Why True Blood Doesn't Suffer From the Sophomore Slump Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Samantha Who?. Television series like these received such a big buzz during their first seasons, but headed south the second year around. And there is a large dossier of other shows that have fallen under this same fate. But not True Blood. Its sophomore season is filled to the brim with great writing, the perfect amount of drama, and terrifying characters. Why it Sucks You in (Pardon the Pun) It glamours us with story lines. True Blood does a wonderful job of making sure each episode brings you in at the show's opening before completely shutting you out by the credits. Is Layfayette going to become a vampire? Is Sam really going to die by a sacrificial killing??? Did Luke just blow everyone up??????? These questions are left to ponder through seven torturous days. True Blood fans are actually counting down to Sunday night--even though the workweek begins come sunrise (vampires have all the luck).
What Lies Ahead: Great upcoming stars. Evan Rachel Wood makes her appearance on August 30, playing the vampire leader of Louisiana: Queen Sophie Ann. "Nobody’s ever entirely happy to see her," series creator Alan Ball tells Entertainment Weekly. "She’s very powerful, capricious, and most likely insane." And she's around the rest of this season--and the next one, too (which means True Blood has been picked up for a third season. Yay!).
The Eric/Sookie/Bill love triangle. This is a big arc in the True Blood book series and Ball promises that we will see it on the small screen...soon! Just another reason to look forward Sunday nights!
If you have not become a fang-banger, it's never too late. The first season is available on DVD and iTunes and the second season is also available on iTunes and can be viewed On Demand for Comcast customers.
Since June 2008, Michael Ausiello is why I am such a big Entertainment Weekly fan. He is in tune with what defines great television and supports the little shows that could (Chuck!). Here are the links to some of his interviews at the annual press tours, which promote the upcoming fall television seasons.
For The Office gossip: http://www.ew.com/ew/video/ausiello_tv?bcpid=1670076574&bclid=31798222001&bctid=32420416001
For a sneak peek at Chuck: http://www.ew.com/ew/video/ausiello_tv?bcpid=1670076574&bclid=31798222001&bctid=32420421001
On the big hookup on Bones: http://www.ew.com/ew/video/ausiello_tv?bcpid=1670076574&bclid=8902304001&bctid=7243112001
What's next for Fringe: http://www.ew.com/ew/video/ausiello_tv?bcpid=1670076574&bclid=8902304001&bctid=7203982001
Two words: Will Arnett: http://www.ew.com/ew/video/ausiello_tv?bcpid=1670076574&bclid=8902304001&bctid=7118675001
A look at Scrubs: http://www.ew.com/ew/video/ausiello_tv?bcpid=1670076574&bclid=1675979320&bctid=1675939905
Set the DVRs for August 16, because AMC's Emmy-winning series Mad Men is back and better than ever. To celebrate its premiere, Vanity Fair shot a beautiful editorial with actors Jon Hamm and January Jones, who play the tumultuous husband-wife duo on this hit series. And, of course, it was the legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz who shot them in these dramatic elements. Check out the beautiful images below...
His scripts spoke to a generation. His direction turned unknown actors into iconic characters. His name was John Hughes and he will be terribly missed.
Hughes wrote such memorable films as Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, Pretty in Pink, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The Brat Pack read their lines like the prose of a teenager in The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles (films he both wrote and directed). Molly Ringwald wouldn't have been, well, Molly Ringwald without Hughes.
A tidbit of trivia: For certain films, he used the pen name Edmond Dantès, a homage to the protagonist from Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo. These movies included Beethoven and Maid in Manhattan.
All in all, Mr. Hughes was a visionary that left a memorable mark on Hollywood. There will never be another one like him. Here's a look at some of his memorable scenes.
There's something so thrilling about the prospect of an inventive and original film hitting movie theaters during a time of tired sequels and lackluster comedies. And as the lights dimmed and the first scene was revealed, it was obvious that (500) Days of Summer was this type of film--and so much more.
The novelty that this film carries is endless, beginning with the script. Writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber create pure and original dialogues that you watch with a stew of jealousy. As the story unravels about a boy named Tom who falls in love with a girl and figuratively dies on impact, you sit in your seat just wishing you had thought of it first. Fitting of the title, the story spans over 500 days of Tom's love, laughter, tears, and confusion with a girl named Summer. But don't expect it to take place chronologically. No, it switches back and forth from the highs and lows of their relationship: from the euphoric couple on Day 32 to the stormy destruction Day on 288. This film was what many wished from the film Revolutionary Road--to properly catalogue the demise of a relationship from the early happy moments to the later not-so-happy ones.
And you couldn't have asked for two more qualified actors to portray Tom and Summer. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has gone somewhere few child actors go--film success in adulthood. He is the king of indie films, with memorable roles in films like Havoc and The Lookout. And he continues his streak with (500) Days of Summer. Gordon-Levitt successfully captured the rose-colored innocence of Tom, whose character whole-heartedly believes in fate and that one true love. Through Tom's blissful stroll/musical number through the park (a cartoon bird is involved, natch) and his depressed state amongst black and white penciled environment, Gordon-Levitt presents a lovable and real character that you root for.
Zooey Deschanel is a breath of fresh and beautiful air. With her innocent appeal and quirky wardrobe, Deschanel perfectly captures the lust and appeal Summer has over Tom. And for audiences, it is easy to see why Tom succumbs to her will. The camera desperately loves her. With her smooth as silk voice, dark cascading hair, and quirky style, Deschanel has this classic Hollywood look that has been missing for decades. Not to mention she is also a very talented singer and songwriter (if you haven't heard her avant-garde voice, not to worry. She belts out karaoke in the film). She is a rare beauty whose beautiful blue eyes will grace silver screens for years to come.
The dark horse of the film is Tom's geeky best friend McKenzie. Actor Geoffrey Arend was well cast in this film. His mix of quirkiness and addiction to karaoke comes off as lovable and entertaining. Most of the film's laughs come from Arend.
Another shining star is the director, Marc Webb. This is his first big venture (he previously has directed music videos) and it was a big success. For a film that could have come off as trying too hard, he brings it down a notch and makes it lovable and real. He successfully nurtured a chemistry between Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel and gave them characters traits that define human connection. Their mannerisms and actions encapsulate what any lover would do in their position. From his camera close-ups of Summer's eyes to his slow deconstruction of Tom, Webb creates a film of utter beauty.
All in all, (500) Days of Summer is not one to miss. On rare occasions do films like this strike a chord with both the romantic and skeptics. And this film does so in the most original way. You will never want Summer to be over.
Here are some clips from the film to whet your appetite:
Here is another bonus: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and director Marc Webb teamed up again for a She & Him music video, which is Deschanel and boyfriend M. Ward's band. It's cute and quirky. Check it out...
There are a few things you can say about Josh Schwartz, the creator/writer/producer of The O.C., Gossip Girl, and Chuck. He can stir up the teenage drama, make you laugh at nerdy pop culture references, and put great music from up-and-coming artists in his shows. Here's a break down of some of those songs from a slew amazing artists. I have divided it by Schwartz's three shows. So grab a pen or upload your iTunes. You are going to want to download these songs.
The O.C. Alexandra Patsavas, The O.C. music supervisor, prided herself on including indie bands such as The Walkmen, Interpol, and Modest Mouse in episodes. Even The O.C. character Seth Cohen's fascination with Death Cab For Cutie was common knowledge on the show. He made many references to the Seattle band and their poster hung proudly on his wall. Now the mentioned bands have risen in notoriety over the years, but that doesn't make their O.C. debut any less special. Here's a look at some of these band's musical appearances--and some others, as well.
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley In the last clip of season one, this song is used as Ryan leaves Orange County to help Theresa raise their baby, prompting Seth to make sail on the Pacific.
Dice by Finley Quaye The countdown to New Year's Eve is very important to Ryan in this clip. He is trying to reach Marissa before that crazy Oliver is the one doing the kissing. The scene is actually well done and the song will be seen again in one of his future shows. Keep reading...
Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap When Ryan finds out that Trey tried to rape Marissa, Ryan goes to his hotel. A fight ensues and Marissa shoots Trey. This scene (and song) was also used for comedic affect in an SNL digital short. I have attached it as well.
Title and Registration by Death Cab For Cutie They came, they saw, they performed. Death Cab made an appearance at fictional club The Bait Shop. Some saw it as a cop out. Others enjoyed their little cameo. You be the judge...
Honey and the Moon By Joseph Arthur In the pilot, Ryan is kicked out of the Cohen household and Sandy has to take him back to Chino. But not without one final glance of Marissa....
The West Coast by Coconut Records This song has recently become popular on the radio, even though it hit The O.C. in 2006. This is Jason Schwartzman's solo project, with him lending most of the vocals and musical instruments. And this song appeared on the show's last season.
Gossip Girl Patsavas is also in charge of music on this teen soap opera. Her choices of song change the air of this show from cheesy filler to moving drama. Per her Vanity Fair interview in May, Patsavas described her method to her choice of music: "It’s really an amalgam of indie, pop, and New York-based bands. The music I send down to the show includes a lot of Top 40 as well as some as well as some unsigned bands from the city. So it’s definitely a wide spectrum, and I think it’s really that musical soup that gives the show its style." And soup ingredients like Bloc Party, Cold War Kida, Elliot Smith, Band of Horses, and more call Gossip Girl home.
Signs by Bloc Party This song is played in the episode where Chuck is mourning the loss of his father. The montage that includes the song in its entirety is a moving one, but it has also been removed from websites due to copyright infringement. But this clip features a part of it...
Mexican Dogs by Cold War Kids Only certain songs could capture Blair in her blinding rage of revenge one a teacher who scorned her. This one from the California group is a goodie.
Slow Show by The National Click on the 55-second mark and you will hear a great song by The National. Serena is finally moving on from Dan while he is trying to get her back. Just another of many great montage clips from the show.
Seasons of Love by Shiny Toy Guns We have to celebrate the last scene of season two when Blair and Chuck FINALLY say those three little words. It also commemorates the first time Chuck smiles on the show...
The Ice is Getting Thinner by Death Cab for Cutie Another one of Chuck and Blair's banter moments. Chuck's toast directed at Blair plays well against the musical background of this indie band.
Chuck For Patsavas, third time is a charm with Chuck. "I'm interested in current music and I felt like television was such an interesting way to present new music quickly," Patsavas has said. And here she is, at it again...
Dice by Finley Quaye I told you this would be back again. See how the show paid homage to The O.C. in this clip. Instead of it being a boyfriend trying to get to his love, it is about a guy trying to get to his best buddy. Here is the Chuck version...
And here is The O.C. one...
Skinny Love by Bon Iver Justin Vernon's soothing voice and lone guitar provide a great soundtrack for this scene, where Chuck comes to the realization of what he wants: a real life; a real relationship.
Creature Fear by Bon Iver This band is so good, they put them in twice. Now, I embedded the whole episode, but just watch the opening scene, which features the this Bon Iver song. Sarah and Chuck finally get together and the song adds great tension to the scene.
Keep Yourself Warm by Frightened Rabbit The way this scene plays out with the song is great. The slow motion realization as Casey and Sarah find out Chuck's girlfriend, Jill, works for the bad guys is a good one. These guys are my new favorite band.
Christmas TV by Snow Club This is such a beautiful song for the show's season two finale. It is also the scene where Sarah decides to stay with Chuck and live a normal life with him. The montage also includes shots of the craziness that's going on while the wedding takes place.
A Texan girl in heart and a Californian in spirit, I have spent my adulthood writing magazine articles of all sorts. My journalistic passion is fashion and styling for photo shoots. But a true passion of mine is entertainment, hence this blog. I hope you enjoy!
