TV Squad

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free

The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

"I mean, if we can have a bajillion stripper movies, can't we have a least a handful or 50 library flicks that not only entertain, but also do great things for the communities across the country?" I couldn't have said it better myself. Check out how a movie starring Parker Posey may save a library.
Chris Rock was on Oprah today talking to women about his new documentary Good Hair. It sounds absolutely fascinating to me, and is already stirring up a lot of Controversy. Check out the review on Cinematical.
I love a good scary movie, and it seems as though the upcoming Paranormal Activity fits the bill. Cinematical interviews writer-director Oren Peli.
The movie Burlesque sounds absolutely insane: Cristina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, and now Veronica Mars herself, Kristen Bell has joined the cast.
Speaking of the lovely Kristen Bell, her movie, Couples Retreat, opens this weekend. Check out the review on Cinematical.

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Cinematical, TV Squad's detached fraternal siamese twin, also at Comic-Con

Danny Gallagher — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:26:00 EST

Filed under: Reality-Free, Comic-Con

Even though TV Squad's very own John Scott Lewinski is fighting his way through hordes of overweight Rorschachs and pre-pubescent Chun Lis to get exclusive interviews and scoops on the newest TV news at the San Diego Comic Con, don't forget that our partners-in-crime from Cinematical are also there covering the latest flim-flam in film.

The movie side of the annual pop-culture cavalcade opened with one of the biggest names in the history of film and what could very well be one of the biggest names in the future of film. Director James Cameron screened a solid 25 minutes of his forthcoming sci-fi epic Avatar. Blogger Todd Gilchrist got a hint of the plot and special effects movie-goers can expect when the film hits theaters later this year and said it "promises to be both hugely entertaining and technically groundbreaking." Man, that's got me worried. That's what they also said about Titanic.

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So much for that Veronica Mars movie

Brad Trechak — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:09:00 EST

Filed under: TV on the Bigscreen, OpEd, Reality-Free

Remember that Veronica Mars movie that so many people were talking about? Well, according to an interview with series star Kristen Bell, it ain't happening. She and series creator Rob Thomas pitched the idea to Joel Silver and there was a resounding lack of interest. She suggested that fans try a letter-writing campaign.

I'm kind of surprised at that reaction, given that Veronica Mars is a recognizable brand name and would be relatively cheap to make (it's not exactly laden with special effects). While I considered the series to be a Buffy clone (that solved mysteries rather than fought vampires), it was a pretty good show in the beginning.

The only show I can think of that quickly went from TV to cancellation to a movie would be Firefly and that happened because of stellar DVD sales. So, if you really want that Veronica Mars movie, along with the letter-writing campaign, start buying more DVDs of the show.

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Kristen Bell appears on the season finale of Party Down

Bob Sassone — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Video, Reality-Free

Party Down is one of those shows that I always forget is on (it's on STARZ Friday nights), but it looks like one I might enjoy. Here's a clip from this Friday's season finale (it's been renewed for another season). Kristen Bell guest stars as an obnoxious ~~girl who can shoot electricity out of her hands~~ party planner. Another Heroes alum guest stars too: George Takei.

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It's official: Kristen Bell will appear on Party Down

Mike Moody — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Celebrities, Casting, Reality-Free

I've seen the new show from Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas, and it is good. No, not the Cupid redo; I'm talking about Party Down.

The comedy about a group of struggling actors working as caterers premieres March 20 on STARZ. The show reunites Thomas with Mars stars Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen and Adam Scott. Now, Veronica Mars herself, Kristen Bell, is slated to guest star on the season finale, airing May 22.

Bell will play a rival caterer who makes trouble for the regular characters. Thomas said he wrote the part with Bell in mind.

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Veronica Mars movie is a go, says Rob Thomas

Debra McDuffee — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Celebrities, Reality-Free

If you are a Veronica Mars fan like I am, then you are probably still mourning the loss of the series; well, the first two seasons anyway. I'm sure the series hadn't run its course and that it would have rebounded from the fiasco known as season three, otherwise known as Piz.

OK, so maybe Piz grew on me a little, and he did keep Logan nice and angry, because nobody likes a happy Logan. And besides, would you want to see that sappy, insipid Logan in a feature film?

Did you like the way I slipped that in there? Feature film? Yep, Rob Thomas has confirmed that since the order on Cupid has been slashed from thirteen to eight episodes, he'll have time to write the Veronica Mars movie. And he spills the beans on some other juicy tidbits about the film too:

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Veronica Mars stars to reunite on Party Down

Mike Moody — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Celebrities, Casting, Reality-Free

I can't believe I forgot to add Party Down to my recent list of new shows I'm looking forward to. Not only is it produced by Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas, but it also stars several Veronica Mars alums. Ken Marino (Vinnie Van Lowe), Ryan Hansen (Dick Casablancas), Adam Scott (Mr. Rooks), and Jane Lynch (Mrs. Donaldson) have all been cast in lead roles.

I know, I know; I was hoping to see Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni or even Kristen Bell on the cast list too. No such luck. But Colantoni is set to guest star in at least one episode, and so is Ed Begley Jr., who played Dean O'Dell in the last season of Veronica Mars. Plus, Thomas said that Bell has expressed interest in appearing on the show.

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Heroes: Our Father

Kona Gallagher — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free

(S03E12) So you think your last office birthday party was bad? Well, you've obviously never invited Sylar to one of your gatherings. That was the main thing I learned this week: if there's an invitation list, it's better to keep Sylar off of it--lest you want your birthday cake covered in blood.

While that was probably the most disturbing part of the episode, it probably wasn't the most important--after all, it was pretty inevitable that Sylar would be back to doing his Sylar thing eventually. The catalyst was actually the driving force behind this episode. Who gives it and who takes it plays a big role in what happens, and ends up ending one of my least favorite storylines from recent weeks.

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Do you want to see a Veronica Mars movie?

Mike Moody — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Industry, Reality-Free

Elle ~~Woods~~ Bishop might be dead, but the rumors of Kristen Bell reprising the role of Veronica Mars for a big screen outing are still circulating. Actually, a script is being written and a movie deal might already be in place. At least that's what former Veronica Mars cast member Enrico Colantoni is saying.

In a recent red carpet interview with The TV Addict, Colantoni said that VM creator Rob Thomas is working on a script for a film version of the short-lived CW series. Colantoni is the latest Mars associate to get fans' hopes up about Veronica's jump to the big screen. In recent months, Thomas and VM star Kristen Bell have spoken publicly about their love for the series and their hopes for a film project. Colantoni seems confident that the movie will happen.

The actor also told The TV Addict that Thomas had possibly come to an agreement with "Joel" about the film's production. That "Joel" is most likely Joel Silver, former executive producer of the show (and about a million blockbusters, including The Matrix and Lethal Weapon). If this is true, then it looks like this project might actually become a reality. Let's just hope Thomas can fit it in while working on the Cupid redo for ABC.

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Heroes: The Eclipse - Part 1

Jason Hughes — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:51:00 EST

Filed under: Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free

(S03E10) We've reached the climax of this volume of Heroes. With the coming of the eclipse the first time, abilities manifested in our plethora of characters, or at least some of them. Or at least it was a catalyst of some importance. Now Claire is apparently a catalyst of some importance. Because the writers aren't sure how to make her anything other than kind of annoying, but she's the "hot chick" so they have to keep her. But that's another issue. It's time for another eclipse, and this time what havoc will it wreak?

Maybe it can make Peter whine less. Or Claire be less useless of a character. Or Matt more important of a character. Or Mohinder go back to normal or just die already. Things were definitely turned sideways this episode, and I think it was in a good way. I know all they naysayers will keep saying nay, many of them doing so without even watching the episodes (which makes their opinions irrelevant), but things are getting on track. Now if they can just avoid a disappointing conclusion to this volume, I'll be thrilled powerless.

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Heroes: Villains

Jason Hughes — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:50:00 EST

Filed under: Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free

(S03E08) Maybe they should have done this one a little earlier in the season. There was only one scene set in the present era, but it was a good one. The rest of the episode was "One Year Ago," weaving and interlacing with the events we did see during the show's first season, showing us what a lot of the characters we either didn't know or didn't follow then were up to, like Ma and Pa Petrelli, Linderman, Gabriel, Elle and even Claire's mother and uncle.

I remember that the second season was supposed to explore the elder generation, revealing more of their connections to one another and their motivations. We were going to learn more about The Company and what they were up to in regards to Peter and the rest of our main cast. It looks like those aborted promises are finally coming to fruition. It's unfortunate that the last season and so much of the start of this season was so lackluster, as things are really coming together nicely. And we're gaining sympathy for almost every member of the cast by learning more about them.

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Heroes: Eris Quod Sum

Jason Hughes — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:48:00 EST

Filed under: Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free

(S03E07) Have you noticed how quickly an episode of Heroes goes by? It's not a bad thing, but it just goes to show you how much they pack into each episode. It helps that they're juggling forty to fifty storylines at any given time. It's one of those things where when you're looking at writing up a review of the show there's just so much that happens. Again, I liked this episode but there weren't any major developments as far as the bigger events.

We did have another de-powering as well as another death. Kristen Bell returned to the show as the troubled Elle, and Claire's mom again showed us what her power was by holding her palm up and having fire dance on it. Hey lady, we're sooo over it! Does Peter get his powers back? Does Sylar really just need a hug? Did Hayden Panattiere finally get any acting lessons so she can show more than "earnest" on her face?

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Heroes: One of Us, One of Them

Jason Hughes — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Heroes, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free

(S03E02) Mama Petrelli is going to be trouble this season, isn't she? I wonder how much of the flak the show is taking now is because they've had to restructure their overall plan due to the strike last year. We already know they'd intended to unleash the virus and have the aftermath of that drive the second half of the season. Who knows how that development would have flowed into what we're seeing now.

I'd hate to think that the lower ratings opening of last week's premiere will spell the impending doom of this show. If people are willing to ride along with the insanity of Prison Break for four seasons now, surely they can handle the comic book logic and over-the-top plotlines of this series for a little while. Sure, it's silly. Sure some of it really doesn't make much sense, but what do you expect with extensive time travel stories and super powers. Marvel and DC Comics have been struggling to keep the logic and timeliness of their universes in order for decades.

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Gossip Girl: Summer, Kind of Wonderful (season premiere)

Isabelle Carreau — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:15:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Gossip Girl

(S02E01) "Sex, lies and scandal never take a vacation." - Gossip Girl

Our favorite bunch of tortured and flawed teens is back in action with a season that starts in The Hamptons. To our viewing pleasure, no matter where they go or what time of year it is, sex, lies and scandal follow the Gossip Girl characters around. The season premiere delivered on all three counts and even more!

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The CW and FOX get a head start, TNT is all new

Jason Hughes — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:56:00 EST

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Programming, Prison Break, Gossip Girl, The Middleman

It's kind of nice when the networks spread out their premieres, ensuring me a fighting chance at sampling most of the new shows. Call me crazy, and you definitely wouldn't be the first, but I have this weird obsession with trying to catch at least one episode of virtually every new major show that premieres and, if at all possible making that the pilot episode. It's allowed me to see a lot of great shows, and a lot of stinkers. But it makes this time of year a busy blast, too!

I also try to keep up with returning shows to see what they've done in their off-season. If it's one I watch, then I want to see if they've tweaked the formula in any way; and if it's one I don't, then I'm always interested to see if they've come up with something to pull me in. With tonight the unofficial start of the fall season, we see the newest networks, FOX and The CW getting an early start by returning three prominent shows. We also say goodbye, maybe forever, to one of the most enjoyable new shows of the summer while TNT takes the chance to bow a new series.

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Heroes: Season 2 - DVD review

Kona Gallagher — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: TV on DVD, Heroes, Reality-Free

Poor Heroes. After a phenomenal first year, it was one of the most highly-anticipated returning shows last season. However, not only was it claimed by the dreaded sophomore slump, but its season got cut short by the writers' strike, leaving us with eleven kind of awkward episodes.

While season one was about ordinary people discovering that they have extraordinary abilities, much of season two was about these people trying to return to their ordinary lives with the knowledge of what they, and others, can do. The problem that Heroes ran into in the second season was its split focus. You have the original heroes dealing with the aftermath of the first season, highlighted by Nathan Petrelli dealing with the gopher attached to his face, while at the same time you're delving into the story of the previous generation that is being quickly killed off, not to mention the addition of new characters.

When I received the season two DVDs, I was curious to see if producers went the extra mile to make up for a lackluster season, or if the DVD set is as disjointed as the season itself.

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Gossip Girl season 2 -- an early look - VIDEO

Isabelle Carreau — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, Video, Early Looks, Reality-Free, Gossip Girl

Hello Upper Eastsiders and friends! Get ready for another year of backstabbing, fights, evil plans, some more backstabbing, friendships put to the test, lies, breakups, hooking ups, seduction, sex, some more backstabbing and, of course, loads of gossip thanks to the queen of gossip: Gossip Girl.

After having had the chance to watch the first three episodes of the season I can tell you that The CW's Gossip Girl is back in full swing. The storylines are as twisted as ever and, more importantly, Chuck is, well, Chuck!

Slight spoilers follow!

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Is a Veronica Mars movie in the works?

Kona Gallagher — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Watercooler Talk, Celebrities, Reality-Free

I'm hesitant to get my hopes up, because there's always talk of TV shows making a leap to the big screen. Whether it's a great idea, as with Arrested Development, or a horrific one like Friends: The Movie, it seems that as soon as a show ends, the silver-screen talks begin. Regardless, I just about peed my pants when I read that a Veronica Mars movie may actually become a reality.

Even though Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas has two pilots in the works (Cupid and Outrageous Fortune), he still hasn't forgotten the little detective show that is singlehandedly responsible for people no longer asking him if he's the dude from Matchbox Twenty. Apparently, Thomas's production office is located on the same lot where VM star Kristen Bell is currently shooting Heroes and the two sat down for a little chat.

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Who should play Jeannie on the big screen?

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, TV on the Bigscreen, OpEd, Celebrities, Reality-Free

The big screen adaptation of I Dream of Jeannie has been years in the making. Now a script writer is attached, so who knows, maybe we'll see it in theaters in the next few years (IMDB.com lists a release date of 2010). And something tells me we'll probably see a belly button or two.

Producer Sid Ganis is bringing Rita Hsiao, who scribed Mulan, on board to rewrite the script for a movie based on the 1960s series. Ganis is psyched for Hsiao's vision of the character -- a Jeannie who's smack in the middle of modern times.

In a Hollywood Reporter story, Ganis said of Hsiao's meeting with the producers, "She has a terrific, bright, fresh approach to Jeannie's story, with a twist and turn along the way. She captured all of our imaginations in the telling of it."

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The What the *#@#%! Were They Thinking? Award nominees

Joel Keller — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: How I Met Your Mother, Heroes, Awards, TV Squad Lists, Reality-Free, TV Squad Awards

When Keith and I were discussing some of the awards that we were going to do for the TV Squad Awards, we initially thought that doing an award about miscasting was going to get us a ton of nominees. Then we started thinking about it, and we couldn't come up with too many names off the tops of our heads. It seemed like our readers were equally flummoxed, as our call for considerations got less nominees than many of the other categories. I guess casting directors and producers are doing a much better job these days, since it seems like Elizabeth Röhm-esque casting disasters are happening less often.

But some names did emerge, which I'll list after the jump. The Squadders will choose the winner, and you'll get a chance to select the Readers' Choice for this award in the poll at the end of the list. So, here are the four people whose casting made us wonder just what the heck people in Hollywood are thinking:

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