rankin, David Hewlett
For more information, go to
http://armageddonexpo.com/au/sydney-general-info/
WIZARDWORLD - Miami Comic Con
February 26-27, 2011
Miami Airport Convention Center
Babylon 5 Guest: Claudia Christian
Other Guests: Adam West, Burt Ward, Billy Dee Williams, -- and more
For more information, go to
http://www.wizardworld.com/home-miami.html
STEEL CITY CON
March 4-6, 2011
Place: Monroeville Convention Center
City: Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Guests: Adam West, Peter Tork, Mike Lookinland, Yancy Butler, Larry Thomas
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com
ARMAGEDDON EXPO 2011
March 5-6, 2011
Adelaide Showgrounds and Ridley Centre
Babylon 5 Guest - Pat Tallman
Other guests: Christopher Heyerdahl, Robert Rankin, Laura Vandervoort
For more information, go to
http://armageddonexpo.com/au/adelaide-general-info/
MEGA CON
March 25-27, 2011
Place: Orange County Convention Center
Babylon 5 guests as of this date are Bruce Boxleitner and Mira Furlan
Other Guests: William Shatner, Jonathan Frakes, James Marsters, Michael Dorn - and many more.
For more information, go to http://www.megaconvention.com/
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS! Creation Entertainment has a large number of
conventions planned for the next several months. They include stars from TWILIGHT,
SUPERNATURAL, STARGATE, FARSCAPE, XENA, SERENITY, STAR TREK, etc. Check out their
calendar to see if one will be in your neighborhood soon. Don't miss their
Videos page as well. It is
full of some priceless video from a number of conventions.
Be sure to visit the referenced sites to see if there have been changes in
dates/guests attending. Visit our Convention Calendar
for a full listing of upcoming conventions.
BACK ISSUES OF THE ZOCALO TODAY
The front page of the The Zocalo Today changes daily, so be sure to check the
back issues to make sure that you haven't missed anything IMPORTANT! I don't want the front page getting too
long so I shift information periodically into the archives. So if you aren't a regular visitor to The Zocalo Today, be sure
to check out the back issues. Just use the button above!
Take care and I look forward to hearing from you. Sandra Bruckner (sgbruckner@aol.com)
Editor/Publisher
ISN News: The Zocalo Today
http://www.isnnews.net
Copyright - SBruckner, 1999-2010
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WEEKEND BOX OFFICE NUMBERS
JMS UPDATE
THE GREAT GATSBY
ANOTHER HOUDINI PROJECT IN THE WORKS
UNTITLED CBS PILOT
FORGOTTEN
I thought I'd share the news that there's been a new addition to the Straczynski family: I've always wanted a
custom made keyboard, and I now have one. If you want to share the joy, it can be seen
at 
WALTER KOENIG JOINS WIZARD CON TOUR
BABYLON PODCAST
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT -- On Demand and For Download for Valentine’s Day!
SAMANTHA: AN AMERICAN GIRL HOLIDAY
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - Part 1
GOING THE DISTANCE
SCOOBY-DOO! CURSE OF THE LAKE MONSTER
SHERLOCK: SEASON ONE
Over the long summer break, Fringe has been quietly releasing comic books. 