porno

Back in January we learned the somewhat disconcerting news that the brilliant UK sci-fi series Torchwood was being adapted for the US audience and earlier this month it was clarified that the US version of Torchwood would be a spin-off rather than a re-cast remake. Today, tho, we learn that Fox has decided to cancel its plans to bring Torchwood to US television … which, to be honest, should have fans of the original series breathing a heavy sigh of relief:

Fox has decided not to pursue a U.S. version of the UK cult hit. The network was developing a stateside version of the “Doctor Who” spinoff, a prospect which divided fans. “BBC Worldwide Productions and the FOX Broadcasting Company have mutually agreed not to progress together with a 13-episode serialized ‘Torchwood’ format,” said BBC Worldwide in a statement. “We are currently in discussion with several interested networks.” As to that last part, BBC Worldwide executive vp of programming and production Jane Tranter reiterated that a U.S. version was still making progress. “It’s very much ongoing and very much alive,” Tranter said.

As I mentioned in my last post about plans for a US version of Torchwood, I’m not opposed to the production of a spin-off series … I think it would be very cool to have a Torchwood HQ here in the US (I understand my beloved Detroit, MI is up for contention as the site for the US Torchwood HQ) so I’m not really bothered that BBC Worldwide is still planning to bring Torchwood to the US. I am greatly relieved, tho, that Fox has decided not make the show. They have a HORRIBLE track record of canceling great sci-fi shows because they don’t really know how to promote those kinds of shows properly. It is my hope that the US version of Torchwood will find a home on a channel like SyFy so that it will have a real chance at survival. All in all, I think this latest development is good news all around.

[Source]

Back in January, we learned that Fox is planning to bring the hit UK sci-fi series Torchwood to the US and at the time, I thought the plan was to remake the series for the US audience. According to a reported leaked casting call for the US version of the series, tho, it turns out that the plan is to make a US spin-off of Torchwood — which sits much better in my mind than does a remake of the show. Instead of recasting the original characters for this new show, the plan is to cast new characters … for a US Torchwood headquarters!

Firefox News has received an exclusive peek into the casting sheet for upcoming FOX import Torchwood America. Coming off stellar ratings and an overwhelmingly positive fan reaction to the BBC series, FOX has ordered thirteen episodes of a spin-off series guarantee to appeal to viewers on this side of the Pond. Series creator Russell T. Davies said, “The heart of the original programme was Gwen Cooper, our audience POV character, so we’re going to build on that in the new series. We’re going to introduce Gwen’s American cousin Jen, a feisty blonde in her early twenties. She will kick arse and take names and still provide that human touch to a jaded world. In her free time, she works with disadvantaged children and feeds the hungry. People are just going to love her.” The casting sheet calls for a “tech whiz” played by an Asian male actor in his early thirties. “Looking for a younger Daniel Dae Kim.” The character was hired away from Area 51, and provides his own alien-hunting wisdom to the team. The team’s doctor is a “shy wallflower type, the kind who can take off her glasses and be beautiful.” Actresses in their mid-twenties, preferably red-haired or brunette, are desired. Rumor says Rachel McAdams was considered for the role but is “too old.” The character is described as “bi-curious,” satisfying both the mandatory Torchwood gay quota and offering opportunities for hot lesbian kissing. Team heartthrob Captain Jack Harkness, as played by John Barrowman, is slated to appear in the first two episodes of the series to help launch the show … Filling his shoes after his departure will be a “young leader, early to mid-thirties, a brash hero-type but unsure of himself.” The casting sheet says he’ll have plenty of sexual tension with Jen and the doctor both. Supporting characters include a “smart and sassy” police commissioner who interacts with the team from the legal side of catching aliens, Jen’s hapless boyfriend who is unaware of her real job, and a recurrent “streetwise” alien who has blended into the local population and provides comic relief. When questioned about an equivalent character for fan-favorite Ianto (killed off in last year’s “Children of Earth”) Davies said, “We felt the character took away valuable screen time from the leads, and we don’t wish to go in that direction again. But we do promise at least one gay kiss per series, which should make everyone happy.”

What worries me about this report, which I am HOPING is true, is the timing of its release. This report was published just one day before April Fool’s Day. While I don’t totally believe that a leaked casting sheet for a show like Torchwood is necessarily fodder for a brilliant prank, it is possible that it’s not entirely true (the inclusion of Rachel McAdams’s name also seems suspicious). That being said, most people in the US aren’t even aware of Torchwood so a joke doesn’t really make sense. BUT, if I take this report at face value then I LOVE IT!! A US headquarters for Torchwood could be brilliant (think 24 meets Dr. Who). Obviously, there is a high liklihood that the show will be set in Los Angeles … but I understand other cities up for setting contention are Cleveland, OH and — GET THIS — Detroit, MI! If Detroit becomes the setting for Torchwood America, I will absolutely lose my shizz with happiness! I admit I was none-too-pleased when I first heard that Torchwood was being adapted for a US audience … but this leaked casting report, if true — that is, has not only allayed my fears and worries but instead fills me with HOPE that the show will RULE ALL! Please let this report be true … PLEASE!!

Um … thoughts Torchwood fans?

[Source]

Okay … before y’all lose your shizz over the headline of this post, I should give you the head’s up that there is good news to go along with this seemingly “bad” news that Fox is planning to make a US version of the HIT UK series Torchwood. While I am vehemently opposed to the plan by MTV to make a US version of Skins (which is wholly unnecessary and will do nothing but mar the already kickass original UK version of the show), I’m not necessarily opposed to a US version of Torchwood … and here’s why. Not only are the original producers on board for the remake but Fox is trying to secure Torchwood star John Barrowman (and perhaps other original stars of the series as well) to be on the US version of the show. Read on …

Huge news for sci-fi fans: Fox is developing a stateside version of the U.K. hit series “Torchwood.” The project is from BBC Worldwide Prods., with original series creator Russell Davies writing the script. A more straight-faced spinoff of “Doctor Who,” “Torchwood” is about a covert group that investigates and fights alien activity. Two series aired domestically on BBC America as well as last year’s well reviewed stand-alone miniseries, “Children of Earth,” which broke all ratings records for the network. (If you’re a fan of serious sci fi such as “Battlestar Galatica” and haven’t seen “Children of Earth,” rent it. You don’t need to know anything about the series. And I know the previews for “Torchwood” can look silly. Trust me, it’s terrific. Like “24″ with aliens). Unlike U.S. adaptations that have gone awry, “Torchwood” fans can take comfort that the original producing team is on board. In addition to Davies, exec producers include Davies’ producing partner Julie Gardner (former head of drama at BBC Wales for the show’s first season) and Jane Tranter (another BBC vet, now exec VP programming and production at BBC Worldwide Prods. in the U.S.). Also, some of the current cast — most likely John Barrowman, who plays the immortal Capt. Jack Harkness — might star if Fox orders “Torchwood” to pilot. As for the new show’s plot, the U.S. version will contain a global story line compared to the more localized sensibility of the first two BBC seasons.

Torchwood is a fantastic series and is well worth checking out. I am a bit worried about this talk of a remake but I am encouraged that Barrowman may appear on the US version as Capt. Jack Harkness. On second thought, it occurs to me that the rest of the Torchwood cast would be re-cast by American actors … especially the Gwen character. Imma hafta think on this for a while before I form an opinion. I’m curious as to what a new Torchwood might be like but I really love the localized setting of Cardiff that the original series has and I really love the original cast of characters … especially Gwen. What worries me most of all is the way Fox treats sci-fi shows like this. If their plan is to exile it to Friday nights, I’m not at all interested in investing at all. What do y’all think, Torchwood fans? Is this a good idea or a terribly horrible one?

[Source]

Yesterday I posted lists of my Fave Music of ’09 and today I present lists of my Fave Movies and TV shows of 2009. I had a hard time narrowing down my lists for both movies and TV but, in the end, I think I got the list right … at least for me :) Here are my Top 10 Fave Movies of 2009:

At #10 is Avatar:

This movie, in IMAX 3D, was an amazingly beautiful sight to see. I’ll admit that the story (not at all unique) wasn’t the best ever but the storytelling coupled with the amazing special effects makes this movie worthy of inclusion on any Top 10 List for 2009. It was said that Avatar would change the way we watch movies in theaters FOREVER … and while I wouldn’t exactly agree, I will say that James Cameron‘s 15 years devoted to the making of this film were well spent. Avatar may not be a game changer but it very well may be a movie that we look back in years to come as a masterful modern fairytale.

At #9 is Moon:

This movie was all story. While it was cool to look at, the real draw here was the story and acting performance by Sam Rockwell. For most of the film, he acted opposite himself … and he did so very, very well. This movie was not really seen by a lot of people but I think those that did see did really enjoy it … I know I did.

At #8 is The September Issue:

This movie may have been called the “real-life Devil Wears Prada” but it was so much more than that. It was a really intriguing look into what it takes to publish the singly most important magazine issue in the world of Fashion. I loved seeing Vogue Editor In Chief Anna Wintour in action in this film but the real star of The September Issue is Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington. This film prolly wasn’t very interesting to folks not interested in Fashion but I loved it immensely.

At #7 is Taken:

Taken was prolly the biggest surprise for me this year. The film was released in France early in 2008 and then in the UK in Fall 2008. It wasn’t released in the US until January of 2009 and without much fanfare. I think I went to see it on a fluke and I was totally blown away by how fun the film was. Liam Neeson, action star. It was kind of like a Bourne Identity film but with an older, more mature hero. When I sat down to compile this list, I knew Taken would be on it because it’s one of the films that I really remember enjoying this year.

At #6 is Drag Me to Hell:

Okay, I take it back … Taken was not the biggest surprise for me this year, Drag Me to Hell was — for sure! I distinctly remember laughing out loud the first time I saw the trailer for Hell. It looked stupid and I had no plans to waste my time … then word of mouth started going around and people I trusted said that they loved it. I checked it out and, wouldn’t you know it, I loved it too! The movie wasn’t trying to be anything other than what it is … a jump in your seat, fun, horror flick. It’s a lot of fun.

After the jump, check out my Top 5 Fave Movies and my Top 10 Fave TV Shows of 2009 …

Yesterday I mentioned that I would be spending my Saturday watching the EPIC 5-part miniseries/3rd season of Torchwood called Children of Earth. I had just started the eps when I blogged yesterday and have since finished watching all the eps. I mentioned that BBC America is airing all 5 eps all day long today from 1 to 8pm (the marathon is in full swing on the East Coast, it begins here on the West Coast in about an hour) and strongly urged all y’all to check it out:

Having watched the entire Children of Earth mini-series in full, I’m afraid I’m going to have to INSIST that y’all tune in today or pick up the DVD set when it gets released this coming Tuesday. There are some TV shows that just manage to get everything right … Torchwood: Children of Earth is one of those shows. I know there are some who are upset with some of the events that transpired in the mini-series but I found the entire thing perfect. Yes, there is tragedy but not all stories are happy endings. I’m thrilled to pass along the news that Season 4 of the series has been picked up by the BBC so that means there will be more Torchwood goodness ahead. Check it out if you can today, I think you will LOOOOOOOVE the series.

Tonight, I’m attending the Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers which will be hosted by Kathy Griffin. I’m pretty excited, it should be really fun … I’ll do my best to tweet from the event. I’m also excited that David returns home from his trip tonight … he’s only been gone for a few days and I miss him muchly. I hope your Sunday is going well!! Enjoy it!!

Last May we learned that the 3rd season of the sci-fi masterpiece series Torchwood would be airing as a unified 5-part miniseries titled Children of Earth. The entire mini-series has already aired in the UK and aired Mon-Fri of this week here in the US … but in case you missed any of it, the entire series can be seen IN FULL on BBC America tomorrow starting at 1pm:

I was sent the entire mini-series on DVD and HOLY EFFING SHIZZ is it awesome! I’ll be spending my afternoon finishing up the eps I’ve yet to see but I strongly urge those of you with the time (or the DVR space) to tune in to BBC America tomorrow to catch the entire mini-series. The first ep get things off with a creepy BANG! that will surely pull you in and force you to watch the rest of the eps. Torchwood is one of those amazing shows that gets everything right … the writing, the acting, the storytelling … if you’re not watching Torchwood you are doing yourself a grave disservice. Check it out y’all, I promise you will love it!!

[Source]

The kickass BBC America sci-fi series Torchwood is back for a third season this July and the network has just released a new teaser trailer to get fans pumped up for the new season:

It’s been called the new “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in that the characters and storylines are very similar in supernatural awesomeness to the Joss Whedon masterpiece. In fact, James Marsters (who played Spike in BtVS and Angel) had a role in Torchwood last season. Will he return for more this coming season? Season 3 of the series has been subtitled, Children of Earth … which conjures up all sorts of ominous images in my head. After the jump, check out the trailer for season 3 of Torchwood and see what’s in store for yourself …

Just like it was for music, 2008 wasn’t really a great year for movies or television … the Writer’s Strike at the start of the year really decimated Hollywood and severely hurt television programming. That said, there were a few really amazing films (highlighted by really amazing acting performances) and a select few TV shows that really brought the entertainment this year. Here is my list of my Fave Movies of 2008 … I think the #1 pick might surprise you.

At #10 is The Incredible Hulk:

This movie may not have been the best superhero film of all time but it beat the hell out of Ang Lee‘s Hulk and really did a service to both the comic book series and the TV series from the ’70s. This film really paid homage to the beloved TV series for the first half of the film and then represented the comic books very well in the second half of the film. All I know is that I had a really good time at the movies watching this film … and isn’t that what’s most important?

At #9 is W.:

Oliver Stone films are really hit or miss and this one was a pretty nice hit. Josh Brolin played a superb GWB and managed to put our soon-to-be ex-president in real context. I am no GWB fan by any stretch of the imagination but this film actually made him a sympathetic character. Props to Oliver Stone for actually doing the impossible.

In the #8 position is Doubt:

This film is all about the acting. And among the amazing acting performances, Meryl Streep far outshines everyone else in this film. She absolutely turned in the most powerful acting performance this year … she absolutely deserves all the Best Actress awards and, IMHO, the Best Actor awards as well — she is that good in this film. I feel bad for Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams, who both turned in exceptional performances, cuz Streep just steals the spotlight. She made this movie such a delight for me to watch.

At #7 is Milk:

At long last, the story of Harvey Milk‘s life made it to the big screen … and Sean Penn did his memory a great service. Milk may not have been a blockbuster but it is a very important story that is told so expertly that I wish it had made more money at the box office. Penn‘s cast of supporting actors were also pretty phenomenal … as a whole they told a tale that an entire generation of people were hearing for the first time — which was eerily similar to the events that were playing out on the streets of SoCal this past November.

At #6 is WALL•E:

OMG … what can I say about WALL•E that hasn’t been said a million times before? The movie is just cute as hell and actually caused kids and grown adults alike to fall in love with a sweet little animated trash compactor. I had my doubts about this film before I saw it for myself … but man, once I saw it — I was hooked. WALL•E is absolutely the Best Animated Film of 2008.

After the jump, check out my Top 5 Fave Films of 2008 as well as my list of my Fave TV Shows of the Year …