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, JUNE 20, 2010
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the animated toys of TOY STORY 3 don't have to worry about audiences
abandoning them. Disney's release of the third installment in the blockbuster franchise roared out of the
gate, collecting an estimated $41 million at the North American boxoffice on Friday.
The G-rated feature, directed by Lee Unkrich, found business booming at the 4,025 locations where it is playing
as it heads toward a weekend haul in the $115 million to $120 million range.
TOY's Friday number was nearly double the opening-day gross of last year's Pixar entry UP, and slightly ahead
of the $39.3 million that SHREK THE THIRD grabbed on its opening Friday. All of which puts TOY on a trajectory
that could establish a new opening weekend record for an animated movie if it climbs ahead of the $121.7 million
that the third SHREK opened to in 2007.
On the other hand, Warners' release of the R-rated JONAH HEX, the weekend's other new wide release, is proving
more a blip on the radar.Jimmy Hawards' adaptation of the DC Comics Western, starring James Brolin, barely made
it to $2 million for the day as it bowed in fifth place.
As it began its second weekend, Sony's THE KARATE KID was securely situated in second place with about $8.9
million for the day.
Fox's THE A-TEAM, also entering its sophomore session, was third, picking up $4.2 million.
And rounding out the top five, Paramount's release of DreamWorks Animation's SHREK FOREVER AFTER checked in a
n fourth place with around $2.5 million.
READY PLAYER ONE
Deadline New York reports that Warner Bros. Pictures and De Line Pictures have bought the rights to READY PLAYER
ONE, the first novel by Fanboys screenwriter Ernie Cline. The sale occurred a day after the book scored a publishing
deal from Random House for North American rights. The property is described as follows:
In the near future, outcast teenager Wade Watts escapes from his bleak surroundings by logging in to the OASIS,
a globally networked virtual utopia where users can lead idyllic alternate lives. When the eccentric billionaire
who created the OASIS dies, he offers up his vast fortune as the prize in an elaborate treasure hunt. Along with
gamers from around the world, Wade joins the adventure, and quickly finds himself pitted against powerful corporate
foes and other ruthless competitors who will do anything, in the oasis or the real world, to reach the treasure first.
Cline will write the script from the film, to be produced by Donald De Line (upcoming Green Lantern) and Dan Farah.
FRIGHT NIGHT REMAKE
British actress Imogen Poots (Solitary Man, 28 Weeks Later) has landed the female lead role in DreamWorks' Fright
Night, reports Heat Vision.
She joins Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Toni Collette, David Tennant and Christopher Mintz-Plasse in the remake
directed by Craig Gillespie from a script by Marti Noxon.
The movie centers on a teen (Yelchin) who is convinced that his new neighbor (Farrell) is a vampire.
Poots will play Yelchin's girlfriend, part of the popular crowd and unaware of his earlier life as a nerd.
The film will shoot this summer in New Mexico.
SYFY CHANNEL TODAY
The Syfy channel will have a marathon of EUREKA today -- beginning at 8:00am and running until 7:00pm. At that time,
they will premiere THE PHANTOM, a 4-hour miniseries. Previews of THE PHANTOM have been interesting. I hope that
it can live up to the legend.
SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010
THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE
Walt Disney Pictures has revealed this behind-the-scenes look at THE SORCERER's APPRENTICE in which the
filmmakers share how it all began - with an 8 minute scene of classic animation – and take us on the journey
of how the film got made and the inspiration of Fantasia. THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE opens in theaters on
Wednesday, July 14th.
BATTLESHIP
TRUE BLOOD's Alexander Skarsgard is boarding Peter Berg's movie "Battleship." He will play "Friday Night Lights"
star Taylor Kitsch's older brother in the movie, which takes its title from the old board game but will presumably
involve more than pushing plastic pins into little models.
Both actors will play naval officers in the movie, and Kitsch's character idolizes his by-the-book brother,
according to Heat Vision at The Hollywood Reporter. The blog also says the story will feature an alien-invasion
plot.
Berg ("Friday Night Lights," "Hancock") is scheduled to begin filming "Battleship" at the end of August; it's
currently scheduled for release in summer 2012.
In addition to "True Blood," Skarsgard stars in Rod Lurie's remake of "Straw Dogs," which is due out next year,
and is also attached to the Lars von Trier film "Melancholia."
BATMAN FAN VIDEO
The budget for Christopher Nolan's 152-minute The Dark Knight? An estimated $185,000,000.
The budget for Aaron Schoenke's 30-minute BATMAN: CITY OF SCARS? $27,000!
Shot in just 21 days, CITY OF SCARS can't compare to a big-screen blockbuster with a budget 6,851 times larger,
but it's an impressive achievement.
The film—in which the Joker's escape from Arkham Asylum forces Batman to confront his own demons—premiered yesterday
on Daily Motion and will be available for only one month. So you'd better check it out now!
STAR WARS IMPERIAL SHUTTLE IN LEGOS
So Legos are for kids, right? Well, there is a 28-inch-tall, 22-inch-wide Star Wars Imperial Shuttle coming out
in September. It's made for much bigger kids.
Listed at $260, it looks a little complicated -- and you will need a fair amount of patience and fine motor
skills to construct such a beast.
However, for the true Star Wars fan, is it too much to pay? It may require showing some serious restraint to
not be one of those 30-something nerds snapping them up when they become available.
RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE
Here is the new trailer for Screen Gems' RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE. Opening in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on
September 10, the Paul W.S. Anderson sequel stars Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates, Shawn Roberts, Sergio
Peris-Mencheta, Spencer Locke, Boris Kodjoe, Wentworth Miller and Sienna Guillory.
In the film, Alice (Jovovich) continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. Her deadly battle
with the Umbrella Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some unexpected help from an old friend. A new
lead that promises a safe haven from the Undead takes them to Los Angeles, but when they arrive the city is overrun
by thousands of Undead - and Alice and her comrades are about to step into a deadly trap.
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.
6:15pm on HBO
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Dumbledore tries to prepare Harry for the final battle with Voldemort, while Death Eaters wreak havoc in both
Muggle and Wizard worlds, and tragedy looms on the horizon,. Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent
8:00pm on BBC America
Blade Runner (1982)
A specialized detective in 2019 Los Angeles receives an order to terminate obsolete android slaves.
Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh
9:00pm on HBO
True Blood-Episode: Beautifully Broken (NEW)
The Vampire King of Mississippi makes a plan to consolidate his power; Eric remembers his past; Sam tests the
strength of his family bonds; Tara finds an ally in a vampire..
9:00pm on TNT
Leverage-Episode: The Jailhouse Job (NEW)
In order to save the life of an innocent inmate, Nate must bring down the corrupt warden of the prison where he
is incarcerated and escape.
10:00pm on ABC
The Gates-Episode: Pilot (NEW)
The Monohan family moves into a new home in an exclusive community called The Gates; things become complicated
when the father, the new chief of police, must investigate neighbors in a missing-persons case his first day on
the job.
10:00pm on TNT
Leverage-Episode: The Reunion Job (NEW)
The team infiltrates the high school reunion of a software magnate who is involved with the Axis of Evil.
ON SYFY TONIGHT
7:00pm
The Phantom (2009)
A secret organization recruits a young daredevil to fight crime and injustice.
Ryan Carnes, Sandrine Holt, Jean Marchand, Cameron Goodman, Isabella Rossellini
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!
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
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.
J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Over at the Babylon 5 newsgroup, JMS writes about his participation at upcoming conventions: Quick update: I'll be appearing at the San Diego Comic Con (July 22-25) and the
Toronto Expo (August 27-29), though the latter is tentative depending on work
schedules. These also correspond to the release of my work on Superman (with
issue 700 and the first regular issue thereafter) and Wonder Woman (ditto but
600 and the next thereafter). No other conventions scheduled at this time,
buried under too much work.
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
has a FaceBook presence as well. So check it out!
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.
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
Jeffrey Willerth - June 5
Donovan Brown (Optic Nerve) - June 6
Ann Bruice Aling - June 8
Mark Walters - June 10
Susan Norkin (Post) - June 10
Adrienne Barbeau (Amanda Carter) - June 11
Mike Vejar - June 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.
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #201!
Here it is a major milestone episode, and we were so excited to get to the daydreaming that we all totally
forgot what show number we were on.
And Tim is feeling emotionally abused about how long it’s taking for JMS to do his level best to get
the Lensman feature film project moving forward. He still loves you, Tim, he really does.
Interview: Leslie Erganian, artist and prop designer for Season 1, joins us to talk about the scrounging
and other creative solutions that went into creating many of the iconic props seen in Season 1.
Leslie talks about the craft behind making such items as the Grey Council staff, the translator, Adira’s
star laces, the statue of Li, the Centauri Goddess of Passion, and many more items, including the phenomenon
of bilateral symmetry in the alien races, and the utensil challenges that not having it can cause at Craft
Services.
Listener Emails: Kate in Chicagoland weighs in with her “Likes & Dislikes”, and she does not like the fake
appearance of the trees in the Captain’s office, and both Tim and Bret fell prey to the “view” from the
office, thinking it was a painting at first.
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!
Lurker’s Guide 2.0: Summer is starting a push to get Lurker’s Guide 2.0 completed and finished, including
missing collectibles, photos of magazine covers and toys, and all sorts of other B5 goodies that didn’t get
included in the original guide during the years after Crusade. Let her know if you want to lend a hand.
More Parody/Filk Songs Wanted: If you know of any more B5-related fan songs out there, definitely let us know,
so we can let other B5 fans know where to buy them! And if those CDs are out of print, let’s brainstorm on ways
to get those songs back out there for fans!
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
STRANGE NEW WORLD
Release date: May 18, 2010
Synopsis:
Cult icon John Saxon (Enter the Dragon) battles clones, barbarians, beasts and more in this startling sci-fi
adventure based on concepts developed by Gene Roddenberry, the visionary creator of Star Trek. After 180 years
in a cryogenic freeze, a trio of astronauts returns to Earth, only to find giant asteroids have devastated the
planet. Roaming across America’s vast wastelands, they encounter weird new cities, strange civilizations and
bizarre descendants of Earth’s distant past. Co-written by Academy Award® winner* Walon Green (The Wild Bunch),
Strange New World features foxy film femmes Martine Beswick (Thunderball), Catherine Bach (The Dukes of Hazzard)
and 1974 Playmate of the Year Cynthia Wood (Apocalypse Now) in an otherworldly thriller where Earth itself is
the final frontier.
Director: Robert Butler
Cast: Ford Rainey, James Olson, John Saxon, Kathleen Miller, Keene Curtis, Martine Beswick, Reb Brown
Important Note: This film has been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and has
not been remastered or restored specifically for this DVD and Digital Download release.
LOUIE L'AMOUR COLLECTION
Release Date: May 19, 2010
Western lovers! Have I got a deal for you. Warner Bros. has three classics to fill out your Western collection.
The Louis L'Amour Collection: THE SACKETTS, CONAGHER and CATLOW. Featuring Acclaimed Actors Including Tom Selleck,
Sam Elliott, and Yul Brynner.
"Known as 'America's Storyteller,' Louis L'Amour brought the American Frontier to life through his novels and we are
proud to share his work through these terrific films," said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV and Special
Interest Marketing. "Following our successful Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott Western collections and just in time
for Father's Day, The Louis L'Amour Collection is one we are confident Western fans will treasure and enjoy."
THE SACKETTS - Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott and Jeff Osterhage play brothers who migrate west to make their fortunes
in cattle-herding and gold prospecting. Each aims to make it on his own - but each also stands up for the other
when the going gets tough. And their guns blaze a name for themselves in untamed New Mexico territory.
CONAGHER - He conquered the range. She conquered his heart. Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross star as a cowhand and
a widowed ranch owner who are drawn to each other when ruthless rustlers threaten his livelihood and her homestead.
CATLOW - A renegade outlaw wants to pull off a gold heist but finds it hard because he's such a wanted man - by
the Mexican Army, his hellcat girlfriend, an Indian war party, a vengeful killer and several hotheaded cowpokes
from his former gang. Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna and Leonard Nimoy star.
REVIEW
I love a good Western and here you have a number of them. Babylon 5 fans will recognize the name of Doug Netter on the
production side of the Sackett videos. These videos harken back to another time when Westerns were all over the TV.
THe stories were rich and full; the scenery was marvelous and rustic. It was easy to identify to good guys -- they
didn't necessarily wear white hats, but they talked and shot straight. Having grown up with Roy Rogers, Gene Autry,
The VIrginian and others, these movies brought back good memories and a yearning for something similar today. Where
have all the westerns gone?
Synopsis:
The 1965 film captures the essence of Boris Pasternak’s Russian novel of remarkable passion and sweeping
grandeur, presenting an intimate and deeply emotional story against the enormous backdrop of the Russian
Bolshevik Revolution.
Omar Sharif stars in the title role of Doctor Zhivago, portraying the surgeon-poet over a half-century period.
Zhivago, who is married to Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), an aristocratic girl with whom he raises a family, is
also in love with Lara (Julie Christie), a nurse whose life has been destroyed by tragedy. Repeatedly
brought together and separated from each woman by war and revolution, Zhivago is torn apart by conflict.
He loves Tonya deeply but his poetic soul belongs to Lara. Much like his beloved country, Zhivago’s spirit
becomes battered by the devastation of war as he struggles to maintain his individualism in the face of
overwhelming odds.
Special Features:
Doctor Zhivago: A Celebration Part 1 & 2 (all-new production)
Additional Special Features:
Commentary by Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger and Lady Sandra Lean Iwife of David Lean) Part 1 & 2
Introduction by Omar Sharif
Doctor Zhivago: The Making of a Russian Epic
11 Vintage Featurettes
Zhivago: Behind the Camera with David Lean
David Lean's Film of Doctor Zhivago
Chaplin in New York
The 40th Anniversary release of Doctor Zhivago on DVD/Blu-ray and will also be made available On Demand and
For Download (via iTunes) starting next Tuesday May 4th.
The official Doctor Zhivago Movie homepage is found at http://bit.ly/ADS_DrZhivago
where you can obtain more information on the release and where to purchase the film on their preferred format
(Blu-Ray, DVD, On Demand and For Download).
See a clip from the classic film, here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/warnerbrosonline?blend=1&ob=4#p/search/0/thzpB6FyR6M
REVIEW
This anniversary edition of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO is truly awesome. The extras features put the story into perspective and
illustrates the painstaking care taken to bring this story to film. Author Boris Pasternak witnessed the savagry of
Russia's history and while he was admired for telling his story, Russia refused to publish the novel. First published
in Italy, it soon was published in many languages and became a true classic.
When I was a kid, I had a crush on Omar Sharif. What a tremendous actor, not only in Doctor Zhivago, but in Lawrence
of Arabia and others.
David Lean's concentration to detail is amazing. Listening to the costume director talk about making the costumes and
dealing with the tremendous changes throughout the movie, going from winter to summer throughout the course of making
the film.
THis movie is a wonderful addition to anyone's movie collection. It not only is a movie classic, but it is a piece of
history that everyone should watch.
EVERWOOD: COMPLETE THIRD SEASON
Release date: June 15, 2010
Official website: http://www.everwooddvd.com
Synopsis:
This season, love is in the clear mountain air of Everwood. Back from a troubled summer at Juilliard, Ephram
commits himself to his music and to Amy. Andy is drawn to a patient’s wife – and into an ethical dilemma. Dr.
Jake Hartman moves to town and starts eating a lot of pancakes, as long as Nina’s serving ’em up. And mousey
Hannah Rogers flips over Bright. But don’t expect love to conquer all, especially when the secret Andy kept
from Ephram last season comes spilling out. Suddenly, trust is destroyed, lives are turned upside down and
the bonds of love – romantic and father-son – are stretched to the breaking point. Andy wanted Everwood to
be his family’s home. Now it may be just another place they used to live.
NIP/TUCK: THE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON
Release date: June 8, 2010
19 episodes on five discs
Featurette: Tell Me What You Don't Like About Yourself--The Psychology
Sex. Seduction. Liposuction. Find them all in the fearless Nip/Tuck, the award-winning series that's the scalpel's
edge of entertainment...and the spark for debate about what cosmetic surgery can or cannot bring to a patient's
life. Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon play plastic surgeons/best friends whose glamorous South Beach practice is
a revolving door for Season 4's hot-button issues (including a terrifying story arc about an organ-harvest ring)
and human foibles (a ventriloquist wants to look like his dummy). Guest stars include Jacqueline Bissett, Larry
Hagman, Alanis Morissette, Mo'Nique, Rosie O'Donnell, Brooke Shields and more. Thrills, surprises, shocks, stars
abound in this 5-disc set. And all it takes is a little Nip/Tuck.
THE NEW ADVEVTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
Release date: May 31, 2010 Synopsis:
An outlaw of Sherwood Forest and his partners, Marion, Friar Tuck and Little John, use magic, sorcery and courage
to fight royal soldiers, evil Knights and whoever else tries to oppress the impoverished people of 12th Century
England. Actors: Matthew Porretta, Anna Galvin, Richard Ashton, Martyn Ellis
On Tuesday, Robin Hood comes to the WBShop via the exclusive DVD release of the television series THE NEW ADVENTURES
OF ROBIN HOOD Season 1 (Available Online Only at www.WBShop.com). Following the successful release last year of the
TV series ELEVENTH HOUR, the WBShop.com will present several exclusive TV releases this summer commencing with TNT’s
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD that first aired in 1997.
LIFE - GREAT FATHER'S DAY GIFT
About the Blu-ray:
Four years in the making, filmed over 3000 days, across every continent and in every habitat, with a production
budget of £14 million ($22 million) Life is the latest wildlife blockbuster from the BBC’s award-winning Natural
History Unit, the producers of Planet Earth and The Blue Planet.
Packed with excitement, revelation, entertainment, and stunning screen firsts, this breathtaking ten-part
blockbuster presents 130 incredible stories from the frontiers of the natural world. Discover the glorious
variety of life on Earth and the spectacular and extraordinary tactics animals and plants have developed to
stay alive, individual creatures under extreme pressure to overcome challenges from adversaries and their
environment, pushing the boundaries of behavior.
About the Book:
Life, the spectacular companion volume to the new Discovery Channel/BBC series, tells a majestic and compelling
story of survival and of the amazing behaviors animals and plants adopt to stay alive and pass their genes to a
new generation. Beautifully written and illustrated with more than 300 high-definition color photographs, Life
focuses on the most exciting examples of the millions of species to demonstrate the harrowing and very different
challenges that all living things must overcome to prevail and to procreate. In 60 concise and captivating vignettes, intriguingly grouped in categories like Extraordinary Sea Creatures, Fabulous Fish, Irrepressible Plants, Hot-
blooded Hunters, and Intellectual Primates, the authors provide the most up-to-date science. Each chapter
parallels an episode of the television series, making the book a must-have addition to any interested viewer's
library. From the familiar to the rare--polar bears, Japanese snow macaques, monarch butterflies, and fish-
catching bats, a mega-roost of 10 million fruit bats in Zambia, capuchin monkeys that use stone tools, marine
life beneath and upon the ice of Antarctica, and tiny goby fish that climb Hawaiian waterfalls--this sumptuous
volume brims with information and unforgettable images of the spectacular, the dangerous, and the bizarre.
PEANUTS 1970’s CCOLLECTION VOLUME 2
Be My Valentine Charlie Brown / You're a Good Sport / It's Arbor Day / What a Nightmare / It's Your First Kiss /
You're the Greatest)
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Peanuts specials are timeless classics with wonderful moral lessons and clean/clever humor that you can't find
presented the same way nowadays. Peanuts will always have a more adult sense of awareness but still never lose
their innocence. This 1970's Volume 2 Collection contains the following six remaining specials from the later
half of the 1970's on 2 discs:
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (aired 1/28/1975)
You're A Good Sport Charlie Brown (aired 10/28/1975)
It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown (aired 3/16/1976)
It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown (aired 10/24/1977)
What a Nightmare, Charlie Brown! (aired 2/23/1978)
You're The Greatest, Charlie Brown (3/19/1979)
Synopsis:
What does Nelson Mandela do after becoming president of South Africa? He rejects revenge, forgives oppressors who
jailed him 27 years for his fight against apartheid and finds hope of national unity in an unlikely place: the rugby
field. Clint Eastwood (named 2009's Best Director by the National Board of Review) directs an uplifting film about
a team and a people inspired to greatness. Morgan Freeman (NBR's Best Actor Award winner and Oscar nominee for this
role) is Mandela, who asks the national rugby team captain (Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee Matt Damon) and his
squad.
REVIEW
You have to see this movie!!!! It is truly outstanding.
This film brings together two top-notch actors -- Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. They have been in countless
features from Driving Miss Daisy to Robin Hood; from Goodwill Hunting to the Bourne series. How can you make it
better? Have Clint Eastwood there to tell the story -- directing the action as no other director can.
Nominated for two Academy Awards -- Best Actor - Morgan Freeman; Best Supporting Actor - Matt Damon.
While this is primarily a sports movie, the over-arching story is about overcoming obstacles within South
Africa after apartheid. A rugby team that had been the laughing stock of the country, becomes a winner and
has the entire country rooting for it during the World Cup -- both black and white.
This movie is masterfully told, bringing you into the lives of South Africans, showing the apprehension to the
new government and obstacles Mandela faced as he took over the government. The pictures of the shanty towns in
Cape Town are real (I saw them during my visit there) and you wonder how people can live under those conditions.
The message of hope and forgiveness is strong.
Nelson Mandela: I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul. / I am the master of my fate / I am
the captain of my soul.
Synopsis:
The bullet that killed his daughter was meant for Boston cop Thomas Craven. That's what police brass and
Craven himself think, but that's not what the investigation finds. Clue after clue and witness after
witness, the search leads him into a shadowy realm where money and political intrigue intersect. If
Craven wasn't a target before, he and anyone linked to his inquiry now is. Mel Gibson stars in his first
screen lead in eight years, making Craven's grief palpable and his quest for payback stone-cold and
relentless. Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) directs from a screenplay co-written by The Departed's
William Monahan. Gibson is back, taking us to the edge and into the sinister darkness.
REVIEW
If you are looking for a tight, suspenseful thriller, EDGE OF DARKNESS may be for you. While there is a good
bit of violence, there is also a good story supporting all actions taken. Gibson is right on as the vengeful
father seeing justice for his slain daughter. You see him struggle with his desire for vengence while trying
to honor the sense of justice he has lived by all his life. You feel his anger, rage, sorrow and you hope
that in the end the bad guys get their due.
Director Martin Campbell keeps things moving through the Boston locale, with a nice mix of action and
introspective moments between Craven and his daughter. The flashbacks add depth to the drama, and more
meaning to the relationship between father and daughter.
Synopsis:
David Tennant and Patrick Stewart star in this critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece
from Britain’s renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. No recent stage production in Britain has attracted the
excitement and nearly unanimous critical praise as this Hamlet. Tennant's interpretation was recognized as
defining the role for a generation, and Stewart’s complex Claudius won the Olivier award, Britain’s highest
stage honor. In this specially-shot screen version, filmed on location rather than in the theater, Tennant
and Stewart reprise their roles. Dynamic, exciting and contemporary, it breathes new life into Shakespeare's
greatest play.
Featured Actors: David Tennant (Doctor Who), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek: The Next Generation), Oliver
Ford Davis (Waking the Dead), Penny Downie, Mariah Gale
REVIEW
This is a modern production of the play by Shakespeare. I can't remember if I have ever really sat through
the play before, but I did yesterday. THe Royal Shakespeare Company is marvelous, and I kept thinking of what
we have done to the English language over the years. Patric Stewart is marvelous as Claudius and the ghost;
David Tennant shows tremendous range as he runs the emotional gamut of love, pain, comedy, sorry and shock.
While we have seen this plot played out in many different ways over the years, this production has it all.
Prince Hamlet of Denmark learns that his father's death was not an accident, but murder so that his uncle could
marry his mother and become King. The ghost of his father tells Hamlet of this as he wanders the dark halls
of the castle at midnight. Poor Hamlet is torn in his indecision about how to handle the situation.
This is indeed a memorable production. With this cast and modern dress, it could be just the one you will sit
through.
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?
SHORE LEAVE 32
Place: Baltimore, MD
Time: July 9-11, 2010
Site: Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn
Guests: Edward James Olmos, Katee Sackhoff, Torri Higginson, Kevin Sorbo, Catherine Hicks,
Dominic Keating, Bill Dow
For more information, go to http://www.shore-leave.com/
STEEL CITY CON
Place: Monroeville Convention Center (near Pittsburgh, PA)
August 6, 7 and 8, 2010
Guests: Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Micky Dolenz (Monkees), David Faustino (Married With Children),
more guests to follow
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com/
AUSSIECON FOUR
Place: Melbourne, Australia
Date: September 2-6, 2010
Guests: Kim Stanely Robinson, Shaun Tan and Robin Johnson
For more information, go to
http://www.aussiecon4.org.au/index.php?page=1
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
STRANGE NEW WORLD
FRIGHT NIGHT REMAKE
BATTLESHIP
BABYLON 5 PRESENCE ON FACEBOOK
Interview: Leslie Erganian, artist and prop designer for Season 1, joins us to talk about the scrounging
and other creative solutions that went into creating many of the iconic props seen in Season 1.
THE NEW ADVEVTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
LIFE - GREAT FATHER'S DAY GIFT
INVICTUS
EDGE OF DARKNESS
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 