Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
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The Zocalo Today
Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Babylon 5 brought many of us together -- and it remains with us, despite the fact that is no longer in production. The good thing is that
the internet gives a LOT of ways to stay in touch. Don't be shy. Join in the discussion today or
drop by my blog! You can also find me on FaceBook and Twitter.
If you have questions or items for the news, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com.
Again, WELCOME!
SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2010
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE - FRIDAY RETURNS
Returns are in from Friday theater sales and THE KARATE KID is in the #1 spot.
Starring 11-year-old Jaden Smith (and produced by his parents, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith) and Jackie Chan,
the movie raked in almost $19 million at the box office on Friday (June 11), according to studio estimates.
That's way above what forecasters were predicting and puts the movie in line to make $50 million-plus on its
opening weekend.
THE KARATE KID's take is almost twice what the weekend's other big release, THE A-TEAM, made on Friday. The
remake of the old NBC TV series earned $9.7 million, which puts it on pace for a weekend take of between $25
million and $30 million.
THE KARATE KID is playing on about 900 more screens (3,663 to 2,730 for "The A-Team"), but its per-screen average
is also a good deal higher.
The two new movies pushed reigning champ SHREK FOREVER AFTER down to third place with an estimated $4.5 million.
GET HIM TO THE GREEK ($3.3 million) and "Killers" ($2.7 million) rounded out the top five.
SUPERNATURAL ANIME COMING
SUPERNATURAL creator Eric Kripke likely had a nice surprise delivered to his doorstep this morning (June 11)
in his copy of The Hollywood Reporter.
As Kripke has stepped down from his position as showrunner - ceding the throne to Sera Gamble - a passionate
group of "Supernatural" fans raised money to thank him with a full-page ad in the trade mag.
Kripke may have stepped down from his showrunner position, but he's nowhere near done with SUPERNATURAL.
He remains on staff as an executive producer, and has also signed on to create an anime cartoon based off of
Season 1 and Season 2 of the live-action CW drama, which stars Jared Padalecki as Sam and Jensen Ackles as Dean.
According to Anime News Network, the new anime series will be produced by Warner Bros Japan and Madhouse, which
produced anime hits "Death Note," "Paprika," and "Batman: Gotham Night." The first episodes will become available
on January 12, 2011 in Japan, and will be dubbed by the same actors who dub Sam and Dean in the live action version.
A U.S. release is expected to follow.
The series will include not only the urban legend-based shorelines of the first two seasons, but also new material.
Fans can expect "prequel" episodes that delve into Sam and Dean's childhood on the road, new monsters for the boys
to fight, and more time with secondary characters.
TOY STORY 3
The Hollywood Reporter writes that the 56th edition of the Taormina Film Festival got underway Saturday in three
dimensions, with Disney/Pixar's TO STORY 3 becoming the first major 3D film to premiere in an outdoor venue, the
festival's famous Teatro Antico.
The high-tech 3D production directed by Lee Unkrich created a natural contrast when set against the 2,300-year-old
Teatro Antico, which reportedly sold the last of the 3,000 available tickets shortly before the start of the screening.
The event was low key compared to previous blockbuster premieres in Taormina – none of the film's talent made the
trip to Sicily for the premiere, for example, and the producers were represented only by new Disney Europe President
Diego Lerner – but the film was well received by the enthusiastic sellout crowd.
Also on tap Saturday was the Pixar 3D short DAY & NIGHT. The innovative six-minute film will precede TOY STORY 3
when it goes into wide distribution June 18.
Marco Bellocchio, the six-time Cannes Palm d'Or nominated director most recently behind the 2009 Benito Mussolini
biopic "Vincere," was presented with the first of five Taormina Arte awards Saturday. Later in the week, Robert De
Niro and Colin Firth will receive the same honor.
Among Sunday's anticipated highlights: De Niro will host a master class and be on hand for a morning screening of
his directorial effort THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The Teatro Antico will host Gareth Edwards' horror film MONSTERS. The
day will also see a handful of events tied to the Spain focus, and iconic designer Valentino Garavani will receive
the festival's City of Taormina honor.
PREDATORS
Here is a glimpse of the first TV spot for PREDATORS, opening on July 9. Directed by Nimrod Antal and produced by
Robert Rodriguez, the sci-fi action thriller stars Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Laurence
Fishburne, Danny Trejo, Oleg Taktarov, Mahershalalhashbaz Ali and Louiz Ozawa.
SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ONLINE
The war between the humans and Cylons ain't over! And when the massively multiplayer online game Battlestar
Galactica: Online debuts exclusively over at syfygames, which of them will you choose to be?
In the meantime, here's a sneek peek. (And while you're trying to decide,
register for more information and exclusive updates.)
KEY ART AWARDS
The aliens from Sony Pictures' "District 9" scored big at The Hollywood Reporter's 39th annual Key Art Awards,
which were handed out Friday night at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles.
The Visionary Award, given annually to a filmmaker who inspires movie marketers, was presented to Sylvester Stallone.
Honoring the best in movie marketing, the event saw "District 9" take home eight awards, including the best-in-show
prize for its integrating marketing campaigning as well as three other best-in-show laurels for its outdoor
advertising (built around its "Bus Stop for Humans Bus Shelter"), its TV spots and its digital campaign.
Disney/Pixar's "Up" followed closely, capturing seven awards, while Warners' "The Hangover" took five.
Warners led the way among studios, taking home 14 awards, followed by Lionsgate with 11 kudos.
Ignition led all agencies with 12 wins for its work on such diverse movies as "District 9," "Precious," "Saw VI,"
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "Caroline."
A total of 13 best in show awards were presented live on-stage during the event, held at the former Roman Catholic
cathedral, by studio marketing executives.
CLASH OF THE TITANS SEQUEL
Variety reports that Warner Bros. is ramping up a "Clash of the Titans" sequel, signing scribes David Leslie Johnson
and Dan Mazeau to pen the screenplay.
Studio hasn't set a director or a release date for the sequel yet. Most of the cast, including Sam Worthington, is
expected to reprise his turn as Perseus but French director Louis Leterrier has decided not to return for "Clash 2."
Project's a high priority for Warners, given a solid box office performance that reached nearly $500 million --
partly due to strong response in international markets, which drove foreign cume to $325 million, or more than
double the $161 million domestic total.
Warner and Legendary Pictures are again partnered on "Clash 2" with Basil Iwanyk returning as producer. And rather
than being converted to 3D, the sequel will be shot in 3D.
Both scribes are known qualtities at Warner Bros. Johnson penned last summer's "Orphan" and Mazeau's worked on scripts
for "Jonny Quest" and "The Flash."
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.
7:00pm on ABC Family
Toy Story (1995)
A flashy new action hero's arrival creates upset in a community of toys that comes to life when people
are absent. Animated. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn
7:00pm on AMC
The Mummy (1999)
A young man opens a tomb unleashing a mummy seeking revenge for a curse laid upon him 3,000 years earlier.
Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Kevin J. O'Connor
9:00pm on ABC Family
Toy Story 2 (1999)
When a toy collector kidnaps Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the other toys band together to bring him home. Animated.
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles
ON SYFY TONIGHT
9:00pm
Backwoods (2008)
A group of executives go camping for fun and games until someone stalks them through the forest.
Haylie Duff, Ryan Merriman, Danny Nucci, Jonathan Slavin, John Hemphill
ISN BLOG
Join me on the ISN News Blog at
http://isnnews.blogspot.com. I’ll put in stuff that I think is interesting
for others to read about and I hope you will join in to discuss of the issues --
related to science fiction or not!
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Over at the Babylon 5 newsgroup, Craig has posted a report of the event JMS participated in on
Saturday. Here's something for all BABYLON 5 fans. Let's hope that it works out: One B5 item of interest that Joe did address, is that with 2013 coming
up (the 20th anniversary of B5) it would be a good time to do a movie.
He has a story in mind, and apparently WB is willing to put the money
out to do a feature film right (approx 100 million). But as he did say
he would have to have a script ready by 2011, shoot in 2012 for a 2013
release so he is already behind schedule.
BABYLON 5 PRESENCE ON FACEBOOK
I know a lot of you are already on FaceBook. However, I don't know if you knew how many other Babylon 5
folks have taken the plunge and opened FaceBook accounts. In fact, Pat Tallman has reopened her Fan Club
using FaceBook at the site. For a peek, go to
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45593318387. Claudia Christian has been really active -- sharing
pictures of her recent trips and letting us know about upcoming convention activities. J. Michael Straczynski
has a FaceBook presence as well. So check it out!
Bill is inviting you to check out his brand new weekly radio show, "THE REAL
GOOD RADIO HOUR with your host Bill Mumy".
We'll be listening to many different styles of music and learning about those who
pioneered them.
"The Real Good Radio Hour" will air every Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM both Pacific
and Eastern time and can be heard weekly on KSAV.org.
Here is a quote from J. Michael Straczynski about emotions. I had this theory that the more important and intimate the emotion, the fewer words are required
to express it.
First it's in dating: "Will you go out with me?" Six words.
"Honey, I care for you." Five words.
"You matter to me." Four words.
"I love you." Three words.
"Marry me." Two words.
But what's left? What's the one most important and intimate word you can ever say to somebody?
It's "goodbye."
While Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), Rick (Biggs) and Tim (Choate) are no longer with us,
we will not forget their wonderful personalities and talent -- as well as their
significant contributions to the BABYLON 5 universe. Be sure to visit
In Memory Of for more
information about memorial efforts.
Until we met again, in a place where no shadows fall.
BABYLON 5 BIRTHDAYS
Jeffrey Willerth - June 5
Donovan Brown (Optic Nerve) - June 6
Ann Bruice Aling - June 8
Mark Walters - June 10
Susan Norkin (Post) - June 10
Adrienne Barbeau (Amanda Carter) - June 11
Mike Vejar - June 25
Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5, pass the
information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #201!
Here it is a major milestone episode, and we were so excited to get to the daydreaming that we all totally
forgot what show number we were on.
And Tim is feeling emotionally abused about how long it’s taking for JMS to do his level best to get
the Lensman feature film project moving forward. He still loves you, Tim, he really does.
Interview: Leslie Erganian, artist and prop designer for Season 1, joins us to talk about the scrounging
and other creative solutions that went into creating many of the iconic props seen in Season 1.
Leslie talks about the craft behind making such items as the Grey Council staff, the translator, Adira’s
star laces, the statue of Li, the Centauri Goddess of Passion, and many more items, including the phenomenon
of bilateral symmetry in the alien races, and the utensil challenges that not having it can cause at Craft
Services.
Listener Emails: Kate in Chicagoland weighs in with her “Likes & Dislikes”, and she does not like the fake
appearance of the trees in the Captain’s office, and both Tim and Bret fell prey to the “view” from the
office, thinking it was a painting at first.
Submitting your own Feedback: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! Call 206-338-2259,
or just email us a comment you’ve recorded yourself!
Lurker’s Guide 2.0: Summer is starting a push to get Lurker’s Guide 2.0 completed and finished, including
missing collectibles, photos of magazine covers and toys, and all sorts of other B5 goodies that didn’t get
included in the original guide during the years after Crusade. Let her know if you want to lend a hand.
More Parody/Filk Songs Wanted: If you know of any more B5-related fan songs out there, definitely let us know,
so we can let other B5 fans know where to buy them! And if those CDs are out of print, let’s brainstorm on ways
to get those songs back out there for fans!
Live Video Stream: Yes, the technology has progressed to the point where we can now play video voicemails into
the video live stream. Check out the video stream of our live feed at our FarPoint Media Page (and leave a review
for our show while you’re there!).
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space can be found on the Third Life Books island in the Wind
River Territory. Find the island here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22
Babylon 5 Information Gathering: If you know of a dead or abandoned B5 related website that may be in need of
a new home, let Summer know! Maybe we can mirror it here or house it on a sister site.
If you can, Please Donate to the show!
To catch up on all the previous Babylon 5 podcasts, go to
www.babylonpodcast.com
NEW RELEASES FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVE
STRANGE NEW WORLD
Release date: May 18, 2010
Synopsis:
Cult icon John Saxon (Enter the Dragon) battles clones, barbarians, beasts and more in this startling sci-fi
adventure based on concepts developed by Gene Roddenberry, the visionary creator of Star Trek. After 180 years
in a cryogenic freeze, a trio of astronauts returns to Earth, only to find giant asteroids have devastated the
planet. Roaming across America’s vast wastelands, they encounter weird new cities, strange civilizations and
bizarre descendants of Earth’s distant past. Co-written by Academy Award® winner* Walon Green (The Wild Bunch),
Strange New World features foxy film femmes Martine Beswick (Thunderball), Catherine Bach (The Dukes of Hazzard)
and 1974 Playmate of the Year Cynthia Wood (Apocalypse Now) in an otherworldly thriller where Earth itself is
the final frontier.
Director: Robert Butler
Cast: Ford Rainey, James Olson, John Saxon, Kathleen Miller, Keene Curtis, Martine Beswick, Reb Brown
Important Note: This film has been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and has
not been remastered or restored specifically for this DVD and Digital Download release.
LOUIE L'AMOUR COLLECTION
Release Date: May 19, 2010
Western lovers! Have I got a deal for you. Warner Bros. has three classics to fill out your Western collection.
The Louis L'Amour Collection: THE SACKETTS, CONAGHER and CATLOW. Featuring Acclaimed Actors Including Tom Selleck,
Sam Elliott, and Yul Brynner.
"Known as 'America's Storyteller,' Louis L'Amour brought the American Frontier to life through his novels and we are
proud to share his work through these terrific films," said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV and Special
Interest Marketing. "Following our successful Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott Western collections and just in time
for Father's Day, The Louis L'Amour Collection is one we are confident Western fans will treasure and enjoy."
THE SACKETTS - Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott and Jeff Osterhage play brothers who migrate west to make their fortunes
in cattle-herding and gold prospecting. Each aims to make it on his own - but each also stands up for the other
when the going gets tough. And their guns blaze a name for themselves in untamed New Mexico territory.
CONAGHER - He conquered the range. She conquered his heart. Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross star as a cowhand and
a widowed ranch owner who are drawn to each other when ruthless rustlers threaten his livelihood and her homestead.
CATLOW - A renegade outlaw wants to pull off a gold heist but finds it hard because he's such a wanted man - by
the Mexican Army, his hellcat girlfriend, an Indian war party, a vengeful killer and several hotheaded cowpokes
from his former gang. Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna and Leonard Nimoy star.
REVIEW
I love a good Western and here you have a number of them. Babylon 5 fans will recognize the name of Doug Netter on the
production side of the Sackett videos. These videos harken back to another time when Westerns were all over the TV.
THe stories were rich and full; the scenery was marvelous and rustic. It was easy to identify to good guys -- they
didn't necessarily wear white hats, but they talked and shot straight. Having grown up with Roy Rogers, Gene Autry,
The VIrginian and others, these movies brought back good memories and a yearning for something similar today. Where
have all the westerns gone?
Synopsis:
The 1965 film captures the essence of Boris Pasternak’s Russian novel of remarkable passion and sweeping
grandeur, presenting an intimate and deeply emotional story against the enormous backdrop of the Russian
Bolshevik Revolution.
Omar Sharif stars in the title role of Doctor Zhivago, portraying the surgeon-poet over a half-century period.
Zhivago, who is married to Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), an aristocratic girl with whom he raises a family, is
also in love with Lara (Julie Christie), a nurse whose life has been destroyed by tragedy. Repeatedly
brought together and separated from each woman by war and revolution, Zhivago is torn apart by conflict.
He loves Tonya deeply but his poetic soul belongs to Lara. Much like his beloved country, Zhivago’s spirit
becomes battered by the devastation of war as he struggles to maintain his individualism in the face of
overwhelming odds.
Special Features:
Doctor Zhivago: A Celebration Part 1 & 2 (all-new production)
Additional Special Features:
Commentary by Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger and Lady Sandra Lean Iwife of David Lean) Part 1 & 2
Introduction by Omar Sharif
Doctor Zhivago: The Making of a Russian Epic
11 Vintage Featurettes
Zhivago: Behind the Camera with David Lean
David Lean's Film of Doctor Zhivago
Chaplin in New York
The 40th Anniversary release of Doctor Zhivago on DVD/Blu-ray and will also be made available On Demand and
For Download (via iTunes) starting next Tuesday May 4th.
The official Doctor Zhivago Movie homepage is found at http://bit.ly/ADS_DrZhivago
where you can obtain more information on the release and where to purchase the film on their preferred format
(Blu-Ray, DVD, On Demand and For Download).
See a clip from the classic film, here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/warnerbrosonline?blend=1&ob=4#p/search/0/thzpB6FyR6M
REVIEW
This anniversary edition of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO is truly awesome. The extras features put the story into perspective and
illustrates the painstaking care taken to bring this story to film. Author Boris Pasternak witnessed the savagry of
Russia's history and while he was admired for telling his story, Russia refused to publish the novel. First published
in Italy, it soon was published in many languages and became a true classic.
When I was a kid, I had a crush on Omar Sharif. What a tremendous actor, not only in Doctor Zhivago, but in Lawrence
of Arabia and others.
David Lean's concentration to detail is amazing. Listening to the costume director talk about making the costumes and
dealing with the tremendous changes throughout the movie, going from winter to summer throughout the course of making
the film.
THis movie is a wonderful addition to anyone's movie collection. It not only is a movie classic, but it is a piece of
history that everyone should watch.
EVERWOOD: COMPLETE THIRD SEASON
Release date: June 15, 2010
Official website: http://www.everwooddvd.com
Synopsis:
This season, love is in the clear mountain air of Everwood. Back from a troubled summer at Juilliard, Ephram
commits himself to his music and to Amy. Andy is drawn to a patient’s wife – and into an ethical dilemma. Dr.
Jake Hartman moves to town and starts eating a lot of pancakes, as long as Nina’s serving ’em up. And mousey
Hannah Rogers flips over Bright. But don’t expect love to conquer all, especially when the secret Andy kept
from Ephram last season comes spilling out. Suddenly, trust is destroyed, lives are turned upside down and
the bonds of love – romantic and father-son – are stretched to the breaking point. Andy wanted Everwood to
be his family’s home. Now it may be just another place they used to live.
NIP/TUCK: THE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON
Release date: June 8, 2010
19 episodes on five discs
Featurette: Tell Me What You Don't Like About Yourself--The Psychology
Sex. Seduction. Liposuction. Find them all in the fearless Nip/Tuck, the award-winning series that's the scalpel's
edge of entertainment...and the spark for debate about what cosmetic surgery can or cannot bring to a patient's
life. Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon play plastic surgeons/best friends whose glamorous South Beach practice is
a revolving door for Season 4's hot-button issues (including a terrifying story arc about an organ-harvest ring)
and human foibles (a ventriloquist wants to look like his dummy). Guest stars include Jacqueline Bissett, Larry
Hagman, Alanis Morissette, Mo'Nique, Rosie O'Donnell, Brooke Shields and more. Thrills, surprises, shocks, stars
abound in this 5-disc set. And all it takes is a little Nip/Tuck.
THE NEW ADVEVTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
Release date: May 31, 2010 Synopsis:
An outlaw of Sherwood Forest and his partners, Marion, Friar Tuck and Little John, use magic, sorcery and courage
to fight royal soldiers, evil Knights and whoever else tries to oppress the impoverished people of 12th Century
England. Actors: Matthew Porretta, Anna Galvin, Richard Ashton, Martyn Ellis
On Tuesday, Robin Hood comes to the WBShop via the exclusive DVD release of the television series THE NEW ADVENTURES
OF ROBIN HOOD Season 1 (Available Online Only at www.WBShop.com). Following the successful release last year of the
TV series ELEVENTH HOUR, the WBShop.com will present several exclusive TV releases this summer commencing with TNT’s
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD that first aired in 1997.
LIFE - GREAT FATHER'S DAY GIFT
About the Blu-ray:
Four years in the making, filmed over 3000 days, across every continent and in every habitat, with a production
budget of £14 million ($22 million) Life is the latest wildlife blockbuster from the BBC’s award-winning Natural
History Unit, the producers of Planet Earth and The Blue Planet.
Packed with excitement, revelation, entertainment, and stunning screen firsts, this breathtaking ten-part
blockbuster presents 130 incredible stories from the frontiers of the natural world. Discover the glorious
variety of life on Earth and the spectacular and extraordinary tactics animals and plants have developed to
stay alive, individual creatures under extreme pressure to overcome challenges from adversaries and their
environment, pushing the boundaries of behavior.
About the Book:
Life, the spectacular companion volume to the new Discovery Channel/BBC series, tells a majestic and compelling
story of survival and of the amazing behaviors animals and plants adopt to stay alive and pass their genes to a
new generation. Beautifully written and illustrated with more than 300 high-definition color photographs, Life
focuses on the most exciting examples of the millions of species to demonstrate the harrowing and very different
challenges that all living things must overcome to prevail and to procreate. In 60 concise and captivating vignettes, intriguingly grouped in categories like Extraordinary Sea Creatures, Fabulous Fish, Irrepressible Plants, Hot-
blooded Hunters, and Intellectual Primates, the authors provide the most up-to-date science. Each chapter
parallels an episode of the television series, making the book a must-have addition to any interested viewer's
library. From the familiar to the rare--polar bears, Japanese snow macaques, monarch butterflies, and fish-
catching bats, a mega-roost of 10 million fruit bats in Zambia, capuchin monkeys that use stone tools, marine
life beneath and upon the ice of Antarctica, and tiny goby fish that climb Hawaiian waterfalls--this sumptuous
volume brims with information and unforgettable images of the spectacular, the dangerous, and the bizarre.
PEANUTS 1970’s CCOLLECTION VOLUME 2
Be My Valentine Charlie Brown / You're a Good Sport / It's Arbor Day / What a Nightmare / It's Your First Kiss /
You're the Greatest)
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Peanuts specials are timeless classics with wonderful moral lessons and clean/clever humor that you can't find
presented the same way nowadays. Peanuts will always have a more adult sense of awareness but still never lose
their innocence. This 1970's Volume 2 Collection contains the following six remaining specials from the later
half of the 1970's on 2 discs:
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (aired 1/28/1975)
You're A Good Sport Charlie Brown (aired 10/28/1975)
It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown (aired 3/16/1976)
It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown (aired 10/24/1977)
What a Nightmare, Charlie Brown! (aired 2/23/1978)
You're The Greatest, Charlie Brown (3/19/1979)
Synopsis:
What does Nelson Mandela do after becoming president of South Africa? He rejects revenge, forgives oppressors who
jailed him 27 years for his fight against apartheid and finds hope of national unity in an unlikely place: the rugby
field. Clint Eastwood (named 2009's Best Director by the National Board of Review) directs an uplifting film about
a team and a people inspired to greatness. Morgan Freeman (NBR's Best Actor Award winner and Oscar nominee for this
role) is Mandela, who asks the national rugby team captain (Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee Matt Damon) and his
squad.
REVIEW
You have to see this movie!!!! It is truly outstanding.
This film brings together two top-notch actors -- Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. They have been in countless
features from Driving Miss Daisy to Robin Hood; from Goodwill Hunting to the Bourne series. How can you make it
better? Have Clint Eastwood there to tell the story -- directing the action as no other director can.
Nominated for two Academy Awards -- Best Actor - Morgan Freeman; Best Supporting Actor - Matt Damon.
While this is primarily a sports movie, the over-arching story is about overcoming obstacles within South
Africa after apartheid. A rugby team that had been the laughing stock of the country, becomes a winner and
has the entire country rooting for it during the World Cup -- both black and white.
This movie is masterfully told, bringing you into the lives of South Africans, showing the apprehension to the
new government and obstacles Mandela faced as he took over the government. The pictures of the shanty towns in
Cape Town are real (I saw them during my visit there) and you wonder how people can live under those conditions.
The message of hope and forgiveness is strong.
Nelson Mandela: I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul. / I am the master of my fate / I am
the captain of my soul.
Synopsis:
The bullet that killed his daughter was meant for Boston cop Thomas Craven. That's what police brass and
Craven himself think, but that's not what the investigation finds. Clue after clue and witness after
witness, the search leads him into a shadowy realm where money and political intrigue intersect. If
Craven wasn't a target before, he and anyone linked to his inquiry now is. Mel Gibson stars in his first
screen lead in eight years, making Craven's grief palpable and his quest for payback stone-cold and
relentless. Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) directs from a screenplay co-written by The Departed's
William Monahan. Gibson is back, taking us to the edge and into the sinister darkness.
REVIEW
If you are looking for a tight, suspenseful thriller, EDGE OF DARKNESS may be for you. While there is a good
bit of violence, there is also a good story supporting all actions taken. Gibson is right on as the vengeful
father seeing justice for his slain daughter. You see him struggle with his desire for vengence while trying
to honor the sense of justice he has lived by all his life. You feel his anger, rage, sorrow and you hope
that in the end the bad guys get their due.
Director Martin Campbell keeps things moving through the Boston locale, with a nice mix of action and
introspective moments between Craven and his daughter. The flashbacks add depth to the drama, and more
meaning to the relationship between father and daughter.
Synopsis:
David Tennant and Patrick Stewart star in this critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece
from Britain’s renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. No recent stage production in Britain has attracted the
excitement and nearly unanimous critical praise as this Hamlet. Tennant's interpretation was recognized as
defining the role for a generation, and Stewart’s complex Claudius won the Olivier award, Britain’s highest
stage honor. In this specially-shot screen version, filmed on location rather than in the theater, Tennant
and Stewart reprise their roles. Dynamic, exciting and contemporary, it breathes new life into Shakespeare's
greatest play.
Featured Actors: David Tennant (Doctor Who), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek: The Next Generation), Oliver
Ford Davis (Waking the Dead), Penny Downie, Mariah Gale
REVIEW
This is a modern production of the play by Shakespeare. I can't remember if I have ever really sat through
the play before, but I did yesterday. THe Royal Shakespeare Company is marvelous, and I kept thinking of what
we have done to the English language over the years. Patric Stewart is marvelous as Claudius and the ghost;
David Tennant shows tremendous range as he runs the emotional gamut of love, pain, comedy, sorry and shock.
While we have seen this plot played out in many different ways over the years, this production has it all.
Prince Hamlet of Denmark learns that his father's death was not an accident, but murder so that his uncle could
marry his mother and become King. The ghost of his father tells Hamlet of this as he wanders the dark halls
of the castle at midnight. Poor Hamlet is torn in his indecision about how to handle the situation.
This is indeed a memorable production. With this cast and modern dress, it could be just the one you will sit
through.
NEW FAMILY DVDS
Looking for movies you can watch with your children? I have moved many of the
family-oriented DVDs to a
Family DVDs page. Here you will find wonderful DVDs you can enjoy with your entire
family -- no matter the age. You will find background information about the DVD, but there
are clips as well from Warner Bros. Enjoy!
BABYLON 5 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TRIBUTES
I found this message on the Babylon 5 moderated newsgroup this morning and just
had to post it so that others might enjoy the marvelous music videos created by
John Hudgens.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
As some of you may know, I was hired by Joe Straczynski back in the
day to create Babylon 5 music videos for him to use at science fiction
conventions, and later to promote the show to networks. Eight were
produced over the run of the series, not including the memorial videos
I did later for Rick Biggs and Andreas Katsulas.
For the longest time, the only way to see these was if Joe or I showed
them at a convention, but now, after numerous requests from fans over
the years, Joe has given me permission me to post these online.
- This is the extended version that I did for Andreas' widow ater the
original cut was released on the net. It's never been seen online
until now.
For those of you who've never seen these, I hope you enjoy them - and
for those that have (and emailed me many times over the years about
releasing them), I hope they're as good as you remember. Working with
Joe on these videos was one of the highlights of my career, and I'll
be forever grateful to him for the doors these have opened for me. I'm
proud to have them on my resume.
John Hudgens
www.zteamproductions.com
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Jesus Saiz.
A thing that lives...and fights for its soul! The shambling walking doll that is
Brother Power, the Geek has been reborn in Gotham City without a home or purpose!
Could destiny have something in store for this seemingly lost relic? And why does
his appearance cut into Batman's.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Nov. 18.
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz; Cover
by Jesus Saiz.
J. Michael Straczynski dives into the DC Universe, bringing four of the finest
heroes of the Golden and Silver Ages with him! Completely reimagined for the modern
world from their original appearances in Archie/MLJ publications, these four heroes
will show you a side of the DC Universe you've never seen before! The Civil War
claimed many lives…but one of those lives still hasn't ended! Union doctor Robert
Dickering found himself on the wrong side of the battle lines, and despite his heroic
treatment of a fallen enemy soldier, he also found himself on the wrong end of a
noose! But a shadowy power stepped forth in the twilight moments between life and
death and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse: to forever roam the Earth, saving
the lives of innocents condemned like himself – or hastening the deaths of the guilty!
But in taking the seemingly righteous mission of the Hangman, has he accepted God's
work? Or has he become the vengeful fist of the Devil himself?
WIZARD WORLD'S PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON
Site: Philadelphia Convention Center
Date: June 11-12-13, 2010
Guests: Linda Hamilton, William Shatner, Adam West, Bruce Campbell, James Marsters, Tia Carrere Among
Celebrity Guests; Leading Comics Artists, Creative Directors and More than 150 Pop Culture Icons to
Attend!
For more information, go to http://www.wizardworld.com/
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 - FRIDAY RETURNS
STRANGE NEW WORLD
SUPERNATURAL ANIME COMING
TOY STORY 3
KEY ART AWARDS
CLASH OF THE TITANS SEQUEL
BABYLON 5 PRESENCE ON FACEBOOK
Interview: Leslie Erganian, artist and prop designer for Season 1, joins us to talk about the scrounging
and other creative solutions that went into creating many of the iconic props seen in Season 1.
THE NEW ADVEVTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
LIFE - GREAT FATHER'S DAY GIFT
INVICTUS
EDGE OF DARKNESS
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 