Entries from February 2010

REVIEW: Life Unexpected “Bong Intercepted”

February 9th, 2010

Yesterday I posted a few little sneak peeks of this great episode. “Bong Intercepted” was the first episode that wasn’t on the screeners, so I was seeing it for the first time like everyone else. And I can say this with the certainty: it didn’t let me down. “Bong Intercepted” centered around Lux getting suspended from her new school because she sold drug paraphernalia (the bong lamp). Her new friend Brin sold her out, so she had to face the consequences.

Meanwhile, Cate and Ryan are preparing for the radio station’s “drink-a-date.” They go shopping for her outfit, and are recognized by the saleswoman. They proceed to share some steamy moments in the dressing room, when Cate gets a call from Baze saying Lux is suspended. Lux and Baze don’t see think the suspension is any big deal. However, Cate tries to be the hero and goes to Lux’s school, shows the principal her file and convinces them to lift the suspension. When Cate gives the file to the principal to copy, the copier is left unattended and Brin’s jealous friend copies it to then later post on Lux’s locker. When Lux discovers the file copies on her locker, and that Cate brought her file down so the suspension would be lifted, she freaks out. Her new “friend” Brin is upset at her because she lied, and won’t let her explain herself. True to form, Lux decides to run off to Baze’s place and declares she will be staying there permanently.

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Video Sneak Peek: Life Unexpected “Bong Intercepted”

February 8th, 2010

My Mondays are packed with amazing TV, but one show I am most looking forward to is Life Unexpected. Tonight is a brand new episode titled “Bong Intercepted,” which I am sure will be fantastic (look for my review tomorrow!)

But if you just can’t wait until tonight, here are some great preview clips:

Liz Tigelaar (the wonderful creator) talks about the episode:

Trailer:

Short clip from the episode:

One more short clip:

Be sure to tune in tonight at 9 pm to the CW for “Bong Intercepted.” And tell your friends to watch, too!

Must See: HBO’s Temple Grandin

February 8th, 2010

I write about a lot of TV shows I love on this site, some I don’t love as much, but I don’t think I have ever titled a post “Must See.” When I received the press kit for Temple Grandin, I only knew that it was an HBO Film based on a book that an autistic woman wrote. However, it turned out to be one of the most awe-inspiring, inspirational stories I have ever seen, and it was done in such a respectful, truly wonderful way.

Temple Grandin, played by Claire Danes, was diagnosed with autism at age 4 (in the late 1950s). Back then, the doctors had a limited understanding of what autism was, and suggested that Temple be institutionalized. Not one to back down, Temple’s mother (played by the super talented Julia Ormond), decided to work with her daughter on speech therapy (she hadn’t spoken a word yet) and expression. When she was old enough, her mom enrolled her in boarding school, where she bonded immensely with a science teacher Dr. Carlock (played by David Strathairn). Temple had a photographic memory, and her autism allowed her to think very differently than any other student. She could form math and science equations in her head, and she was a visual learner who drew pictures to help her master subjects. She wasn’t good at french or algebra because they involved the intangible, but she excelled at science. One summer in high school, she visited her aunt’s ranch (Catherine O’Hara rounds out this amazing cast as the aunt), and observed and formed bonds with the cattle. It is there where she first became passionate about animals (especially cows). She witnessed a machine where the cows would go in and get “squeezed” which would calm them down before going to get slaughtered. She was having an episode one day and got in the squeeze machine which made her feel immensely better. Temple’s autism made it so she didn’t like to get touched by people, but a squeeze machine almost took the place of a mother’s hug or touch.

While on the farm, Temple was very adamant on not going to college, but her mom insisted that she do so. She even almost got kicked out over the squeeze machine (I don’t want to spoil too much), but her 2nd roommate was blind and incredibly compassionate and understanding. Temple even held her arm and guided her — a big step for someone who doesn’t like to get touched. After college, Temple went onto extraordinary things: she got her masters, her doctorate, and became a face and voice for autistic people everywhere. Not only that, but she also revolutionized the way cattle are treated, and came up with a more humane way to treat them before they are slaughtered. In the movie, she expressed that we owe cows that respect.

Claire Danes is absolutely incredible in this role. In a Q&A with the actual Temple Grandin, she said she met with Claire Danes a bunch of times, and the way Danes plays her is so accurate. The story is so powerful, and the acting is just phenomenal. Temple Grandin is an inspiration to everyone. The message is clear: with perserverance, you can do anything. Limitations don’t have to be limitations, they can empower you to do whatever it is you want to do. I have never seen Claire Danes act like this and I can tell you right now I think she will win an Emmy for this performance, the movie was that good.

The original airing was Saturday at 8 pm, but there are a lot of encore presentations you can catch if you were unable to see it on Saturday.

Watch Temple Grandin on HBO on these dates/times:

  • 2/10: 11:30 AM and 8 PM
  • 2/14: 10:30 AM and 12:30 AM
  • 2/18: 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM
  • 2/20: 2 PM
  • 2/22: 3 PM and 10:30 PM
  • 2/27: 12 PM

With that many showings, there is no excuse to miss this HBO film. It is truly a must see.

The Vampire Diaries: Behind the Scenes Pictures & Video Sneak Peek

February 4th, 2010

I have been loving the new episodes of The Vampire Diaries, and I am so glad it’s back. Tonight’s episode is a flashback to 1864. And let me say, those vampires look good in 1864. Here is what the network has to say about tonight’s episode:

“In flashbacks, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) recall the long-ago actions taken by townspeople including their father, Guiseppe Salvatore (guest star James Remar, “Dexter”), and Pearl (guest star Kelly Hu, “Army Wives”), leading to the devastating events that caused the rift in their relationship.  In the present, Bonnie’s (Katerina Graham) date with Ben (guest star Sean Faris) takes a frightening turn.  Elena (Nina Dobrev) helps Stefan as he and Damon race to find the missing journal that belonged to Elena’s ancestor.  Stefan learns the reason behind Alaric’s (Matt Davis) interest in both the journal and the town’s history.  Damon discovers that an old acquaintance has returned to town with an agenda he understands.”

Here are some great behind-the-scenes photos:

Quantrell Colbert / The CW © 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Quantrell Colbert / The CW © 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Quantrell Colbert / The CW © 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Quantrell Colbert / The CW © 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Also, check out this video preview:

Be sure to watch The Vampire Diaries “Children of the Damned” tonight at 8 pm on the CW.

Q&A: Megan Park (Grace) from Secret Life Of The American Teenager

February 4th, 2010

Secret Life of the American Teenager is a regular part of my Monday night ABC Family routine. (Don’t worry, all the other amazing Monday night shows are DVR’d too). This week’s episode had some pretty interesting developments. Ben went out on a date with Grace, Amy went out on a date with her new beau Jimmy, and Madison and Lauren went out on a double date with Jack and Lauren’s new guy. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Megan Park, who plays Grace, about her character, the show’s controversial topics and what’s coming up this season.

What have been your most memorable moments from filming this particular season of the show?
My most memorable moment, that’s so hard! The most memorable episode to film was ”Just Say Me,” which actually just aired, because the cast obviously had a lot of fun joking about it, and lots of inside jokes happened. We still always joke about it, so that one was pretty memorable. In terms, of specific moments, there are just so many fun things that happen on set. A lot of them probably happen off-camera and just in our trailers, hanging out. We have a lot of good times.

Why do you think people continue to tune in and watch the show?
I think it’s really entertaining because there is so much drama going on and people get hooked into the characters and the love stories. I think people are really invested in what’s happening between all of us. Also, I think that everybody can relate to somebody on the show, or a storyline that’s happening, and even the parents can relate to it. Lots of parents like to watch it. I think the storylines are things that kids are actually thinking about, and talking about, and going through. The characters are pretty dead-on portrayals of kids in high school today, and so people can find it relatable. It’s also informative, for parents.

Secret Life touches on some serious and controversial subjects. Do you think those are important issues, because I think a lot of TV shows shy away from addressing those topics?
Yes, I think that’s the appeal of the show. There are so many shows that glamorize high school life, or teenagers, or are really far-fetched from real life, which can also be entertaining, but I think that people get so invested in our show because it is really realistic and that they can relate to the characters. They are controversial storylines, but I think we deal with them in a realistic way and we show the consequences of things. It’s not just showing the fun side of it. It also shows the dramatic side of things. I think kids are actually talking and thinking the things that we’re talking about even if they are a little risqué. Kids are so smart these days and they mature so quickly, and I think it’s realistic.

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Comedy Central Premieres

February 3rd, 2010

Amidst the Lost fever, lull from no Glee, and many CW shows being in reruns, Comedy Central is bringing us new episodes of two great comedies: Important Things With Demetri Martin and The Sarah Silverman program. I have seen the first episodes of both of them, and they are pretty fantastic.

Important Things With Demetri Martin: The episode is titled “Attention,” and it focuses on that word. There are sketches, a few comedy routines and even a musical number or two. Demetri’s deadpan humor was absolutely hilarious. My favorite sketch from this episode was entitled “Bruce the Funny Dog.” Bruce, the family dog, would come into the worst situation (news of someone dying, losing a house) dressed as something  really funny. I thought this was a brilliant concept — the dog obviously can’t talk but he shows up with the most ridiculous get-ups and lightens the mood. Other highlights from this episode include a Henchman sketch where Demetri as the henchman won’t shut up. Another incredibly funny one was a short piece that involved Demetri having a one night stand on Halloween. I don’t want to spoil it, but his costume was amazing.

I really liked the way the show broke up the comedy routine, the sketches, and short bits. There’s really no other show like it out there, and if you enjoy stand-up comedies and sketches, you will absolutely love this show. Demetri is very charming, cute, and of course, very funny.

Take a look at a video preview for tomorrow night’s episode here:

Important Things with Demetri Martin
Preview – One-Night Stand
www.comedycentral.com
Joke of the Day Stand-Up Comedy Free Online Games

The Sarah Silverman Program: The premiere, titled “The Proof is in the Penis,” is further proof (if you needed it) that Sarah Silverman is never one to shy away from dirty subjects. In this episode, Sarah hid a key in her sister’s dinner, made her puke it up to find a note in a locker to meet someone in the park at midnight to ask her to buy a tie machine. Her sister Laura has explain the difference between wants and needs. Laura says she will only pay for her needs: food, water, and rent. (Fair enough, I wish I had a sister to pay for all of that!) Sarah then joins her sister and brother in law for lunch, and her facial hair has grown into a full mustache because she can’t get waxed. Laura then has a heart to heart with Sarah, and tells her she was born with a penis and a vagina. After this revelation, hilarity ensues. Sarah wears her baby penis (her sister gave it to her) around her neck, tries to “man up” and do things men do…all while wearing a mustache. The rest of the episode has a funny storyline involving Steve Agee and Brian Posehn’s characters killing a neighbor with a remote control, being haunted by a ghost and digging up a grave.

I enjoy Sarah Silverman. I think she’s quirky and funny. And her supporting cast also makes me laugh a lot. I found myself liking the fact that the show basically follows a sitcom format, instead of being broken up in separate sketches. The format didn’t really limit the show though, as there was even a musical number thrown in there. I am excited to see more!

Check out a video sneak peek of the upcoming season:

And be sure to watch Important Things With Demetri Martin and The Sarah Silverman program tomorrow night starting at 10 pm on Comedy Central!

LOST: Thoughts on the final Season Premiere: LA X

February 3rd, 2010

There are so many lengthy reviews and recaps of the 6th season premiere of Lost out there, that I’m not going to even attempt 3,000 words. I absolutely adore this show, and the season premiere was (as most episodes are), pretty mind-blowing. Questions were answered, but now there are even more questions I have, and theories I am milling around in my head. I thought I would post my thoughts, and I’d love to hear yours as well.

First of all, I want to address the two alternate realities. It was an ingenious idea on the part of the Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (creators) to show us a world where detonating that bomb did work, and one where it didn’t. In the one where it did work, and the crash never happened, I absolutely loved all the call backs that were made to season 1: the whole plane ride exchange between Jack and Rose, Sun and Jin, and Boone (can I just swoon for a second and say how much I loved seeing Ian Somerhalder back on Lost). What happened after the plane crashed (that never actually happened in the pilot) was fantastic too — Charlie, Sawyer and Kate! I think one of my favorite exchanges was between Jack and John Locke after the plane landed. And if the plane landed safely in Los Angeles, where is Jack’s dad’s body? On the island? (See, I said I had questions)

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REVIEW: Make It Or Break It: “Loves Me, Loves Me Not”

February 2nd, 2010

Last night’s episode of Make It Or Break It was Valentines day themed. Love is in the air at The Rock. Payson is dealing with life at high school. Her perky “friend” Heather is selling Valentines Day roses and Ike (the boy from last episode) declares that its pointless. Payson makes a donation anyway, but doesn’t buy any roses. Lauren picks Payson up from school and conveniently leaves a magazine with the picture of Nicky and Kaylie from the LA party and puts thoughts in her head about Kaylie and Nicky being involved.

Earlier in the episode, Sasha told Kaylie that if she had more power she could turn her double back into an Arabian which would compete better against international teams. Nicky offers to help Kaylie, and she comes in early in the morning to the gym. They share a few moments together, and it seems like they both have a thing for each other. Of course one of those moments Payson walks in on. Nicky comes out to Payson’s car after to give her a box of chocolates for Valentines Day but she shrugs him off and tells him she met a boy at school. Nicky later throws that chocolate box in the garbage.

Meanwhile, in Emily/Razor/Damon love triangle land, Emily hasn’t heard from Damon in days and is getting worried. Razor tells Emily that Damon has a habit of acting like this towards girls, but wouldn’t understand why he would do this to Emily. He also plays her a random guitar song he made up about her, which was oddly romantic. Razor then rushes off to make an “emergency” pizza delivery, which is code for go bail out Damon from jail. Apparently, Damon bought a mixer to record his own songs. He didn’t wan to take the Pinky Promise record deal, so he decided he would record his own songs and mistakenly bought a mixer that was stolen. Razor gives Damon a lecture about Emily and being honest with her, and proceeds to leave him hanging in jail. Later, he does finally bail him out but Emily follows Razor to jail and gives Damon a piece of her mind (rightfully so) and adds that Razor should have been honest with her, too.

But of course there are some other love stories as well. Kaylie and Nicky agree that they had some moments but Kaylie respects Payson and doesn’t want to hurt her so that’s all they were — moments. Nicky tells Kaylie that he has been recruited to Denver, and will probably go because there is too much drama in the gym. Lauren leaves Carter a Valentines Day present on his bed: a framed picture of his mom. Meanwhile, Carter had left rose petals in the shape of a heart on the hood of Kaylie’s car, which she seemed to completely ignore.

However, the huge surprise of the night was Sasha and Summer. Yeah, you heard it right. Summer asks Sasha if there can be a Valentines Day mixer at the gym. Sasha disagrees because of the no-dating policy, but Summer explains that it’s a good idea to have them in the gym as opposed to breaking the rules somewhere else. She asks if she can give a lecture about sex to the gymnasts and Sasha brushes her off. Summer comes back to the gym after it’s closed to tell Sasha off and explain how she believes in abstinence, but she also has needs. Then, there’s some making out between Sasha and Summer which I didn’t see coming. After this after hours make out session, Sasha has the mixer and lets Summer give her lecture. I thought it was a pretty awkward situation and the looks on all the gymnasts faces reiterated what I was thinking. I don’t think the Summer/Sasha storyline was a bad one, in fact, it was quite interesting. However, I don’t really tune in for a lecture on abstinence and spirituality. I realize I may not be in the target demographic for this show, but I think I’m pretty close, and I just didn’t think that fit into the show’s general vibe.

At school, Heather told Payson about all her fears and why she is so perky and open to anything now. Payson, after learning the rose wasn’t from Ike, “dumped” him and opted to hang out more with Heather. However, in the middle of Payson talking to a drunk Ike, a guard breaks up the group and she gets detention even though she wasn’t drinking. Payson then tells her mom that she is finally realizing that the world is full of so many possibilities and gymnastics isn’t the only thing anymore. At the end of the episode, Heather, Emily and Kaylie come over to Payson’s house to watch a movie, and it looks like she is finally laughing and enjoying herself, something she hasn’t done since her injury. Her mom then gets a phone call from Sasha about a doctor who says she can operate on Payson’s condition and she should be able to return to competitive gymnastics.

I have mixed feelings about this ending. I want Payson back in the gym, of course. But could this call have been made a few episodes later? We just got over Payson’s devastation about her condition being inoperable and now she might be okay again? That said, I really did enjoy the episode. Lauren was up to her old dramatic, scheming ways. Payson seems back to her old self, for the most part. I loved the ending where the friends all spent Valentines Day together. And I am really interested to see where the Summer/Sasha romance goes. They both agreed it was inappropriate but I know that’s not the end of it. In TV world, it never is. I look forward to seeing if Payson is able to get surgery, and Sasha mentioned an international invitational, which would be exciting to see.

Make It Or Break It airs Monday nights at 9 pm on ABC Family.

Q&A: Ayla Kell (Payson Keeler) from Make It Or Break It

February 1st, 2010

This season of Make It Or Break It has been quite wonderful, and full of drama. One of the main story lines has been Payson’s injury, and her facing the reality of being a “normal” girl. I recently had the chance to chat with Ayla Kell, who plays Payson about her emotional scenes, her budding relationship with Nicky and whether or not she is going to embrace her new situation. And be sure to tune in tonight for an all new episode of Make It Or Break It at 9 pm on ABC Family.

You know, this story line for Payson has been really emotional.  Where has your inspiration been coming from for this?
My inspiration has been coming from my own life.  I did ballet professionally for 14 years and I suffered a really bad knee injury that I thought was going to be entirely crippling to my career as a dancer.  But, I pushed through and was able to conquer with the support of my family, my friends, my teachers. It’s really given me a great base, a place to level with Payson… it’s so true to who I am.

Last week, we got a glimpse of Payson giving a few tips to Kaylie on beam.  Do you think she’ll ever make an appearance at the Rock as a coach?
It’s very possible because she is informed and very driven and I don’t see how they can keep her away from gymnastics that much longer.  Mind you, I don’t get the script before we shoot them; I get them as we shoot, so I’m waiting to find out just as much as everybody else.

I know when we spoke on set that you said that we would see a less than perfect Payson so far this season, and we definitely have.  I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about the journey Payson’s gone through so far this season.
Well, Payson has had her whole life, not just her career, her whole life stripped away from her with the injury.  She’s not only trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life, but trying to figure out who she is without gymnastics.  It was what she woke up and thought about; she was entirely involved with gymnastics.  So with it gone, she’s trying to figure out, am I anybody without it?  It’s very, very less than perfect I would have to say.  There’s a lot of emotion that goes with it of putting everybody else in the show through all this rigmarole.

Yeah, absolutely.  And are we going to see her embrace her new situation?
I’m going to have to say embrace and conquer.

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ADVANCE REVIEW: Life Unexpected “Rent Uncollected”

February 1st, 2010

I hope you have all enjoyed the first couple episodes of Life Unexpected. I know I certainly have, and it just gets better. Tonight’s episode, called “Rent Uncollected,” centers around each character’s families. Baze tells his parents about Lux, and they insist on having her over for dinner along with Cate. Much to Cate’s dismay, her mom (played by the wonderful Cynthia Stevenson) and sister (guest star Alex Breckinridge) show up to dinner. Baze’s family is quite stuck up and awful, and Cate’s family is overbearing and neurotic. The dinner scene was one of Kris Polaha’s favorite moments from filming the show, as he said in my interview with him. It is an incredibly poignant scene that results in some storming out.

In addition, Cate hears about a gang fight at Lux’s school and takes it upon herself to enroll Lux at her and Baze’s alma mater, Westmonte. This is where we get to see a little more of Lux’s family. She explains that one of her friends only goes to school because she’s there with her and she has no desire to go to Westmonte, even if her current school isn’t exactly ideal. This episode also touches on the issue of trust. We learn more about Lux’s friends as well as her desires. She needs to learn to trust Cate and Baze, but it’s certainly not going to happen overnight. They need to learn to make decisions and discuss issues together. This episode ends with a very different kind of family dinner. You’ll have to watch to see what I mean. I absolutely adored this episode, and I can’t get enough of this show. It is truly wonderful. Last episode, as Liz Tigelaar promised, there was a theme song called Beautiful Tree (sung by Rain Perry), and I thought it was a perfect fit. I can’t wait to see what’s coming up in the rest of the season.

Be sure to tune in tonight for Life Unexpected “Rent Uncollected” at 9 pm on the CW.