TV Show Info:
Creator: Joss Whedon
Cast: Eliza Dushku, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz, Tahmoh Penikett, Enver Gjokaj, Dichen Lachman, Olivia Williams, Amy Acker, Reed Diamond, Miracle Laurie
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: February 13, 2009-May 1, 2009
DVD Box Set Release Date: July 28, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $42.49
Episodes: #1.1-#1.13

I admit it. I started watching Dollhouse because I thought Eliza Dushku was hot. I was certain this latest Joss Whedon project would bring on the sexy. I knew Dushku could bring it, but Whedon adds in exotically beautiful Dichen Lachman, and even Olivia Williams displays this sort of authoritatively British, sexiness that oozes off the screen. What is surprising (or not since the entire cast is made up of talented actors) is how enjoyable the storytelling is for this season.

Sure, the show didn’t get the best ratings during its debut season. Some feel it plodded through the first season hitting bumps and blocks throughout, but I didn’t feel that way. From the first episode, I knew this was a show I wanted to watch. Unfortunately, Fridays aren’t good for me. I don’t watch television much on Fridays, and I spent most Fridays forgetting this show was on. I’d remember an hour after the show aired, and would forget to DVR it prior to it airing. Other than the very first episode, I saw I only had a chance to see the episode “Echoes” when it aired on television. By the time the series’ first season was half over, I figured I could just catch up when Dollhouse came to DVD and Blu-Ray. I’m glad I did.

I like Dollhouse. There really isn’t another show like it on television. It’s one of those rare, original concepts that leave the audience intrigued by the entire possibility; the entire ‘what if.’ Sure, some of the dialogue is stilted in the beginning of the series. It takes a little bit of time to warm up to some of the characters, and others (like Mr. Dominic) you realize you were never meant to. Overall, though, the storyline is one of a kind. It’s nice to see some originality in Hollywood. The characters and the storyline work together to make for an engaging, thought-provoking series.

I find myself thinking, a lot, about the ethical connotations behind Dollhouse. A major part of me believes the entire purpose and point of the Dollhouse is wrong. I can see how some of the dolls could have been exploited into being dolls, and I can also see how some truly do choose, to volunteer for this. Some of the dolls just want to forget their pain, their hurt, and the lives that have been wiped away. I feel for the characters, as their pasts have been slowly revealed. I go back and forth between the morality of what is right and the desire to help people, by wiping away those bad memories. Dollhouse really makes you think about this.

The acting for Dollhouse is handled nicely. Eliza was a nice choice for Echo/Caroline. She’s sexy, but also has the ability to play the roles she is given each week. My favorite character is Topher ( Fran Kranz) the lovable geek and Tech guru for the Dollhouse. He may be somewhat cliche, but Kranz does a nice job of making Topher unique and engaging. I also really enjoy Boyd Langton as Harry Lennix, Echo’s handler turned Dollhouse head of security. Even in his new job, he cares so much for Echo, and his chemistry with Eliza is great. Of course, I can’t leave out Enver Gjokaj. He plays Victor, one of the other dolls, and though we haven’t seen him nearly as much as the other major players, his versatility as an actor shines in those brief moments when he is on screen.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

Movie Info:
Writers:Kirk Ellis
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Stephen Dillane, David Morse, Tom Wilkinson, Rufus Sewell, Justin Theroux, Danny Huston, Clancy O’Connor, Željko Ivanek, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Sarah Polley, Andrew Scott, John Dossett, Mamie Gummer, Samuel Barnett, Kevin Trainor, Tom Hollander
Rating:
Studio: HBO

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: March 16 – April 20, 2008
DVD Release Date: June 16, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $45.49

History has always been a subject that I am incredibly interested in. American History was not always my favorite subject in the bunch, though I will admit that there are specific periods in American History that have always interested me. One of those periods is the colonial period and the American Revolution. Over the years there have been countless miniseries’, television, and movie productions concerning this subject matter. A particular favorite subject, especially lately seems to be John Adams. An incredible British miniseries was done a few years back that I thought would be pretty hard to top. However, that was until I had a chance to see HBO’s production, John Adams.

When America was just being formed and was coming into its own as a new nation, John Adams was there to fight for what he thought was right. Countless books and movies have been made about him and this period, though this may end up being one of the defining pieces. All of the major events are highlighted from the Boston Massacre to Adams’ final days.

It is hard to discount a miniseries that has won more awards than any other television production to date. Filled with an all-star, aptly chosen cast, John Adams gives the history lover everything that they could want in a movie and the non-history lover a riveting story that is filled with the twists and turns of real life from start to finish.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writers: David Simon, Ed Burns, Evan Wright
Director: Susanna White, Simon Cellan Jones
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, James Ransone, Stark Sands, Lee Tergesen, Jon Huertas, Jonah Lotan, Rudy Reyes, Billy Lush, Chance Kelly, Eric Nenninger, Michael Kelly, Owain Yeoman, Marc Menchaca
Rating:
Studio: HBO

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: July 13, 2008
DVD Release Date: June 16, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $45.99

Once in a while a mini-series or television show will sneak on and off before I even knew it was there in the first place. This is what happened with Generation Kill. In fact, I knew very little about it when I was offered it for review. I decided to review it based on my experience with past HBO shows. After I requested it I figured out what it was about. During the first phase of the Iraq War in 2003, a reporter was allowed to ride along with the US Marine Corps 1st Recon Battalion as an embedded reporter. For about a month, Evan Wright rode along with 1st Recon like he was a soldier, as well. He wore the protective gear, got caught in battle, and had to deal with the same things the soldiers had to experience.

This experience not only spawned his original article, it went on to create the book, Generation Kill. Eventually the creators of The Wire wanted to get involved and together with Wright, David Simon and Ed Burns made the story television friendly. HBO picked it up and they decided to run it as a seven episode mini-series, which premiered in July 2008. The results are nothing short of remarkable.

Generation Kill is television at its best. This sits in a place at the top of the hill amongst other great war movies. It probably deserves more accolades because unlike many great war tales, this one really happened. Hell, it’s probably still happening to someone out there right now. The story is about a bunch of real life soldiers from the Marines 1st Recon Battalion.

The reason Generation Kill is such a success is because it does an excellent job of showing the shit (pardon my lack of better word) that these soldiers have to go through. Not only do you see them wrestling with their own moral conscience, they also have to deal with lack of equipment, constantly changing orders, and inept superiors that put them in harm’s way more often than not. It is a wild ride, some of which is pretty unbelievable, and it gives a good look to those sitting on the outside, of what it is like to be on the inside where war is concerned.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writers: Various
Director: Various
Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Jim Parrack, Todd Lowe, Deborah Ann Woll, Chris Bauer, Nelsan Ellis, Carrie Preston, Michael Raymond-James, William Sanderson, Adina Porter, Kristin Bauer, Robert Amjarv, Alexander Skarsgård
Rating: Uncensored
Studio: HBO

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: 2008
DVD Release Date: May 19, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $44.99

“…Giving Jason Stackhouse Vampire Blood is like giving ho-hos to a diabetic…You know he can’t control himself…” – Tara True Blood

Like Jason Stackhouse, I have a hard time controlling myself, though my compulsive nature is a rather harmless one. You see I have a hard time controlling myself when it comes to HBO’s smash hit, True Blood. I knew that I would love this show from the first moment I saw it. I was watching HBO and a preview for True Blood came on. I knew I would end up getting hooked. When it finally aired, I ended up watching one episode and then I kept missing it. I constantly told myself I was going to watch it, but something always got in the way. Finally, that fateful day came when it showed up at my door for review.

Unlike most television series I review, I watched this entire season (12 episodes) in two days. Since then, I have vowed not to miss an episode of the new season. I plan to watch it Sunday’s when it airs because I cannot stand the thought of waiting until the next season box set comes out. However, I do look forward to reviewing it when it does and I can only hope it comes out as good as this one has. This set includes all of the episodes from Season One, a few bonuses, and it’s offered in a gorgeous quality. The box (at least for the Blu-ray) is covered with cast and episode photos, inside and out and is constructed from a heavy cardboard. It’s a better quality box than most and it’s not your typical looking clamshell case, though it is foldout, which comes in handy.

For those of you reading this that do not have cable and have little knowledge of True Blood, it is a series created by Alan Ball that was originally a series of books called the “Southern Vampire Mysteries” by Charlaine Harris. The show does a fair job at sticking to the books from what I understand, though there have been a few changes, one of which, I am very happy about for my own selfish reasons.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writers: Various
Director: Various
Cast: JoBeth Williams, Julie Benz, Lauren Velez, Jennifer Carpenter, Keith Carradine, James Remar, Michael C Hall, David Zayas, Erik King
Rating: NR
Studio:CBS/Paramount

Release Info:
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $38.99

I have been watching Dexter from the beginning. Showtime has some of the best shows on television these days and I watch the majority of them. Of all the shows they have that I watch, I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Dexter. He’s always been my favorite and probably always will be. There are a few things I don’t like about Dexter, but for the most part this show is one of the most innovative and entertaining shows that has hit the airwaves.

One of the things that set Dexter apart is the acting of Michael C. Hall. The character of Dexter Morgan is dynamic and spellbinding because Hall has been able to create a character that despite his flaws you want to like. Not only that, he’s a character you want to root for. Even though you know he is doing something that he shouldn’t be doing, a part of you (or at least me) wants him to succeed. If bad writing on the part of Morgan or bad acting were involved these things would not be issues. People would see him as a scumbag and they would move on. Luckily that is not the case. Instead, for many like myself, Dexter is an addiction and the audience cannot wait to see what he is going to do next.

The ensemble cast is really interesting, too. Even the characters that I don’t care for, like Deb, are multi-layered and dynamic. That being said, I will admit that my problem with Deb has nothing to do with Jennifer Carpenter, the actor behind the role. You see, Deb has this thing that is done with her mouth. I don’t know if it’s a nervous twitch or even how to describe it, but every time I watch the show and Deb is on she does the mouth thing (as I call it). It drives me crazy to the point where I can barely watch her while on screen anymore. I know, it’s neurotic and I try to ignore it, but it’s a small issue. Still, the character of Deb doesn’t annoy me as much as her mouth does.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Various
Director: Various
Cast: Michael C Hall, Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Lauren Velez, David Zayas, James Remar, CS Lee, Christina Robinson, Erik King, Preston Bailey
Rating: TV MA
Studio: Showtime

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: 2006 – Present
DVD Release Date: January 6, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $37.99

I love anything to do with true crime and serial killers. If I didn’t have a family I would have highly considered a job working with the FBI. I’m intrigued by Criminal Justice, the mind of a serial killer and forensics. When I heard that Showtime would be bringing a show about a serial killer with a moral code to their lineup, you didn’t even have to ask me. I was already in! So begins my long-lasting relationship with the fair Dexter Morgan.

I loved Dexter from the very first moment the show aired. I’m one of the people who has watched this show from the very beginning. I don’t know what it is about Dexter, but he is one of the most enthralling and entertaining characters to watch on television. I can’t miss an episode of this show. It is literally THAT addicting.

I’ve seen the first season of Dexter more than once, but never as good as I see it here, in Blu Ray. The show is absolutely rockin. You see blood spattering in a way not possible on standard DVD. Dexter Morgan becomes even more vicious in high definition. This is the type of television show that benefits tremendously from a Blu Ray transfer. I’m so glad that Paramount and Showtime decided not to wait too long before releasing the Complete First Season of Dexter on Blu Ray.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.