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Ramble on Blu: Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

Ramble on Blu: Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

Although he covers new ground in Capitalism: A Love Story, director Michael Moore falls short of the resonance of his best work. There are, in fact, tell-tale signs here that Moore may be running out of fresh ideas. Anyone familiar with his previous films will detect a fair amount of reiteration; reiteration that, at times, makes this film feel slightly uninspired, if not bordering on retread. That’s not to say ...

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Movie Review: 'Shutter Island' (2010)

Movie Review: 'Shutter Island' (2010)

With “Shutter Island,” legendary director Martin Scorsese has crafted an aesthetic film-noir marvel that pays homage to both Hitchcock and to old-school ghost stories. Problem is, as immersive as “Shutter Island” is, as well-acted, atmospheric, gothic and artistically magnificent, much of its splendor is wasted on a pulpy story and an ending that delivers the resonance of a collapsing house of cards. Leonardo DiCaprio (who’s become a Scorsese mainstay) plays ...

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TV Review: 'The Marriage Ref' (2010)

TV Review: 'The Marriage Ref' (2010)

If I were describing NBC’s “The Marriage Ref” in a single word (and I suppose I’m about to), it would be excruciating.  "Ref" is the absolute worst kind of reality-TV dreg. I’m somewhat mystified NBC would even greenlight it. I know; it’s created and executive produced by ueber comic and NBC legend Jerry Seinfeld, but there has to be a line. Considering that this tripe is even ...

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The 'Idol' 15 Minutes: Eliminations, Round 2

The 'Idol' 15 Minutes: Eliminations, Round 2

I wasn’t able to write about the female performers this week, but I at least got one right among the men.  Interestingly, with the night’s first male elimination, it became apparent one of my choices was wrong and one was correct; the bottom two vote getters in the top row were John Parke and Todrick Hall—both of whom I guessed would be eliminated this week. John Parke’s ultimate ouster was unsurprising.  ...

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The Tale of the Trailer: 'Cash' (2010)

The Tale of the Trailer: 'Cash' (2010)

“Cash” is an upcoming independent action film from director Stephen Milburn Anderson. Before encountering this trailer, I hadn’t heard of “Cash,” but this clip has me stoked. Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) plays a young man who inadvertently comes into $600,000 cash when a suitcase drops onto his car from out of the blue—seemingly, as he puts it, “straight from heaven.” He takes it home to his wife, ...

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'Lost' Recap: 'Sundown'

'Lost' Recap: 'Sundown'

Sayid remains at the temple of The Others as “Sundown” opens and has grown weary of Dogen’s cryptic, contradictory ways.  As such, he goes directly to Dogen to demand answers.  Why did they [The Others] torture and try to kill him in week 2?  The aloof Dogen offers only vague, enigmatic answers, but, in the end, confesses that he believes Sayid’s infected by an evil presence, for which death is ...

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The 'Idol' 15 Minutes: The Men, Round 2

The 'Idol' 15 Minutes: The Men, Round 2

Although this week’s male performances were, overall, better than last week’s, no single performer stood head and shoulders above the others.  There is, in my opinion, a decent amount of talent among this group, but, with a few exceptions, everyone still be seems to be struggling with nerves.  The men performed a day early too—Tuesday as opposed to Wednesday, per the usual schedule—and that fact likely added to the jitters.  ...

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HBO Greenlights 'Game of Thrones'

HBO Greenlights 'Game of Thrones'

Fans of high fantasy and fanboys alike received great news today when HBO greenlit “Game of Thrones.” This high-fantasy series, starring Sean Bean and a large ensemble cast, is based on the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of novels by New York Times bestselling author George RR Martin. The books are set in the make believe land of Westeros and tell the story of an ongoing ...

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Julie Benz Lands a Role on 'No Ordinary Family'

Julie Benz Lands a Role on 'No Ordinary Family'

Seems like life after “Dexter” is shaping up to be fairly bright for former series star Julie Benz. The Hollywood Reporter reported this week that Benz has been cast to star opposite Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”) in the upcoming ABC drama “No Ordinary Family,” about a family of super heroes. The 37-year-old Benz will play Chiklis’ wife, a busy mother who has a gift for speed-human speed. This comes ...

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Latest Story

Ramble on Blu: Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

March 9, 2010
Ramble on Blu: Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

Although he covers new ground in Capitalism: A Love Story, director Michael Moore falls short of the resonance of his best work. There are, in fact, tell-tale signs here that Moore may be running out of fresh ideas. Anyone familiar with his previous films will detect a fair amount of reiteration; reiteration that, at...
Read more »

Movie Review: ‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

March 8, 2010
Movie Review: ‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

With “Shutter Island,” legendary director Martin Scorsese has crafted an aesthetic film-noir marvel that pays homage to both Hitchcock and to old-school ghost stories. Problem is, as immersive as “Shutter Island” is, as well-acted, atmospheric, gothic and artistically magnificent, much of its splendor is wasted on a pulpy...
Read more »

TV Review: ‘The Marriage Ref’ (2010)

March 5, 2010
TV Review: ‘The Marriage Ref’ (2010)

If I were describing NBC’s “The Marriage Ref” in a single word (and I suppose I’m about to), it would be excruciating.  ”Ref” is the absolute worst kind of reality-TV dreg. I’m somewhat mystified NBC would even greenlight it. I know; it’s created and executive produced by...
Read more »

The ‘Idol’ 15 Minutes: Eliminations, Round 2

March 5, 2010
The ‘Idol’ 15 Minutes: Eliminations, Round 2

I wasn’t able to write about the female performers this week, but I at least got one right among the men.  Interestingly, with the night’s first male elimination, it became apparent one of my choices was wrong and one was correct; the bottom two vote getters in the top...
Read more »

The Tale of the Trailer: ‘Cash’ (2010)

March 4, 2010
The Tale of the Trailer: ‘Cash’ (2010)

“Cash” is an upcoming independent action film from director Stephen Milburn Anderson. Before encountering this trailer, I hadn’t heard of “Cash,” but this clip has me stoked. Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) plays a young man who inadvertently comes into $600,000 cash when a suitcase drops onto his...
Read more »

The ‘Idol’ 15 Minutes: The Men, Round 2

March 4, 2010
The ‘Idol’ 15 Minutes: The Men, Round 2

Although this week’s male performances were, overall, better than last week’s, no single performer stood head and shoulders above the others.  There is, in my opinion, a decent amount of talent among this group, but, with a few exceptions, everyone still be seems to be struggling with nerves.  The...
Read more »

‘Lost’ Recap: ‘Sundown’

March 3, 2010
‘Lost’ Recap: ‘Sundown’

Sayid remains at the temple of The Others as “Sundown” opens and has grown weary of Dogen’s cryptic, contradictory ways.  As such, he goes directly to Dogen to demand answers.  Why did they torture and try to kill him in week 2?  The aloof Dogen offers only...
Read more »

HBO Greenlights ‘Game of Thrones’

March 3, 2010
HBO Greenlights ‘Game of Thrones’

Fans of high fantasy and fanboys alike received great news today when HBO greenlit “Game of Thrones.” This high-fantasy series, starring Sean Bean and a large ensemble cast, is based on the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of novels by New York Times bestselling author George...
Read more »

Julie Benz Lands a Role on ‘No Ordinary Family’

March 3, 2010
Julie Benz Lands a Role on ‘No Ordinary Family’

Seems like life after “Dexter” is shaping up to be fairly bright for former series star Julie Benz. The Hollywood Reporter reported this week that Benz has been cast to star opposite Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”) in the upcoming ABC drama “No Ordinary Family,” about a family of...
Read more »

Dustin Hoffman to Star in New HBO Series

March 3, 2010
Dustin Hoffman to Star in New HBO Series

The Los Angeles Times reports today that Dustin Hoffman has signed on to star in the upcoming HBO drama series “Luck.” The series will revolve around Hoffman’s character, a street-smart, 60-something ex-con recently released from prison. The character becomes embroiled in a horserace-fixing scheme with his chauffeur,...
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‘Lost’ Final Season Speculations: The names and numbers

March 3, 2010
‘Lost’ Final Season Speculations: The names and numbers

At the end of week 3’s “The Substitute,” the writers of “Lost” offered a tantalizing morsel of resolution: the names and numbers written into the cave ceiling where Pseudo-Locke led Sawyer. My first-brush reaction to this revelation was “yes! finally some answers.” On second glance though, I’m...
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