Espionage, and counter espionage, KGB, CIA and what not, mixed with cynicism reflecting the cold war era, The Company, TNT’s new mini series premiere was interesting. And despite what seems to be the network’s attempt to draw more viewers by pouring a rather exaggerated portion of romance into the plot, the story and the great cast delivers a well done show in the tradition of the spy genre.
The summer season is lackluster when it comes to the production of new, interesting television. There was a piece published a few months back in Entertainment Weekly that described the transition from Summer being a season of re-runs to new pilots. On the flipside of re-runs was the chance to catch up on any episodes you missed during the regular season and to get you all jazzed up the Fall season. There was a roundness/cyclical nature to such network programming strategy. Now it’s all about bombarding viewers with as many new game shows starring burned out 80s stars on the major networks, and on the more provocative cable networks, intense dramas with big-name movie stars.
Given this new formula, it’s not surprising to see Chris O’Donnell back on the small screen (after all, we saw him on Gray’s Anatomy playing Meredith’s boyfriend not too long ago) starring in a Goodfellas-type Ridley Scott/John Grishamesque drama called The Company with Michael Keaton and Alfred Molina. The show debuts tonight on TNT at 8 PM and since my favorite show Weeds doesn’t start up for another week (neither does The Hills btw, but how much fun will that be without the pervasive presence of Heidi Blow-up doll Montag), I just might be forced to give Chris O’Donnell a little TLC in the form of company tonight.
In the meantime, to satiate Weeds fans in anticipation of next week’s Season 3 opener, here’s a sneak peak. Oh, did we forget to mention that Mary-Kate (the formerly troubled, newly rehabilitated of the Olsen twins) is slated to join the cast this season as Sylas’ girlfriend? We can hardly wait…
Influenced by shows like Scrubs, The Office, and Friends, but not as dull and boring as the last, I Hate My 30’s brings a refreshing breeze to the warm Summer nights. The show is written directed and produced by David Fickas and Brice Beckham (not David’s brother,) who also play Chad and Corey in the show.
Nothing beats Wikipedia in summarizing the plot:
“The show is about a cast of characters living and working in the same places demonstrate this awkward phase of life which has taken on new meaning in contemporary society. Dr. Rod guides each episode, presenting a common issue or obstacle facing these frustrated folks and providing clever commentary.”
Here is a little taste of the show, but bfore that, a little warning: The acting is not Oscar worthy…
Amy Winehouse and husband Blake are thinking of coming to America and settle in Miami, where they got married. I just hope that the often use of a swimsuit will stop her from carving names on her skin.
A runaway trained government agent, an amateur stuntman, and the Bible are all in this week’s new movies.
The Bourne Ultimatum: Matt Damon is back in the third movie in the Jason Bourne series. While being chased by just about every cop, FBI agent, and even the Interpol, Bourne tries to trace back to the beginning in an attempt to find out who he was before he lost his memory. He is passing Moscow, Paris and London to Tangier and New York City in search for the truth.
Hot Rod: SNL’s Andy Samberg is Rod Kimble, an unemployed live-with-mom guy who, for some reason believes he has what it takes to become a great stuntman. When Rod’s abusive stepfather gets sick,he is trying to raise $50,000 for an operation that will cure his stepfather by performing the greatest stunt ever.
The Ten: The ten Commandments in ten overlapping stories, each in a different style. Jessica Alba, Adam Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Robert Corddry and Famke Janssen, in an observation of the most basic human morals. Anyone mentioned blasphemy?This R rated comedy opens only in selected theaters.
This week’s peak is from the new movie Stardust. Enjoy the weekend.
Top models, beware. It’s nothing out of the ordinary when we see a movie star or an athlete advertising a product. But it’s not every day that a former leader and a Nobel Peace Prize winner becomes a model. In a campaign to promote the company’s luggage and travel accessories, Luis Vuitton, hired former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the man and the map-like birthmark. Gorbachev will join Scarlett Johanssen, Catherine Deneuve Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf who also model for the luxurious French company. Gorbachev’s first gig as a model was in a Pizza Hut commercial.
I found this picture on Sport5 website, and I knew I had to put it here. The sign is in reference to David Beckham, and the guy who hold the amazingly resembles Walter Sobchak, John Goodman’s character in The Big Lebowski my all-time favorite. And the writing on the sign has the same attitude, as if he was saying: “This is what happens when you f#$% a stranger in the ass!”
The summer season is lackluster when it comes to the production of new, interesting television. There was a 
Johanssen awaits Mikhail.
