FALL PREVIEW: The Secret Circle (The CW)

The Secret Circle (The CW)

What It's About: Based on the novels by L.J. Smith who also wrote The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle follows teenager Cassie, who loses her mother in a fire forcing her to move to live with her grandmother in a different town. A group of her classmates take an interest in her, and Cassie soon learns that it is because she is a witch and the final one that they needed to complete their "secret circle."

The Good: Kevin Williamson is behind this show, and given how addicting and dramatic he has made The Vampire Diaries, this show has the potential to do just that as well.

The Bad: Unlike Vampire Diaries, there is a lot more teen drama in this show, which could get annoying and redundant at times. The cast, while decent is also not as good as Vampire Diaries either.

My Thoughts: Like Vampire Diaries, this show starts off a bit slow, but hopefully when given time to develop, it will become just as good as its companion. I like Britt Robertson from Life Unexpected and Gale Harold who was most recently seen in Hellcats, so I think I am willing to give this show a chance although I am getting a bit tired of watching the same old teen drama happening over and over again on TV shows.

When It's On: Thursdays at 9/8c.

FALL PREVIEW: Grimm (NBC)

Grimm (NBC)

What It's About: Nick, a homicide detective begins to see horrific visions which he believes is hallucinations. But he soon realizes that he isn't have hallucinations, but rather what he sees is a gift he inherited from his family, the original Grimm Family. Nick now has the power to be able to see supernatural creatures that look like ordinary human beings and is able to have an edge in solving cases at work.

The Good: Vampires, werewolves, zombies and all things supernatural. This show will no doubt cater to all that craze right now. It is a procedural that manages to take a new spin on something old.

The Bad: The Pilot Episode follows the Little Red Riding Hood case, and there is so much supernatural set-up to the show that there is no room for character development making Nick a bit two-dimensional.

My Thoughts: A show that could possibly do well thanks to its supernatural elements attached to a procedural concept, this show is interesting though the special effects of the creatures look a bit like late 90's television dramas (Yes, I mean you Buffy).

When It's On: Fridays at 9/8c.

FALL PREVIEW: I Hate My Teenage Daughter (FOX)

I Hate My Teenage Daughter (FOX)

What It's About: The sitcom follows two single mothers who are forced to deal with their two troubled teenage daughters, who after being spoiled for years have now become terrorizing mean girls at school.

The Good: There's a few good laugh-out-loud moments from what I have seen of this show, and the chemistry between the two female leads Jaime Pressly and Katie Finneran is great.

The Bad: While funny at times, the relationships between the mothers and their daughters is a bit ridiculous at times.

My Thoughts: This show could work, and I will give it props for being funnier than some of the other sitcoms out there this season. That being said however, I think that this show would not survive if FOX did not give them such an amazing time-slot. Being the show that airs right after The X Factor on Wednesday nights, this show will more than likely do well in ratings unless The X Factor completely tanks (which I doubt it will).

When It's On: Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c

FALL PREVIEW: Revenge (ABC)

Revenge (ABC)

What It's About: Emily Thorne is a girl with a dark past who moves into the Hamptons to seek revenge on the people who destroyed her family.

The Good: The show is full of scandal and secrets, almost as if it should be something on The CW. There is plenty of intrigue and mystery to this show to keep viewers entertained...

The Bad: ...but exactly how long people can be entertained for is the question. Emily's vengeance is a very specific goal that I can't see it lasting more than a few seasons.

My Thoughts: If done right, this show could be very interesting with all its soapy goodness and scandal. However, it can also be dragged out and become Pretty Little Liars 2.0, in that it is all tease and nothing ever really happens. Emily VanDeKamp is a good actress though and this kind of show is right up my alley, so I hope that this show will at least have some good scandals and secrets to dish up for me every week.

When It's On: Wednesdays at 10/9c

The Help (2011) - Film Review

Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Kathryn Sockett, The Help documents the racial conflicts that occurred during the 1960s towards African American women who worked in White American suburban homes.

Directed by Tate Taylor, the film stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, a young college graduate who gets a job at a The Jackson Journal in Jackson, Mississippi. The white residents of Jackson, Mississippi all have African American maids working for them at home known as "the Help", who are there to do everything from cooking and cleaning to taking care of the young children. Told from the perspective of the women in the community, cat fights and housewife bickering ensues when Skeeter decides to take a stand against the racial segregation implemented towards the black folks in the town. With the help of two of the maids, Aibileen(Viola Davis) and Minny(Octavia Spencer), Skeeter decides to secretly work on a novel about the stories of "the Help" told from the perspective of them.

The Help was emotional, heart-felt, and funny altogether. The film keeps close to its source material, and manages to capture the essential ingredients that made the novel such a success in the first place. Emma Stone is finally able to showcase a different side of her acting capabilities in this film aside from the quirky sarcastic characters that she is so accustomed to portraying. But while she was believable as a determined do-good journalist, there is not much to rave about her performance here. Yes, she was good but it was nothing special or out of the ordinary.

The true standouts in this film, are Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, whose portrayal as the two maids Aibileen and Minny was truly delightful. There is so much affection and empathy put in to these two characters by the actresses, that one cannot help but root for them till the end of the film. Bryce Dallas Howard also stars, in the role of Hilly, the snobby leader of the American wives pact. Howard's performance is also notable, as her mean girl act is convincing and makes you actually want to hate her.

A wonderful book-to-movie adaptation, The Help is a film with a lot of warmth, giving a heart-felt portrayal of the racial issues down south in the 1960s.

FALL PREVIEW: A Gifted Man (CBS)

A Gifted Man (CBS)

What It's About: Michael Holt is a brilliant surgeon whose life changes when he begins to see the ghost of his recently deceased ex-wife Anna.

The Good: Patrick Wilson has what it takes to carry his own TV show, as he has quite a bit male lead roles under his belt from his film work. He is convincing as a doctor, and brings a lot of depth to his character that will make viewers want to root for him.

The Bad: How long will this whole imaginary friend plot with Michael's ex-wife be entertaining for? Because if you think about it, this could all get old really fast.

My Thoughts: I like Patrick Wilson as an actor, and I like him here as well in the role of Michael. However, there has been far too many human and ghost relationships (Izzie and Danny on Grey's Anatomy, Ghost etc.) that this just doesn't seem all that new and fresh to me. And if you drop the whole hallucination/"I see my dead ex-wife" plot, then this is just another medical procedural.

When It's On: Fridays at 8/7c

The Devil's Double (2011) - Film Review

Dominic Cooper plays not one but two roles in The Devil's Double, a suspenseful drama about Saddam Hussein's son Uday and his political decoy.

Directed by Lee Tamahori whose previous works include the 007 movie Die Another Day, The Devil's Double follows Iraqi Latif Yahia(Dominic Cooper) who is chosen by Saddam Hussein's(Philip Quast) son Uday Hussein(also Dominic Cooper) to be his fiday, otherwise known as a political decoy. Forced into a lifestyle that he despises, Latif must step into the shoes of Uday and live among his excess lifestyle of sex, drugs and brutality.

The film gives a very raw and brutal portrayal of how innocent people were treated under Uday's control, with intense violent scenes such as kidnapping school girls and brides for sex, and gut-slashing murders. Lee Tamahori captures a very gritty and vicious picture of Iraq, showing how far Uday went to obtain power and whatever else he wanted. The film's narrative is both captivating and leaves you at the edge of your seat, all of which happens thanks to Dominic Cooper's impeccable portrayal of both Latif and Uday.

Dominic Cooper, who is a rising British star was previously only seen in supporting roles. From his turn as Sky in Mamma Mia!, Charles Grey in The Duchess and most recently Howard Stark in this Summer's Captain America, Cooper has not had much chance to show off his talent. But all that is about to change, as his dual roles in this movie shows off his brilliant acting capabilities. Cooper implements different emotions, movement and accents to create two very different characters in Latif and Uday, and plays both so well it makes you question whether or not there is actually two of him and not just one. He brilliantly handles the sadistic playboy ways of Uday very well, and contrasts that to the virtuous Latif, often having to act opposite himself in many scenes as well.

One letdown to this film however, is the unnecessary character of Sarrab, portrayed by French actress Ludivine Sagnier, who serves little to no purpose to the film's plot. She is merely there to seduce Latif and engage in a risqué sex scene. Thankfully however, Dominic Cooper's flawless performance overshadows that weak subplot.

The Devil's Double should put Dominic Cooper under the Academy's radar come awards season, catapulting him to male lead status in Hollywood. His immense talent should not go unnoticed, and his portrayal of dual roles in the movie should at the least earn him a nomination in the Best Actor category.

FALL PREVIEW: Hart of Dixie (The CW)

Hart of Dixie (The CW)

What It's About: Dr. Zoe Hart graduated at the top of her glass in medical school. She had it all: the perfect boyfriend, perfect job, and exactly what it takes to be a doctor. But when she loses her boyfriend and her career, Zoe takes up the offer of an old man to relocate to his small practice in Bluebell, Alabama to help out the citizens of the small Southern town.

The Good: Fans of The O.C. will love to see Rachel Bilson as her cute, quirky self all over again. The show also stars Friday Night Lights' Scott Porter as a potential love interest for Bilson's Zoe Hart. The show is full of heart and is a fun fish-out-of-water story set in a Southern backdrop.

The Bad: Rachel Bilson is not exactly convincing as a doctor, and the "girl from big city moves to small Southern town" concept is a bit old and redundant, making this a bit cliche.

My Thoughts: If the medical cases are done right, this show could have what it takes to be good. The cast is well rounded, and Rachel Bilson does bring a lot of heart to this show. But that being said, Hart of Dixie will have to try real hard to create something new out of a story line that has been done countless of times in order for them to keep viewers hooked. That being said, the show is from Gossip Girl producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, who is a writing duo that is phenomenal at what they do....so maybe there is hope for this show.

When It's On: Mondays at 9/8c

FALL PREVIEW: Up All Night (NBC)

Up All Night (NBC)

What It's About: The half-hour sitcom follows a couple, Reagen and Chris who become first-time parents, following their lives as they juggle work and family at the same time.

The Good: Will Arnett and Christina Applegate star in this comedy, both of whom are hilarious. There are many laugh out loud moments and the writing is very sharp. Not to mention the chemistry between the leads, it's sheer Perfection.

The Bad: The concept about balancing your personal and professional lives isn't exactly anything new.

My Thoughts: Will Arnett and Christina Applegate are both hilariously funny and I have enjoyed their previous works. As stated above, their chemistry is perfect. Maya Rudolph also has a supporting role as Christina Applegate's boss, making this show extremely funny.

When It's On: Wednesdays at 8/7c

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) - Film Review

In a reboot that we never asked for, Rise of the Planet of the Apes excels in providing a narrative that is both engaging and exciting altogether.

James Franco and Freida Pinto star in the Rupert Wyatt directed prequel to The Planet of the Apes, taking audiences back to the beginning to explain how this planet of primates came into existence. The film follows Will Rodman(James Franco), a scientist residing in San Francisco ha developed a cure to Alzheimer's disease through the testing of a genetically engineered retrovirus on apes. But when one of the apes goes on a rampage during the presentation of the cure, Rodman is forced to terminate his project. However, it is soon discovered that that ape did not mean to hurt anybody, but was rather simply trying to protect her newborn baby. After Rodman takes home the baby ape and names it Caesar, the animal soon develops high intelligence rates, even more superior than that of his mother's.

The cast includes James Franco as the ambitious scientist Will Rodman, Freida Pinto as Caroline his love interest, and Tom Felton as a vicious guard at the primate facility that Caesar is later sent to. But the true star of the film is Andy Serkis, whose acting capabilities soars above all of his costars in the film in his magnificent portrayal of the ape Caesar.

Unlike previous films, the apes in this movie was made entirely through computer-generated images whereas in previous installments the apes were actors. But every emotion exerted and movement made was all performed by Serkis himself, who is familiar with this sort of acting from his previous work as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Credit should be given to Serkis, who deserves an award for his emotionally invigorating performance as the ape, because every smile given and tear shed in the animal's facial expressions felt authentic.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an example of a movie that uses CGI to enhance and serve the plot. While many movies opt to use the CGI to simply "show", this movie used it to both "show" and "tell". With a captivating plot, superior acting and action sequences that will leave your heart racing, this movie is not to be missed.

FALL PREVIEW: New Girl (FOX)

New Girl (FOX)

What It's About: Jessica Day is a bubbly and adorable woman who faces a surprise breakup with her boyfriend. Forced to find a new place to stay, she moves in to an apartment with three single guys: Nick, a bartender; Schmidt, a modern-day casanova; and Coach, an athletic trainer. This half-hour sitcom follows this unlike group of friends as they learn about love, life and each other.

The Good: Zooey Deschanel of 500 Days of Summer fame is very funny, and that definitely helps this show. Plus, her chemistry with her costars are pitch perfect as well.

The Bad: The comedy is sometimes a bit too over the top.

My Thoughts: Zooey Deschanel will no doubt attract a devout following to this new series, and being have the post-Glee time slot certainly will help this show in ratings as well. Personally, this isn't my cup of tea, but I will give it to the cast and creative team for making a well written, hilarious new comedy.

When It's On: Tuesdays at 9 P.M.

FALL PREVIEW: Pan Am (ABC)

Pan Am (ABC)

What It's About: Welcome to the Jet Age, where "passion, jealousy and espionage" collide in this high-flying new drama series about the pilots and stewardesses of the Pan Am airlines in 1963. The series will follow the lives of stewardesses, Maggie, a beautiful bohemian; Kate, a young woman with a secret agenda; her sister Laura who leaves her groom at the altar to see the world.

The Good: Artistically shot, and pure 60's eye candy, this show is easy on the eyes. The cast is well-rounded, with Christina Ricci as the biggest notable star. Recent re-castings have also brought on rising star Mike Vogel to play the head pilot Dean.

The Bad: Exactly how much drama can go on in a claustrophobic airplane?

My Thoughts: This certainly gives Mad Men a run for its money in terms of authentic 60's representation, and I cannot be more thrilled to see Christina Ricci and Mike Vogel playing their respective roles, as I have enjoyed their previous works. I love the fact that this show seems to have a delicious soapy element to it, while also dishing up an international appeal with all the destinations these pilots and stewardesses will be visiting. ABC is asking viewers to "come fly with them", and I will gladly take them up on that offer. Pan Am will be pure escapism for me come this Fall.

When It's On: Sundays at 10 P.M.

FALL PREVIEW: Ringer (The CW)

Ringer (The CW)

What It's About: Bridget, a recovering alcoholic is on the run from the mob, and decides to pay a visit to her estranged sister Siobhan to seek refuge. But when Siobhan goes missing after a boat trip, Bridget soon realizes that her sister's life is not as perfect as she had originally imagined it to be.

The Good: Sarah Michelle Gellar is back on television play not ONE but TWO roles. The twists and turns in the Pilot Episode so unpredictable and shocking that it will leave viewers wanting more.

The Bad: With the numerous amounts of plot twists that is expected to occur on this show, one might wonder 'how much is too much?' In other words, will this show be so over-the-top that it becomes too much and too unrealistic?

My Thoughts: Sarah Michelle Gellar's loyal Buffy fans will no doubt be running to watch this show, giving The CW a runaway hit. I think the premise of this show sounds highly intriguing, and all of its plot twists and turns makes the show one hour of addictive entertainment. So I guess you can say that I am already hooked. But more importantly, I absolutely cannot wait to see what will happen next.

When It's On: Tuesdays at 9 P.M.

FALL PREVIEW: The Playboy Club (NBC)

The Playboy Club (NBC)

What It's About: Set in 1963, the series follows a group of young women working as bunnies at the Chicago Playboy club. The drama follows Maureen, a recently hired bunny with aspirations to become a stage performer who accidentally kills a customer, prompting the city's most influential lawyer Nick Dalton to come to her aid.

The Good: With Amber Heard, Laura Benanti and Naturi Naughton, the talent in the "bunnies" department certainly does not disappoint. The series looks very slick and artistically shot as well.

The Bad: Eddie Cibrian seems to be trying a little too hard to channel his inner Don Draper, and the show, being on a broadcast network channel, will bound to not be as racy as one would expect a show about Playboy to be.

My Thoughts: The Mad Men comparisons will be inevitable, but this show looks like campy fun that I would enjoy. Drama and scandal is at the forefront of this show, and the girls are quite attractive too. What concerns me is Eddie Cibrian, who is not the best actor, and also how far this show will be willing to push the envelope. Given all the controversy surrounding it pre-airing already, I assume that they will tone down a lot of the Playboy content in this show....which to me, is quite a disappointment.

When It's On: Mondays at 10 P.M.

FALL PREVIEW: Terra Nova (FOX)

Terra Nova (FOX)

What It's About: In the year 2149, the human population of Earth is faced with the dilemma of extinction. In efforts to save the human race, scientists have developed a time traveling machine that will send people 85 million years back in time to the Prehistoric Age. The series follows the Shannon Family, which consists of father Jim, his wife Elisabeth and three children Josh, Maddy and Zoe as they embark on the tenth pilgrimage of settlers to a colony known as Terra Nova.

The Good: The show is produced by Steven Spielberg and is set to feature intricately designed CGI dinosaurs in each episode (take note Jurassic Park fans). From the trailers the eye candy appeal of the show is definitely there, and the premise of a family traveling back in time sounds interesting as well.

The Bad: Given that it took so long to finish production on the first two episodes of the show, one can only wonder whether or not the quality of the remainder of this 13 episode season will disappoint in production value, given that the creative team behind this show will have to work faster to put together the remaining episodes after the two-hour premiere.

My Thoughts: It only took a couple push-backs for this series to finally make it to air on television due to special effects setbacks, but the final product looks as if it will live up to expectations. I like the premise of this family focused show, and I enjoyed Jason O'Mara's work on Life on Mars. Also, having Spielberg work with dinosaurs again just has the inner fanboy inside me excited, so I am very much looking forward to this show. The only thing that worries me is plot sustainability, but producers have stated that this show will focus on the Shannon Family and their conflicts so maybe that is what will keep viewers coming back for more each week.

When It's On: Mondays at 8 P.M.

FALL PREVIEW: Once Upon A Time (ABC)

Once Upon A Time (ABC)

What It's About: The real world and the world of fairy tales collide in this family drama about a young woman, Emma Swan whose 10 year old son that she gave up for adoption comes back to find her, telling her about an evil curse placed upon the people in a town called Storybrooke. Emma soon learns that she is the key to solving an evil curse that Snow White's evil stepmother placed upon the kingdom, turning all the fairy tale characters into normal human beings living in a timeless reality.

The Good: It's from the creators of "Lost", so the promise of secrets, twists and complicated mysteries is inevitable, and the cast, featuring Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White, Joshua Dallas as Prince Charming and Lana Parrilla as The Evil Queen is stellar.

The Bad: The special effects makes the show a bit cheesy, and personally reminds me too much of some low-budget Disney Channel or ABC Family Original Movie, and I am not quite sure how long this whole fairy tale curse plot can sustain this show.

My Thoughts: I applaud ABC for trying to create something for the family, and it brings back fond memories of the Magical World of Disney Sunday programming that they had way back when. And honestly I would give this show a chance if it were a mini-series or movie, but the fact that it is a show that could continue on for years (ratings permitted) worries me. I'm also not quite sure what all the hype is surrounding this show as the promotional trailer neither had me hooked or excited. All in all, I think I will sit out on this one.

When It's On: Sundays at 8 P.M.

Fall Television New Shows Preview

In anticipation for the upcoming new television season, I will start posting my thoughts on some of the new shows hitting the major Broadcast networks this season. So if you want to know what I think about new shows such as ABC's Once Upon A Time and Pan Am, NBC's The Playboy Club and Smash, or The CW's Ringer and The Secret Circle, stay tuned as I give my thoughts and rants these coming weeks.