Category Archives: Entertainment

‘Hobbit’ inspired in-flight safety video is a must-see for fans

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So you know those typically boring in-flight safety videos airlines make you watch before the plane takes off? Well I think I found one that you’ll want to sit through. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, that is. Air New Zealand has partnered with WETA Workshop to produce a Lord of the Rings / Hobbit inspired in-flight safety video featuring characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s expansive Middle Earth, as well as cameos by director Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis CGI’d as Gollum. If you can overlook the basic seatbelt instructions, I bet you’ll enjoy watching this wonderfully crafted clip called “An Unexpected Briefing” made by Air NZ who’s now calling themselves the “The Official Airline of Middle-Earth.” From the bare, furry feet to the Elvish ears to Jackson’s disappearing act, it’s an instruction video I wouldn’t mind watching before lift off.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is out December 14.

Disney acquires Lucasfilm Ltd., ‘Star Wars’ universe to expand in future films

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Hold on to your lightsabers. The house of Mouse is acquiring Geroge Lucas’ production company. In a deal that went down today, The Walt Disney Company agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction valued at $4.05 billion. In addition to acquiring Lucasfilm and all of its operating businesses including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, Disney now also owns the rights to popular franchises like Indiana Jones and Star Wars.

In fact, what really shook people today is that Disney already has plans to expand the Star Wars universe by producing at least three more films in the saga. Kathleen Kennedy from Lucasfilm will transition into becoming the President of Lucasfilm and will report to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn; at her post she will serve as brand manager for Star Wars and executive producer of future Star Wars films. Star Wars Episode 7 is being targeted with a 2015 release. Disney CEO and Chairman Robert Iger lays out the framework: “In 2015, we’re planning to release Star Wars Episode 7 – the first feature film under the “Disney-Lucasfilm” brand. That will be followed by Episodes 8 and 9 – and our long term plan is to release a new Star Wars feature film every two to three years.” In addition handpicking Kennedy to run Lucasfilm under Disney, Star Wars creator George Lucas will serve as creative consultant on future films.

In a press release, Lucas discussed his decision to sell his production company and how important it is to him that Star Wars continues on into the future. “For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Production on Episode 7 is already in the early stages. Kennedy and Lucas are sitting down with writers and discussing the direction they want Star Wars to go next. Jump after the break to hear what they have to say on the matter.

Instant reactions to the news on Twitter are mixed. Some say they feel betrayed by Lucas for letting his prized franchise fall into different hands. Others express their sheer excitement and think it’s about time the franchise was injected with fresh ideas from new filmmakers. No matter where you stand, Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm Ltd. is huge news–from the development of new propertied media to merchandising new collectable products–and the acquisition is sure conjure up major fanfare in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

[Via Disney] Continue reading Disney acquires Lucasfilm Ltd., ‘Star Wars’ universe to expand in future films →

‘Community’ news flash: Star tweets it returns February 7 at 8PM [Update: NBC confirms]

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Just moments ago Community star Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted the show’s new air date.

“Guys, Community officially has an airdate: Thursday, February 7th at 8pm!”

She then took the following string of words to form a sentence right out of our mouths.

“February 7th is October 19th! Who knew?!”

This all sounds very promising, but I won’t jump for joy until the National Broadcasting Company confirms it.

Update: It’s official. Community returns February 7 at 8PM, falling back into its plum Thursday night at 8PM timeslot to kick off the network’s night of comedies. It replaces 30 Rock which will have completed its final 13 episode run. The wait just got even longer, but wouldn’t you rather the show air on Thursdays instead of “graveyard” Fridays? Rewatch the recent Troy & Abed clip to lift your spirits. And then mark your calendars!

‘Up All Night’ receives five more episodes, switching from single to multi-cam later this season

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If you’re a fan of the Christina Applegate/Will Arnett/Maya Rudolph sitcom Up All Night, I’ve got some interesting news to share with you. First good news that’s easy to swallow: NBC has ordered an additional five episodes, extending the show’s season 2 run to 16 episodes total. And now it gets interesting.

After the show’s 11th episode airs this December, it will go on a three month extended hiatus to undergo a major change. When it returns in the spring, the season’s remaining five episodes will be shot in multi-cam format in front of a live studio audience. In other words, the show is completely transforming the way it is shot and delivered by ditching its original single-camera format. Yes, for a show to undergo such dramatic shift in its second season on air is a very occurrence. But it’s being done, says executive producer Lorne Michaels per Deadline, “to infuse the show with more energy.”

What’s the difference between single and multi-cam shows? It’s best to think of it in terms of current programming. Right now Up All Night plays like other single-cam comedies such as Modern Family and New Girl. Once it switches over, the vibe will change and it will play like CBS’ stable of multi-cam hits such as The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men. What you’ll notice right off the bat, though, is a very audible laugh track since it will be shot in front of a live audience. Plus the limited amount of sets might feel more constructed.

Here’s what NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt had to say on the subject: “We know what the multi-camera audience does for the live episodes of 30 Rock, plus after seeing both Maya [Rudolph] and Christina [Applegate] do SNL within the past few months, we knew we had the kind of performers — Will Arnett included — who love the reaction from a live audience. We think we can make a seamless tradition to the new format. Also, we’re committed to the multi-camera form and this will give us another show to consider for next season in this new format.”

As a fan of the show since the last season’s pilot, I’m not so enthused about this abrupt decision to change up the format. Season 1 had its ups and downs creatively, but I’ve felt that creator Emily Spivey (or new showrunner Tucker Cawley) really turned things around this season by firing Ava from her talkshow and focusing more on the family at home. Ratings aren’t dismal this year, but they aren’t great either; most recently it scored a 1.4 rating in the all-important adults 18-49 demo. I guess Michaels and Greenblatt talked Spivey/Cawley into turning the show inside out and seeing where things go from there. It’s possible that the show was on the brink of cancellation and this is NBC’s way of pardoning it. It’ll be an interesting experiment to follow next year, that is a fact.

Up All Night airs Thursday nights at 8:30PM on NBC. There are only five single-cam episodes left.

‘Office’ spin-off ‘The Farm’ starring Rainn Wilson is a no-go at NBC

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Well darn. Looks like we’ll really have to say goodbye to The Office and all its characters this May when the series comes to an end. NBC has decided not to go forward with an Office spin-off called The Farm which was going to follow Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute on his beet farm running a bed & breakfast with his family. Wilson and Office executive producer and star Paul Lieberstein shared excitement at the potential for such a spin-off for the character earlier this year. But alas, the idea has been scraped. Wilson tweeted, “NBC has passed on moving forward with The Farm TV show. Had a blast making the pilot – onwards & upwards!”

As previously reported, a future episode of The Office serves as a back-door pilot for The Farm and takes place at Schrute Farms. The network still plans on airing the episode later this year, so at least we’ll all get a glimpse of where things might have headed.

ABC grants full season orders to ‘Scandal’ & ‘The Neighbors’

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Bet you weren’t expecting to hear this news before the TV season started. Today ABC handed out back-nine orders to Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal and (wait for it) Dan Fogelman’s The Neighbors. Scandal, starring Kerry Washington, is currently in its second season but the Alphabet network was hesitant and only gave it a 13-episode order to see how it would fare following its so-so rated first season. Averaging 8.1 million viewers and a 2.5 ratings share in the adults 18-49 demo, the political drama has proven itself to be a worthy contender on Thursday nights and will get to play with a full season consisting of 22 episodes this year.

Also given a full season is the alien-family sitcom The Neighbors. Before it premiered critics widely panned the pilot, and following the episode viewers flocked to Twitter to discuss how bad it really was. I guess the word of mouth actually helped it because it has been performing modestly in the ratings, good enough for ABC to let it finish its first season with 22 episodes aired. The bizarre Wednesday night comedy averages 6.8 million viewers and a 2.0 in 18-49 and on the schedule it shall remain for now.

We are still waiting on the fates of Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue; ABC recently upped their script orders. The network has more time to decide on Nashville since it got a late start.

Conan tweets image from the set of ‘Arrested Development’

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Conan tweeted this image from the set of Arrested Development today. He said:

Here’s the 1st official photo from the new Arrested Development on @Netflix. Spoiler alert: I’m an amazing actor.

Soak it all in people. Conan and his trusty talkshow sidekick Andy Richter will take part in the resurrection of the cult comedy. It returns with Jason Bateman’s Michael Bluth in tow next year. Bateman is so in character in this photo; he’s got that classic dumbfounded “nothing going on upstairs” Michael look plastered on his face.

TV reminder: NBC airing Bryan Fuller’s ‘Munsters’ reboot ‘Mockingbird Lane’ as Halloween special tonight at 8PM [Update: The ratings are in…]

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If you were anticipating the bold Munsters reboot from Bryan Fuller, I have some bad news to report. NBC has decided not to go ahead with making the series. However, the network will air the pilot that was shot. The Peacock did not specifically state why they ultimately decided to pass on the show; instead the network’s Entertainment President Jennifer Salke released the following statement:

“This exciting new take on a memorable series will definitely blow out conventional wisdom and create its own legacy. Teaming this new show with a terrifying episode of Grimm makes the perfect pre-Halloween fright-fest.”

Mockingbird Lane stars Jerry O’Connell as Herman Munster, Portia de Rossi as his wife Lily, Mason Cook as their son Eddie, Eddie Izzard as Grandpa, and Charity Wakefield as Marilyn.

Tune into tonight at 9PM to catch an hour-long glimpse into Bryan Fuller’s imaginative, contemporary take on the classic 1960s sitcom. Rumor has it that if it does well in the ratings NBC may opt to pick it up for next season, but by planting it on a Friday night (aka where most shows go to die) I don’t see that happening. With Mockingbird Lane off his plate, the Pushing Daisies creator is now focusing solely on his upcoming midseason drama for NBC Hannibal.

Watch a trailer after the break.

Update: The ratings are in and they look like this. The pilot Halloween special drew 5.4 million viewers and scored a 1.5/5 rating in adults 18-49. Not too shabby. But is it enough for NBC to continue production on more scripts that have already been written? Don’t hold your breath. Continue reading TV reminder: NBC airing Bryan Fuller’s ‘Munsters’ reboot ‘Mockingbird Lane’ as Halloween special tonight at 8PM [Update: The ratings are in…] →

G4 phasing out ‘Attack of the Show’ & ‘X-Play’ at the end of the year

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G4 is reportedly undergoing a major rebranding next year and two significant casualties include the cable network’s flagship series Attack of the Show and X-Play. The video game review show X-Play debuted in 2003 back when G4 was known as TechTV and personalities Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb helped make it an entertaining way to discover new games and highlight ones worth checking out. Two years later Attack of the Show premiered, it introduced us to Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn, Chris Hardwick, and Alison Haislip, and it quickly became the go-to destination for the latest in technology, gaming, pop and web culture. It also provided fantastic live coverage from major trade shows like E3, CES, and Comic Con. I had the pleasure of working at AOTS during the time it celebrated its 1,000th episode and I will never forget the great people who contributed to the making of such a fun and knowledgable show.

G4 Media General Manager Adam Stotsky on letting the long-running shows go: “Attack of the Show! and X-Play have been important for G4, and we want to acknowledge the creative people who have helped inspire and showcase the phenomenon of gamer culture. With more than 3,000 episodes aired between them, we have more than enough great material to honor these innovators and their amazing contributions as we bring both shows to a close.”

G4 will continue to air new episodes of both series through December. Retrospective episodes and ones with returning personalities and other special guests are in the works. In 2013, G4 will rebrand itself into a “more upscale, sophisticated guy TV space,” says TV Guide. PR after the break. Continue reading G4 phasing out ‘Attack of the Show’ & ‘X-Play’ at the end of the year →

‘Evil Dead’ remake trailer is red-band, as in blood red

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Cult classic horror film Evil Dead (1981) is getting a remake. Though a new director Fede Alvarez is steering the 2013 reboot, original helmer Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell have expressed their faith by contributing as executive producers. Raimi, along with Diablo Cody and Rodo Sayagues, also helped pen the screenplay. The synopsis should read familiar:

In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.

Campbell’s Ash Williams is no longer the protagonist. He is replaced by Suburgatory star Jane Levy and she is surrounded by Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas, and Elizabeth Blackmore.

Watch the extremely gory, violent, and quite terrifying red-band trailer. Nothing seems campy about this one. Jump after the break to see the trailer teaser (released yesterday) featuring commentary from New York Comic Con that’ll amp anticipation guaranteed.

Evil Dead rises again this spring on April 12, 2013. Continue reading ‘Evil Dead’ remake trailer is red-band, as in blood red →

CBS grants full season orders to ‘Elementary’ & ‘Vegas’

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A female Watson? Who’s laughing now. Today CBS made the decision to pick up full seasons of new dramas Elementary and Vegas. The Sherlock Holmes-inspired procedural starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu averages 14.3 million viewers and a 3.5/10 rating in the adults 18-49 demo. The American period drama starring a cowboy sheriff (Dennis Quaid) and a Chicago mobster (Michael Chiklis) averages 14.9 million viewers and a 2.7/8 in adults 18-49. Full season orders (22 episodes to be exact) were expected.

CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler on the back-nine orders: “Vegas and Elementary have opened strong, delivering big audiences and winning performances in important time periods. Each of the shows has rich characters, big stars and a unique visual style that have stood out in the crowd, helping make two of our strongest nights even stronger.”

With drama Made In Jersey dead and gone, the only new fall show from CBS that has yet to receive its fate is multi-cam sitcom Partners. In its most recent outing the comedy scored a 2.1/6 rating, up 11% from the week prior. Such a stat is nothing to call home about, but I’d say things are looking positive for Partners.

UPDATE: ‘Iron Man 3’ official first trailer is here

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Update (10/23): As promised, Marvel has let loose the first full-length official trailer for Iron Man 3 today and it is mind-numbingly phenomenal. Tony Stark is having nightmares following the events “in New York” (aka The Avengers), Pepper Potts is in trouble, and at last we are formally introduced to Stark’s latest nemesis Mandarin (portrayed by Ben Kingsley) who believes there is no such thing as heroes. Voice overs from Iron Man and Mandarin, as well as crazy explosions and an epic score make this one exciting trailer that will surely induce a nerdgasm of intense proportions.

Eye official pictures from the movie at Apple Trailers. The short teaser has been relocated to after the break.

Previously: Today Marvel unleashed a trailer teaser (not even considered a teaser trailer) for Iron Man 3. The first real trailer is coming Tuesday, October 23, but the powers that be thought it’d be fun to tease the lengthier first look with this extremely brief, 17-second clip. Glean what you can from it, and then read the official synopsis below. Check back here on Tuesday for the upcoming trailer.

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black.

Iron Man 3 hits theatres May 3, 2013. Continue reading UPDATE: ‘Iron Man 3’ official first trailer is here →