TV & Film Recommendations for This Week (9/21/09)
I am going to try to provide a weekly list of links to shows, films and general pop culture that I think you would enjoy. Let me know if this is something that you’d be interested in!
Television: Series Recommendations & Reminders
In addition to the following, I will also be checking out the series premieres of Cougar Town (ABC, 9/24) and The Good Wife (CBS, 9/22).
Dexter
SHO, returns Sunday (9/27)
I will reviewing the first four episodes this week – stay tuned for an extensive (spoiler-free) Season 4 preview right here, on or before Sunday!
Dollhouse
FOX, returns Friday (9/25)
One of the most unique new shows of 2008 returns for a sophomore season, following a mind-blowing DVD & iTunes only episode (“Epitaph One”) that did not air with the first season.
FlashForward
ABC, premieres Thursday (9/24/09)
This is, without question, the best pilot I have seen in five years. Stunning cinematography, fantastic script and cast, immediately intriguing. I have already started a website for the new series, and will be giving away copies of Robert J. Sawyer’s book FlashForward there later this week.
At Comic-Con earlier this summer, I recorded a personal FlashForward video, and had the opportunity to interview the cast after the panel.
I highly recommend that you visit and bookmark the official FlashForward websites, JoinTheMosaic and TruthHack (which are confirmed to be canon), as well as the official message board with both cast and creative team participation and interaction.
Grey’s Anatomy
ABC, returns Thursday (9/24)
Here is my spoiler-free preview/review of the two-hour season premiere.
House
FOX, returns tonight (9/21/09)
TiVO/DVR alert: the season premiere runs 2 hours and 1 minute long.
I am giving away House S5 on DVD; if you haven’t entered already, click here for a chance to win! The contest has been extended through tomorrow.
Medium
CBS, returns Friday (9/25/09)
New network and night alert: Fridays on CBS.
Modern Family
ABC, premieres Wednesday (9/23/09)
My favorite new comedy series of 2009 (aside from Glee, which is more of a variety comedy show). Original premise, very likable cast and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments in the pilot alone.
Fall Film Recommendations, Part 1
Bright Star
Written & directed by Jane Campion. Starring Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw.
In wide release: 9/25/09
A beautiful film about the secret affair between poet John Keats and his outspoken neighbor Fanny Brawne, in early 1800′s London.
The Informant
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Scott Z. Burns
Starring Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale and Melanie Lynskey
In wide release: now
You can’t go wrong with Soderbergh and Damon, and it’s nice to see McHale both on the new NBC series Community and on the big screen. And of course Lynskey, whom I have enjoyed since her film debut with Kate Winslet in Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures (1994).
The Invention of Lying
Written & directed by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson
Starring Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Rob Lowe and Tina Fey
In wide release: 10/2/09
Great cast and very funny trailer; I may be attending a screening next week and will then post a review.
Precious (Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire)
Directed by Lee Daniels, screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
Starring Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe
In wide release: 11/13/09
There is early Oscar buzz about a potential Best Actress nomination for Mo’Nique in this film, which is Executive Produced by the powerhouse combination of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.
DVD Release of the Week
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Download
9/22/09
Some people love Jennifer Aniston; to each their own. I simply prefer another Jennifer (Garner), given the choice, when buying or renting romantic/relationship films.