BuzzSugar

Buzz News Roundup, 8/14

BuzzSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:30:05 -0700

Maria Full of Grace star Catalina Sandino Moreno has been cast as the vampire Maria in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. - ComingSoon
Jon Heder is set to star in Buddy Holly Is Alive and Well on Ganymede, an adaptation of the Bradley Denton comic sci-fi novel. - Variety
Saving Grace will end in the Summer of 2010. - The Hollywood Reporter
Aerosmith has canceled the rest of its Summer tour after Steven Tyler's fall from the stage. - Billboard
Kim Basinger may play Zac Efron's mother in The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. - Variety
Sony Pictures Classics will most likely distribute The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus theatrically in the US sometime this year. - ComingSoon
Comedy Central has canceled Reno 911! after six seasons. - The Hollywood Reporter
A judge ruled this week that the family of Superman co-creator, Jerry Siegel, has "successfully recaptured" from Warner Bros. and DC Comics the rights to additional Superman works. - Variety

Buzz News Roundup, 9/17

BuzzSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:46:32 -0700

TNT has renewed Saving Grace and Raising the Bar, while HBO has OK'd a second season of True Blood. - Zap2it
Nicole Kidman may become an action star, now that she's in talks to be in the "character-driven, treasure-hunting" action-adventure The Eighth Wonder. - Hollywood Reporter
Fred Wolf (director of The House Bunny) will write and direct the dude road trip movie Divorced Guys, which will star David Spade. - ComingSoon
Metallica's new album is topping the Billboard 200 list, making it the band's fifth No. 1 album. - Billboard
Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer are in talks to join the movie Solitary Man, which follows "a car magnate with a runaway libido." - Variety
Kirsten Dunst will produce and star in an adaptation of the book A Jealous Ghost. - ComingSoon
Here's who won Big Brother 10. - AP
Stephen Colbert will debut "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" on Comedy Central on Nov. 23. - Billboard

Source

Buzz Interview: Holly Hunter on Saving Grace

BuzzSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:30:33 -0700

Saving Grace has already earned Holly Hunter a Golden Globe nomination, and few would be shocked to hear her name on Thursday when the Emmy nominations are announced. Hunter plays an Oklahoma City detective who lives large for better or for worse - throwing herself into her work but also drinking, smoking, and sleeping with the wrong people. She's also being visited by Earl, an unusual angel who encourages Grace to set her life straight.

The show's second season premieres tonight at 10 p.m. EDT and PDT on TNT, and last week, Hunter spoke with some reporters about her character, the show's second season, and her feelings about making the jump from movies to TV. Here are some highlights:

On whether Grace changes at all this season:
"I think she changes all the time, actually. I think there's give and take inside her. There's always movement. She's very kinetic. And I think she's also kinetic in a psychological way. . . . The most thrilling thing about her is how live she is. So many people are truly asleep for long periods in their days and their lives. I think Grace spends an extraordinary amount of her time really awake, awake to a real, true curiosity about why people do what they do. She also is a real tester of what people are capable of and what she herself is capable of."

On what opened the door for Saving Grace to exist:
"What preceded that was the success of The Shield and Rescue Me and The Sopranos - really started the wild, wild west in cable. FX and HBO kind of started this new idea, which was real character drama, and a character who does anti-heroic things, not just a character who's quirky but a character who straddles two worlds - one world being highly charged with questionable thoughts and behavior, such as Denis Leary and Tony Soprano and Vic Mackey. Those characters live in a more similar vein to how Grace lives, except that Grace is a woman. That's where cable is really kind of taking off. It's given women opportunities to play highly controversial characters, women who are doing things that maybe they wouldn't have been able to do on television 10 years ago, like Weeds on Showtime or Glenn Close in Damages or Minnie Driver in The Riches, women who were living lives of real, deep grayness."

To find out what Hunter thought was the toughest part of transitioning to TV, read more.

On what it feels like to work in TV after so many years in movies:
"It's really a high. You feel the wind blowing in your hair when you do a series, in the best of times. Other times it's just trying to catch up. But I'll tell you, this work is very fulfilling, and it's great for me as an actress to get to adapt and be flexible. You're demanded to be very flexible and very adaptable and be very much a problem solver on a set like this. I kind of used the skills that I've developed over these years doing feature films and just kind of accelerated them to make this series."

On what she did to prepare for the leap to TV:
"I called Dylan McDermott, cause he'd done The Practice. I called Dylan because he's a buddy and I so respect him, and he'd done a David E. Kelley series, which is so particular. I was asking him something I'd never asked an actor before, which was: How do you memorize all those lines? That was a very pertinent question for the first time in my career. With David E. Kelley, the actors - they never stop talking! And I just asked him, 'What gives? How do you do this every week?' That has never been a concern of mine, I memorize the entire script before I start shooting a feature - it's never been a big deal. Dylan said, 'It's going to be a scary ride when you first get on, and your memory is going to become a very well-used muscle.' . . . Memorizing a script for two days, having only two days to memorize it and then just shooting it - it's dicey."

Source

TV Tonight: The Closer and Saving Grace

BuzzSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:15:53 -0700

A while ago, I speculated that TNT was becoming the official network of strong women. Tonight, two of the shows that have made it that way return for new seasons: The Closer begins its fourth season at 9 p.m. EDT and PDT, while Saving Grace starts its second immediately after.

The Closer has been a standout for several years now and spent last season shattering cable ratings records (many of which it already owned). The show has also earned wide acclaim for Kyra Sedwick as the no-holds-barred interrogator Brenda Leigh Johnson, who's practically a fixture in the Emmy and Golden Globe nominations these days. When this season begins, wildfires are tearing through Los Angeles, and Brenda is there to unleash her fury on anyone who seems to have done wrong.

Meanwhile, Saving Grace starts season two with Holly Hunter's Grace continuing to come to terms with her past - which seems to be darker and more haunted at every turn. Hunter spoke with reporters last week, including yours truly, and I'll be bringing you some of her comments later today. For now, though, you can get a sneak peek of the new episodes of The Closer and a quick recap of the first season of Saving Grace if you read more.

Source

TNT and TBS: The Official Networks of Strong Women?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:44:25 -0700

I got a promotional e-mail today touting the Summer programming lineups on TNT and TBS. As I scrolled through looking for a return date for The Closer (July) and a start date for Raising the Bar (September), a banner at the bottom caught my eye:

"Kyra Sedgwick, Holly Hunter, Laura San Giacomo, Jordana Spiro, Nancy Travis, Jane Kaczmarek, and Gloria Reuben are just a few of the strong women coming to TNT and TBS this summer."

And they have good reason to spotlight that: Of the five series featured in the e-mail, only one (The Bill Engvall Show on TBS) has a male character in the lead. The rest are either female-led or have women in the majority of the starring roles: My Boys on TBS and all three of TNT's dramas, The Closer, Saving Grace, and the new series Raising the Bar. And, what's more, three of those four series have leading ladies over the age of 40 - a relative rarity in Hollywood.

I'm not sure if TNT and TBS set out to become networks full of programming featuring women who are tough, quirky, and relatable (and succeeding in roles typically earmarked for men, at that), but regardless, I find it encouraging that it's happened. They aren't the only networks in this game; FX's Damages drew a ton of acclaim with Glenn Close in its leading role. I just like the fact that these networks see their roster of shows with older, female stars not as a risk but as something to be celebrated. What's your take?

The Closer Returns with a Christmas Special

BuzzSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:31:37 -0800

The Closer is going home for the holidays. Tonight, TNT will air a special two-hour version of the show called "Next of Kin."

The special finds Krya Sedwick's Brenda heading home to Georgia over Christmas - but she's there on business, not family matters, at least at first. A gang robbery of armored cars leads Brenda back home in pursuit of a suspect. But once Brenda's parents learn she's nearby, they start lobbying her to spend Christmas with them as a family. TNT's description of the episode promises the story involves "the federal Do-Not-Fly list, a long trip in an RV, missing Perry Como CDs and some questionable tactics that could, potentially, lead to deadly consequences on Christmas Eve." Sounds like a jam-packed two hours, indeed.

The special leads into the first of four new episodes of Saving Grace, the Holly Hunter series that premiered on the network this summer. I wish I'd kept up with the show better this summer, because its reappearance on Monday nights could give me something to watch now that Chuck and Heroes are heading off the air. Did anyone else stick with it? If you're like me and need to catch up on the first season, check out this quick recap. Or, you can watch a preview of the Closer special over here.

Photo courtesy of TNT

Link Time! 7/26

BuzzSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:31:13 -0700

Stereogum tells us where to hear Green Day covering "The Simpsons" theme song for the big screen.
MTV's Movie Blog has an interview with Julia Stiles regarding her upcoming adaptation of The Bell Jar which she doesn't consider depressing "at all." Um, what?
Meanwhile, Cinematical has a pretty adorable interview with Gretchen Mol in which she talks 3:10 to Yuma and The Ten.
Give Me My Remote is bummed that "Veronica Mars" creator Rob Thomas has left his latest ABC project, "Miss/Guided."
It is possible for the hit-tastic Rihanna to miss sometimes, as Idolator proves with this Bob Marley cover.
Popwatch tries to figure out whether or not the Backstreet Boys' reunion album (minus Kevin Richardson), releasing October 30, is worth caring about.
You can see some first images from Jessica Alba's thriller The Eye on BloodyDisgusting.com.
TV Squad is very excited about the "30 Rock" DVD set.
This interview with Holly Hunter about her new series "Saving Grace" (as posted by BestWeekEver) is the most awkward thing I've seen in a long, long time.
Vulture brilliantly chooses to illustrate yesterday's ABC vs. NBC executive showdown with Simpsons characters.

TV Tonight: "Saving Grace"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 09:29:13 -0700

When I named TNT's "Saving Grace" one of my top 10 reasons to keep watching TV this summer, it was mostly because of Holly Hunter. Granted, the premise of the show, which premieres tonight after "The Closer," sounded a little too "Touched by an Angel" for my liking - alcoholic, sex-fueled cop nearly kills someone and is sent a "last chance" angel to put her back on the straight and narrow. But I trusted that Hunter, whom I always find wonderfully watchable, could keep the show grounded.

Based on the first couple of episodes, at least, the show is a fine vehicle for the Oscar-winning actress to showcase the toughest, angriest and most acerbic end of her range. Hunter plays Det. Grace Hanadarko, a hard-living, tough-love cop who drinks too much and has too much sex with far too many of the wrong men. One night, in a moment of extreme weakness, she asks for help - and gets it in the form of a gruff, tobacco-chewing, invisible angel named Earl. But this is no easy story of redemption, so read more

Grace doesn't immediately believe a word Earl says, nor does she really believe he exists. But the strength of the show comes from Grace's struggle to understand what's happening to her and what to make of it. At one point in the first episode, Grace's best friend (played by Laura San Giacomo) says that Grace's visits from Earl can be a way to ask all the questions she's always had about God and heaven; Grace cracks sarcastically that she can finally find out what's up with menstrual cramps.

The show's backdrop is Grace's unit at the Oklahoma City police department, but compared to the part of the show that focuses on Grace's faith, the crime procedural elements aren't as strong. They're worth sitting through, though, to get back to the personal side of Grace's life; her scenes with Earl (played by Leon Rippy) are especially delightful, and Hunter gives Grace an appealing mix of vulnerability and edge. Check out this preview:

Photo courtesy of TNT

Top 10 Reasons to Keep Your TV On This Summer

BuzzSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:54:31 -0700

Summer used to be a time of reruns, but no more. Now summer TV is its own event, with cable and broadcast networks pulling up a whole new crop of shows. And here's the bad news for those of you who planned to get off the couch this summer: A lot of the summer series look great. Here are 10 great reasons to keep the remote control close at hand:

No. 10: "Saving Grace" (starts July 18, TNT)
I could watch Holly Hunter in practically anything, so it's really just a bonus that her new TNT series looks good. Hunter plays a hard-charging detective who drinks too much, sleeps with too many guys and generally plays by her own rules. But then a tragedy drives her to break down and ask for help - which comes in the form of an unconventional angel named Earl.

No. 9: "State of Mind" (starts July 15, Lifetime)
I know what you're thinking: "Lifetime? As in the Original Pictures about victimized women?" But now that I've been pleasantly surprised by the compelling "Army Wives," Lifetime has earned a little more credibility in my eyes. And now this series about a psychotherapist with personal problems of her own has at least three good things going for it: 1) Lili Taylor (right), who always delivers the right combo of charm and angst; 2) the producing team that brought us "Nip/Tuck" and "The Closer"; and 3) Devon Gummersall, aka Brian Krackow from "My So-Called Life." Yeah, I'm so there.

To see the other 8, read more

No. 8: "Hex" (on Saturdays, BBC America)
I don't know how I missed out on the first season of this show, which sounds essentially like a British "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": Ella, a sassy young witch, must use her powers to save humanity, aided by a passel of ghost-friends and fallen angels. The show gets bonus points for describing its characters as "hexy beasts" (side note: from looking at the cast page, apparently blunt-cut bangs help your witching powers).

No. 7: "Damages" (starts July 24, FX)
FX apparently liked Glenn Close's guest-starring role in "The Shield" so much, the network gave her a show of her own. In "Damages," she plays a big-time, high-stakes lawyer who starts questioning whether she's ruthless enough to maintain her place at the top. Along for the ride is a young associate who's just now learning what it takes to win. Legal shows often make me yawn, but I'm hopeful this one will have just enough FX edginess to hold my interest.

No. 6: "Californication" (starts Aug. 13, Showtime)
David Duchovny (the mere mention of whom always makes me get this song stuck in my head) returns to TV in this dark comedy, focusing on a blunt, self-destructive novelist trying to raise his 13-year-old daughter and still maintain his sex-obsessed, alcohol-fueled lifestyle.

No. 5: "So You Think You Can Dance" (on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Fox)

I've already admitted that I like this show more than "Idol," and that goes double for when the competition rounds start June 13. The show never fails to keep me entertained, and I'm not ashamed to say I sometimes end up dancing around my living room practicing my own terrible versions of the moves.

No. 4: "The Company" (starts Aug. 5, TNT)
Here's a nerdy thing about me: I'm weirdly fascinated with the CIA and spy culture in general. So this three-part, six-hour miniseries sounds like it will be right up my alley. Based on a novel by Robert Littell, the show depicts Cold War-era CIA agents trapped in double lives. Alfred Molina and Chris O'Donnell star in the miniseries, which is produced by Ridley Scott.

No. 3: "Creature Comforts" (on Mondays, CBS)

Yes, I'm going to talk about this show again, just because I don't want to be the only one watching it! I love the Claymation critters, the "Studs Terkel meets Shaun the Sheep" premise, and the fact that CBS took a risk by airing such an unconventional show. I'm afraid it's too smart to be on network TV, but I'm hoping viewers will prove me wrong.

No. 2: HBO Sundays
Anyone wondering how HBO is going to fill the void of "The Sopranos" leaving should look no further than the new Sunday lineup. There's "John from Cincinnati", a spacey surf-noir from the creator of "Deadwood." There's the fourth season of Hollywood humor from the "Entourage" boys. There's the hilarious pseudo-reality "Flight of the Conchords" featuring folk-song parodies and my man Jemaine Clement. Throw in a "Big Love" repeat (new episodes of that one will air Monday nights), and I can't see why I'd ever change the channel.

No. 1: "Weeds" (Showtime, starts August 13)
I literally cannot say enough about this show. It's hilarious, it's heartwarming, it has Mary Louise Parker, and it's quirky enough that it never, ever becomes predictable. The cast is outstanding, and I must admit I'm pretty curious to see what Mary-Kate Olsen adds to the show. Hopefully crazy Kat (played amazingly by Zooey Deschanel) will be around, too. Season two ended with an incredible set of cliffhangers (spoiler alert). Peter the DEA Agent is dead! The guns are pointed at Nancy and Conrad! Silas is about to be discovered with the entire crop of weed in his trunk! Sigh, August 13 cannot come fast enough.

"Weeds" and "Californication" photos courtesy of Showtime
"Creature Comforts" photo courtesy of CBS
"Flight of the Conchords" picture courtesy of HBO
"Saving Grace" and "The Company" photos courtesy of TNT
"Damages" photo courtesy of FX
"So You Think You Can Dance" photo courtesy of Fox
"Hex" photo Source
Lili Taylor photo Source

FlashForward Breakdown, "Believe"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:32 -0800

The most central characters of FlashForward take a backseat this week, letting Bryce and Aaron take the spotlight. It's a nice relief from Mark and Demetri's constant agonizing over their own fates (though we still get a dose of that, too).

We learn that Bryce has been keeping a big secret, and Aaron's reunion with his daughter isn't all he had expected it to be. Ready to get into it? Just read more.

I want to believe: We finally get some insight into why Bryce tried to kill himself: he has stage four cancer and has been keeping it a secret from everyone but his therapist. We also get to see his saving grace - in his flashforward, Bryce is laughing and smiling in a restaurant with a pretty Asian woman. Determined to make his fate come true, Bryce takes up Japanese (with Nicole's help) and even heads to Asia when he's supposed to be in Houston testing out a wonder drug. Here's what confuses me: in Bryce's vision, he sees himself saying "you're really here" and he knows it's months into the future. Why does he try to rush fate? I wasn't surprised at all when he and Keiko don't make the connection in Japan (though I did feel a bit disappointed for him). Side note: Nicole is totally falling for Bryce.

Across the pond: Bryce isn't the only one who is featured this week; we get some background info on the (literal) woman of his dreams. Keiko is a young, bright woman living with her parents and working for a robotics firm. Though her life looks perfect on paper, Keiko is bored at work and with her personal life, longing to play her guitar and find her soulmate. She gets a shiny new outlook on life when she sees Bryce in her vision, and we realize that their meeting doesn't take place in Japan after all, but in LA.

Family ties: Aaron is having a hard time adjusting to life with Tracy. Her continual drinking habit causes a fight between them; Aaron can't be around alcohol, and Tracy feels entitled to drink after all she's been through. Tracy storms out and Aaron blames himself for her addiction and her post-war transformation. Mark only makes matters worse when he accuses Aaron of telling Olivia that he was drinking in his flashforward, and Aaron tells Mark he shouldn't be his sponsor anymore. Losing his sponsor can't be good for Mark and his vision.

Other major plot points:

Demetri finally makes strides on figuring out who called him about his murder. The call is traced back to Hong Kong, and though Stan doesn't want Demetri heading overseas, Mark offers to go with him in secret.
The FBI agents discover that suspect zero wears a ring with an alpha symbol on it but aren't sure what to make of it.

Did you like this week's episode, or were you longing for more action? Will Nicole get in the way of Bryce and Keiko?