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, MAY 2, 2010
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros.' remake of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" topped the domestic
boxoffice on Friday with an impressive first-day tally estimated at $15.8 million, setting the stage for a
$30 million-plus haul through Sunday.
"Elm Street" stars Jackie Earle Haley as evil Freddy Krueger in the sixth New Line-produced installment in the
long-running horror franchise. Music video helmer Samuel Bayer directed the R-rated film.
Elsewhere on Friday, Summit Entertainment's family comedy "Furry Vengeance" – co-produced by Participant Media
and Imagenation Abu Dahbi – fetched $1.7 million in its first day in release. That placed it sixth among the
daily grosses and suggests a three-day bow in the middle single-digit millions.
The top-grossing holdover pic DreamWorks Animation's leggy 3D adventure "How To Train Your Dragon" started its
sixth session in release with $2.6 million in second place for $184.2 million in cumulative boxoffice. Fox
comedy "Date Night" launched its fourth frame with $2.5 million in third and cume of $68.5 million.
CBS Films' Jennifer Lopez starrer "The Back-Up Plan" rung up $2.4 million in fourth place on Friday, while
raising its cume to $18 million through eight days in the marketplace. Warners' comics-based military
actioner "The Losers" began its sophomore session with a $1.9 million tally in fifth place to shape a $14
million cume.
This weekend represents the final frame of the spring boxoffice season before Paramount’s "Iron Man 2" kicks
off the all-important summer season next weekend.
TRON VEHICLE
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the December 17 release stars Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce
Boxleitner, James Frain, Beau Garrett and Michael Sheen. In the film, Sam Flynn (Hedlund), the tech-savvy
27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (Bridges), looks into his father's disappearance and finds himself pulled
into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years.
Along with Kevin's loyal confidant (Wilde), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a
visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous.
The film's viral campaign has also led fans to the "Space Paranoids Online" website, where you should be
able to start playing the game this upcoming Thursday (May 6th).
THE WALKING DEAD
Entertainment Weekly reports that former "Prison Break" star Sarah Wayne Callies has landed the female lead
role in AMC's "The Walking Dead," based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by
Image Comics. Callies will play Lori Grimes, the "slowly-unravelingwife of the show's hero, Rick."
Frank Darabont will write, direct and executive produce the series. Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert and Charles
"Chic" Eglee will executive produce.
"The Walking Dead" tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a
group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who travel in search of a safe and
secure home.
The series begins production in June in Atlanta with six, one-hour episodes for season one. It is set to
premiere in October 2010 during AMC's Fearfest.
CAPTAIN AMERICA NEWS
Production Weekly reports that Marvel Studios has opened a production office at Shepperton Studios in Surrey,
England for CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER with filming scheduled to begin on June 28th for a July 22, 2011
release.
Directed by Joe Johnston, the comic book adaptation will star Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Hugo
Weaving and Samuel L. Jackson.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers
volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain
America.
SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010
BATMAN 3 - 2012
Thursday, we learned from IMAX that a third Batman movie was slated for release. Friday Warner Brothers has
confirmed the Caped Crusader would return on July 20, 2012.
The studio also confirmed that Christopher Nolan, the genius filmmaker who revived the hero in BATMAN BEGINS
and THE DARK KNIGHT, would again be directing, to no one's surprise, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Heat
Vision blog:
The studio has barely begun the process of developing the movie; Nolan is in post-production on "Inception" but
is hammering out a story with David Goyer.
There is no title at this point and no start date. July is becoming Nolan's month. "The Dark Knight" opened on
July 18, 2008, and "Inception" debuts July 16.
THE DARK TOWER
Stephen King's THE DARK TOWER—an epic dark-fantasy series encompassing seven novels and a smattering of shorter
stories that also touches on nearly every other major work in his canon—is once again moving forward to the screen,
according to Deadline NY. That's the good news.
The property has passed out of the hands of Bad Robot, J.J. Abrams' production company, and is reportedly
close to being picked up by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment. Grazer will produce, Howard will
direct and Akiva Goldsman—the man known for such fan favorites as Batman and Robin and the film version of
Lost in Space—will write the project, which is being envisioned as both a film and TV franchise, with an initial
film trilogy leading to a small-screen series.
THE DARK TOWER is weird, often violent, and packed with bizarre nightmare imagery that is unlike anything Howard
has ever tackled.
INCOGNITO
INCOGNITO, a new twist on the superhero movie based on a graphic novel, is shaping up at 20th Century Fox, with
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan (The Kentucky Cycle) writing the script.
Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips created the graphic novel series, about a supervillain who tries to survive in a
witness protection program after ratting out his boss, Deadline NY reported:
Peter Chernin and his Chernin Entertainment will produce with Circle of Confusion's David Engel.
The protagonist is Zack Overkill, a ruthless villain who is powered by super strength. He is caught and rats out
his boss, The Black Death. He goes into witness protection. He's given a drug to dull his powers and takes a
normal guy job as delivering the mail. By the time he discovers that messing with certain drugs restores his
power, he has developed something of a conscience. He becomes a vigilante and soon, his exploits become known
to The Black Death, who is out for revenge.
Brubaker is the comics writer who did The Death of Captain America, Daredevil and others.
I AM NUMBER FOUR
According to Heat Vision, Dianna Agron (Quinn on TV's "Glee") has signed on as the female romantic lead in "I Am
Number Four" for Dreamworks Pictures.
Based on the novel series by James Frey and Jobie Hughes, the story follows nine aliens who flee to Earth disguised
as teenagers. The titular character, now disguised as a human high schooler (Alex Pettyfer), soon learns the
enemy alien race that caused them to abandon their home planet are still hunting them.
Agron will play a girl dating a high school jock who falls for Number Four and becomes his confidante. Sharlto
Copley plays his adult guardian while Teresa Palmer will be one of the other aliens.
D.J. Caruso directs from a script by Al Gough and Miles Millar. Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg are producing.
Filming kicks off next month in Pittsburgh for release next February.
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.
6:25pm on FX
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
An all-out war looms when the discovery of a cure for mutations draws a line between the followers of Charles Xavier and those of Magneto.
Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen
8:00pm on ABC Family
Beetlejuice (1988)
A ghoul helps a newly dead couple haunt the tasteless new owners of their beloved home.
Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara
ON SYFY TONIGHT
9:00pm
Anaconda 3: Offspring (2008)
A mercenary and a scientist join forces to stop a giant snake and its pregnant counterpart.
David Hasselhoff, Crystal Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Anthony Green, Ryan McCluskey
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
J. Michael Straczynski has been nominated for the Eisner Award in the category Best Single Issue (or
One-Shot) for Brave & the Bold #28: Blackhawk and the Flash: Firing Line. When asked about the nomination
on facebook, his response was:
Thanks. I think that Ed Brubaker is most likely to win in this categegory because it's a good story, a
pivotal, well-publicized issue (the return of Captain America) and as a result sold far more copies than
B&B did...but as they say, it's always good to be nominated.
Demonstrating a serious lack of decorum on their part, the Orange County Screenwriters Association has invited
me to talk about writing on May 22nd at the Regency South Coast Theater in Santa Ana. It's open to the public,
with the first hour spent on general business before I show up. So the services start at 10 a.m...., the trouble
begins at 11, and the first arrests should commence by noon.
ISN BLOG
Join me on the ISN News Blog at
http://isnnews.blogspot.com. I’ll put in stuff that I think is interesting
for others to read about and I hope you will join in to discuss of the issues --
related to science fiction or not!
Here is a quote from J. Michael Straczynski about emotions. I had this theory that the more important and intimate the emotion, the fewer words are required
to express it.
First it's in dating: "Will you go out with me?" Six words.
"Honey, I care for you." Five words.
"You matter to me." Four words.
"I love you." Three words.
"Marry me." Two words.
But what's left? What's the one most important and intimate word you can ever say to somebody?
It's "goodbye."
While Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), Rick (Biggs) and Tim (Choate) are no longer with us,
we will not forget their wonderful personalities and talent -- as well as their
significant contributions to the BABYLON 5 universe. Be sure to visit
In Memory Of for more
information about memorial efforts.
Until we met again, in a place where no shadows fall.
BABYLON 5 BIRTHDAYS
Theodore Bikel - May 2
Michael O'Hare - May 6
Stephen Furst - May 8
Melissa Gilbert-Boxleitner - May 8
Bruce Boxleitner - May 12
Andreas Katsulas - May 18
Andrea Thompson - May 22
Doug Wise - May 21
Douglas Netter - May 23
Paul Winfield - May 22
Roy Dotrice - May 26
Harlan Ellison - May 27
Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5, pass the
information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.
BILL MUMY RADIO
Bill Mumy is inviting you to check out his brand new weekly radio show, "THE REAL
GOOD RADIO HOUR with your host Bill Mumy".
We'll be listening to many different styles of music and learning about those who
pioneered them.
"The Real Good Radio Hour" will air every Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM both Pacific
and Eastern time and can be heard weekly on KSAV.org.
Welcome to Show #195!
We have no Vorlon tonight, but he did send us a message about the successful docking of STS-131 with
the ISS. And we really need to get Bret to get on the horse and start providing us with more B5 goodies
from his back pocket.
Deep Geeking: Tim, Summer and Bret weigh in on “Thirdspace”, the good the bad and the ugly of the movie.
One of the TNT projects, it was much anticipated, but contained a few more warts than the die-hard B5
fans had become accustomed to over the previous seasons.
How deep was the suspense, and was the payoff equal to the build? How apparent were the Lovecraftian
undertones, if you weren’t aware that’s where the influence came from?
Smackdowns: What will we argue about more in the near future: “Day of the Dead” science, or the reasons
given for why the station was blown up?
Voicemail: Jason from Murfreesboro wonders if Franklin had taken into account the use of hired telepaths
to pluck the passcodes from Franklin’s mind when they wanted to grab his medical research; Neil from Bowie
recounts his enjoyment of the Jerry Doyle interview; John from Jersey weighs in on “Sleeping in Light”,
and his recollections of watching it the first time; Neil from Bowie comments on interpretations of Lady
Morella’s prophecies; Neil from Bowie jokes about the short-lived TV series “Touched by a Vorlon”
Parody/Filk Songs Wanted: If you know of any B5-related fan songs out there, definitely let us know, so
we can let other B5 fans know where to buy them! If the CDs are out of print, let’s brainstorm on ways
to get those songs back out there for fans!
Submitting your own Feedback: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! Call 206-338-2259,
or just email us a comment you’ve recorded yourself!
Live Video Stream: Yes, the technology has progressed to the point where we can now play video voicemails
into the video live stream. Check out the video stream of our live feed at our FarPoint Media Page (and
leave a review for our show while you’re there!).
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space can be found on the Third Life Books island in the
Wind River Territory. Find the island here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22
Babylon 5 Information Gathering: If you know of a dead or abandoned B5 related website that may be in need
of a new home, let Summer know! Maybe we can mirror it here or house it on a sister site.
To catch up on all the previous Babylon 5 podcasts, go to
www.babylonpodcast.com
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
Moscow in Madrid
Pasternak
New York Press Interviews Omar Sharif
New York Press Interviews Julie Christie
Geraldine Chaplin Screen Test
This is Omar Sharif
This is Julie Christie
This is Geraldine Chaplin
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.
SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS 1980's Vol. 1
Release date: May 4, 2010
Official website:
This two-disc set has 11 cartoons and one extra feature for a total of over four hours running time.
The extra “Lords of Light! Thundarr the Barbarian” will “explore the animated origins of this timeless
hero”. The set will be available for sale on May 4.
REVIEW
I love cartoons, and I love these cartoons even though some of them are unfamiliar to me. In the 80s, I was doing
something else on Saturday morning - not watching cartoons. However, I find this collection of cartoons from the
1980s a wonderful resource of material -- not only did I enjoy watching them but it made me curious about watching
more from that timeframe. I loved the Chuck Norris and Thundarr the Barbarian. The sense of right and wrong come through the
stories, much like the cartoons of my time. Thundarr was more for a different age group, but I found the Flintstone
Kids was great fun.
I'm sure I am not alone as parents look for cartoons they grew up with that they can share with their kids. This
is another collection that you can both watch and enjoy.
STEEL
Available: April 7, 2010
Synopsis
Basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal ("Kazaan") sheds his hi-tops for a dazzling suit of battle armor
as the latest and greatest DC Comics superhero to wage war on crime. When evil scientist Judd Nelson
("Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," "The Breakfast Club") begins selling top-secret weapons to LA's
street gangs, former military researcher Shaq joins forces with a brilliant electronics expert to
build an invincible suit of armor. Layered in his magnetic metal sheath and armed with his own hi-tech
weaponry, Shaq transforms into his mythic alter-ego, "Steel." From a secret command center, Steel sets
out on a high-powered silver motorcycle to confront Nelson and rid the city of crime. Co-starring
Annabeth Gish ("Double Jeopardy," "Nixon") and the original urban crime-fighter, Richard Roundtree
("Shaft," "Seven"). Directed by multiple Emmy-winner Kenneth Johnson (TV's "Incredible Hulk," TV's
"V"). Produced by Oscar, Emmy and Grammy-winning producer/composer/performer, Quincy Jones.
REVIEW
STEEL, while never going to be nominated for an Oscar, was enjoyable watching. Shaquille O'Neal is great
as an ex-Army officer that decides to clean up his neighborhood when a colleague, Judd Nelson, goes power
mad and starts robbing banks and the Federal Reserve. Richard Roundtree is wonderful as Shaq's uncle and
Annabeth Gish portrays a crippled partner Shaq helps deal with her disability as she helps him develop
weapons to combat the bad guys. If you look hard, you will notice Hill Harper (CSI:New York) as one of
the main young gang leaders -- all that gold! The music, by Quincy Jones, adds considerably to the movie.
This was an enjoyable movie to watch -- the bad guys loose and the good guys win.
THE AMAZING CAPTAIN NEMO
Available: April 6, 2010
Synopsis
From hit making producer Irwin Allen (The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno) comes the triumphant
return of the greatest adventurer of all (by way of Jules Verne)! Awakened from a 100-year cryogenic freeze,
the legendary Captain Nemo (Academy Award® winner* José Ferrer) pursues a mad scientist (Burgess Meredith)
who threatens to destroy Washington unless he’s paid a billion dollars in gold. Co-written by Psycho’s
Robert Bloch, The Amazing Captain Nemo was originally conceived as a three-part pilot for a weekly TV
series. Combining action, heroics and Emmy®-nominated special effects, The Amazing Captain Nemo is
seagoing action and excitement that’s simply under-and-out of this world!
REVIEW
Jules Verne was the master of adventure stories and no one does underwater adventure like Irwin Allen.
This DVD blends the two wonderfully and will take you back to the days when VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE
SEA ruled the airwaves! This movie has a wonderful cast: Burgess Meredith, Burr Debenning, Jose Ferrer,
Linda Day George, Mel Ferrer, Tom Hallick. It will probably feel more like a series pilot than a movie.
the ending sequence has Nemo and crew going off to further adventures.
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.
REVIEW
This is a marvelous look at the undersea life of the Great Barrier Reef and the underwater life near Papua New Guinea.
Narrated by Jim Carrey, he infuses a bit of humor with the stunning photography contained in this video. Howard Hall
has done an amazing job of bringing absolutely breath taking images to us from these distant locals. Not only has he
taken us below the sea, but swimming with sharks and whales! You also go behind the scenes to see what it takes to make
an IMAX movie. This huge camera captures video in just three minute segments. Can you imagine how much time it took to
shoot this 40 minute video! Amazing!
Having just celebrated Earth Day, you can appreciate this movie even more. THe impact mankind is having on the oceans
and the creatures that live there is astounding.
This is a wonderful video for people of all ages.
Synopsis:
This April, the BBC releases a chilling reinvention of the unforgettable post-apocalyptic 1970’s series -
Survivors - in the 5-disc DVD set, Survivors: Complete Seasons One and Two. Written by BAFTA Award-winner
Adrian Hodges (Primeval) and premiering on BBC AMERICA February 13, Survivors is based on Terry Nation’s
thrilling novel about a deadly virus that has swept across the world, destroying all but a random selection
of desperate souls. Still alive when so many have died, these “lucky ones” must step into a new world where
everything that was once safe and familiar is now strange and dangerous. In the ghost cities and empty fields,
power, water and food supplies are scarce. Just to stay alive they will have to band together, utilize their
talents and learn new skills as they rebuild civilization. But can they all be trusted?
Survivors: Complete Seasons One and Two features all 12 episodes, filmed in high definition, of the engrossing
BBC AMERICA series along with extensive bonus materials including a making-of featurette, character profiles
and an Easter Egg. Additionally, on the same date, the BBC will release the original 1970’s version, Survivors:
The Complete Original Series. The 6-disc set will include all 38 original episodes along with the featurette
“The Cult of Survivors,” photo galleries and a personal collection of Lucy Fleming’s photographs.
GILMORE GIRLS - HD
The wity and sassy Gilmore Girls are back in HD! The beloved Gilmore Girls: The Complete Series makes its long-awaited debut this week For Download on iTunes with Seasons 3-7 available for the first time ever on any format in HD. Now the series can be re-experienced anywhere and any time from a computer, iPhone, iPad, and more – perfect for the sassy fan!
Synopsis:
It's New Year?s Eve on the Poseidon. Partying voyagers toast the future. The future comes in a rush: a 150-
foot rogue wave flips the cruise ship over?and a struggle to survive begins. Director Wolfgang Petersen
(The Perfect Storm) returns to the sea with a thrill-packed, cutting-edge screen adaptation of Paul Gallico's
novel The Poseidon Adventure. Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, Emmy Rossum and more play passengers
who must rely on each other as they seek safety through the water, flames and wreckage of an upside-down world.
REVIEW
The special effects are the real stars of this movie. Wolfgang Peterson has pulled together a wonderful remake of
the 1972 disaster movie THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE. However, this version is far more spectacular, with shocking digital
effects, massive sets, amazing stunt-work and enough fire and water to fill five movies with challenging worst-case
scenarios. A small group of survivors (including Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum, and Richard Dreyfuss) begin
their long climb climb upwards, to the ship's hull, in their treacherous quest for a safe exit. Unfortunately, not a
lot of time was spent on character development for any of the principal characters. You are fed bits and pieces here
and there, but you don't get close to any of them. However Petersen's handling of non-stop action is so slick and
professional that you can't wait to see what obstacle will be put in front of the survivors next! The capsizing
scenes are nothing less than awesome, with some effects so real (and so horrifying) that younger and more sensitive
viewers may need to look away. Even without getting involved with a character, POSEIDON is certainly never boring.
FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATE'S COVE
Starring: Bindi Irwin, Beau Bridges Director: Will Geiger Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)r>
SYNOPSIS:
Young Kirra (Bindi Irwin, daughter of the Crocodile Hunter and star of Bindi the Jungle Girl),
leaves her Australian home to summer with her grandfather (Beau Bridges) in South Africa. Soon
she discovers a baby orca stranded in the lagoon near her grandfather's rundown seaside amusement
park. She names her new friend Willy - and embarks on a great quest to lead the whale back to
his pod before her grandfather's greedy rival turns Willy into a money-making attraction at his
slick theme park.
REVIEW
FREE WILLY has been a favorite movie of mine for years. I've watched all of the series so this one
was also a must-see. Bindi Irwin is quite a talented young lady. She is quite natural in the role.
Beau Bridges is marvelous as the cranky grandfather who runs an amusement park in South Africa
and becomes the home for Kirra when her father is injured and unable to take care of her for the
summer. Enter Grandpa Beau Bridges. Kirra eventually gets over being sent away and finds her
Grandfather's amusement park a wonderful place for the summer. When Willy wanders into the cove
during a storm, he quickly becomes a money-maker for Grandpa Gus and the money they make they use
to fix up the aging amusement park.
As Willy gets familiar with everyone and Kirra begins to feed the little Orca, Gus startings
marketing Willy -- t-shirts, stuffed animals, the works. The money bearly covers the fish bill
though. As Willy gets bigger, the cove gets smaller and Gus doesn't now how Willy will survive.
Enter the villain -- a competing amusement park owner. He wants to buy Willy and build an
aquarium around him. While Gus doesn't want to sell Willy, he also knows that he can't continue
to feed him as he gets bigger. The new aquarium would offer Willy a number of advantages -- a
new trailer, steady diet, but not the people he loves.
In order to save Willy, Kirra sets out to find Willy's whale pod and hopes to return him to his
family.
All in all, this is a very enjoyable movie; something to watch with your kids on a rainy
afternoon - or quiet evening.
THE PRISONER
Key Actors: Jim Caviezel, Ian McKellen, Ruth Wilson, Jamie Campbell-Bower, Hayley Atwell, Lennie James
Release date: April 6, 2010
Synopsis:
The Prisoner miniseries is a reinterpretation of the British 1960s cult hit series that starred and was co-created by Patrick McGoohan. The Premise : A man, known as Six, finds himself inexplicably trapped in The Village with no memory of how he arrived. As he explores his environment, he discovers that his fellow inhabitants are identified by number instead of name, have no memory of any prior existence, and are under constant surveillance. Not knowing whom to trust, Six is driven by the need to discover the truth behind The Village, the reason for his being there, and most importantly -- how he can escape. Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ, The Thin Red Line) plays the role of Six; and two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, The Da Vinci Code) co-stars as Two.
Here is something unusual for you to consider. The all-new Warner Archive release of Ripley’s
Believe It Or Not; the 2-Disc DVD set contains all 24 theatrical shorts circa 1930-1932 starring
Mr. Ripley as your host through the world of “Believe It or Not”.
The collection is being made available for the first time ever on DVD by the Warner Archive starting
March
.
REVIEW
Everyone knows of Ripley's Believe it or Not, but I wonder how many have actually seen any of the
episodes from the show. This recent release not only has Robert Ripley stalking about unbelievable
things -- but showing you them through his drawings. As a cartoonist, Ripley also would draw to
illustrate the item he was talking about. These new videos were part of the regular cinema
entertainment prior to a major feature. Made in the 1930s, they were both entertaining and
informative.
Synopsis:
The filmmakers behind The Matrix and V for Vendetta bring new blood to martial arts movies in this smashing
adventure. Korean pop star Rain plays heroic, deadly Raizo. Trained from childhood in the way of the Ozunu
Clan ninja, he is stalked by fellow warriors and their dojo patriarch (martial arts legend Sho Kosugi)…and
is on the run with a Europol agent (Naomie Harris) who has proof the clan sells assassination services to
governments.
REVIEW
From the first opening sequence, with body parts and blood flying around the screen, you know that
this is going to be an energetic movie about children taught to be assassins -- assassins like
no other - Ninjas! Ninjas, an order of ancient warriors, move like ghosts, coming into a room
like whisps of smoke!
I can see where men (age group 18-28) would love this movie. Rain does a wonderful job as
Raizo -- a ninja that breaks with his clan and defends a researcher who is looking into ninja and
the nine clans represented. The final battle between Raizo and martial arts legend Sho Kosugi
is outstanding.
THE BROTHERS WARNER
Release date: March 9, 2010
REVIEW
The producer of this film, Cass Warner, is actually the granddaughter of Harry Warner, one of the four
original Warner Brothers. This documentary focuses on the studio and the story of the four Warner Brothers
themselves, starting back in the 19th century and their ventures into the entertainment industry that
predate the forming of Warner Brothers the company by twenty years. It goes forward past the time that
they exited the running of Warner Brothers the company and talks about the lives of the brothers themselves.
Although there were real problems between the brothers in their own private lives, they were devoted to
making movies. This is a very fascinating documentary for those interested in film history. Given
Warner Bros. place in the movie industry today, it gives a different perspective on the movie industry
from the early days through today.
THE BLIND SIDE
Release date: March 23, 2010
Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Download, at http://bit.ly/blfduZ
THE BLIND SIDE is a 2009 American drama–sports film written and directed by John Lee Hancock, and based on the 2006 book
THE BLIND SIDE: EVOLUTION OF A GAME by Michael Lewis.[2][3] The storyline features Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who
plays for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL. The film follows Oher from his impoverished upbringing, through his years at
Wingate Christian School (a fictional representation of Briarcrest Christian School in suburban Memphis, Tennessee[4]),
his adoption by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, and on to his position as one of the most highly coveted prospects in college
football. For her performance, Sandra Bullock won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and a Screen Actors Guild Award
for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role as well as an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film
itself also received an Academy Award for Best Picture nomination.
The film stars Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy, Oher's adoptive
parents, and Kathy Bates as Miss Sue, Oher's tutor. The movie also features appearances by several current and former NCAA
coaches, including SEC coaches Houston Nutt and Ed Orgeron (Oher's coaches in college, though Nutt represented Arkansas at
the time and therefore does so in the film) and Nick Saban (who was at LSU at the time and represents them in the film),
former coaches Lou Holtz, Tommy Tuberville, Phillip Fulmer, as well as recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.
REVIEW
If you are looking for a feel-good movie to watch with the whole family, check out THE BLIND SIDE. This heart-warming
story teaches a number of lessons -- sharing, kindness, family! Sandra Bullock is awesome as Leigh Anne Tuohy, a Memphis
Mom who takes in "Big Mike", a lumbering black youth who had no family but a big heart and a desire to belong somewhere.
Along with his big size, he could play sports. The Tuohys took him in, opened up their hearts and home to him.
This is a wonderful, true story -- meant to be shared.
TOM AND JERRY'S GREATEST CHASES, VOLUME 4
Warner Home Video - 98 min - Region: 1 (USA & territories, Canada)
REVIEW
Parents rejoice! Another Tom & Jerry DVD is available for you and your children to enjoy!
Since the 1940s, Tom and Jerry have provided cat and mouse antics for all ages. What kid hasn't
enjoyed these characters created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera? I enjoyed them when I was
a kid; now my nieces & nephews and their children are enjoying these videos. The other advantage
is that they are short, so they will hold the attention of the smallest children. The giggles that
come from the room when I put on this DVD is pure pleasure talking!
Among some of my favorite shorts in this collection are:
"Little Quacker" (1950) and "Just Ducky" (1953), featuring Jerry's little friend duck
"Tom and Chérie" (1955) features Tom, Jerry, and Jerry's assistant Tuffy in the third "Mouseketeer" short
(after "The Two Mouseketeers" (1952) and "Touche', Pussy Cat!" (1954))
"Jerry & Jumbo" (1953) featuring Jerry and his baby elephant friend Jumbo, who fell off a circus train
"Little School Mouse" (1954) entertains the notion of Jerry teaching Tuffy how to outwit cats and ends up
with him needing to learn a thing or two himself
Watching these videos not only harkens back to a different time, but it presents a certain innocence to
cartoons that I still love after after all these years. The only blood you'll see is the ketchup used to
fool Tom into thinking he's bleeding every now and then. Try to find that in today's cartoons!
Be sure to look for Tom and Jerry's Greatest Chases, Volume 4. Share them with those you love -- laugh
together! It's good for your health!
SCARECROW AND MRS. KING - SEASON ONE
Release date: March 22, 2010
It has been a LONG time coming, but this 1983 series has finally come to DVD. The series ran from
October 3, 1983, to May 28, 1987 on CBS. The show starred Kate Jackson and Bruce Boxleitner as divorced
housewife Amanda King and top-level "Agency" operative Lee Stetson who begin a strange association, and
eventual romance, after encountering one another in a subway station.
REVIEW
Has it really been that long ago? I guess time has flown by, but it was still good to see this series
finally hit DVD release. I know a lot of people have been waiting to see it!
This was one of those charming duos that had great chemistry. Bruce Boxleitner and Kate Jackson were
marvelous together. Mrs. King was always getting embroiled in one adventure after another. It was comical
watching her try to balance between her family and the "spy" business.
I think this DVD -- and the entire series -- will be a great addition to my library. There are a number of
episodes I'll want to watch over and over again. The relationship between Lee Stetson and Mrs. King will
remind you somewhat of other old classics -- Beauty and the Beast, for one!
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Available on DVD: March 2, 2010
Official Site URL: www.bbcamericashop.com
Synopsis:
Fans of the upcoming ALICE IN WONDERLAND film starring Johnny Depp will revel in this surreal, gothic
version of the Lewis Carroll fantasy directed by Jonathan Miller. Miller’s masterpiece was filmed for
the BBC in 1966 and stars acting legends Peter Sellers, John Gielgud, Michael Redgrave, Peter Cook and
Leo McKern, with dreamlike music written and performed by Ravi Shankar. In this Alice, an enigmatic
young girl wanders through a Victorian landscape populated by the most bizarre and astonishing characters.
Alice gently questions each one in turn, subtly mocking their middle-class English values. Packed with
extras from the BBC vault, this Alice in Wonderland is a feast for the imagination!
SCOOBY-DOO! ABRACADABRA-DOO
Release date: February 18, 2010
Official website: www.abracadabradoo.com
Synopsis:
In this brand-new adventure, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang set out on a trip to visit Daphne’s sister Madelyn,
who has been studying magic at the Whirlen Merlin Magic Academy. However, when the gang arrives, they learn that the
school has been troubled with strange disturbances. Many of its students have fled after reporting sightings of a
giant Gryphon that’s frightened them. The gang smells trouble and sets out to investigate.
CLINT EASTWOOD: 35 FILMS 35 YEARS
There are few actors or movie makers with the staying power of Clint Eastwood. He is a master storyteller
and one of the few actors who have made the transition to director successfully -- while continuing to
act. Here is a wonderful documentary that chronicles Clint Eastwood's 35 years at Warner Bros. They have
made so many classics together -- from Dirty Harry to The Changeling. You will go behind the scenes as
films are made and be given a peek at the complex personality of Clint Eastwood.
REVIEW
Clint Eastwood is a tremendous story teller. He has proven time and time again that he knows what stories to bring to
life on the big screen. In this collection, you will share some special moments with Clint Eastwood -- watch him play
piano, talk about some of his movies and watch him work as he directs some of his greatest movies. Even if you don't
like Clint Eastwood, this collection of work is impressive in its breadth of subject matter. You go from Dirty Harry
to Million Dollar Baby. The emotion that comes across the screen is unlike any other. "Do you feel lucky?" "Make My
Day." These are just a few of the superb lines he delivers -- as only Clint Eastwood could. Go back in time a bit to
relive the emergence of Eastwood as Harry Callaghan. See if one of your favorites is included in the mix!
NEW FAMILY DVDS
Looking for movies you can watch with your children? I have moved many of the
family-oriented DVDs to a
Family DVDs page. Here you will find wonderful DVDs you can enjoy with your entire
family -- no matter the age. You will find background information about the DVD, but there
are clips as well from Warner Bros. Enjoy!
BABYLON 5 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TRIBUTES
I found this message on the Babylon 5 moderated newsgroup this morning and just
had to post it so that others might enjoy the marvelous music videos created by
John Hudgens.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
As some of you may know, I was hired by Joe Straczynski back in the
day to create Babylon 5 music videos for him to use at science fiction
conventions, and later to promote the show to networks. Eight were
produced over the run of the series, not including the memorial videos
I did later for Rick Biggs and Andreas Katsulas.
For the longest time, the only way to see these was if Joe or I showed
them at a convention, but now, after numerous requests from fans over
the years, Joe has given me permission me to post these online.
- This is the extended version that I did for Andreas' widow ater the
original cut was released on the net. It's never been seen online
until now.
For those of you who've never seen these, I hope you enjoy them - and
for those that have (and emailed me many times over the years about
releasing them), I hope they're as good as you remember. Working with
Joe on these videos was one of the highlights of my career, and I'll
be forever grateful to him for the doors these have opened for me. I'm
proud to have them on my resume.
John Hudgens
www.zteamproductions.com
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Jesus Saiz.
A thing that lives...and fights for its soul! The shambling walking doll that is
Brother Power, the Geek has been reborn in Gotham City without a home or purpose!
Could destiny have something in store for this seemingly lost relic? And why does
his appearance cut into Batman's.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Nov. 18.
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz; Cover
by Jesus Saiz.
J. Michael Straczynski dives into the DC Universe, bringing four of the finest
heroes of the Golden and Silver Ages with him! Completely reimagined for the modern
world from their original appearances in Archie/MLJ publications, these four heroes
will show you a side of the DC Universe you've never seen before! The Civil War
claimed many lives…but one of those lives still hasn't ended! Union doctor Robert
Dickering found himself on the wrong side of the battle lines, and despite his heroic
treatment of a fallen enemy soldier, he also found himself on the wrong end of a
noose! But a shadowy power stepped forth in the twilight moments between life and
death and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse: to forever roam the Earth, saving
the lives of innocents condemned like himself – or hastening the deaths of the guilty!
But in taking the seemingly righteous mission of the Hangman, has he accepted God's
work? Or has he become the vengeful fist of the Devil himself?
TWILIGHT CONVENTION
Place: CHARLOTTE, NC
Time: Fri., Sat. & Sun., April 30 - May 2, 2010
Site: Marriott Charlotte Executive Park
Guests: Peter Facinelli, Charlie Bewley, Gil Birmingham, Michael Welch, Tinsel Koren,
Justin Chon
Go to http://www.creationent.com/cal/twilight_nc.htm
for more information.
TWILIGHT CONVENTION
Place: VANCOUVER, BC CANADA
Time: Fri., Sat. & Sun., May 14-16, 2010
Site: Sheraton Wall Center, 1088 Burrard Street
Guests: Catherine Hardwicke, Peter Facinelli, Bronson Pelletier, Kiowa Gordon, Charlie Bewley,
Jodelle Ferland
Go to http://www.creationent.com/cal/twilight_van.htm
for more information.
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/
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
BATMAN 3 - 2012
TRON VEHICLE
THE WALKING DEAD
THE DARK TOWER
INCOGNITO
I AM NUMBER FOUR
J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
.jpg)
THE AMAZING CAPTAIN NEMO
UNDER THE SEA
GILMORE GIRLS - HD
POSEIDON
FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATE'S COVE
RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT
NINJA ASSASSIN
TOM AND JERRY'S GREATEST CHASES, VOLUME 4
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 