Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
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, APRIL 18, 2010
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
Lionsgate opened the Matthew Vaughn-helmed comic actioner "Kick-Ass" -- featuring a young cast complemented
by an engagingly goofy Nicolas Cage -- with an estimated $7.6 million in domestic boxoffice on Friday. The
chart-topping sum included roughly $1 million in coin from about 1,500 screens programming the pic at 10 p.m.
Thursday and a similar number of midnight Thursday performances.
The sturdy start to the frame should get the R-rated pic to about $20 million through Sunday. A $50 million
production, "Kick-Ass" was acquired by Lionsgate for North American distribution for just mid-teen millions.
Starring Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence, Sony's R-rated comedy "Death at a Funeral" opened in second place
among the daily grossers with $5.5 million. That's about the launch expected for a film projected to land in
the teen millions through its first three days.
Among notable holdovers, Fox's PG-13 comedy "Date Night" -- starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey – rang up a
third-best $5.5 million on the cusp of its sophomore session, yielding $37.4 million in cumulative b.o.
DreamWorks Animation's Paramount-distributed "How to Train Your Dragon" was fourth in the Friday rankings with
$4.4 million. Entering its fourth weekend, the leggy 3D adventure now boasts a $155.4 million cume.
Warner Bros.' 3D action fantasy "Clash of the Titans" came in fifth with $4.3 million on the day and a $121.5
cume, entering its third frame. 'Kick-Ass' tops Friday boxofficeFilm opens with $7.6 million; 'Funeral' comes
in second.
MACHETE
20th Century Fox has set a September 3 release date for Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis' MACHETE, starring
Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba, Robert De Niro, Michelle Rodriguez, Lindsay Lohan, Cheech Marin, Jeff Fahey, Don
Johnson and Steven Seagal. Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 6, which gives the movie a four-day opening weekend.
Machete is based on the "fake" trailer in Robert Rodriguez's 2007 Grindhouse. The feature version of the trailer
finds Machete (Trejo) a renegade former Mexican Federale, roaming the streets of Texas after a shakedown from drug
lord Torrez (Seagal). Reluctantly, Machete takes an offer from spin doctor Benz (Fahey) to assassinate McLaughlin
(De Niro) a corrupt Senator. Double crossed and on the run Machete braves the odds with the help of Luz (Michelle
Rodriguez), a saucy taco slinger, Padre (Marin) his "holy" brother, and April (Lohan) a socialite with a penchant
for guns. All while being tracked by Sartana (Alba), a sexy ICE agent with a special interest in the blade slinger.
THE AMERICAN
Focus Features is releasing Anton Corbijn's suspense thriller THE AMERICAN, starring George Clooney, a couple of
days earlier on Wednesday, Sept. 1.
MELANCHOLIA
Kirsten Dunst has scored the lead role in MELANCHOLIA, the next project from controversial director Lars on Trier
("Antichrist," "Dogville") reports Deadline New York.
Dunst takes over for Penelope Cruz who was originally in negotiations for the role before her commitment to PIRATES
OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES ruled her out of the running.
Dunst joins an impressive cast list which includes Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlotte Rampling,
Alexander Skarsgård, Stellan Skarsgård and Udo Kier.
Filming kicks off this July in Sweden for release sometime next year.
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010
DOCTOR WHO ARRIVES TONIGHT
The latest season of "Doctor Who" is all about renewal -- from the 11th Doctor's regeneration and the parallel
TARDIS redesign to the introduction of a new logo and companion.
Matt Smith, the youngest actor to take on the role of the intergalactic Time Lord, makes his U.S. "Doctor Who"
debut on BBC America on Saturday, April 17th at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
In the premiere, titled "The Eleventh Hour," the Doctor is still adjusting from his last regeneration -- a
necessity after absorbing a bit too much radiation in his previous incarnation (played by the exiting David Tennant) --
when he's drawn to the home of his future companion, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan).
THE HOBBIT
In an interview with Moviefone, Peter Jackson, who is producing the two Hobbit movies, talked about a start date,
casting and whether the movies are delayed.
About the only thing he'll confirm is that the script for the two proposed movies is now complete:
"We've just delivered the script. Literally last week, we delivered the second of the two screenplays -- the first
draft. So the studio's got both scripts now, which is a milestone; and if anything was holding it up, it was us
doing the screenplays, because we'd just been writing as fast as we can, but it took us this long to get them
finished. So we take whatever responsibility there is for the speed. And we're now in the process of budgeting
the films, and then hopefully we'll get to a budget the studio [people] are happy with, and they'll greenlight
the movies and we'll announce the shooting dates. I'd be pretty optimistic that we'll be shooting before the end
of the year. I would imagine October, November, we'd be shooting by. I'm not announcing it, though."
One big hangup, of course, is the fate of MGM, one of the studios that holds the rights. It's still being sorted
out how the financially troubled studio will be saved, and that means there's no green light yet for the Hobbit
movies.
"Well, it's not really been delayed, because we've never announced the date," Jackson told the site. "I mean it's
sort of interesting because the studio [MGM] has never greenlit The Hobbit, so therefore The Hobbit has never been
officially announced as a 'go' project, nor have we ever announced a date. But there's so much interest that people—
newspapers and magazines, of their own account, say, ah, it's likely to film in May, it's likely to film in June,
it's likely to film in September. People make this stuff up. And then if it's not filming in June, you get a story
saying, 'The Hobbit's been delayed.' But it's never actually been announced."
Until the production receives a green light, producers can't cast or set up a schedule, Jackson added. "But I would
imagine that if we get a green light within the next month or two, we would be hopefully making some casting
announcements by, I guess, the middle of the year. We've done a little bit of auditioning, but we haven't really
done any meetings with actors or anything yet. We've just been totally committed to the scripts. Everything's a
little bit later than what people assume it is. I think people think we've been sort of doing secret casting."
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
According to Walt DIsney Pictures, Sam Claflin has been selected by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Rob
Marshall to star in the key role of Philip, a youthful missionary, in Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Films'
epic adventure PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, the fourth in the blockbuster series of films. Claflin
joins Johnny Depp, returning in his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow, as well as Astrid Bergès-Frisbey and an
international cast. The film is slated to open on May 20, 2011.
Hailing from the United Kingdom, Claflin attended The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He then won roles
in the historical mini-series "The Pillars of the Earth," alongside actors Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew
MacFadyen and Donald Sutherland, followed by the telefilm "The Lost Future."
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES is directed by Rob Marshall, whose first feature film was the Academy
Award-winning CHICAGO, followed by MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA and NINE. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer's films include
(producing with Don Simpson) TOP GUN, BEVERLY HILLS COP, FLASHDANCE, and (producing solo) CON AIR, ARMAGEDDON,
the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy and the "National Treasure" franchise, as well as this summer's PRINCE OF
PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME and SORCERER'S APPRENTICE. JBTV's current series are "C.S.I.: Crime Scene
Investigation" and its spin-offs "C.S.I.: Miami," "C.S.I.: NY" and "Cold Case," "The Amazing Race" and
"Miami Medical."
The first three films in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series amassed a total international box office of $2.7
billion.
Beginning in June, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES will film entirely on location in Hawaii, Great
Britain and Los Angeles.
MIGHTY MOUSE RETURNING
The L.A. Times writes that Paramount Pictures and its Nickelodeon Movies imprint plan to bring the classic
Saturday morning cartoon character MIGHTY MOUSE to the big screen.
The studio is currently looking for a new writer and director in hopes of moving the long-gestating project forward.
The success 20th Century Fox had with the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movies is certainly a strong motivator for
bringing back the superhero mouse whose name and theme song is almost more known than the actual cartoons in
large part thanks to the late Andy Kaufman. The Terrytoons cartoon ran from the '50s through the '80s, creating a
similar sense of nostalgia among those over thirty that should be easy to capitalize on with the right movie. It's
unclear whether the project will be fully animated or a combination of live action and animation such as the "Alvin"
movies, the "Stuart Little" or "Garfield" movies or Disney's failed attempt to bring Underdog to the screen.
SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
News from yesterday and the last couple of months can be found in the
News Archive. Check it out
to catch up on all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.
8:00pm on HBO
True Blood-Episode: Never Let Me Go (First Aired: July 19, 2009)
While in Dallas, Sookie connects with one of her own; Jason is rewarded for his hard work at the Light of
Day boot camp; Eric shares a secret about his past with Bill.
8:30 on USA
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Jason Bourne continues his international quest to uncover his true identity while staying one step ahead
of those who want to kill him. Based on the novel by Robert Ludlum.
Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn
ON SYFY TONIGHT
8:00pm
Riverworld (2010)
Killed on Earth, a journalist and his fiancee awake in a strange new world where the human soul is reborn.
Tahmoh Penikett, Laura Vandervoort, Mark Deklin, Alan Cumming, Peter Wingfield
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
J. Michael Straczynski has been nominated for the Eisner Award in the category Best Single Issue (or
One-Shot) for Brave & the Bold #28: Blackhawk and the Flash: Firing Line. When asked about the nomination
on facebook, his response was:
Thanks. I think that Ed Brubaker is most likely to win in this categegory because it's a good story, a
pivotal, well-publicized issue (the return of Captain America) and as a result sold far more copies than
B&B did...but as they say, it's always good to be nominated.
Demonstrating a serious lack of decorum on their part, the Orange County Screenwriters Association has invited
me to talk about writing on May 22nd at the Regency South Coast Theater in Santa Ana. It's open to the public,
with the first hour spent on general business before I show up. So the services start at 10 a.m...., the trouble
begins at 11, and the first arrests should commence by noon.
ISN BLOG
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!
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) and Tim (Choate) 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
Christopher Franke - April 6
Maggie Egan - April 11
Tony Dow - April 13
Warren Takeuchi - April 19
Peter Jurasik - April 25
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.
BILL MUMY RADIO
Bill Mumy 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.
Podcasting plus Copious Amounts of Alcohol = Potential Trainwreck. Adjust Expectations Accordingly!
Rumors are confirmed that JMS will be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming Thor feature film, in
addition to him writing for both the “Wonder Woman” and “Superman” comics.
Alas, because of all of these other projects, Tim is feeling abandoned because of the lack of forward
progress on the Lensman feature film project.
Deep Geeking: Tim, Summer, Jeffrey and Bret discuss the story they love, in particular the moments or
story arcs that they each would have liked to have seen more of (or seen much less of) during the course
of the series.
The missteps, the grand designs, the twists that worked and the ones that didn’t, we open several cans
of worms, and still manage to leave enough material untouched to continue this discussion at a later date.
Summer will definitely have to re-read the Chronologies for more info on the details on the construction
process of stations 1-4 to determine whether or not that would have been a worthwhile story addition to
see on screen.
Make a list… we’re definitely going to continue this show sometime in the future!
What will we argue about more in the near future: “Day of the Dead” science, or the reasons given for
why the station was blown up?
Parody/Filk Songs Wanted: If you know of any B5-related fan songs out there, definitely let us know, so
we can let other B5 fans know where to buy them! If the CDs are out of print, let’s brainstorm on ways
to get those songs back out there for fans!
Submitting your own Feedback: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! Call 206-338-2259,
or just email us a comment you’ve recorded yourself!
Live Video Stream: Yes, the technology has progressed to the point where we can now play video voicemails
into the video live stream. Check out the video stream of our live feed at our FarPoint Media Page (and
leave a review for our show while you’re there!).
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space can be found on the Third Life Books island in the
Wind River Territory. Find the island here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22
Babylon 5 Information Gathering: If you know of a dead or abandoned B5 related website that may be in need
of a new home, let Summer know! Maybe we can mirror it here or house it on a sister site.
If you can, Please Donate to the show!
To catch up on all the previous Babylon 5 podcasts, go to
www.babylonpodcast.com
NEW RELEASES FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVE
STEEL
Available: April 7, 2010
Synopsis
Basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal ("Kazaan") sheds his hi-tops for a dazzling suit of battle armor
as the latest and greatest DC Comics superhero to wage war on crime. When evil scientist Judd Nelson
("Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," "The Breakfast Club") begins selling top-secret weapons to LA's
street gangs, former military researcher Shaq joins forces with a brilliant electronics expert to
build an invincible suit of armor. Layered in his magnetic metal sheath and armed with his own hi-tech
weaponry, Shaq transforms into his mythic alter-ego, "Steel." From a secret command center, Steel sets
out on a high-powered silver motorcycle to confront Nelson and rid the city of crime. Co-starring
Annabeth Gish ("Double Jeopardy," "Nixon") and the original urban crime-fighter, Richard Roundtree
("Shaft," "Seven"). Directed by multiple Emmy-winner Kenneth Johnson (TV's "Incredible Hulk," TV's
"V"). Produced by Oscar, Emmy and Grammy-winning producer/composer/performer, Quincy Jones.
Synopsis
From hit making producer Irwin Allen (The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno) comes the triumphant
return of the greatest adventurer of all (by way of Jules Verne)! Awakened from a 100-year cryogenic freeze,
the legendary Captain Nemo (Academy Award® winner* José Ferrer) pursues a mad scientist (Burgess Meredith)
who threatens to destroy Washington unless he’s paid a billion dollars in gold. Co-written by Psycho’s
Robert Bloch, The Amazing Captain Nemo was originally conceived as a three-part pilot for a weekly TV
series. Combining action, heroics and Emmy®-nominated special effects, The Amazing Captain Nemo is
seagoing action and excitement that’s simply under-and-out of this world!
REVIEW
Jules Verne was the master of adventure stories and no one does underwater adventure like Irwin Allen.
This DVD blends the two wonderfully and will take you back to the days when VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE
SEA ruled the airwaves! This movie has a wonderful cast: Burgess Meredith, Burr Debenning, Jose Ferrer,
Linda Day George, Mel Ferrer, Tom Hallick. It will probably feel more like a series pilot than a movie.
the ending sequence has Nemo and crew going off to further adventures.
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
THE FIRST EASTER RABBIT
Release date: April 9, 2010
In this magical animated feature, the beloved stuffed bunny of a small child miraculously becomes the
first Easter rabbit. Burl Ives narrates.
REVIEW
Even though Easter has past, movies like this don't go out of style. Burl Ives is masterful in his
telling of the story of Stuffy, a toy rabbit that is called upon to become the First Easter Rabbit.
This enjoyable entry in the Rankin/Bass oeuvre has a simple charm that parents and children alike can
appreciate. While the animation is quaint by today's standards, the story is the star here -- not the
special effects.
Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies
Release date: April 6, 2010
When the Easter Bunny calls Granny to tell her that he is sick & unable to distribute Easter Eggs. Granny
thinks Bugs Bunny would be a good substitute, so she goes down to the Warner Brothers Studio where Bugs
is filming 3 minute segments to complete his cartoons. Here she must sit through the various filmings &
screenings of Looney Tunes Cartoon segments to try to talk to Bugs.
This collection includes cartoon clips used from:
1) Knighty Knight Bugs
2) Hillbilly Hare
3) Bully for Bugs
4) Tweety's Circus (Tweety & Sylvester)
5) Birds Anonymous (Tweety & Sylvester)
6) For Scent-Imental Reasons (Pepe Le Pew)
7) Rabbit Of Seville
8) Foghorn Leghorn cartoon
9) Robin Hood Daffy (Daffy & Porky)
10) Sahara Hare
REVIEW
This is a wonderful collection of all your Looney Tune favorites. These are very short segments, perfect
for little kids with short attention spans. For those of us who just love watching Looney Tunes, you may
find them too short, since these are more like clips from the original feature cartoons.
Regardless, this DVD is a lot of fun and should provide some wonderful enjoyment for you and your children.
Synopsis:
This April, the BBC releases a chilling reinvention of the unforgettable post-apocalyptic 1970’s series -
Survivors - in the 5-disc DVD set, Survivors: Complete Seasons One and Two. Written by BAFTA Award-winner
Adrian Hodges (Primeval) and premiering on BBC AMERICA February 13, Survivors is based on Terry Nation’s
thrilling novel about a deadly virus that has swept across the world, destroying all but a random selection
of desperate souls. Still alive when so many have died, these “lucky ones” must step into a new world where
everything that was once safe and familiar is now strange and dangerous. In the ghost cities and empty fields,
power, water and food supplies are scarce. Just to stay alive they will have to band together, utilize their
talents and learn new skills as they rebuild civilization. But can they all be trusted?
Survivors: Complete Seasons One and Two features all 12 episodes, filmed in high definition, of the engrossing
BBC AMERICA series along with extensive bonus materials including a making-of featurette, character profiles
and an Easter Egg. Additionally, on the same date, the BBC will release the original 1970’s version, Survivors:
The Complete Original Series. The 6-disc set will include all 38 original episodes along with the featurette
“The Cult of Survivors,” photo galleries and a personal collection of Lucy Fleming’s photographs.
GILMORE GIRLS - HD
The wity and sassy Gilmore Girls are back in HD! The beloved Gilmore Girls: The Complete Series makes its long-awaited debut this week For Download on iTunes with Seasons 3-7 available for the first time ever on any format in HD. Now the series can be re-experienced anywhere and any time from a computer, iPhone, iPad, and more – perfect for the sassy fan!
Synopsis:
It's New Year?s Eve on the Poseidon. Partying voyagers toast the future. The future comes in a rush: a 150-
foot rogue wave flips the cruise ship over?and a struggle to survive begins. Director Wolfgang Petersen
(The Perfect Storm) returns to the sea with a thrill-packed, cutting-edge screen adaptation of Paul Gallico's
novel The Poseidon Adventure. Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, Emmy Rossum and more play passengers
who must rely on each other as they seek safety through the water, flames and wreckage of an upside-down world.
REVIEW
The special effects are the real stars of this movie. Wolfgang Peterson has pulled together a wonderful remake of
the 1972 disaster movie THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE. However, this version is far more spectacular, with shocking digital
effects, massive sets, amazing stunt-work and enough fire and water to fill five movies with challenging worst-case
scenarios. A small group of survivors (including Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum, and Richard Dreyfuss) begin
their long climb climb upwards, to the ship's hull, in their treacherous quest for a safe exit. Unfortunately, not a
lot of time was spent on character development for any of the principal characters. You are fed bits and pieces here
and there, but you don't get close to any of them. However Petersen's handling of non-stop action is so slick and
professional that you can't wait to see what obstacle will be put in front of the survivors next! The capsizing
scenes are nothing less than awesome, with some effects so real (and so horrifying) that younger and more sensitive
viewers may need to look away. Even without getting involved with a character, POSEIDON is certainly never boring.
FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATE'S COVE
Starring: Bindi Irwin, Beau Bridges Director: Will Geiger Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)r>
SYNOPSIS:
Young Kirra (Bindi Irwin, daughter of the Crocodile Hunter and star of Bindi the Jungle Girl),
leaves her Australian home to summer with her grandfather (Beau Bridges) in South Africa. Soon
she discovers a baby orca stranded in the lagoon near her grandfather's rundown seaside amusement
park. She names her new friend Willy - and embarks on a great quest to lead the whale back to
his pod before her grandfather's greedy rival turns Willy into a money-making attraction at his
slick theme park.
REVIEW
FREE WILLY has been a favorite movie of mine for years. I've watched all of the series so this one
was also a must-see. Bindi Irwin is quite a talented young lady. She is quite natural in the role.
Beau Bridges is marvelous as the cranky grandfather who runs an amusement park in South Africa
and becomes the home for Kirra when her father is injured and unable to take care of her for the
summer. Enter Grandpa Beau Bridges. Kirra eventually gets over being sent away and finds her
Grandfather's amusement park a wonderful place for the summer. When Willy wanders into the cove
during a storm, he quickly becomes a money-maker for Grandpa Gus and the money they make they use
to fix up the aging amusement park.
As Willy gets familiar with everyone and Kirra begins to feed the little Orca, Gus startings
marketing Willy -- t-shirts, stuffed animals, the works. The money bearly covers the fish bill
though. As Willy gets bigger, the cove gets smaller and Gus doesn't now how Willy will survive.
Enter the villain -- a competing amusement park owner. He wants to buy Willy and build an
aquarium around him. While Gus doesn't want to sell Willy, he also knows that he can't continue
to feed him as he gets bigger. The new aquarium would offer Willy a number of advantages -- a
new trailer, steady diet, but not the people he loves.
In order to save Willy, Kirra sets out to find Willy's whale pod and hopes to return him to his
family.
All in all, this is a very enjoyable movie; something to watch with your kids on a rainy
afternoon - or quiet evening.
THE PRISONER
Key Actors: Jim Caviezel, Ian McKellen, Ruth Wilson, Jamie Campbell-Bower, Hayley Atwell, Lennie James
Release date: April 6, 2010
Synopsis:
The Prisoner miniseries is a reinterpretation of the British 1960s cult hit series that starred and was co-created by Patrick McGoohan. The Premise : A man, known as Six, finds himself inexplicably trapped in The Village with no memory of how he arrived. As he explores his environment, he discovers that his fellow inhabitants are identified by number instead of name, have no memory of any prior existence, and are under constant surveillance. Not knowing whom to trust, Six is driven by the need to discover the truth behind The Village, the reason for his being there, and most importantly -- how he can escape. Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ, The Thin Red Line) plays the role of Six; and two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, The Da Vinci Code) co-stars as Two.
Here is something unusual for you to consider. The all-new Warner Archive release of Ripley’s
Believe It Or Not; the 2-Disc DVD set contains all 24 theatrical shorts circa 1930-1932 starring
Mr. Ripley as your host through the world of “Believe It or Not”.
The collection is being made available for the first time ever on DVD by the Warner Archive starting
March
.
REVIEW
Everyone knows of Ripley's Believe it or Not, but I wonder how many have actually seen any of the
episodes from the show. This recent release not only has Robert Ripley stalking about unbelievable
things -- but showing you them through his drawings. As a cartoonist, Ripley also would draw to
illustrate the item he was talking about. These new videos were part of the regular cinema
entertainment prior to a major feature. Made in the 1930s, they were both entertaining and
informative.
Synopsis:
The filmmakers behind The Matrix and V for Vendetta bring new blood to martial arts movies in this smashing
adventure. Korean pop star Rain plays heroic, deadly Raizo. Trained from childhood in the way of the Ozunu
Clan ninja, he is stalked by fellow warriors and their dojo patriarch (martial arts legend Sho Kosugi)…and
is on the run with a Europol agent (Naomie Harris) who has proof the clan sells assassination services to
governments.
REVIEW
From the first opening sequence, with body parts and blood flying around the screen, you know that
this is going to be an energetic movie about children taught to be assassins -- assassins like
no other - Ninjas! Ninjas, an order of ancient warriors, move like ghosts, coming into a room
like whisps of smoke!
I can see where men (age group 18-28) would love this movie. Rain does a wonderful job as
Raizo -- a ninja that breaks with his clan and defends a researcher who is looking into ninja and
the nine clans represented. The final battle between Raizo and martial arts legend Sho Kosugi
is outstanding.
THE BROTHERS WARNER
Release date: March 9, 2010
REVIEW
The producer of this film, Cass Warner, is actually the granddaughter of Harry Warner, one of the four
original Warner Brothers. This documentary focuses on the studio and the story of the four Warner Brothers
themselves, starting back in the 19th century and their ventures into the entertainment industry that
predate the forming of Warner Brothers the company by twenty years. It goes forward past the time that
they exited the running of Warner Brothers the company and talks about the lives of the brothers themselves.
Although there were real problems between the brothers in their own private lives, they were devoted to
making movies. This is a very fascinating documentary for those interested in film history. Given
Warner Bros. place in the movie industry today, it gives a different perspective on the movie industry
from the early days through today.
THE BLIND SIDE
Release date: March 23, 2010
Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Download, at http://bit.ly/blfduZ
THE BLIND SIDE is a 2009 American drama–sports film written and directed by John Lee Hancock, and based on the 2006 book
THE BLIND SIDE: EVOLUTION OF A GAME by Michael Lewis.[2][3] The storyline features Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who
plays for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL. The film follows Oher from his impoverished upbringing, through his years at
Wingate Christian School (a fictional representation of Briarcrest Christian School in suburban Memphis, Tennessee[4]),
his adoption by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, and on to his position as one of the most highly coveted prospects in college
football. For her performance, Sandra Bullock won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and a Screen Actors Guild Award
for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role as well as an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film
itself also received an Academy Award for Best Picture nomination.
The film stars Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy, Oher's adoptive
parents, and Kathy Bates as Miss Sue, Oher's tutor. The movie also features appearances by several current and former NCAA
coaches, including SEC coaches Houston Nutt and Ed Orgeron (Oher's coaches in college, though Nutt represented Arkansas at
the time and therefore does so in the film) and Nick Saban (who was at LSU at the time and represents them in the film),
former coaches Lou Holtz, Tommy Tuberville, Phillip Fulmer, as well as recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.
REVIEW
If you are looking for a feel-good movie to watch with the whole family, check out THE BLIND SIDE. This heart-warming
story teaches a number of lessons -- sharing, kindness, family! Sandra Bullock is awesome as Leigh Anne Tuohy, a Memphis
Mom who takes in "Big Mike", a lumbering black youth who had no family but a big heart and a desire to belong somewhere.
Along with his big size, he could play sports. The Tuohys took him in, opened up their hearts and home to him.
This is a wonderful, true story -- meant to be shared.
TOM AND JERRY'S GREATEST CHASES, VOLUME 4
Warner Home Video - 98 min - Region: 1 (USA & territories, Canada)
REVIEW
Parents rejoice! Another Tom & Jerry DVD is available for you and your children to enjoy!
Since the 1940s, Tom and Jerry have provided cat and mouse antics for all ages. What kid hasn't
enjoyed these characters created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera? I enjoyed them when I was
a kid; now my nieces & nephews and their children are enjoying these videos. The other advantage
is that they are short, so they will hold the attention of the smallest children. The giggles that
come from the room when I put on this DVD is pure pleasure talking!
Among some of my favorite shorts in this collection are:
"Little Quacker" (1950) and "Just Ducky" (1953), featuring Jerry's little friend duck
"Tom and Chérie" (1955) features Tom, Jerry, and Jerry's assistant Tuffy in the third "Mouseketeer" short
(after "The Two Mouseketeers" (1952) and "Touche', Pussy Cat!" (1954))
"Jerry & Jumbo" (1953) featuring Jerry and his baby elephant friend Jumbo, who fell off a circus train
"Little School Mouse" (1954) entertains the notion of Jerry teaching Tuffy how to outwit cats and ends up
with him needing to learn a thing or two himself
Watching these videos not only harkens back to a different time, but it presents a certain innocence to
cartoons that I still love after after all these years. The only blood you'll see is the ketchup used to
fool Tom into thinking he's bleeding every now and then. Try to find that in today's cartoons!
Be sure to look for Tom and Jerry's Greatest Chases, Volume 4. Share them with those you love -- laugh
together! It's good for your health!
SCARECROW AND MRS. KING - SEASON ONE
Release date: March 22, 2010
It has been a LONG time coming, but this 1983 series has finally come to DVD. The series ran from
October 3, 1983, to May 28, 1987 on CBS. The show starred Kate Jackson and Bruce Boxleitner as divorced
housewife Amanda King and top-level "Agency" operative Lee Stetson who begin a strange association, and
eventual romance, after encountering one another in a subway station.
REVIEW
Has it really been that long ago? I guess time has flown by, but it was still good to see this series
finally hit DVD release. I know a lot of people have been waiting to see it!
This was one of those charming duos that had great chemistry. Bruce Boxleitner and Kate Jackson were
marvelous together. Mrs. King was always getting embroiled in one adventure after another. It was comical
watching her try to balance between her family and the "spy" business.
I think this DVD -- and the entire series -- will be a great addition to my library. There are a number of
episodes I'll want to watch over and over again. The relationship between Lee Stetson and Mrs. King will
remind you somewhat of other old classics -- Beauty and the Beast, for one!
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Available on DVD: March 2, 2010
Official Site URL: www.bbcamericashop.com
Synopsis:
Fans of the upcoming ALICE IN WONDERLAND film starring Johnny Depp will revel in this surreal, gothic
version of the Lewis Carroll fantasy directed by Jonathan Miller. Miller’s masterpiece was filmed for
the BBC in 1966 and stars acting legends Peter Sellers, John Gielgud, Michael Redgrave, Peter Cook and
Leo McKern, with dreamlike music written and performed by Ravi Shankar. In this Alice, an enigmatic
young girl wanders through a Victorian landscape populated by the most bizarre and astonishing characters.
Alice gently questions each one in turn, subtly mocking their middle-class English values. Packed with
extras from the BBC vault, this Alice in Wonderland is a feast for the imagination!
SCOOBY-DOO! ABRACADABRA-DOO
Release date: February 18, 2010
Official website: www.abracadabradoo.com
Synopsis:
In this brand-new adventure, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang set out on a trip to visit Daphne’s sister Madelyn,
who has been studying magic at the Whirlen Merlin Magic Academy. However, when the gang arrives, they learn that the
school has been troubled with strange disturbances. Many of its students have fled after reporting sightings of a
giant Gryphon that’s frightened them. The gang smells trouble and sets out to investigate.
CLINT EASTWOOD: 35 FILMS 35 YEARS
There are few actors or movie makers with the staying power of Clint Eastwood. He is a master storyteller
and one of the few actors who have made the transition to director successfully -- while continuing to
act. Here is a wonderful documentary that chronicles Clint Eastwood's 35 years at Warner Bros. They have
made so many classics together -- from Dirty Harry to The Changeling. You will go behind the scenes as
films are made and be given a peek at the complex personality of Clint Eastwood.
REVIEW
Clint Eastwood is a tremendous story teller. He has proven time and time again that he knows what stories to bring to
life on the big screen. In this collection, you will share some special moments with Clint Eastwood -- watch him play
piano, talk about some of his movies and watch him work as he directs some of his greatest movies. Even if you don't
like Clint Eastwood, this collection of work is impressive in its breadth of subject matter. You go from Dirty Harry
to Million Dollar Baby. The emotion that comes across the screen is unlike any other. "Do you feel lucky?" "Make My
Day." These are just a few of the superb lines he delivers -- as only Clint Eastwood could. Go back in time a bit to
relive the emergence of Eastwood as Harry Callaghan. See if one of your favorites is included in the mix!
NEW FAMILY 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!
BABYLON 5 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TRIBUTES
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
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Jesus Saiz.
A thing that lives...and fights for its soul! The shambling walking doll that is
Brother Power, the Geek has been reborn in Gotham City without a home or purpose!
Could destiny have something in store for this seemingly lost relic? And why does
his appearance cut into Batman's.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Nov. 18.
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz; Cover
by Jesus Saiz.
J. Michael Straczynski dives into the DC Universe, bringing four of the finest
heroes of the Golden and Silver Ages with him! Completely reimagined for the modern
world from their original appearances in Archie/MLJ publications, these four heroes
will show you a side of the DC Universe you've never seen before! The Civil War
claimed many lives…but one of those lives still hasn't ended! Union doctor Robert
Dickering found himself on the wrong side of the battle lines, and despite his heroic
treatment of a fallen enemy soldier, he also found himself on the wrong end of a
noose! But a shadowy power stepped forth in the twilight moments between life and
death and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse: to forever roam the Earth, saving
the lives of innocents condemned like himself – or hastening the deaths of the guilty!
But in taking the seemingly righteous mission of the Hangman, has he accepted God's
work? Or has he become the vengeful fist of the Devil himself?
April 15-18, 2010
Official Stargate SG-1/Atlantis Convention
City: VANCOUVER, B.C.
Site: Hilton Metrotown Vancouver
Guests: Michael Shanks, Joe Flanagan, Colin Cunningham, Cliff Simon, Dan Shea, David Hewlett,
Brian Smith, James Bamford, Dan Payne, Christopher Heyerdahl, Rachel Luttrell, Andres Frizzell,
David Blue, Elyse Levesque, N. John Smith
For more information, go to Creation Conventions
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, 1999-2009
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
DOCTOR WHO ARRIVES TONIGHT
MACHETE
MELANCHOLIA
THE HOBBIT
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
MIGHTY MOUSE RETURNING
J. Michael Straczynski has been nominated for the Eisner Award in the category Best Single Issue (or
One-Shot) for Brave & the Bold #28: Blackhawk and the Flash: Firing Line. When asked about the nomination
on facebook, his response was:
.jpg)
THE FIRST EASTER RABBIT
Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies
GILMORE GIRLS - HD
POSEIDON
FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATE'S COVE
RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT
NINJA ASSASSIN
TOM AND JERRY'S GREATEST CHASES, VOLUME 4
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 