Category Archives: News

‘Fringe’ returns tonight at 9PM on FOX [Update: Solid ratings!]

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Great Scott!  Fringe returns tonight with a brand new episode.  In “The Firefly” Christopher Lloyd (Back from the Future) guest stars as Roscoe Joyce, an 80s keyboardist who happens to have many bizarre connections with Walter.  If you’re a long-time Fringe fan, I have no doubt you’ll be following it to its new night.  If you’re a newcomer to the epic sci-fi series, do not hesitate in giving it a shot.  If you’re a supporter of good TV, join the fun and let’s keep this show chugging for many years to come.  If the show retains its Thursday night ratings and manages to attract some new viewers, the Friday night “death slot” can be reinvented.  Let’s do it!

Look in the gallery below to see stills from tonight’s episode, and jump after the break to watch a FOX-produced Fringe music video that nicely summarizes what’s been going on lately and another video featuring the producers talking about the big move.  Fringe Fridays does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Update: Last night’s Fringe drew a 1.9/6 in the coveted adults 18-49 demo making it the highest rated program of the night!  And everyone was worried that the move to Friday nights was going to be a bad thing.  Get this: Fringe was up 12% from its last original airing on Thursday December 9, attracting 4.83 million viewers.  Simply put, the show attracted more viewers than it did when it aired on Thursday.  Death slot, be gone!  With the season premiere of Kitchen Nightmares as a lead-in, both shows helped FOX win the night and give the network its highest-rated Friday since May 2008.  If Fringe can keep this up for the next few weeks, we can surely expect to hear news of renewal soon.  But here’s the thing: Fringe was up against back-to-back repeats of CBS’ CSI: NY; the competition is bound to get more intense when CBS and The CW (Supernatural) air new episodes next week. (Oh, and this was neat: Christopher Lloyd’s stellar performance added his name to Twitter’s list of Trending Topics during and after the east coast airing of “The Firefly.”)

Update 2: Things just keep getting better for Fringe!  According to Nielsen, the show gained an additional 42 percent in ratings thanks to DVR playback.  This information was gathered three days after the live airing of the Friday episode.  As reported above, “The Firefly” drew a 1.9 rating in the adults 18-49 demo; if you add the DVR spike in viewership that rating shoots up to a 2.7!  (Compare this number to CBS’ Blue Bloods which drew a 2.4 rating on the same night.)  This is fantastic news for Fringe fans; if the show can keep this up (and perhaps perform better) it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

[Via TVLine; IGN; Deadline; EW]

Continue reading ‘Fringe’ returns tonight at 9PM on FOX [Update: Solid ratings!] →

Nintendo 3DS launch details: coming March 27 for $249

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Today Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime took the stage in New York City to discuss the Nintendo 3DS launch details we’ve been waiting for.  The 3D-enabled DS handheld will release on March 27 in the US for $249.99.  It will come in two color variants: Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue.  Ninty promises that over 30 3DS games will be available during the launch window (that is, between the March 27 and the E3 Expo in early June).  These include a mix of first and third party games.  Though Nintendo did not specify a solid list of launch titles, the press release mentions the following games: Pilotwings Resort, which has players soaring acrobatically over iconic Wuhu Island; nintendogs + cats, a new version of the Nintendo DS classic with a feline enhancement; and Steel Diver, a side-scrolling submarine adventure that gives the illusion that the player is peering into an aquarium.  The ones you really want to play like the 3D versions of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Paper Mario, plus the return of fan favorite Kid Icarus in Kid Icarus: Uprising are simply “in the works” with no release dates attached just yet.  Some third party games mentioned at the event include Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (Capcom), Madden NFL Football (EA), and LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (LucasArts), but again no release dates were specified.

So that pretty much does it for launch details.  However, in addition to announcing price, release date, and games support, Fils-Aime took time to talk about the 3DS’ hardware and expand upon the some of the pre-installed software.  Like its DS predessors, the 3DS packs two screens; the bottom one’s touch-sensitive and the top one’s 3D-enabled (no pesky glasses required).  A 3D Depth Slider can be used to manipulate the 3D effect during gameplay; the slider can turn off the 3D effect entirely and all 3DS games can be played in traditional 2D.  In addition to the D-Pad, a new Circle Pad provides a full 360 degrees of direction and allows for a higher level of precision during gameplay.  The 3DS also packs built-in motion and gyro sensors, so it can react to the motion and tilt of the system.  You’ll also find three camera built into this thing; one on the inside (facing you during gameplay) and two on the outside.  Combined the latter two can capture 3D pictures and you can view them on the top 3D display.  Other hardware notables: the 3DS comes bundled with an adjustable stylus (for use on the bottom touch-sensitive display), a 2GB SD memory card, and a charging cradle.

The Home Menu is where all your apps live.  Mii Maker is just what it sounds like and works similarly to how Miis are created on the Wii.  The difference here is that the Mii Maker will ask you to take a photo of yourself and the software will try its best to convert your real-life features into a Mii avatar.  If the conversion doesn’t sit well with you, manual customization options are available to fiddle with to make things right.  You also have the ability to import your Mii avatar from your Wii console by way of SD card transfer.  The augmented reality-based game Face Raiders lets you take pictures of your friends and turn them into shooting targets.  It’s a simple game that highlights the built-in gyro sensor since it requires you to physically lean and turn to search around for the targets and aim high and low to hit them.  AR Games works similarly, but they take advantage of the pack of AR cards that come bundled with the system.  All you have to do is place one of the AR cards onto a flat surface, point the outward facing 3DS camera at it, and targets come to life.  Animations are superimposed into the scene; so for example if you place a card on your kitchen table the backdrop for the targets will be the kitchen table (that’s augmented reality gaming in a nutshell).  The Activity Log tracks both your gameplay activity, much like the Wii Calender does automatically.  It notes which games you’ve played and how long you’ve played them, as well as your physical activity, counting every step you take while carrying your Nintendo 3DS.  Even when the system’s in sleep mode, it acts as a pedometer and tracks the distances you travel; the more you walk the more Play Coins you will earn.  These coins can then be used to purchase in-game bonus content, if the game’s developer decides to support it.  The Nintendo eShop offers access to downloadable games.  In addition to DSiWare games, Virtual Console games pulled from the Game Boy and Game Boy Color catalogs will be available to download.  Game videos, screenshots, demos, and ratings will also be browsable here.  Titles can be purchased with either a credit card or prepaid cards.  Other software notables: StreetPass Mii Plaza (more on this below), Internet Browser, Camera app (capture and view 3D pictures), Video app (watch 3D content), Sound app (listen to music in MP3 or AAC format from the SD card, plus record and play with sounds using the 3DS’ built-in mic); oh, and the 3DS is backwards compatible with all Nintendo DS games.

Fils-Aime mentioned that the 3DS is Nintendo’s most connected video games console ever made, and he’s not lying.  First let’s get this awesome update out of the way: friend codes are no longer specific to each game you buy, there is only one code and it’s attached to your 3DS.  Once you swap friend codes with someone, they will remain on your friend list and you can always check their online status no matter what game you’ve got running.  Now to some fun new features: StreetPass and SpotPass.  StreetPass is capable of exchanging game information with other Nintendo 3DS systems as owners pass one another.  An example of StreetPass functionality is the aptly titled StreetPass Mii Plaza.  Much like its Wii counterpart, the 3DS’ Mii Plaza will congregate your Mii avatar with all the other 3DS owners you happen to pass by, say, on the street (and your avatar will jump onto the 3DS of the person you pass).  In addition to sharing your avatar, other information can be exchanged over StreetPass including maps for games, high scores, and custom character data for different games.  This might be obvious but it’s worth pointing out–if you don’t want any information to exchange on the fly (because all this can happen while the 3DS is in sleep mode tucked away in your pocket) you can disable the StreetPass function.  Next up is SpotPass and this essentially connects to 3DS up to public or private at-home WiFi hotspots.  Once connected, the system can receive new content and updates even when it’s in sleep mode or charging.

Peer in the gallery below to get a closer look at the 3DS hardware, and look after the break to watch the 3DS virtual tour and catch a sneak peek at the software launch lineup.  Also, don’t forget to check out my hands-on preview of the 3DS from E3.

[Via Nintendo]

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Continue reading Nintendo 3DS launch details: coming March 27 for $249 →

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ casting scoop: Anne Hathaway is Catwoman, Tom Hardy is Bane

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We’re finally starting to get idea about what Christopher Nolan’s third and final Batman film will be about, now that we know Catwoman and Bane are involved.  Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs) has been cast as Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman).  Cue statement from Nolan: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”  Tom Hardy (Inception) is Bane, or as he’s better known as “the man who broke the Bat”; in the comics Bane is an abnormally strong villain who literally breaks Batman’s back and learns Batman’s secret identity.  Another statement from the director: “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.”

Movie buff?  The last time Catwoman and Bane made it to the big screen was in 1996’s Batman Returns (Michelle Pfeiffer) and 1997’s Batman and Robin (Robert Swenson).  I’m trying real hard to forget that 2004’s Catwoman (Halle Berry) was ever made.

Christian Bale, Hathaway, and Hardy are locked in; can’t wait to see who gets called in next.  The Dark Knight Rises opens July 20, 2012.

[Via Deadline]

Ricky Gervais will reprise David Brent in U.S. version of ‘The Office’ next week

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This being Steve Carell’s final season on The Office means big changes and exciting storylines leading up to May.  This was supposed to be a surprise for longtime fans of the series but word got out and here we are: Ricky Gervais will reprise David Brent, the UK version of Carell’s Michael Scott, in the January 27 episode.  More specifically, Brent will make a brief cameo during the cold open.  “It’s a little more than if you blink, you’ll miss it, but if you don’t set your TiVo right, you’ll miss it,” says producer Paul Lieberstein.  So how will Gervais, who created the UK Office and serves as an executive producer on the US version, end up crossing paths with his US alter-ego?  Lieberstein spills, “We had some issues to work out, like how does David Brent live in the world of Michael Scott. It’s outside of the office, and it’s just the two of them interacting. It’s just a llittle nod to Steve and his final year.”

The Office returns with new episodes this Thursday at 9PM on NBC.

[Via NYMag]

Apple reports 2011 Q1 earnings: $6b profit, Macs up 23%, iPhones up 86%, iPods down 7%, iPad…

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Apple’s first quarter financial results are in!  And it’s another record-breaking quarter for Jobs & co.  Number crunching time.  Apple posted a $6 billion profit on $26.74 billion in revenue.  Compare this to one year ago, that’s up from a profit of $3.38 billion on $15.68 billion in revenue.  Says CEO Steve Jobs: “We had a phenomenal holiday quarter with record Mac, iPhone and iPad sales. We are firing on all cylinders and we’ve got some exciting things in the pipeline for this year including iPhone 4 on Verizon which customers can’t wait to get their hands on.”

Now let’s break it down by product category.  Apple sold 4.13 million Macs during the quarter (representing a 23 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter); 16.24 million iPhones (representing a 86 percent unit growth); and 19.45 million iPods (representing an 7 percent unit decline).  This is the second quarter that includes iPad sales, and how did they do?  7.33 million iPads were sold and that’s way up from the total sold last quarter (3.27 million, in case you’re wondering).

Looking ahead to the second quarter, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue of about $22 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $4.90.

Unfortunately the earnings call administered by Oppenheimer and COO Tim Cook did not shed light on the health of Steve Jobs who decided to take a medical leave of absence from the company yesterday.  However, the call did bring to light an interesting news bite.  Cook spilled that Apple has invested a ton of money to secure a “very strategic” component for its products.  Though he failed to mention the mystery component, most sources are pinpointing it on the development of extremely high-resolution displays for future iterations of the iPhone and iPad.

Also during the call, Cook commented on iPad’s competitors.  “If you look at what’s out there today, there’s not much,” said Cook. “There’s the ones that use Windows, they’re generally big and heavy and expensive. They have weak battery life, they require a keyboard or a stylus as an input device, customers are frankly just not interested in them. Then you have Android tablets, and the varieties that are out shipping today, their operating system wasn’t designed for tablets. Google has said this, this isn’t just Apple saying this. That means you have the size of a tablet that just isn’t reasonable for what we call a ‘real tablet experience.’ That’s just a scaled-up smartphone, which is a bizarre product category. If you do a side-by-side with an iPad, you’ll pick an iPad.”  He went on to uphold Job’s stance on Android from last quarter’s call: “We firmly believe that our integrated approach is better than the fragmented approach.”

[Via Apple; Engadget, here & here]

Steve Jobs takes medical leave from Apple

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For the second time this year, Apple CEO Steve Jobs is taking a medical leave from the company.  Jobs will remain CEO, and again he has called upon COO Tim Cook to take over Apple’s day to day operations while he’s gone.  Here’s the letter Jobs sent to his employees on Monday:

Team,

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve

Details surrounding his leave have not surfaced, and Jobs hopes it remains that way.  Get better soon Steve!

[Via Engadget]

Starbucks to roll out massive ‘Trenta’ cup size this May

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My oh my has that cup grown.  This week Starbucks announced that they will be introducing their biggest cup size yet–the 31-ounce ‘Trenta’–on May 3, 2011.  To put things into perspective for you, Trenta is 7 ounces larger than a Venti.  Trenta sized cups will cost 50 cents more than their Venti brethren and there’s a catch: customers will only be able to order iced coffee and iced tea if they want to leave the shop with a Trenta in hand.  Starbucks will begin the rollout in 14 states (including Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and Arizona) on January 18, it will hit California shops on February 1, and it will make its way to all 50 states on May the third.

The National Post put together a handy chart that pits the Trenta against the other coffee cup sizes and the human stomach.  Fun, startling fact: Trenta’s 916 millilter size is larger than the human stomach’s “average” 900 milliliter capacity.  Uh, yikes.  Look after the break to find said infographic.

Well, it’s certainly not as big as the 128 fl oz Plenta cup, but at this pace we’re well on our way.

[Via NationalPost, here & here] Continue reading Starbucks to roll out massive ‘Trenta’ cup size this May →

Larisa Oleynik joins ‘Hawaii Five-0’

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Larisa Oleynik.  It took me a few seconds to recognize that name.  It’s Alex Mack from the classic Nickelodeon series The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994-1998)!  I grew up watching (idolizing and adoring) Oleynik because she wielded the most awesome superpowers including the ability to instantly morph into a puddle of silver liquid.  Well, now she’s all grown up and ready to star in the CBS reboot hit Hawaii Five-0.  According to TVLine, she will play “Jessica Kaye, an ex-CIA analyst and Harvard graduate with a degree in Political Science and a Masters in Global Security and Intelligence Studies who is fresh off the plane from Langley, Virginia.”  She’s joining the Five-0 team led by McGarrett and Danno because she is in hot pursuit of Wo Fat, McGarrett’s nemesis who had a hand in the murder of his mother (but he doesn’t know this yet).  Jessica “has a personal stake in the manhunt since Wo Fat was responsible for the murder of her fiancé, a well respected CIA field agent.”  Apparently Oleynik’s role will remain recurring for the rest of season one, and there’s an option open for her to potentially become a series regular next season.  Welcome back to the ‘waves, Alex Mack.

[Via TVLine]

Regis Philbin to leave ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’ after 28 years of hosting

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Today Regis Philbin announced on his daytime talk show Live! with Regis and Kelly that he will be stepping away from the show later this year.  “I don’t want to alarm anybody … but this will be my last year on the show,” he said. “There is a time that everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people … It’s been a long time — 28 years since I’ve been here — and it was the biggest thrill of my life.”  Regis started his daytime run in 1983 back when Live! was called The Morning Show.  Cindy Garvey was his co-host until 1985 when Kathie Lee Gifford stepped into the position. Three years later ABC syndicated Live with Regis & Kathie Lee.  Then soap opera actress Kelly Ripa replaced Gifford in 2001.  One heart bypass and hip replacement later, a lively and spirited Regis made the big decision.  Luckily he assures us that he’s “not retiring. I am just moving on.”  At age 78, there’s nothing stopping Regis from participating in bigger and better things…I mean c’mon!

The network confirms that Live! will remain on the air after Regis leaves.  So the question remains, who will fill his role?  My guess: Ripa’s husband Mark Consuelos, who has co-hosted before.

[Via Deadline; TVLine]

Ben Stiller confirms ‘Zoolander 2’

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You guys ready for some really ridiculously good news?  Ben Stiller has confirmed to Empire Magazine that a sequel to 2001’s Zoolander is well on its way to actually being made!  He’s teaming up with director Justin Theroux again, and Owen Wilson’s Hansel will be back.  The script, written by Stiller and Theroux, is complete and now they’re waiting to hear back from the studio.  It’s not much but here’s what Stiller spilled, plot-wise: “It’s ten years later and most of it is set in Europe. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s basically Derek and Hansel ten years later – though the last movie ended on a happy note a lot of things have happened in the meantime. Their lives have changed and they’re not really relevant anymore. It’s a new world for them.”  Will the hilarious and villainous Mugatu make a return?  “Will Ferrell is written into the script and he’s expressed interest in doing it,” Stiller shares. “I think Mugatu is an integral part of the Zoolander story, so yes, he features in a big way.”  Woot!  And last, in the rumor mill sits a cameo by Lady Gaga.  She is a prominent figure in today’s fashion industry, so it would make sense for her to appear in the Zoolander universe, so we’ll see.  Keep it right here for the latest Zoolander 2 developments.  Now strike a pose–Blue Steel!

[Via EmpireOnline]

Starz picks Aussie Liam McIntyre to be the next Spartacus

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Tough break for the boys of Prison Break.  Starz overlooked Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell, among others, and selected Australian actor Liam McIntyre (The Pacific) to be the next Thracian warrior.  After star Andy Whitfield dropped out of the Spartacus star role due to health issues, the producers came up with an ultimatum: close up shop or recast.  Whitfield gave his blessing to the recast the role, and so the network began its search.

“Since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead Spartacus forward,” said Starz’s CEO Chris Albrecht. “It was important to us to have Andy endorse the idea of recasting this part, which he did in the same heroic manner that he’s dealt with his whole ordeal. And that, coupled with our fortune in finding a young actor with the gladiator credentials and the acting ability of Liam, makes it easier for us to keep this hit franchise going.”

And so Spartacus: Blood and Sand will carry on.  Production on season 2 is expected to resume this spring.  The six-part prequel series Spartacus: Gods of the Arena premieres Friday, January 21 on Starz.

[Via Deadline]

2011 Golden Globe winners: ‘The Social Network’, ‘The Kids Are Alright’, ‘Boardwalk Empire’, ‘Glee’

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Honestly, every year the Golden Globes telecast just comes across as drab.  Where are the shiny musical numbers, the high-spirited jokes?  Host Ricky Gervais was funny, but he promoted a rather dreary atmosphere with his harsh jabs at many celebrities.  But let’s move on to the night’s big winners, shall we?

Movies… The Social Network was the night’s big winner.  In addition to winning Best Picture (drama), director David Fincher, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, and composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were recognized for their contributions to the film.  The Kids Are All Right was named Best Picture (comedy or musical), and Annette Bening beat out her co-star Julianne Moore for Best Actress (comedy or musical).  The Fighter took home a pair of wins; Christian Bale and Melissa Leo won Best Supporting Actor and Actress (drama), respectively.  Other notable mentions: Natalie Portman won Best Actress (drama) for her star role in Black Swan; Colin Firth won Best Actor (drama) for his role in The King’s Speech; Paul Giamatti was Best Actor (comedy or musical) for Barney’s Version; and joining Portman in the “duh!” category was Toy Story 3 for Best Animated Feature.  Quote of the night came from TS3‘s director Lee Unkirk when he described his film as “an animated movie that beat with a human heart.”  No love for Inception‘s brilliant director and soundtrack, unfortunately.

Television… Boardwalk Empire and Glee were the night’s big winners in the TV categories.  The HBO Prohibition-era show won Best Drama and its star Steve Buscemi took home Best Actor (drama); that’s right–Mad Men finally met its match.  Glee won Best Comedy or Musical for the second consecutive year, and Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch were crowned by Best Supporting Actors (comedy or musical).  Fun fact: Colfer and Lynch are the youngest and oldest Globe winners at 20 and 50 years old, respectively.  Other notable mentions: Jim Parsons won Best Actor (comedy or musical) for his fantastic role as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory; Sons Of Anarchy‘s Katey Sagal (surprisingly) beat out Julianna Margulies, Elisabeth Moss, Piper Perabo, and Kyra Sedgwick for Best Actress (drama); and Laura Linney (The Big C) topped Tiny Fey, Collette, Falco, and Lea Michele for Best Actress (comedy or musical).  The Walking Dead and Modern Family will surely be recognized next year, let’s hope.

Click here for the full list of winners.