Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Someday...


....all my dreams will come true. And when that day comes I will stand there in awe of how far I have come to reach where I want to be.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

2011-2012 Television Pilots - Personal Thoughts

Television Upfronts Week is finally over, with THE CW's presentation rounding it off today. After viewing all of the new pilots' footage from each network's website, below is a rundown of the shows that I am looking forward to, and a few that I was excited for but now no longer care for after seeing the previews.

Shows I Will Watch:



Smash - NBC
Steven Spielberg serves as the executive producer for this musical drama about the making of a Broadway show. The comparisons to Glee will be endless but this looks ten times better. It will feature original music from Broadway musical Hairspray's songwriting duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The show also features an all-star Broadway cast, from Christian Boyle, Debra Messing and Katharine McPhee. This may be the show that I am most excited about next season.




The Playboy Club - NBC
This 1960's Chicago-set drama series gives viewers a sexy look at the acclaimed Playboy Club. The cast includes Amber Heard, Jenna Dewan and Eddie Cibrian. I like the whole dark, mysterious, film noir tone the show is presenting and all the scandal and secrets is just what I like in my television shows.




Pan Am - ABC
Starring Christina Ricci and from the creative team that brought you The West Wing comes a 1960's high-flying period drama about the stewardesses and pilots of the Pan Am airlines. Once again, the Mad Men feel this show brings to the table has me on board immediately.




Good Christian Belles - ABC
Kristin Chenoweth headlines this new Desperate Housewives-esque new series set in Dallas. I am not sure I like the new television friendly title ABC had to opt to use but this show looks funny and promising, and I am a huge fan of Kristin Chenoweth.




Ringer - The CW
Sarah Michelle Gellar returns to television in this thrilling new drama series that was originally intended for CBS but ended up being put on its sister network instead. Gellar stars as two identical twin sisters who both inhabit dark pasts, and when one of the sisters die, the other one takes on both of their lives. The premise sounds interesting and I am looking forward to seeing Sarah Michelle Gellar back on television once again.




Hart of Dixie - The CW
Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the creative team behind The O.C. and Gossip Girl teams up again with a new medical drama series set in Alabama. The series reunites Schwartz and Rachel Bilson once again as Bilson stars in the show as Dr. Zoe Hart. I like the cast, which features Scott Porter from Friday Night Lights and Rachel Bilson who I adored from The O.C., so I will be giving this show a chance. I am not entirely convinced that the ditzy Bilson can pull off playing a doctor let alone pronounce difficult medical terminology, but we shall see how this show plays out come Fall.


Shows I WAS Going to Watch:



The Secret Circle - The CW
Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, the power duo behind the highly-addictive Vampire Diaries series team up to create this new series about witches based on the novels by L.J. Smith, who just so happened to have written the Vampire Diaries novels as well. It stars Life Unexpected's Britt Robertson and Gale Harold, but I am not quite sold on the whole witch concept. I am not a fan of Bonnie on Vampire Diaries and feel that this show may be a little too similar to its counterpart. The only redeeming factor I see going for it is its creative team behind the show. Williamson and Plec have delivered many jaw-dropping twist and turns in Vampire Diaries that keeps me at the edge of my seat each week, and this show has the potential to do that as well. That being said, I am still uncertain about it.




Once Upon A Time - ABC
Ginnifer Goodwin stars in this fairy tale adventure about a young woman who returns to the small town of Storybrooke only to discover that she is actually from an alternate world, a world where fairy tale characters live in which she is the daughter of Snow White and her Prince Charming. The premise of the series sounded very interesting and the script was also equally enjoyable to read, and I was really looking forward to this show given that it is from the creators of Lost. But after seeing this trailer, it looks more like a cheap ABC Family or Disney Channel movie, probably due to low production costs. I can see why a series like this requires a larger budget, with all the mythical elements and costumes, and unfortunately the footage just does not deliver.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) - Film Review



Captain Jack Sparrow is back for another swashbuckling adventure in Walt Disney Pictures' Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides which hits theaters May 20th. The movie reunites Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush as Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa in another adventure separate from the previous three films made.

It has been four years since the last Pirates film, and Johnny Depp proves that both his portrayal of Jack Sparrow and the character itself will never grow old and boring. In this new installment of the blockbuster franchise, Sparrow finds himself in search of the Fountain of Youth while facing off against the film's villain, Blackbeard (portrayed by Ian McShane). Another new edition to the cast is Penelope Cruz's fast-talking female pirate Angelica, who certainly gives Depp a run for the money with the quirky one-liners department. Gone is the lovely and attractive pair that is Will and Elizabeth Turner (portrayed by Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley) and the unspoken replacement comes in the form of newcomers Sam Claflin as the virtuous missionary Philip and Astrid Berges-Frisbey as the mermaid Syrena.

Directed by Rob Marshall and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, this new chapter has just as much sword fights and oceanic adventures as the previous episodes, and manages to capture the heart of the first Pirates movie, The Curse of the Black Pearl once more. After the previous two train-wreck installments in the franchise, I was a bit skeptical about them making another one. But I must admit that I was proven wrong. Jack Sparrow's quest for the Fountain of Youth was refreshing and engaging, and the dangerous obstacles faced out at sea (zombies and vampiric human-eating mermaids) made the movie, which runs at 137 minutes, go by rather quickly.

The only problem I found with this film was the lack of Will and Elizabeth Turner. While they were not my favorite characters, they still played an important role in the previous three movies, and their absence was very noticeable. At times, I felt that Johnny Depp was carrying the full weight of the film on his shoulders, and without the wit and charm of Captain Jack Sparrow, this movie would have been a complete disaster. Maybe it was just me, but this film felt more like a spinoff series of The Pirates of the Caribbean rather than another sequel. While I was watching the film, I felt that I was watching a movie with Jack Sparrow in it, but it wasn't the Pirates franchise that I have come to know and love.

While entertaining and full of action-packed adventure, I am not entirely convinced that this franchise needed a fourth installment. Sure, Johnny Depp still has what it takes to entertain an audience in the role of Jack Sparrow, but was it really necessary to make a fourth movie? I wonder.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark (2011) - Theatre Review



Broadway's most expensive musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has long been panned by critics since it began previews back in November 2010. It was set to open in December, but was pushed back six times after to a new opening date of June 14, 2011. After going on a three week hiatus to implement new changes to the show including new songs, rewriting the book and fixing choreography, the series dumped its original directed Julie Taymor and returned on Thursday May 12 to resume its preview performances.

I have been dying to see this show since it debuted in November 2010, and had the privilege to see the show on Friday May 13, its second preview show after it returned from its hiatus. Despite all the hate from the press and frequent theatre goers, I must say that I really really liked this show. I mean, sure, it has its problems still but it's nothing too drastic that the producers can't fix by the time the show official opens. And credit does have to be given to the eye-popping costume and set designs and to the much-talked-about flying sequences.

First let me talk about the new plot of the show — after its revisions, the story is now more similar to the first Spider-Man movie. The show opens with Peter Parker giving a school report on the mythological character Arachne. Peter Parker is your average geeky social outcast, bullied by his fellow classmates and falling head-over-heels for the girl-next-door, Mary Jane Watson. After a school field trip visit to the Oscorp Labs, Peter is bitten by a spider and turns into the iconic superhero of comic-book fame. Norman Osborne, after going too far with his experiments, turns into the Green Goblin and also creates six mutated villains known as the "Sinister Six". They terrorize Manhattan as Spider-Man must save the innocent victims roaming the streets of New York City while at the same time leading a normal life that includes a budding relationship with Mary Jane.

I really liked the character of Arachne, played by T.V. Carpio, who served as a guardian for Peter Parker. She has a few good songs as well including one of the musical's theme songs "Rise Above". Reeve Carney played Peter Parker/Spider-Man and perfected both the geeky and heroic aspects of the part. His raspy rock-band voice was absolutely beautiful and different than your typical Broadway Male Lead vocals, but in a good way. Next to Normal's Jennifer Damiano stars as Mary Jane Watson, who sings a few memorable tunes as well. My favorite talent in the acting department however was Patrick Page, whose portrayal of the villain Green Goblin was sheer perfection. His sinister laugh and humorous one-liners brought a lot of life to the character. Further, in a phone-booth scene where Green Goblin tries to call 'The Daily Bugle', I could not stop laughing at the humorous take the producers and Page added to that scene.

U2's Bono and the Edge wrote the score to the musical, which they describe as a "rock opera." Besides some lines that can be perfected and others cut the only problem I found in this show was the score. There were many songs that were both memorable, catchy, and absolutely amazing. But then there were those other songs that were complete disasters. Both Bono and the Edge are talented musicians, but I think that they should have brought in a third musician, a Broadway veteran composer to help bring a more Broadway-like tone to some of their numbers. Songs like "D.I.Y. World" and "Bullying By Numbers" which were suppose to be the show-stopping ensemble numbers fell short. Not only was it not musical-worthy, it was almost cringe-worthy at points. In addition, the Green Goblin song "I'll Take Manhattan" was a good concept, having the Goblin play on a piano and sing, but the song itself needs major work in my opinion. With some tweaking that song actually can be really good. However, despite those lackluster numbers, I actually liked a handful of the songs from the show. Arachne's "Rise Above" was very beautiful and well-sung by T.V. Carpio; her duet with Peter Parker "Turn Off the Dark" was also very good. Mary Jane Watson's "If The World Should End" and the Mary Jane and Peter Parker duet "I Just Can't Walk Away" were so good, I was dying for the soundtrack after I heard them sing it. And last but not least, Reeve Carney absolutely killed it when he sang Peter Parker's 11 o'clock number and theme song "The Boy Falls From the Sky." I am obsessed with that song and his voice...SO. AMAZING.

I must admit that I was so intrigued by this show because of all the flying sequences. I wanted to go to see Spider-Man fly around a theatre, battling villains in the air, etc. And I all my dreams came true at the Foxwood Theatre on Friday Night. Spider-Man flew all over the 3-level theatre, from the Orchestra to the Flying Circle and even to the Balcony where I sat. He flew so fast, and his in-air battle with the Green Goblin was so epic. Spider-Man took off and landed a few times from the launch pad on the balcony which was right in front of where I sat, and as I watched the actors land and take-off from the pad, my heart stopped beating every time. The show ended with Spider-Man swinging all over the theatre and then flying to the very top of the balcony. Spider-Man landed right in front of me, and that could not have been a better ending for me as an audience member sitting right in front of Spider-Man.

The show was visually stunning, a must-see spectacle and a thrilling ride that I enjoyed very much. After the show, I got to meet all of the cast. Reeve Carney even knew who I was! I follow him on Twitter and tweeted him before the show, and when I met him afterwards I told him that I followed him on the site and told him that my name was Kyle. He then responded with a smile and said, "Oh, you are Kyle Fong! You are from California right?" It made my day. Spider-Man knew who I was! And it made me love Reeve Carney and his performance even more. I honestly cannot rave enough about how much I loved seeing this show, and I most definitely would go see it again after they finish perfecting it for Opening Night in June. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is one of Broadway's highest-grossing shows, and the $65 million dollars spent on this production was surely worth it.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Catch Me If You Can the Musical (2011) - Theatre Review



March Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the creative team behind Hairspray is back on Broadway with a new high-flying new musical, Catch Me If You Can. With choreography by Jerry Mitchell and starring Norbert Leo Butz and Aaron Tveit, the new show is based on the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio of the same name.

I have been eagerly awaiting the day I could see this musical since I heard about it, and I finally got the opportunity to on Thursday, May 12. I am a huge fan of Aaron Tveit, and have had Catch Me's score on repeat since January. After seeing the show I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed whatsoever. In fact, I LOVED it.

The score was perfect. The tunes were catchy, and I absolutely loved all the solo numbers, from Kerry Butler's "Fly Fly Away" and Tveit's "Goodbye". Further, the dancing and its choreography was stellar. From the larger-than-life opening number "Live in Living Color" to iconic kick-line tune "The Jet Set" and the Norbert Leo Butz led "Don't Break the Rules", I was absolutely in awe of how energetic the entire ensemble was. Tveit was a true shining star in the role of Frank Abagnale Jr., and Norbert Leo Butz' performance as FBI Ageny Carl Hanratty was perfection. In addition, Kerry Butler as Brenda Strong, Frank's love interest and Tom Wopat as Frank Abagnale Sr. were also very memorable.

I honestly cannot go on about how much I loved this entire show. Having the orchestra on stage as a set and turning the film's plot into a 60's television special was brilliant, and gave the life of Frank Abagnale a reason to sing about. I had a fun time seeing this show, and also had the opportunity to meet Aaron and Norbert after the show. I look forward to seeing Aaron Tveit continue to grow and whatever he does next, I absolutely cannot wait to see him in it. He is a true star on the rise and I am so glad that I got to see him in this show.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Thor (2011) - Film Review



This Summer's first blockbuster has arrived in the form of a hammer-wielding Marvel Superhero named Thor. Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Chris Hemsworth in the title role, the movie was a visually stunning comic-book action piece done in 3-D.

Set in two universes, Asgard and Earth, the movie jumps back and forth from the two distinct locations. Serving as an origin story and lead-up to next year's highly anticipated The Avengers movie, the film gives both the crazed comic-book fans as well as newcomers the beginning of how Thor came to be. After being banished by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) from Asgard for his arrogance, Thor is banished to planet Earth and stripped of his powers. There, he meets a geeky astrologically-talented scientist, Jane Foster, a role that is brilliantly played by Academy Award Winning Actress Natalie Portman. Jane's team of scientists includes Darcy (Kat Dennings) and mentor Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard). Learning to be the king that his father wants him to become, Thor is forced to adapt and find a way home while helping Jane and her team uncover the truth behind the wormhole in the sky in which she was investigating before Thor fell from the sky. Over in Asgard, Thor's manipulative brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) continues to coyly plot his rise to the throne as he does whatever he can to keep his Thor from returning to the kingdom.

As previously stated, the visuals are stunning. The CGI for Asgard as well as the numerous battle sequences were all very well done. Chris Hemsworth also gives a decent performance as the superhero, though in my opinion he does not rank as one of the top superheroes. While he delivers and is convincing as Thor, he doesn't provide the charismatic appeal of, say, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man or Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Natalie Portman, who has been in so many movies this year that I have lost count serves her purpose in this film. Further, her onscreen chemistry with Hemsworth is evident and enough to make their relationship believable.

The movie itself was fun, thrilling and a great lead-up to Captain America and The Avengers. But compared to other superhero movies like Iron Man, Spider-Man or X-Men, Thor falls short. The film felt like one massive set-up, and though it gives an entertaining explanation of how Thor becomes Thor, the movie ended on a note that made me walk out of the theater thinking, "That's it?" Nonetheless, Thor is a good opener for the Summer Movie Season. Lastly, be sure to stay after the end credits for a special footage. Like all of the other comic book movies, the producers have slipped a special scene in there to set-up what's to come in The Avengers.