The Middleman Goes on a Manhunt on ‘Dollhouse’

by Josh Roth @ 6:01 pm February 22nd, 2009

Like I said last week, never underestimate Joss Whedon. This week’s episode rocked harder and faster than the pilot, I dare say this would have made a better pilot. In a show like Dollhouse where the main character undergoes a personality change from episode to episode, you needed at least two episodes to really get a sense of how the show will feel. Now I think we know. Every week will be a new adventure, presenting a new acting challenge for Eliza Dushku, as the overall series plot moves forward. And I say, sign me up.

Clive Owen Can Kick Your Bank’s Ass, ‘The International’ Review

by Josh Roth @ 8:50 pm February 16th, 2009

The International, starring Clive Owen as a renegade Interpol agent, had some very misleading, and frankly awful trailers and ads. Tom Tykwer, who directed the bizarre, stylized, German action film Run, Lola, Run, added some much needed style to the decent script, and Clive Owen brought his typical brooding bad-assery. As it turns out, The International isn’t as mediocre or ‘Hollywood’ as the ads made it out to be. It’s actually a pretty compelling action/thriller with moments of serious greatness (there’s a shootout in the Guggenheim, and damn is it incredible).

Dollhouse FINALLY Lands, Welcome Back to the Whedonverse

by Josh Roth @ 4:49 pm February 15th, 2009

“Grrr, Arrgh.” Seeing those immortal grunts return to the TV almost brought tears to my eyes. Joss Whedon‘s shows are always leaps and bounds above everything else on television, but I’ll be honest, Dollhouse gets off to a bit of a rocky start. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s never, ever, ever underestimate Joss Whedon. That man will surprise you to no end, and at every single turn. He inspires creativity and all around genius form everyone around him, and we’re all better off for it. Buffy and Angel took a whole season each to really get rolling, but I’ve got a feeling Dollhouse will get us invested much quicker.

A Vampire, a Werewolf, and a Ghost Live Together in ‘Being Human’

by Josh Roth @ 10:45 am February 6th, 2009

Why are BBC shows consistently better than most US shows? Doctor Who, Torchwood, Life on Mars (the original, UK version), and now Being Human. I think the answer is because they take risks. I could never imagine a US network (even a cable one) green lighting Doctor Who or Being Human, they’re just too out there, too original. Get this, in Being Human a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost share a house in Bristol, each trying to figure out how to survive as supernaturals in a human world. Being Human feels like a modern descendant of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel, at its heart its a clever character drama in the guise of horror. You can catch Being Human on BBC Three in the UK and on BBC America when it hits the States later this year.

Fringe Comes Back from Break with Killer Monster Scientists

by Josh Roth @ 6:10 pm February 5th, 2009

J.J. Abrams’ procedural science fiction drama has come back from its mid-season break with a vengeance. “The Transformation” was co-penned by Zack Whedon (yep, that Zack Whedon, brother of the all mighty Joss Whedon, of Dr. Horrible fame) and J.R. Orci. Fringe seems to have taken a bit of a break from their season long story arcs in favor of more serialized episodes. But this week sees the return of the John Scott / Nina Sharp / Massive Dynamic storyline, and with some interesting developments. Fringe may not be the most intelligent or complex show on TV, but it sure is loads of sci-fi fun.

A Sad Day for VFX, The Orphanage Shuts Down

by Josh Roth @ 11:12 am February 5th, 2009

The Orphanage may not be the best known visual effects company, people usually think of Lucas’ ILM when they think of the men behind the magic, but The Orphanage is, or was, in my humble opinion the best visual effects company out there right now. They’re best known for their work on the monster in The Host, but they most recently worked on Iron Man (they did that fantastic HUD within the suit). Their work is simply unrivaled in its expertise. They are able to create environments and creatures that look absolutely real, and yet have a hand crafted sensibility that is very reminiscent of the old Ray Harryhausen days. Hopefully some former Orphans will find their way to a new home and continue their phenomenal work. Good luck fellows, you’ve done good.

Credit goes to /Film for breaking the story.