Prometheus is an Interesting Chapter to Alien Story, but Fails to Capture the True Spirit and Loses Itself in Exposition

Prometheus (3 out 5 Stars)

Directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down)

Written by Joseph Spaihts (The Darkest Hour), Damon Lindelof (Lost)

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Idris Elba, Michael Fassbender, and Charlize Theron

When I looked at the June film releases I was giddy with excitement.  Snow White and the Huntsman looked fun and like it would be the most entertaining of the legends adaptations.  Rock of Ages looked fun, but with its release today it feels as though the fun has been sucked out of 80s music (which is hard to do).  Next week is Pixar's first film with a female lead entitled Brave, another giddy moment.  As reviews have trickled out the film looks less like Wall-E and Up and more like Cars or a decent Dreamworks film.  I was excited for Magic Mike (and the gay man in me still is) but the trailers make this film look awful.  Prometheus was a part of this group for me.  

Prometheus is a part of the Alien world.  The build up for this film was massive.  When the film was announced there was this immediate response from fans of the quadrilogy assuming this was a prequel to all of the four films.  This rumor was dispelled, but the creative team behind the film said that the film was a part of the "Alien world."  The trailers helped with the build up, they made this film seem irresistible, a can't miss.  This was actually one of the best trailers because it did not give away too much of the story, and made fans and non fans alike want to line up to see what the hype was all about.

The reason the trailer was good at not giving away the plot was because the plot is hard to giveaway.  The film centers on two scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall Green) who have found a pattern of cave drawings throughout the entire globe that fit the exact same pattern.  These patterns fuel their belief that their is a life form out in space that connects all the pattern of these cave drawings.  Two years after the discovery the two become part of a space expedition to explore the place that aligned with the cave drawings.

That's about as specific I can get about the plot without getting into spoilers or the material that makes the film too expositional. Joseph Spaihts and  Damon Lindelof scripted a film that has an brilliantly close feel at the start to the first film, Alien.  As the film progresses I can only assume that Lindelof, from Lost fame made the film more of an expositional.  What do I mean by expositional?  The film gets sidetracked by myth and lore rather than focusing on the simplicity that could exist within this Universe.  

Ridley Scott must take some credit for the direction of this film; he has a wonderful vision and created and inspired landscape.  Scott's is a masterful direction, and his connection with this world is apparent.  The problem is that even within interviews Scott gives in to the myth as well.  There are numerous connections to spirituality, like a cross Elizabeth wears, and this eternal belief she and Charlie have in something greater.  While the myth has its moments that make the film interesting it sometimes bogs down the material, and makes you feel like within religion that the belief that this should be good overpowers the actuality that things may not be what you expected.

While the film was not everything I expected there were some aspects that steadied the ship and kept things from sinking too far.  Michael Fassbender acted as the savior to this film; his role as the robot David was fantastic.  David was meant to appear human, and there were times you almost felt as though he was, but even David himself says that he was made to look human for this sole purpose.  Fassbender played manipulative and caring at the same time, but being that he was a robot he was not meant to have any emotions so conveying these concepts shows the skills this man possesses.

Along with Fassbender  the film's technical aspects are strong.  Dariusz Wolski's cinematography captures the starkness of the planet while also utilizing the lighting to capture some haunting images in the caves, and even in the ship Prometheus.  Combined with the art direction, sound, editing, and visual effects, these elements make this film more than a lost soul, but a visionary world.  Love it, hate it, or even if you do not get it this film will get you talking, and that is something that helps it rise above other films.

Dream Emmy Ballot: Drama Guest Acting Categories, Directing, and Writing

The ugly step sister categories at the Emmy Awards are some of the most fun to dream about.  We often remember our favorite shows regular players, but sometimes the guest stars, or recurring players are the glue to the story line. The same can be said for the writers and directors.  I love when a television series goes through their opening credits and informs me who directed, and who wrote the episode I am about to watch.  As a fan of the series this is important information.  Writers and directors are behind the scenes players who put the words to page the actors read, while the directors set the stage for the actors action.  Together these three elements make up some of the most important elements of a regular series.

This year's guest nominees made the audience feel as though they were a part of the thread work of their series.  If you are a fan of The Good Wife think about Michael J. Fox and his character Louis Canning, Canning is not a series regular but people know him within connection with the show.  Lucy Lui and Fiona Shaw did something similar but different they created characters for short one season arcs, and even though we knew they might not last long they became an incredible part of the worlds of Southland and True Blood.  They carried a tremendous burden to make them memorable in a short span of time.  In years past these categories did allow people to submit in this category who were in more than five episodes.  The rules were changed, and now they can be recognized in the proper category.

None of these terrific guest acting performances could be possibly without the directors and writers.  Game of Thrones proved that direction in a television series could create an hour that rivals most film direction.  Can you imagine watching "Blackwater" on a giant screen?  This is some of the most impressive direction I have ever seen on television.  The simplicity is also welcome and televisions Mad Men knew exactly how to construct the beauty of the obscure in their episode, "The Phantom."  The direction in this episode created one of the most inedible images in the shows history with the camera focused on the backs of the five partners as they stare outside the window of their new office.

Just as the director's set the action in motion, with well, their direction, the writers put the words and actions to the page of the script.  Can you imagine the cat and mouse action of Homeland's episode "The Weekend" not being this interestingly complicated,sexy, and twisted without the words of Merdith Stiehm?  This was one of the best episodes of the season, and writing hits with a punch at every corner.  Vince Gilligan wrote (and directed) the season finale of Breaking Bad entitled "Box Cutter."  Throughout the season the writing had built to this ultimate nail biting conclusion, and Gilligan masterfully ends things with this dark and deadly action.  What a season finale, and what a well written piece of television.

Together these three elements contribute and make a drama series an incredibly strong viable piece of work. Shows often misuse guest actors, and waste talented directors/writers.  When a series uses all of these elements properly they make shows rise to a level of excellence that is unmatched.

Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Dylan Baker-Damages

Jere Burns-Justified

Mos Def-Dexter

Michael J. Fox-The Good Wife

Chris Messina-Damages

Matthew Perry-The Good Wife

Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Loretta Devine-Grey’s Anatomy

Lucy Lui-Southland

Carrie Preston-The Good Wife

Anika Noni Rose-The Good Wife

Fiona Shaw-True Blood

Chloe Webb-Shameless

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

Breaking Bad– Crawl Space- Scott Winant

Breaking Bad– Face Off- Vince Gilligan

Downton Abbey–Series 2: Episode 7-by Brian Percival

Game of Thrones –Blackwater- Neil Marshall

Homeland –Pilot- Michael Cuesta

Mad Men-The Phantom-Matthew Weiner

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

Breaking Bad-Box Cutter-Vince Gilligan

Downton Abbey-Series 2: Episode 7- Julian Fellowes

Game of Thrones-Blackwater-George R.R. Martin

Homeland-The Weekend-Meredith Stiehm

Justified-Harlan Roulette-Dave Andron

Mad Men-The Other Woman- Semi Chellas & Matthew Weiner

Amy Sherman (she dropped Palladino) Rocks the Quick Wit with Bunheads

One of my favorite television writers is back at it with a new television show on ABC Family entitled Bunheads.  Amy Sherman-Palladino (or just Amy Sherman as she is cited on imdb now) wrote, directed, and produced the television series Gilmore Girls.  Gilmore Girls was one of the most underrated shows on the air, and while I hear fans talk about the show fondly, the show never got any serious awards recognition, except a Golden Globe nod for Lauren Graham once, and some attention from critics groups.  Sherman has re-tooled the original concept for this new series now entitled Bunheads about a Las Vegas showgirl who is swept off her feet, gets married to a man, and moves to a small town in California.

Sherman is back to her old form; she knows how to create that small town charm, and like within Gilmore Girls she knows how to talk about dance ala Miss. Patty.  Throughout the the first episode Sherman's dialgoue ran at a rapid pace, and the quick wit is there.  Sherman's writing elevates this beyond more than the typical ABC Family fare, and the network has a truly quality show on their hands.

Leading the charge within the cast is the Broadway baby Sutton Foster.  Foster is a two time Tony winner for the shows Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes; she was also Tony nominated for her roles in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Shrek the Musical.  This girl has talent to boot, and boy can handle the dialogue with great ease.  Returning to the world of Amy Sherman is Kelly Bishop who like Foster started out in Boradway; she won a Tony for her performance in A Chorus Line.  Bishop is most known for her role in the Gilmore Girls where she played stuffy socialite Emily Gilmore.  Bishop's character is somewhat similar, but in the end it does not mater because she is a great actress, and the material helps transform her into this incredibly fun dance instructor.  The younger cast of the show seem like they will provide a good amount of entertainment, and bring about a wonderful balance.  While they all seem to play archetypes I know Amy Sherman will help flesh out their characters well.

I am excited to return to a world created by Amy Sherman with the quick wit, the great pop culture references, and a small town where everyone is in everyone's business.  Welcome back Amy Sherman!

Dream Emmy Ballot: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

I was looking at my list of nominees and the Television Critics Awards nominees and I realized something pretty interesting, my lead nominees are the same as theirs.  Now before you skeptics say I just picked the same nominees, look at my supporting dream ballots,they are different.  I also picked my nominees before these nominations were announced, guess I should should be part of this group, I will be sending my application posthaste.

Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad-This may be one of my favorite categories this year.  Like all of the other men within this category Walter White is an incredibly complex character.  Cranston has continued to make this one of the best characters to ever exist, and as the year passed by not only did he reach darker places, but there is this incredible balance where Walter still tries to be a good husband/father even through the muck.  This year was no different, and unlike most Cranston has taken on this role without flinching.

Kelsey Grammer as Mayor Tom Kane in Boss-Grammer played this incredible comedic roles on television the last 20 years from Cheers to Frasier to Back to You.  Grammer shatters each of these images as Mayor Tom Kane.  Tom Kane is a brilliant heavy man who not only works to crush his opponents, politically, but he also does this while hiding a debilitating neurological disorder. While Boss is a clunker in the ratings, Grammer carries this show, and makes it one of the most realistic portrayals of the complex political structure.

John Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men-I never thought I would see the day when Don Draper was speechless, but the moment Peggy walked away from him, the look on Hamm's face was priceless. Cut to a week later when he found Lane Price hanging in his office.  Don Draper went through a bit of a change this year, an almost evolutionary change.  While still misogynistic (by nature) his new wife made him a better husband, along with being faithful.  I liked seeing the softer sides of this man, especially his night out with Joan.

Charlie Hunnam as Jackson "Jax" Teller in Sons of Anarchy-Hunnam has always been an incredible force within this show, but this category always seemed to hold too many strong contenders which prevented him from making my list.  This year Hunnam took his performance to the next level as he challenged his Machiavellian stepfather, and finally took their relationship to a crossroads.  Like with Homeland Hunnam often gets lost in the shuffle to Katey Sagal (Lewis to Danes).  Hunnam is a lesser known actor, but his talent should no longer be hidden.

Damien Lewis as Nicholas Brody in Homeland- Where do this man's loyalties lie? Brody is a master manipulator; he is the soldier long thought dead while fighting in Iraq, but surprise he has been alive, and now be a sleeper agent sent to wreak havoc on the government using his hero status.  This is one of the most brilliant cat and mouse narratives ever to play out on television, and while most give the credit to Danes (she is brilliant) many forget the sheer complexity to Lewis's role, and the way he makes love and hate him without knowing him, brilliant work!

Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens in Justified-U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is one kick-ass guy, and Timothy Olyphant exudes this raw magnetism when he walks on the screen.  Olyphant brings on the southern charm while being a complete bad ass in the next breath.In an article I read about Olyphant and his portrayal as Raylan Givens the writer said "he is the kind of man who "buys you a drink before he puts a bullet in you."  I love watching this man on the screen; he is a terrific actor, and does a great job with this role.

Tony Awards Honor Once and Clybourne Park

Tonight Neil Patrick Harris took to the Tony stage for the third time, and like he stated the third time in the trilogy is when the series gets it right.  Harris as usual, sang and danced his way into the hearts of his audience.  While the show opened with a number from The Book of Mormon, when NPH took the stage he sang about the beauty of a life full where singing and dancing supported everyday life.  Like in a trilogy the number was not as great as the number he did last year, but it was solid.  Watching NPH mock Spiderman: Turn off the Dark by hanging upside down was another highlight of his hosting.  I love watching this man; he is one great award show host.


When it comes to the actual awards Once and Clybourne Park took the top honors in a predictable manner for Best Musical and Best Play.  Once won 7 other trophies (8 total) besting the strong favorite Newsies in several categories including Best Lead Actor in a Musical.  Steve Kazee won besting Jeremy Jordan and Danny Burstein the two favorites in the category.  Meanwhile Clybourne Park's win was the shows only win for the night.  The big winner for plays was the adaptation of the Peter Pan story entitled Peter and the Starcatcher, which won five trophies.


In the other lead acting categories there was also an upset in the Lead Actor in a Play category where the predicted winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Death of a Salesman) lost to James Corden from One Man, Two Guvners.  On the actress side Nina Arianda (Venus in Fur) bested the more famous women in her category, and won Best Actress in a Play.  Audra McDonald tied record making her one of the few people with five Tony awards for Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.  Although McDonald tied the record this was her first win in lead category.  In the revival categories Death of a Salesman won for Best Revival of a Play, and in a more surprising turn Gershwin's Porgy and Bess beat Follies to win the Best Revival of a Musical.

Choreography: Christopher Gattelli, "Newsies."

Orchestration: Martin Lowe, "Once."

Book of a Musical: Enda Walsh, "Once"

Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Judith Light, "Other Desert Cities."

Sound Design of a Musical: Clive Goodwin, "Once."

Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Michael McGrath, "Nice Work If You Can Get It."

Sound Design of a Play: Darron L. West, "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Direction of a Musical: John Tiffany, "Once."

Direction of Play: Mike Nichols, "Death of a Salesman."

Costume Design of a Play: Paloma Young, "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Christian Borle, "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Costume Design of a Musical: Gregg Barnes, "Follies."

Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Judy Kaye, "Nice Work If You Can Get It."

Scenic Design Play: Donyale Werle, "Peter and the Starcatcher"

Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: "Newsies."

Scenic Design of a Musical: Bob Crowley, "Once."

Revival of a Play: "Death of a Salesman."

Lighting Design of a Musical: Natasha Katz, "Once"

Play: "Clybourne Park."

Lighting Design of a Play: Jeff Croiter, "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Revival of a Musical: "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess."

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Steve Kazee, "Once."

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: James Corden, "One Man, Two Guvnors."

Performance by an Actress in Leading Role in a Play: Nina Arianda, "Venus in Fur."

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Audra McDonald, "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess."

Musical: "Once."

Predicting the Tony Awards! Not Many Sure Bets

Tonight Neil Patrick Harris is back as the host of the Tony Awards, with an opening number from The Book of Mormon, and lots of live performances from this years new musicals and revivals.  The Tony's always put on the best show, and tonight with NPH in toe I think it will be a fun year.  The other reason the show will be great is because unlike most years the award categories are more unpredictable than ever.

Best Musical
Leap of Faith 
Newsies 
Nice Work if you can Get it
Once 

This is the battle of two former movies, Newsies vs. Once.  Both have a great shot at winning.  Newsies is more likely to be a bigger commercial success while Once is the most nominated show of the night (11 nominations).  This reminds of the race between Wicked and Avenue Q, and the smaller show came out on top.  Newsies does not need to win here to make commercial success it has the shows name.  I think Once has more passionate support as well, and squeak out a win.

Prediction: Once
Very Close Second: Newsies

Best Play
Clybourne Park
Other Dessert Cities
Peter and the Starcatcher
Venus in Fur

From what I have heard every one of these plays has its ardent fan base.  Venus looks to be the biggest long shot, while many like it its a long shot. Peter the prequel to Peter Pan could be a massive spoiler, but the main race is between the other two plays.  While Other Dessert Cities has a strong chance, my money is on Clybourne Park a satire about race relations, and 2011 winner of the Pulitzer prize for drama.

Prediction: Clybourne Park
Very Close Second: Other Dessert Cities
Spoiler: Peter and the Starcatcher

Best Musical Revival
Evita
Follies
The Gershwins Porgy and Bess
Jesus Christ Superstar

Another two way horse race, this time between Follies and and Porgy and Bess.  Follies did not win during its original run, nor during its abysmal revival in the early 2000s, but this show had great reviews and was one of the best reviewed shows of the season.  While Porgy and Bess has a shot this is one place it seems Follies will clean up its much deserved trophy of the evening.

Predictions: Follies
Second in Line: Porgy and Bess

Best Revival of a Play 
Death of a Salesman
Gore Vidal's The Best Man 
Master Class
Wit

This is one of the sure bets of the evening, the Mike Nichols helmed versions is poised to take this honor with ease.

Best Actor in a Musical
Danny Burstein-Follies
Jeremy Jordan-Newsies
Steve Kazee-Once
Norm Lewis-The Gershins Porgy and Bess
Ron Raines-Follies

Raines and Lewis should be honored for their nominations.  This is a tight race between the three other men.  Kazee has a shot being in a best musical nominee, but the other two men in this race are the ones to watch.  Jordan was in two shows and this would be a chance for Tony to honor a new young upcoming talent.  Meanwhile Danny is a Broadway Baby with three previous nominations and no wins.  This is a tight race.

Will Win: Jeremy Jordan-Newsies
Very Very Close Second-Danny Burstein
Spoiler Steve Kazee

Best Actor in a Play
James Corden-One Man Two Guvners
Phillip Seymour Hoffman-Death of a Salesman
James Earl Jones-The Best Man
Frank Langella-Man and Boy
John Lithgow-The Columnist

Cordern has a small chance to spoiler, but like in the Best Play category Hoffman moved audiences to tears and reminds the Tony people about the struggles of the working man.  Hoffman is one step closer to that elusice EGOT.

Prediction:Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Spoiler: James Corden

Best Actress in a Musical
Jan Maxwell-Follies
Audra McDonald-The Gershwins Porgy and Bess
Cristin Millioti-Once
Kelli O'Hara-Nice work if you can get it
Laura Osnes-Bonnie and Clyde

McDonald is on her way to becoming part of an elusive club, the 5 winner club, and at a young age this is an incredible feat.  The only spoiler in my mind is Jan Maxwell from Follies who was the best in my book.

Prediction: Audra McDonald
Spoiler: Jan Maxwell

Best Actress in a Play
Nina Arianda-Venus in Fur
Tracie Bennett-End of the Rainbow
Stockard Channing-Other Dessert Cities
Linda Lavin-The Other Lyons
Cynthia Nixon-Wit

Nixon who won this award a few years and she is the one already out of the race while the other four women battle out for the prize.  Logic says Bennett is the winner for her portrayal as Judy Garland just seems bound for glory, but my gut has told me that Arianda has such an ardent fan base, and that she is the hip pick.  Channing and Lavin still have a shot and are spoilers.

Predicition: Nina Arianda
Very Close Second: Tracie Bennett
Spoiler Linda Lavin and Stockard Channing

Other categories
Best Featured Actor in a Play-Christian Borle-Peter and the Starcatcher
Best Featured Actress in a Play-Judith Light-Other Dessert Cities
Best Featured Actor in a Musical-David Allan Grier-The Gershwins Porgy and Bess
Best Featured Actress in a Musical-Judy Kaye-Nice work if you can get it
Best Director (Play)-Mike Nichols-Death of a Salesman
Best Director (Musical)-Jeff Calhoun-Newsies
Best Musical Book-Once
Best Musical Score-Newsies
Best Choreography-Newsies

Dream Emmy Ballot: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

This past week I announced my dream nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, and now on to the leading ladies.  This year provided some beautifully brilliant moments for women in drama.  From a CIA operative with bipolar disorder to a young lady of noble blood attempting to find her place in 1910s society, all the way to being the matriarch of a motorcycle gang.  Here are my dream nominees for the Emmy awards.

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland-Danes has always been one of the most dependable actress working.  From My So Called Life to her film work to this present day series she commands any screen.  In Homeland Danes goes 0 to 60 in moment.  Carrie is a CIA operative with bipolar disorder bent on proving a soldier who has returned home is an operative for Al-Queda.  Danes intensity masked with vulnerability is sheer brilliance and one of the strongest leading performances in years.

Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey-Lady Mary Crawley is one brash lady; she is more than just a woman of noble blood, she is a woman who breaks societal norms of the time and looks to want to find love rather than convenience.  Mary will fall in love one minute and within the next shoot herself in the foot by challenging the patriarchal authority of the man who feels she is stronger than the man.  Watching her is a beautiful case study in brash behavior and wonderful acting.

Julianna Marguilles as Alicia Florek in The Good Wife-After 3 years as the housewife turned lawyer Mrs. Florek still continues to storm the gates, and is one of the best female characters on television.  Marguilles handled a betrayal from her best friend, breaking the rules and choosing her own path by seeing Will, and insecurities about her career path and a challenging junior associate.  Marguilles still breaths fire into this role, and takes this character to different levels.

Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olsen in Mad Men-Peggy has become one of the strongest female characters, and is a brilliant case study in character development.  Together Matthew Weiner and Moss have helped her grow from a study in a silence voice in the 60s to a woman who challenges the man, literally.  This season Peggy bucked familial tradition moving in with her long time boyfriend, and walked away from Don, and advertising agency.  No person has ever made Don Draper baulk, but Peggy, and I give full credit to Moss.

Emmy Rossum as Fiona Gallagher in Shameless-Rossum has certainly grown into her own as an actress; she started with the music of the night in Phantom of the Opera, now she is wrangling her brothers and sisters as a pseudo parental figure.  Rossum did not make my list last year, but this season she more than toppled the other actresses in this category.  Rossum is one of the best parts of this terrific ensemble, and she holds nothing back.

Katey Sagal as Gemma Teller Morrow in Sons of Anarchy-While season three hit some skids in road, the show and Sagal was on full cylinders this season.  Sagal is a wonderful actress, and while the show is about group of men in a motorcycle gang Gemma's matriarch position often becomes one of the most central characters within the series.  Gemma is a fighter and within this season she proved that even as the show progresses she is still one badass character.