SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2011

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
Johnny Depp's RANGO won the Friday box office, but it came in just under its projected gross with an estimated $9.8 million for opening night. Though it's a favorite for movie critics, many believe that the Gore Verbinski film's humor is slightly more sophisticated than most families expect from an animated film, so word-of-mouth (and word-of- internet) may not be as good as expected.
In second place was the Matt Damon/Emily Blunt sci-fi thriller THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, grossing $6.7 million on its opening night. BEASTLY wasn't expected to be a hit, but it's holding its own thanks to younger, mostly female audiences, coming in 3rd place with $3.5 million.
The other film opening this weekend, TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT from Relativity Media, debuted to fairly empty theaters. The movie, which was shot four years ago and has been shelved repeatedly, stars Anna Faris and Topher Grace. It only took in $1.2 million for Friday, putting it in 10th place. It's looking at a $5-million weekend.

FRINGE COMING UP IN RATINGS
Fox won Thursday night against mostly repeats, with BONES and FRINGE reaching season highs.
BONES was seen by 12.4 million viewers and drew a strong 3.6 rating, while FRINGE had 8.9 million viewers and cracked the 3s with a 3.0 rating. For BONES this was the show's highest rating in two years, while FRINGE matched its season high.
In October, when Fox was really struggling on Thursdays with its new drama lineup, I wrote a post titled "Did Fox blunder moving FRINGE to overstuffed Thursdays?" Last night gave Fox a competition-free playing as one could ever hope for, yet given the network's recent Thursday gains, the conclusion of that post -- that Fox should stay the course -- seems to have proven correct.
Also Thursday, Jeff Probst's well-intentioned "Live for the Moment" special/backdoor pilot (4.7 million, 1.1) tanked in the ratings, hurting the chances of reality projects starring the terminally ill everywhere (sorry, CBS, that convalescent home edition of "Big Brother" will just have to wait). CBS knew "Moment" wasn't going to fly, but there's a relationship to protect here, and the network gamely gave it a shot.
The second week of ABC's "The Deep End" (6 million, 1.7) slipped a tenth, followed by repeats. CBS aired repeats. The CW's VAMPIRE DIARIES (3.7 million, 1.8) perked back up, climbing 13% for its second episode post hiatus. In fact, VAMPIRE came in second place in the 8 p.m. hour. SUPERNATURAL (2.6 million, 1.2) was basically on par.

KUNG FU PANDA 2
DreamWorks Animation has revealed the new trailer and poster for KUNG FU PANDA 2, hitting 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on May 26.
Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five - Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. It is up to Po and The Furious Five to journey across China to face this threat and vanquish it. But how can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu? He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.
KUNG FU PANDA 2 is voiced by Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Gary Oldman, Michelle Yeoh, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Victor Garber.

PUSS IN BOOTS
DreamWorks Animation has revealed both the teaser trailer and poster for Puss in Boots, opening in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on November 4.
Featuring the voices of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris, PUSS IN BOOTS tells the hilarious and courageous (daring, bold, brave) tale of Puss's (Banderas) early adventures as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty (Galifianakis) and the street-savvy Kitty (Hayek) to steal the famed goose that lays the Golden Eggs.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2011

17th PRECINCT - A third "Battlestar Galactica" regular has joined "BSG" exec producer Ron Moore's "17th Precinct." Tricia Helfer will play a necromancer/coroner in the cop show/fantasy hybrid; she joins Jamie Bamber and James Callis on the show. [Deadline]

AWAKENING - The CW's zombie drama "Awakening" has cast Lucy Griffiths (BBC America's "Robin Hood") as one of its leads. The show centers on two sisters in the early days of a zombie outbreak. [Deadline]

DAMAGE CONTROL - Shonda Rhimes has recruited a familiar "Grey's Anatomy" face for her pilot "Damage Control." Jeff Perry, who plays Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) dad on "Grey's," will co-star in the new project about a crisis-management consultant (Kerry Washington). [Hollywood Reporter]

PLAYBOY - Jeff Hephner ("Hellcats") has landed a starring role in NBC's drama "Playboy." He'll play a Playboy Club member who's a lawyer and has connections to the Chicago underworld. [Deadline]

MANN'S WORLD - NBC's drama "Mann's World," starring Don Johnson as a salon owner trying to keep his edge, has added several people to its cast: Kelly Hu will play Johnson's wife, while Sandra Vergara (the younger sister of Sofia), JR Bourne and Caitlin Crosby will play stylists at Johnson's salon. [Deadline/Hollywood Reporter]

REVENGE - Nick Wechsler ("Roswell") has joined the cast of ABC's drama "Revenge," playing a character named Ben. [Hollywood Reporter]

Also: Jean Smart ("Hawaii Five-0") has joined the Dan Goor medical comedy at NBC; Gabrielle Union ("FlashForward") has been cast in FOX's comedy "Little in Common"; Robin Givens ("Chuck") has come aboard another FOX comedy, "Tagged"; and British actor Joe Anderson ("Twilight: Breaking Dawn") will star in ABC's drama "The River." [Deadline]

WONDER WOMAN NEWS
Deadline reports that "Princess Bride" and "Saw" actor Cary Elwes as joined David E. Kelley's "Wonder Woman" reboot for NBC. Also joining the cast are Pedro Pascal ("The Good Wife") and Tracie Thoms ("Wonderfalls").
The pilot stars "Friday Night Lights" veteran Adrianne Palicki in the title role, as well as two others. Palicki will play Wonder Woman, no description needed; Diana Themyscira, successful corporate executive who is publically known to be Wonder Woman and Diana Prince, her second alter-ego.
Elwes will be playing Henry Detmer, the acting CEO of Themyscira Industries, who is deeply devoted to Diana. He is like an uncle to her, but there is a chance of him becoming a love interest in the future (should the project be picked up). This is Elwes' second TV series regular gig after his stint on "The X-Files."
Pascal is set to play police officer Ed Indelicato, who acts as a liaison between Wonder Woman/Diana and the police, who, like Detmer, is devoted and loyal to Diana. Thomas will play Etta, Diana Themyscira's personal assistant.
It was recently announced that Elizabeth Hurley will be playing the show's villainess Veronica Cale.

TRON: UPRISING
If you liked TRON: LEGACY, you'll be happy with the trailer for TRON: UPRISING, the Disney animated series that will be coming to your TV screen this summer. Even better, if you liked the original Tron, you'll probably be happy, too.
Part of the uniqueness of Tron was that it made the computer world seem real through analogy: for example, Dumont acts as the I/O tower, and Tron couldn't communicate to his user Alan Bradley without him. Tron was never great, but at least it was logical.
Another problem with Tron: Legacy is that it had very little to do with the character of Tron. He had two sentences of dialogue, and his one good line was ripped from the first movie. Tron wasn't the main character of Tron, but he was the hero.
As you'll see from the trailer, the character Tron is an important part of the premise.
Something else you'll see: the lightcycle animation looks as good as the movie. The character (Wikipedia calls him Beck), however, looks eerily like Speed Racer.

THE RIVER
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Bruce Greenwood (Christopher Pike in the new Star Trek movie) has joined the cast of ABC drama pilot, THE RIVER, from Paranormal Activity writer-director Oren Peli.
The drama centers on a group of friends and family members embarking on a search of a famed adventurer/TV personality who, with his crew, goes missing in the Amazon. Each member, however, has their own motivations for doing so.
Greenwood will play the role of Emmet Cole, joining previously cast Lone Star actress Eloise Mumford as Lena and Across the Universe's Joe Anderson as Lincoln.
Jason Blum and Steven Schneider are producing with Peli, Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. DreamWorks TV and ABC Studios are backing the project, which has Unknown director Jaume Collet-Sera lined up to helm the pilot.
Greenwood starred in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek reboot, Barney's Version and Meek's Cutoff. On the TV side, the veteran actor has recently appeared in John From Cincinnati. He has the features Cristiada and Donavan's Echo on tap.

POE
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Australian actor Christopher Egan has been tapped as the lead in ABC pilot POE. The crime procedural, from Warner Bros. TV and Dan Lin’s Lin Pictures, centers on the world’s first detective, Edgar Allan Poe, who uses unconventional means to uncover mysteries. The series is set in Boston during the 1840s.
Egan, whose previous TV credits include Kings, Vanished and Everwood, will play the part of Poe.
He joins Kevin McNally, Tabrett Bethelland Leslie Odom Jr, who are already locked into supporting roles.
Chris Hollier (Alias, Kyle XY) will write and executive produce the pilot, with Lin (The Departed, Sherlock Holmes) and Brad Kern (Human Target, Charmed) joining him as executive producers. Alex Graves (Terra Nova, Fringe) is on board to direct.

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.

7:21pm on USA
Raiders of the Lost Ark(1981)
Globe-trotting archaeologist Indiana Jones races the Nazis for possession of a legendary religious artifact. Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Wolf Kahler, Ronald Lacey

8:00pm on ABC
Secret Millionaire-Episode: Dani Johnson: Knoxville, Tenn. (NEW)
Wealthy entrepreneur Dani Johnson, who once was homeless and on welfare, spends a week among the poor in Knoxville, Tenn., in search of those who need her help most.

8:00pm on ABC Family
Monsters, Inc.(2001)
A blue behemoth and his one-eyed assistant work in a giant factory that exists to scare children. Animated. John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn

8:00pm on BBC America
The Hunt for Red October(1990)
Moscow, Washington and a CIA analyst track a renegade Soviet captain and his new submarine. Based on the book by Tom Clancy. Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill, James Earl Jones

9:00pm on TNT
Journey to the Center of the Earth(2008)
A science professor and his nephew encounter strange creatures and stranger lands as they travel beneath the Earth's surface. Based on a novel by Jules Verne. Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem, Seth Meyers, Jean-Michel Pare

9:52pm on USA
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull(2008)
Indy and a young adventurer must ferret out a powerful artifact and keep it out of the hands of a deadly Soviet agent. Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia La Beouf, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone

10:00pm on CBS
CSI: Miami-Episode: Blood Lust (NEW)
After a woman barely escapes death at the hands of a serial killer, Horatio intends to catch the criminal.

ON SYFY TONIGHT

9:00pm
Dawn of the Dead(2004)
A nurse, a policeman and other residents of Milwaukee fight flesh-eating zombies while trapped in a mall. Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Ty Burrell

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING ALERT

Secret Millionaire, the one-hour series that follows some of America's most successful, self-made business people on a once-in-a-lifetime journey -- as they spend a week in the country's poorest areas and ultimately gift unsung community heroes with hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money -- The premiere is SUNDAY, MARCH 6 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
Based on the hit UK series of the same name, each episode of Secret Millionaire follows one of America's most successful business people for one week as they leave behind the comforts of home and their true identities to live and volunteer in some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the country. Assuming new identities and living in local housing on welfare-level wages, their mission is to discover the most deserving individuals within the community who continually sacrifice everything to help those in need, and ultimately encourage others to do the same.
Throughout this incredible, life-changing experience, the Secret Millionaires come face to face with extraordinary people who put their own needs aside for the sake of others. At the end of the Secret Millionaires' journeys, in an emotional and dramatic climax, they reveal their true identities and donate their own money to these community activists, changing lives forever and encouraging others to keep giving back.

REVIEW
I have had a chance to review this program before the premiere. I found it truly incredible. The individuals who participated were some of the most inspiring I've seen -- and the journey some of them took to get to their successful status in life was not always easy. Many came from very challenging families -- with poverty, family problems. They have overcome their own challenges and succeeded. Now they want to give back and the journeys they take to find deserving organizations/individuals is truly awe-inspiring. The Joy of Music, Special Spaces, Love Kitchen -- these places are making a difference not only in their communities, but in the lives of so many people -- young and old.
If you like feel-good programs, watch this program! Warning - have a box of kleenex handy. This program will touch your heart!

Go to http://abc.go.com/shows/secret-millionaire to see a trailer and learn more.

FANS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
This post was received from Ranger Tye Boudony (Lighter Side of Sci-Fi):
A Facebook friend and fan of my satires, Sean P Connaughton has been fighting the brave fight against Cancer and when he learned I was invited to attend this weekends Vulcon Sci-Fi show in Tampa FL, he asked if I would get him an autograph from Casper Van Dien, Star of STARSHIP TROOPERS.
Not only did Casper graciously sign a photo for Sean, but he also granted my request to give Sean a personal phone call to make his day a little better! I thought this a great gesture and potentially newsworthy in a heart warming sense.

Thanks Tye for sending this along.

KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW

CLAUDIA CHRISTIAN AND BILL MUMY
Found a a great video of Claudia and Bill talking about BABYLON 5 and being exposed in the industry. Bill talks about growing up in Hollywood. Great video.

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) is in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia now - having a wonderful time. 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 MUMY RADIO

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

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!

THE ZOCALO ON FACEBOOK

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

DISCUSSION TOPIC AND ISN BLOG

BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #227!

Tim relates some JMS update tidbits for us — he’s working on an adaptation of Harlan Ellison’s classic “Repent, Harlequin, Said the Tick-Tock Man” (whoa!), and has written a spec script on the story of Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle investigating some unsolved murders in 1920s New York.
And as always, JMS has an open invite to come back and chat with us any time he wants, and also for Slice of SciFi to talk about any of those other cool scifi projects he has up his sleeve.
Deep Geeking: Tim, Summer and Bret chat about “The Well of Forever”, and there’s several points of disagreement on the content of the episode, and it could quite possibly be from either some lack of perception on our parts, or from looking to hard for a complex answer when it’s really much more simple than we think.
Summer believes the B story with Matheson and Mr Jones might have been served better as the A story, just because of the character depth and development potential that simmered underneath.
Additionally, Bret observes that Earth Alliance military ships with Greek names are doomed. They are the red-shirt ensigns of the B5 universe, and should be avoided at all costs.
The Jason Davis pointed out that Warlock class cruisers have names from the realms of magic and wicca, and Summer wonders why there weren’t any ships named after the gods and heros of Norse mythology.
Summer also wants a deck of those playing cards that Gideon and Dureena were playing with in the cafeteria. Badly. And yes, her deck of Pyramid cards really is between 25-30 years old.
Listener Emails: Nick Tuck also laments the dearth of B5 comics/graphic novels or web comics out there… why can’t we get more?
Nan from Ontario is still about a year behind in listening to Babylon Podcast, and still catching up, and while she’s offered a Trek-based comet explanation to help Tim in his “Day of the Dead” hate-on, but she realized the futility of it… but will continue to listen to the show to catch up.
Catch up on all the podcasts at www.babylonpodcast.com.

GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS
GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS is an all-new DC Universe Animated Original Movie that weaves six interlocking stories of the Green Lantern Corps’ rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy. As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Nathan Fillion, Castle) mentors new recruit Arisia (Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal’s comrades – including Abin Sur, Kilowog, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona. Penned by comic book luminaries Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, Peter J. Tomasi, Eddie Berganza, Alan Burnett, Todd Casey and Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS will be distributed June 7 by Warner Home Video as part of the build up to the release of the highly anticipated live action film, Green Lantern, in theatres June 17.

Video Clip of GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS: http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/green_lantern/tvspots/GreenLantern_EmeralKnights_Oath_WWGL-2013_300.asx

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Dungeons & Dragons Facts:
Official Site: http://bit.ly/WBD_Dungeons

Preview Clip:
http://pdl.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/dd/med/dungeonsanddragons/clips/DandD_US_WBHE_Filmclip_headoff_qt_700.mov

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.

Review:
This was a great movie! Yes, it has no special effects, it's about a girl during the pre-Revolutionary War period but it has heart, a good story and a wonderful cast. What more can you ask for?
Felicity is a young 10 year old girl with lots of spirit, an independent spirit in a difficult time. She lives in Williamsburg and her father (John Schneider from Smallville) is a storekeeper. Her family is reasonably well-off because of the business, but her father is torn between loyalty to England and the independence of the colonies.
I loved the sequences of Felicity and her grandfather (who was a Loyalist to the core). He was a wise man who owned a plantation and raised horses. Felicity acquired her love of horses from her grandfather -- along with wisdom beyond her years. When she sees a horse being mistreated, she tries to save the animal -- that she names Penny because of her copper color. The horses's owner will have none of it -- he is a cranky fellow who has recently lost his wife and fallen into alcholism.
This story has something for everyone. You watch Felicity grow into a wonderful young lady, fighting to remain independent in thought and manner.
I don't want to give away the story -- you should pick up this DVD to watch with your family. The lessons learned by Felicity would best be learned by everyone! Nothing is stronger than friendship and family.

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.

object width="425" height="344" align="right"> 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!

SCOOBY-DOO! MYSTERY INC. SEASON 1 VOLUME 1
Available on DVD: January 25, 2011
WBShop Product Page: http://www.wbshop.com/ScoobyDoo-Mystery-Inc-Vol-1/1000155580,default,pd.html?cgid=&adid=WB_ADS_WBE_FB_Scooby-DooMysteryV1

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

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.

Check out: ON DEMAND: www.WarnerBros.com/HarryPotter
FOR DOWNLOAD: http://bit.ly/WB_HarryPotter_1

The all-new HARRY POTTER MONTAGE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzyKcLc1jmo

WEST WING ON BLU-RAY

Video Clip:
http://pdl.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/dd/med/westwing/s7/clips/ww_interview_fondestmemory_qt_700_amazonitunes.mov

THE DC SHOWCASE ANIMATED SHORTS COLLECTION

Video clips:
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/dc/dcshowcase/clips/dc_showcase_superman_shazam_pt1_qt_300.mov

http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/dc/dcshowcase/clips/dc_showcase_superman_shazam_pt1_qt_300.mov

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.

Video Clip:
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/sherlock/S1/clips/Sherlock_Ep01_Clip_02_DV_qt_300.movM

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.

Danger Zone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYNG0ow0G0k

I Need a Hero: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFo3Lau2Occ

Requiem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7ckXY6yiVQ

Nobody's Side: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk9LvldiOf0

Welcome to the Third Age: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT5q_ltXiY0

Keep Yourself Alive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0lRtpWR5lo

The Phantom B5 Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV4GMNjDdYc

Third Age 2K: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqIyY0PWjbI

Richard Biggs memorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyD4L8yNtsA

Andreas Katsulas memorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2UQ2l9NPIg

- 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.

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/

Shoreleave33 July 8-10, 2011
Place: Baltimore, Maryland
For more information, go to http://www.shore-leave.com/registration
The deadline for preregistration is June 15, 2011. Thereafter, registration (limited to 1500) will be at the door only at a higher price.

Comiccon International, Moscone Center, San Francisco July 21-24, 2011
Place: San Diego, California
For more information, go to http://www.comic-con.org

Woldcon2011: Renovation Aug 17-21, 2011
Place: Reno, Nevada
For more information, go to http://www.renovationsf.org

ClaudiaCon in London August 13-14, 2011
(it's a dream come true for any fan! "All access-all the time", dinner with Claudia in her house, go to her birthday party, and more!)
For more information, go to http://www.claudiaconuk.com/

Dragoncon 2011 Sept 2-5, 2011
Place: Atlanta, Georgia
For more information, go to http://www.dragoncon.org/dc_guests_list.php

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!

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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, 1999-2011