"Project Runway": Where Are the Designers?

When Bravo started promoting the fifth season of “Project Runway” last month, there was one thing clearly missing—the designers.

The promos showed the competitors from every other year, but this year’s were never seen. Bravo said at the time that they were trying to protect their identities since they were still filming.

But here we are a month later and still no contestant commercials, while “Shear Genius” and “Top Design” continue to air theirs. In fact, there are no opening credits featuring the designers—a “Runway” (and Bravo) tradition.

So what gives?

Could it be because the designers have zero personality?

Let’s face it. Blayne can “holla at your boy” all he wants but he will never be as “fierce” as Christian. And Suede’s talking about himself in the third person is cute for a while, but it can get old really quickly.

But you don’t need a personality to design well, right? Apparently, wrong, because the majority of the designers have produced only lackluster stuff so far.

I said earlier that I hoped this would be the strongest season of “PR” yet. Sadly, I really don’t see that happening…

Photo provided by Bravo

DVD Review: "Picture This!"

So remember how I said in my review of “Camp Rock” that I missed something better to watch, the new Ashley Tisdale movie?

Yeah, I think I actually made the better choice that night after all…

From the promos, “Picture This!” looks like your standard outsider snares the popular guy love story. And if you watch the making of featurette on the DVD, that’s what the cast thinks it is. But it’s actually nowhere close.

In fact, I have no idea what it’s supposed to be…

Ashley Tisdale is the outsider, Mandy. Robbie Arnell plays the popular guy, Drew. And of course, Drew has a mean girl girlfriend, Lisa, played by Cindy Busby. Within the first 20 minutes, after getting a new cell phone and contacts, Mandy connects with Drew.

So what’s the other hour and 20 minutes about?

Basically we watch Mandy and her friends outsmart Mandy’s dad while trying to get Mandy to Drew’s party. And not only does Mandy have to fool her dad, she also has to thwart Lisa’s schemes.

Some of the scenarios are actually quite cute and Tisdale is always appealing. Plus, Kevin Pollack is perfect as the overprotective dad. But when it comes time to actually go somewhere with the story, the movie doesn’t quite know what to do.

And quite frankly, after a while, you start to feel like you’re watching a giant cell phone commercial…

To add more conflict to the story, we’re introduced to the possibility that Drew isn’t as great as Mandy thinks he is. But that story never gets fully explored. And the ending—though satisfying—is totally tacked on without any real explanation.

Tisdale also served as an executive producer on this one. I hope for her next project she picks a vehicle that actually knows where it’s going.

“Picture This!” is now available on DVD. You can also see it Tuesday, August 5th at 9 p.m. on ABC Family…

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Pick of the Week: An “Angels” Reunion

You guys know that I LOVE Bravo reality shows and I am SO excited to get my Bravo back (I mean seriously. What kind of a hotel has three ESPNs and no Bravo?).

But I just can’t get into “Shear Genius,” the hair styling competition show. However, if I didn’t point out what happens in this week’s episode, I know there are some people out there who would shoot me…

So, my Pick of the Week is “Shear Genius.”

Why? Because it’s a “Charlie’s Angels” reunion as Kate Jackson joins host Jaclyn Smith as the hair stylists are asked to update the “Charlie’s Angels” hairdos.

“Shear Genius” airs Wednesday, July 30th at 10 p.m. on Bravo…

A "Horrible" Ending?

So, I will be away from my blog for the rest of the week as I travel out of town.

And no, I am not going to Comic-Con, although believe me, I wish I was.

Maybe if I was, I could ask Joss Whedon about his ending to “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.”

For those of you who saw it, what did you think?

Ponder that question until I come back on Monday…

"The Dark Knight": I Could Not Have Been More Wrong

So I know this isn’t a blog about movies. But after all of the “Batman”-related posts I’ve had over the last two weeks, you didn’t really think I wouldn’t say anything about “The Dark Knight” did you?...

“Batman” (the Tim Burton original) is my favorite movie of all time. So when I first heard that “The Dark Knight” would feature The Joker, I was not happy. To me, Jack Nicholson’s performance could not be topped. And when I heard it was Heath Ledger who had been cast, I just didn’t get it at all. I thought Warner Bros. had made a huge mistake.

If you’ve seen the movie, you know I could not have been more wrong…

Heath Ledger is beyond brilliant. His Joker is creepy and funny all at the same time—exactly what The Joker should be. It’s when he disappears from the story temporarily that you feel the movie drag for the first and only time. He IS the movie.

When I got home Saturday, Bravo was showing “Brokeback Mountain” and I watched some of it just to see a comparison. And that’s when it hit me. Heath Ledger could have been one of our most brilliant actors ever if given the chance. Maybe he still was.

It’s obvious that Warner Bros. had more plans for The Joker. I hope they scrap those plans now because Ledger’s performance cannot be topped. I know I said that before, but I know I’m right this time.

I’ve read that Warner Bros. is a little nervous about mounting an Oscar campaign for Ledger. If anyone from Warner Bros. is reading this, I completely appreciate your hesitation and respect you for it. But Ledger not getting a nomination would be a total crime so I urge you to put your concerns aside and go for it. I’m pretty sure Hollywood will support you…

Someone told me today that they felt sorry for Christian Bale because of the shadow Ledger is casting. They shouldn’t because Bale is fantastic as well—although that voice he uses for Batman can get a little hard to understand (He’s no Kevin Conroy.). His Bruce Wayne, though, is thoroughly entertaining. And let’s face it. He’s not too hard on the eyes…

I also loved William Fitchner (“Prison Break”) in the movie’s opening segment. And Nestor Carbonell (“Lost”) was great as the mayor of Gotham City, complete with his ageless Other mascara. Plus, how could you not love Anthony Michael Hall as the news anchor that helps us follow the action.

And did I mention the greatness of Gary Oldman (Commissioner Gordon), Aaron Eckhart (Harvey Dent), Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) and Michael Caine (Alfred)?

Plus, Maggie Gyllenhaal is a HUGE improvement over Katie Holmes.

Oh, and by the way. In case you couldn’t tell, I really loved the movie and I highly recommend it.

HOWEVER, if you are a parent debating on whether to take your young child to see it, I implore you to leave your child at home. This is not The Joker of the TV show or even the cartoon. This Joker is a psychopathic maniac that kills for the sport of it (and in ways that would make Jack Bauer cringe). That is not a character for children to see. I’m not even sure it’s a character for adults to see…

On second thought. Yes it is a character for adults to see, because if you don’t, you’ll miss the performance of a lifetime. A lifetime cut way too short…

Photo provided by History. © 2007 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

"Camp Rock": Whatever...

So I finally watched Disney’s “Camp Rock” last week.

I had stayed away because I’m totally over the Jonas Brothers. But since there was nothing else on (and their new single is growing on me), I thought I’d give it a shot.

Honestly, there had to be something more useful I could have done with my time…

[Actually, I discovered later that there was. Ashley Tisdale’s new movie, “Picture This!” was on ABC Family. Fortunately, it’s out on DVD this week.]

If you haven’t seen it, “Camp Rock” is the story of Mitchie (Demi Lovato). She’s a shy girl with secret musical dreams that she gets to try and live out at the prestigious “Camp Rock” when her mother is hired as the camp cook. To impress all the rich kids, she lies about what her mother does for a living and doesn’t tell anyone she has to work in the kitchen.

Mitchie’s lies get her into the popular group led by mean girl Tess (Meaghan Jette Martin). But she soon starts to realize popularity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

That’s a lesson that’s also learned by pop star Shane Grey (Joe Jonas). He’s forced by his record label to become a camp counselor to improve his image. And after some initial hesitation, he starts to appreciate the camp when he hears a mystery girl singing a song that inspires him to reacquire his love for music.

Of course, we know that mystery girl is Mitchie, but it takes Shane the rest of the movie to figure it out. In the meantime, though, he ends up falling for Mitchie when they end up spending time together.

Even without seeing the movie, you can figure out where it goes from here. It’s that predictable.

I’m not going to call it a “High School Musical” clone because that would be too much of an insult to “HSM.” Where “HSM” was at least rooted in some reality, “Camp Rock” is completely unrealistic.

These kids come to camp to work on their musical skills, but they come with well-produced background tracks and backup dancers? And when did these campers go to their classes? We never saw any of that.

Plus, you have a camp of hundreds of kids and only four acts perform at the final jam contest for a chance to record with a pop star?

However, I will give the movie credit for one thing. The most talented performer really does win the final jam contest. And it’s not who you would think.

But even that winning performance is so forced and out of place that it doesn’t work as well as it should.

The biggest problem, however, is that the mean girl act—which carries most of the movie—grows old very quickly. And Martin is no Ashley Tisdale. We get small glimpses of the story behind the meanness when we discover that Tess has a strained relationship with her pop star mom. But the movie never fully pursues that story and so the inevitable redemption of Tess falls completely flat.

Lovato, Disney’s next big thing (or at least they hope), is appealing enough, but she just doesn’t have the vocal chops to pull off the movie’s big number, “This Is Me.” Joe Jonas’ cameo in the song is its best part.

And speaking of Jonas Brothers cameos, Nick and Kevin are actually the best part of the movie playing Shane’s bandmates. Nick plays the straight man to Kevin’s airhead and it’s actually quite funny. I would’ve liked to have seen more of them and less mean girl clichés.

“Camp Rock” is harmless and Jonas Brothers fans will be entertained, but if you’re looking for the next “High School Musical,” this isn’t it…

“Camp Rock” airs Thursday, July 24th at 7 p.m. on Disney Channel. It hits DVD August 19th…

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Pick of the Week: "The Best of Both Worlds" in 3-D

Don’t tell me you’re surprised…

My Pick of the Week is, of course, “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour.”

Disney Channel will get us prepared for the big event Saturday with a “Hannah Montana” marathon beginning at 2 p.m. Then it’s two airings of the movie in 3-D.

Don’t forget you can pick up your 3-D glasses in this week’s “TV Guide” and at Wal-Mart (if they still have them).

“Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour” airs Saturday, July 26th at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Disney Channel…

Photo provided by Universal Music Distribution

"Project Runway": Off to an Auspicious Start

It was the challenge that introduced us to the magic of “Project Runway”…

The contestants were taken to a grocery store and told they had to make an outfit from materials they purchased in the store. It was a challenge that showed the uniqueness of “Runway” and set it apart from other reality competition shows.

So when “Runway” decided to bring back its very first challenge for the fifth season premiere, I thought we’d get to see real creativity at work.

After watching the episode four times, I’m still looking…

In fact, what should have been a great challenge actually produced the season’s first controversial judging decision…

Tim Gunn called this the most diverse group of designers the show has ever had. So why then did so many of them pick the exact same materials—a tablecloth? In fact, two of them picked the exact same tablecloth! Tim told them he was concerned the judges would say that they were “a bunch of slackers,” but it was clear those words came from Tim’s own heart. He was truly disappointed, and so was I…

And then there was Blayne and Stella. Every time the cameras showed Blayne’s outfit, I said out loud, “What is that?” Even after four viewings, I still have no idea what his outfit—that Heidi called “bunny gone grunge”—was.

On the other hand, I knew what Stella’s was—ridiculous. She had planned to use garbage bags to make leather pants. But when she unrolled them, she decided they weren’t strong enough. So at the last minute, she draped the bags around her model and sewed them together. As Heidi said, it was “butt ugly.”

So one of them went home, right? Nope…

Heidi’s first “You’re out” was reserved for Jerry who created a white raincoat out of a shower curtain over some kind of white paper dress. It was bad. But his biggest snafu was that he accessorized it with long yellow latex gloves. As the judges said during their discussion, it looked like something a killer would wear.

But at least Jerry made something instead of just draping a trash bag over his model’s chest and calling it an outfit. And at least I knew what his was.

So why did Jerry go home over Stella and Blayne? Personality. Blayne is unusual and you can’t help but be curious as to what he’ll do next. And Stella with her rocker chick attitude is a wild card. Jerry was just another designer (And a cocky one at that. In his exit interview he insisted that his design was brilliant—which actually made me feel better about his leaving.).

There were some bright spots in the episode, including two (?!) designers from Columbus—Terry (who is originally from Chicago)’s top made from mop heads was great, although her tablecloth skirt was a little blah. And Kelli actually won the challenge—and rightfully so—after constructing a skirt out of vacuum bags (which she beautifully dyed), a top out of coffee filters, and fastening it all with the spiral of a notebook. And since she won and has immunity, she’s guaranteed to be around for at least two more weeks. Go Bucks!

Plus, Daniel’s dress made of plastic cups was very cool. However, I did not share the judges’ enthusiasm (nor did Tim) over Korto’s yellow tablecloth dress with the tomato and kale trim. Even with the trim, it was still a big tablecloth. And the kale and tomatoes were clearly kale and tomatoes. They weren’t transformed like the cups or vacuum bags.

I haven’t looked to see what next week’s challenge will be because I like to be surprised, but I hope whatever it is the designers step it up.

Because quite frankly, I want this to be the best season ever, for Bravo’s sake…

“Project Runway” airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo provided by Bravo

"HSM 3": What We Know

So, the first trailer for “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is now online. Here’s what we’ve learned…

There’s going to be a graduation ceremony (Director Kenny Ortega told “USA Today” that it will be a big dance number on the football field.)…

We will see prom…

There will be lots of romance for not only Troy and Gabriella (Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens), but also Chad and Taylor (Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman)…

Troy and Chad will duet…

We will see another championship basketball game. Apparently at one point, the action of the game freezes as Gabriella stands and cheers Troy on through song (I hope it’s not as lame in the movie as it looked in the trailer.). It appears from the trailer that the cheering works…

Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) is up to something (I know. Big shocker there.)…
Gabriella and Troy discuss saying goodbye…

Lucas Grabeel (Ryan) gets completely gipped…

Okay, we don’t know that last one for sure. But he certainly doesn’t get much face time in the trailer…

Now I think we all know that I’m going to see the movie and I’ll cry like a baby no matter what. But I’m a little concerned that it’s going to just be the same-old, same-old.

I mean, how many times can Sharpay go from nice to mean and back again? As much as I like Sharpay, it’s getting annoying even for me…

You can look for your own clues in the trailer here.



“HSM 3: Senior Year” hits theaters October 24th…

Some More Emmy Gems...

Here are a few more gems from the list of Emmy nominations announced last week…

Even though the new reality host category has gotten a lot of attention from the media, it’s actually not going to be announced during the main ceremony. Why would that be? I mean, we recognize those people a lot more than many of the technical people that will be recognized during the main ceremony…

Both “Star Wars” parodies from the last TV season were nominated. The “Robot Chicken” parody was nominated for Outstanding Animated Program (Less Than One Hour). The “Family Guy” spoof, “Blue Harvest,” was nominated for Outstanding Animated Program (One Hour or More)…

There was a bittersweet nomination in the Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics category. Sarah Silverman’s “I’m F****** Matt Damon” received a nod just days after it was announced that she and Jimmy Kimmel have split…

“High School Musical 2” received two nominations—Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Children’s Program. “Hannah Montana” is also nominated for Outstanding Children’s Program…

Jay Leno was once again robbed of any nominations for “The Tonight Show.” However, he did receive a nod for his website, “Jay Leno’s Garage,” in the category of Outstanding Special Class—Short Format Nonfiction Programs…

The Emmys will air Sunday, September 21st at 8 p.m. on ABC…

Spend an Evening With The Joker

As if we need one more thing to get us excited about “The Dark Knight”…

Jetix (which is part of Toon Disney) is giving us a “Batman: The Animated Series” marathon of episodes featuring The Joker.

First up is “Christmas with the Joker,” in which Robin’s dream of spending Christmas watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” is preempted by The Joker’s own deranged Christmas special.

In “The Last Laugh,” The Joker unleashes a lethal gas on Gotham City that could drive its citizens mad—including Batman’s butler, Alfred.

The mayor’s son runs away from home in “Be a Clown” and ends up being a pawn in The Joker’s game against Batman.

Things get ominous in “Joker’s Favor” when The Joker forces mild-mannered Charlie Collins to do him a favor or else.

In “The Laughing Fish,” The Joker hatches one of his wildest schemes ever as he seeks to get a patent on his “Joker fish.” This one features one of the creepiest scenes in “Batman: TAS” history as a cat infected by The Joker’s toxin goes after Batman.

The marathon concludes with “Joker’s Wild,” in which a Gotham City businessman builds a casino inspired by The Joker.

These six episodes not only give you a chance to see the genius of “Batman: The Animated Series,” but also the genius of Mark Hamill who is brilliant as the voice of The Joker. And you already know what a huge fan I am of Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman.

The Batman vs. The Joker Marathon begins Friday, July 18th at 7 p.m. on Jetix on Toon Disney…

Photos provided by DC Comics. BATMAN is TM & © DC Comics

“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”: Genius

I never watched an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or “Firefly,” so I never new what all the Joss Whedon lovers were talking about.

Now I do…

You’ll remember a few weeks ago I told you about Whedon’s Writers’ Strike project, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” Now after watching the first two acts, I can tell you that there’s only one word to describe it…

Genius.

If you haven’t seen it, “Horrible” follows Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris) who is trying to get into the Evil League of Evil. All he needs is one massive evil act and he believes his freeze ray will be just the ticket.

Standing in his way? His nemesis Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion) and his feelings for Penny (Felicia Day), an activist for the homeless.

Act I is laugh-out-loud funny and Harris is as charming as ever (I’m totally into him now.). And Fillion is absolutely hilarious—and a pretty good singer too. Act II gets a little more serious, but the songs are awesome. The opening song which contrasts Horrible and Penny’s points of view is brilliant and I dare you to listen to the final song of the act and not hum it for hours later.

Acts I and II are on the “Dr. Horrible” website now and Act III will be up Saturday, July 19th. You can also download them on iTunes.

But the acts will only be available until Sunday, July 20th, so you don’t want to miss them…

I hope that Whedon works out some kind of deal with a network so that Harris and the songs can be eligible for Emmy consideration...

Emmy Nominations: Cable Domination

This morning, the Emmy nominations were announced.

Here are the nominees in the drama categories with my comments. Please note that categories with six nominees show a close vote.

Outstanding Series, Drama:
“Boston Legal”
“Damages”
“Dexter “
“House”
“Lost”
“Mad Men”

This marks the first time a basic cable series (in this case, two) has been nominated in this category. Critics are upset that “The Wire” or “Friday Night Lights” were not nominated. And I don’t know what episodes “Boston Legal” submitted, but they must have been doozies…

Outstanding Actor, Drama:
James Spader, “Boston Legal”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad “
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Hugh Laurie, “House”
Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

No surprises here…

Outstanding Actress, Drama:
Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”
Glenn Close, “Damages”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace”

None here either…

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Drama
William Shatner, “Boston Legal”
Ted Danson, “Damages”
Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”
Michael Emerson, “Lost”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”

I’ve got to believe that Michael Emerson will own this category…

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Drama
Candice Bergen, “Boston Legal”
Rachel Griffiths, “Brothers & Sisters”
Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy”
Sandra Oh, “Grey’s Anatomy”
Dianne Wiest, “In Treatment”

The heavy hitters took a little hit here…

Here are the Comedy categories…

Outstanding Series, Comedy
“30 Rock”
“Curb Your Enthusiasm”
“Entourage”
“The Office”
“Two and a Half Men”

I’m a little surprised that “Pushing Daisies” didn’t make the cut…

Outstanding Actor, Comedy
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Lee Pace, “Pushing Daisies”
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Charlie Sheen, “Two and a Half Men”

Pretty much as expected…

Outstanding Actress, Comedy
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
America Ferrera, “Ugly Betty”
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds”

Notice the absence of any “Desperate Housewives.” I was sure that Felicity Huffman was a shoo-in…

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Comedy
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Kevin Dillon, “Entourage”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
Rainn Wilson, “The Office”
Jon Cryer, “Two and a Half Men”

You know I LOVE Neil Patrick Harris…

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy
Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”
Jean Smart, “Samantha Who?”
Amy Poehler, “Saturday Night Live”
Holland Taylor, “Two and a Half Men”
Vanessa Williams, “Ugly Betty”

So, Amy Poehler did make the cut. Interesting—especially since “SNL” was nominated in the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series Category. Major kudos to the fabulous Jean Smart, who has been robbed two years in a row in the drama categories…

And now the reality categories…

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program:
“The Amazing Race”
“American Idol”
“Dancing With the Stars”
“Project Runway”
“Top Chef”

The big absence here is “Survivor.” Yay for “Top Chef”!

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol”
Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With the Stars”
Howie Mandel, “Deal or No Deal”
Heidi Klum, “Project Runway”
Jeff Probst, “Survivor”

You guys know I love “Runway,” but Heidi Klum and no Phil Keoghan of “The Amazing Race”? Sorry. Don’t get it…

And in case you’re wondering, yes, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” did get nominated for Outstanding Reality Non-Competition Program. PLUS, Kathy’s special, “Kathy Griffin: Straight to Hell” was nominated for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special.

You know she’s thrilled about that one—especially since the Special category is presented during the Primetime Emmys. I bet she’s plotting something as we speak…

I’ll have more on the Emmys over the weekend when I take a closer look at the entire nominee list…

Photos provided by Bravo

Get Those 3-D Glasses Ready!

“Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert” premieres in 3-D Saturday, July 26th at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel.
But you can get your 3-D glasses now at Wal-Mart.

Glasses are also in the July 22nd issue of “TV Guide,” which is on newsstands now. “TV Guide” subscribers, however, once again got the shaft, as there are no glasses in the subscription version.

If you miss next Saturday’s airing, you can pick up the DVD August 19th for a limited time.

And don’t forget that Miley’s new CD, “Breakout,” hits stores July 22nd…

Photo provided by Universal Music Distribution

"24: Exile" Trailer: Man, Have I Missed This Show

So this week the Television Critics Association is having its annual press tour. That’s when we get our first look at the new fall shows and a look at what our favorite returning shows have planned.

There will be plenty more to say about TCA as the week unfolds, but I just couldn’t wait to show you this.

It’s the trailer for “24: Exile,” the two-hour prequel FOX will air November 23rd.

You’ve no doubt noticed that I’ve been pretty quiet about “24” in the off-season. The truth is, with all of the reports out there about plotlines, etc., I just haven’t been sure what to say.

Well after watching this, now I am…

MAN, HAVE I MISSED THIS SHOW!!!

Jack Bauer saving kids? How much better can it get?

And I was so happy to see Peter MacNicol, I almost jumped out of my chair...

You can see the trailer here. Be sure to let me know what you think…

UPDATE: FOX has begun getting the trailer taken down off the Internet, so I can't guarantee how long this will last.

>

Picks of the Week: A No-Brainer, A Hero Unmasked, and a Bravo Bonus

There’s SO much good stuff on this week that I just couldn’t choose.

So, my Picks of the Week are “Project Runway” and “Batman Unmasked.”

“Project Runway” as a Pick is a no-brainer, especially since this may be the last time we see it in the way we know and love.

In the premiere, we’ll meet the contestants and see their first challenge involving unconventional materials. Since season one’s Austin Scarlett is the guest judge, I’m guessing it’s the return of the grocery store challenge.

By the way, if you can’t wait to meet the designers, you can meet them on the Bravo website. AND, if you’re really impatient, you can read the details of each challenge as well (?!).

“Project Runway” premieres Wednesday, July 16th at 9 p.m. on Bravo…

As I’ve said before, I believe Batman to be one of the most fascinating characters ever created. Well now, History is taking a closer look at Batman’s psyche with “Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of the Dark Knight.”

According to the press release from History, the special will take a psychological approach and examine “why Batman is who he is and explore how a boy scarred by tragedy becomes a tragic figure himself and a symbol of hope to everyone else.”

We’ll see footage from both “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” and interviews with psychiatrists, psychologists, academicians, comic book writers, and the creative team behind the films.

“Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of the Dark Knight” airs Wednesday, July 16th at 9 p.m. on History…

So since I’m still on a big Bravo high from the weekend, I’m hoping you’ll indulge me a Bravo Bonus…

“Flipping Out” follows Jeff Lewis, a real estate investor/remodeling consultant who is one of the most neurotic people on the planet. He has an assistant (Jenni), a house manager (Chris E.), a house assistant (Chris K.) and a housekeeper (Zoila).

Two episodes ago, Jeff got suspicious of his staff and installed a nanny cam. Now, you could very easily write this off as another of Jeff’s neurotic moves, except that Jeff was right. Chris E. was completely slacking off. But worse than that, Chris E. swore on his parents (and anything else he could think of) that he didn’t do something that the camera showed he did.

But here’s the really juicy part. Chris E. is married to Jenni and Jenni has been sticking up for her husband with Jeff. Plus, the three of them are good friends and Jeff is their landlord.

In her blog post about last week’s episode, Jenni wrote:

“I didn't know about the camera.
I believed my husband was telling me the
truth.
I don't have anything else to say this week. I hope you will
understand.”

YIKES!

How will the tactless Jeff handle this incredibly sticky situation? As Bravo says, watch what happens…

“Flipping Out” airs Tuesday, July 15th at 10 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo provided by History. © 2007 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

My Personal "Top Chef" Adventure

So this morning, I had my personal “Top Chef” adventure at the Food and Ohio Wine Festival at North Market in Columbus.

And, of course, I’m taking you along for the ride…

You can read all about it in three different posts. They range from serious journalism (Blais talks about his choking comment.) to pure fan excitement (People brought signs!).

Let the flames begin…

Blais On Choking: "It wasn't about screwing up."

It will go down as one of the biggest moments in “Top Chef” history. When Richard Blais told the judges he “choked” during the "Top Chef: Chicago" finale.

But Blais told me that comment has been a little misunderstood.

“A lot of people think that I was conceding defeat, but that wasn’t it. I just knew it wasn’t my best performance. I’m a perfectionist and I knew that wasn’t my best performance."

As he told the demonstration audience, “I’m never happy…It wasn’t about screwing up.”

When I asked him if he was over losing, he told me that he was. At this point in the interview, "Top Chef: Miami" winner Hung Huynh jumped in to say that he was upset about Richard’s loss.

“I wanted Richard to win,” Hung told me. “I rooted for him from the beginning.”

When I asked him why, Hung told me it was because of the attitude Richard brought to his cooking. “He has such passion.”

As Richard thanked Hung for his kind words, Hung threw another compliment Richard’s way. “You’re going to be the most successful of the chefs [from your season].”

Richard responded, “I hope so”…

Some Tidbits From Richard and Hung...

During their cooking demonstration at the "Top Chef Tour" stop in Columbus, Richard Blais and Hung Huynh shared a lot of interesting tidbits both on their own and in response to fans’ questions…

So what are the most popular questions they get? Hung said his questions are: Is Padma as good-looking in person as she is on TV? What is Tom really like? And, of course, are you really a jerk? Richard said his big question was what Lisa was really like. And no, he didn’t tell us. In fact, they didn’t answer any of those questions…

Hung is close to opening a seafood restaurant in New York, but it doesn’t have a name yet. He turned down offers to do a TV show because he was so busy, but said it’s something he might look at again in the future. Richard also hinted we may have not seen the last of his TV appearances…

A couple of fans asked Richard about being a new parent and he said it is “amazing…It cheers you up when you need it, that’s for sure.” Richard said he’s even considering making his own baby food…

Richard’s restaurant in Atlanta, Home, got four stars last week. But he said he was more nervous about Hung and Casey (also from season three) coming to eat there than the critics (For the record, Hung loved it.). Richard said he still gets “starstruck” seeing “Top Chef” contestants, including those from his own season…

When someone asked Richard what his death row meal would be, he said it would be a cheeseburger. In fact, Richard is working on opening a burger spot in Atlanta…

Richard just returned from Jamaica, where he went on business. He told me before the demo that he got to see parts of Jamaica that most tourists never get to see and it had quite an effect on him…

For the record, Hung made an Asian-influenced pasta dish with shrimp and some kind of noodles I’d never seen before. Richard made a tomato salad with something he created that morning, mozzarella scallops. I have to confess that I didn’t taste Hung’s because he made it too spicy for me, but I did sample Richard’s and it was delicious…

"Top Chef" in Columbus: "This is my backstage at the Stones"

As I was standing there alone in the room, watching my favorite contestant of all-time on one of my very favorite shows, he looked at me and said, “This is cool that we’re here doing this.”

Then Richard Blais of “Top Chef: Chicago” continued, “I mean it’s not as cool as being backstage at the Stones or anything.”

I smiled as he continued to chop the watermelon he planned to use to make a salad later, and responded, “This is my backstage at the Stones.”

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this morning I got to watch my guy Blais and season three winner Hung Huynh in action at the “Top Chef Tour” stop in Columbus. And it was awesome.

But before you start laughing at me, let me tell you that based on the reaction Richard and Hung received in the Buckeye capital today, I am not alone in my “Top Chef” worship…

In fact, I’d really like to see the numbers on this year’s fan favorite voting. I have to believe that Richard gave Stephanie a run for her money…

At one point before the actual demonstration began, Hung went outside the “Top Chef” truck just to smoke a cigarette and was greeted by enormous cheers. When the duo came outside to raffle off a signed “Top Chef” cookbook for the mass of people who didn’t get to come inside and watch the demonstration, an autograph line formed around the entire length of the bus.

One person had a sign that read “Columbus Loves Top Chef.” And yes, Richard and Hung both signed it. During the demonstration, a woman who had not eaten meat or seafood in 14 years ate Hung’s shrimp because he prepared it.

In fact, the whole experience reminded me a little of attending an “American Idol” concert. You have to give Bravo credit for coming up with the tour. I hope they decide to continue it again next season…

For those of you who are reading about this for the first time, let me give you some background. The “Top Chef Tour” is making stops in 20 different cities over the next several weeks. Chefs from each of the show’s seasons are giving cooking demonstrations in an impressive 48-foot trailer (Richard said it was once used for healthy food demonstrations.).

The Columbus stop was at the Food and Ohio Wine Festival at North Market and it was fortunate enough to get Hung and Richard as its chefs. Richard said he asked to come to Columbus because he had never been there before and because he’s a big football fan. To illustrate that, he told the demo audience that if anyone asked him what happened in the finale, he’d say that “he pulled a Troy Smith.”

Sorry, Buckeye fans, but that’s funny…

In fact, just about everything Richard had to say was funny. He and Hung were like a comedy team, bantering back and forth like they’d been doing it forever—even though this was Richard’s first tour stop.

And he wasn’t just like that during the demonstration. When it was just the three of us, he continually cracked jokes and did everything possible to make me feel comfortable. I think he actually asked me more questions than I asked him.

When I told him the paper is in Huntington, West Virginia, he told me that he had actually been in West Virginia, because he considered attending WVU…

However, if you ask Richard about being a nice guy, he’ll tell you he doesn’t know where that comes from. “My staff doesn’t think so,” he told me.

On the contrary, Hung was known as a bit of a jerk on the show, so when I tell him I’m sure he’s completely different in real life, he tells me that no, he really is a jerk. But he’s clearly kidding, because I saw absolutely no signs of the Hung we saw in season three. In fact, seeing Hung in person, I finally get it. He’s extremely passionate about his craft and sometimes that comes off wrong. But it was a lot of fun to watch him do what he loves and see how passionately he talks about it. There were times when he struggled to find the right word, but you could tell that it was because his mind was reeling so quickly that his mouth couldn’t catch up. You might recall that I gave Hung a pretty tough time during “Top Chef: Miami,” but the next time Bravo marathons it, I will definitely view it in a new light…

As I think will be the case for anyone who was at the tour stop today. For those of us who were there, it was a pretty awesome experience—for the audience and the chefs themselves.

When I asked Richard about all the fans outside, he flashed that smile at me one more time.

“It’s wild, isn’t it?”

For us too, Richard. For us too…

This Weekend...

Be sure to visit my blog tomorrow (Saturday) night for what I hope will be lots of stuff from the Top Chef Tour stop in Columbus.

And no, I probably won't get much sleep tonight...

Get Your First Look at "HSM 3" This Sunday!

You can get your first look at “High School Musical 3” this Sunday on Disney Channel…

The “HSM 3” trailer will be shown at 7:55 p.m. Sunday (July 13th) before the behind-the-scenes edition of “Camp Rock.” If you miss it then, you can see it online at Disney.com beginning July 14th at 12:01 a.m.

By the way, the first single from the movie’s soundtrack, “It’s Now or Never,” will make its debut Friday at 7:15 p.m. on Radio Disney…

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is scheduled to hit theaters October 24th…

Actors Strike Update: A Deadline is Set

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers gave the Screen Actors Guild a deadline today to try and speed up the negotiation process.

The good news for SAG is that along with the August 15th deadline came a little incentive. If SAG gets its membership to ratify the offer by the deadline, the deal will be retroactive to Jul 1st. If they miss the deadline, the deal will not be retroactive once one is reached.

SAG is expected to respond today.

With AFTRA approving its deal, thereby almost making a SAG strike authorization vote nearly impossible (It needs 75% of its members to vote for a strike.), SAG really just needs to get this thing done…

A Friend "Scrubs" In

So perhaps the interference and episode re-ordering by NBC has convinced you not to follow “Scrubs” to ABC next season.

Well, maybe this will change your mind…

My hero Michael Ausiello (now of “Entertainment Weekly”) is reporting that Courteney Cox will join the cast for three episodes as the hospital’s new Chief of Medicine.

Nice!

I don’t know who I’m happier for—the people at “Scrubs,” “Scrubs” fans, or Courteney herself for returning to her comedy roots after that “Dirt” mess…

DVD Review: "Batman: Gotham Knight"

I remember the first episode I ever saw of “Batman: The Animated Series”…

It was the episode entitled “I Am the Night,” which is still one of my favorites from the show. In the episode, Batman blames himself when Commissioner Gordon is seriously injured in a bust gone wrong. In fact, he is so ridden with guilt that he considers giving up being Batman altogether.

I remember being totally surprised by what I was seeing. This was a cartoon. We weren’t supposed to see heroes bordering on suicidal.

But that was the magic of “Batman: TAS.” It was a cartoon, but it was real. It was nothing like we had ever seen before.

Now, the people behind that beloved show have taken it one step further with the new DVD release, “Batman: Gotham Knight.” Once again, they have given us something we have never seen before. And this time it’s equal parts brilliant and frustrating…

“Batman: Gotham Knight” is a new original movie from DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation. The movie is actually six different segments, each directed by a different revered animation director.

“Have I Got a Story for You” is appropriately the first segment since it foreshadows what we will see for the rest of the segments—six different views of Batman from the minds of six different directors. In the segment, three teenagers share with a fourth friend their differing opinions of what Batman looks like—a shadow, a bat, and a robot. But the fourth friend gets to see for himself when Batman surprisingly shows up to interrupt their fun…

The second segment, “Crossfire,” introduces us to Detectives Allen and Ramirez, members of Gotham City’s Major Crimes Unit. Allen doesn’t like Batman, while his new partner, Ramirez, sticks up for him. But when the detectives get caught in a crossfire between warring mob factions, Allen changes his view.

This segment is where the frustration first comes in because it’s just not long enough. You will absolutely want to see more. Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) is fantastic as Ramirez (a role she did not get in “Batman: The Dark Knight”) and Gary Dourdan’s (“CSI”) voice lends just the right ominous air to the moody piece. And this is the first segment where we really get to hear Kevin Conroy reassume his rightful place as the voice of Batman…

“Field Test” gives us a look at Bruce Wayne as he tries out the newest toy from Wayne Enterprises’ Lucius Fox—body armor that repels bullets. The bonus with this segment is that we get to hear Kevin Conroy’s Bruce Wayne voice in addition to his Batman voice. And the anime look of Batman in this one is pretty cool.

Plus, “Test” teaches Bruce—and us—a valuable lesson about his crimefighting. This lesson runs throughout the rest of “Gotham Knight” and will no doubt resurface during “The Dark Knight” film for which “GK” is meant to be a prelude…

Madness reigns in the fourth segment, “In Darkness Falls,” as Batman takes on both Killer Croc and the Scarecrow. The animation is both dark and twisted as we see the action through Batman’s fear toxin influenced eyes. However, we do get to hear some of Conroy’s trademark sarcasm, although the anime-style makes it come off a little more stilted than usual.

According to an interview with Conroy provided by DC Comics, the animation was completed before the voicework this time, so he had to change up his cadence at certain points to match the animation. For those of us who are big Conroy fans it shows in a few places, but not enough to take away from his brilliant work…

“Working Through Pain” is the most psychological of the segments as we watch a wounded Batman remember how he (as Bruce Wayne) learned to work through pain from Cassandra (Parminder Nagra, “ER”). And let’s be honest. Is there anyone who can grimace in pain like Kevin Conroy? (The answer to that is no, by the way.) This one is also a little frustrating because there is so much that could be told about Bruce’s time with Cassandra. However, the ending of the segment is quietly stunning as we watch Batman deal with his true nemesis—the gun…

Which leads beautifully into the final segment, “Deadshot,” as Batman is forced to taken on an assassin who is practically a human gun. The segments finally come together in this one and we get a slight foreshadowing of the psychological conflict within Batman we’ll see in “The Dark Knight.” Plus, David McCallum (“NCIS”) steps into the role of Alfred beautifully.

This one is probably the most frustrating of the six, because the entire movie could have been just about Deadshot. He’s that good of a villain.

But then, that’s not really what “Gotham Knight” is about…

“GK” is meant to give us a glimpse into Batman’s psyche by viewing him through six different sets of eyes. Each of the segments—no matter how frustratingly small they are—share just a little more about who Batman is and for what he stands. When you put them all together, you get a better understanding of not only Batman, but the way we see him.

However, more than anything, “GK” leaves us wanting more. In this case, that more is “The Dark Knight.” And “GK” will leave you wanting to see “DK” so bad, your head will hurt. In fact, I’ve already bought my tickets…

“Batman: Gotham Knight,” which I should point out is rated PG-13 for its graphic violence, is available in both a single-disc and a two-disc collector’s edition. I highly recommend the two-disc set because it contains two outstanding documentaries which focus on Batman’s Rogues Gallery and the life of Batman’s creator Bob Kane. Plus, the two-disc set contains four episodes of “Batman: TAS” and its follow-up “The New Batman Adventures” including the phenomenal “I Am the Night”…

Photos provided by DC Comics. "Batman Gotham Knight" (c) Warner Bros. Ent Inc. "Batman" and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and(c) DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.

Top Chef Tour: The Columbus Details

So here are the details on the “Top Chef Tour” stop in Columbus this Saturday…

The stop will be part of the Food & Ohio Wine Festival at North Market, which is located at 59 Spruce Street.

Hung and Blais will do three hour-long shows at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. The tour webpage says that all three shows are sold out, but the publicist tells me that tickets for each show will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at North Market.

I will have MUCH more on this over the weekend, including—hopefully—an on-the-scene report and an interview or two.

So, as always, Stay Tuned…

Pick of the Week: Must-See Summer TV

Last week, I warned you that we had not seen the worst of “The Two Coreys.”

Now, it’s the beginning of the end in this week’s episode.

My Pick of the Week is “The Two Coreys.”

This week, the Coreys reunite for “Lost Boys 2.” But when Haim shows up, he’s clearly not himself as he forgets his lines and slurs his speech. And when Feldman teams up with the guys’ psychiatrist to confront Haim about his behavior, Haim is none too happy about it.

As I told you before, it's must-see summer TV...

Oh, and by the way, even if you watch this episode, you still haven’t seen the worst…yet…

“The Two Coreys” airs Sunday, July 13th at 10 p.m. on A&E…

Photo courtesy of A&E Television

The Emmy Semi-Finalists Revealed!

Last week, the enterprising Tom O’Neill of Goldderby.com tracked down the semifinalists for each of the major Emmy acting categories.

Judges are now reviewing tapes of the semifinalists and ranking them from one to ten. That ranking will be combined with the popular vote that produced the semifinalists to determine the five nominees.

Here are the semifinalists in each category (according to Goldderby.com) with my comments…

Supporting Actress, Drama
Jane Alexander, “Tell Me You Love Me”
Candice Bergen, ‘Boston Legal”
Rose Byrne, “Damages”
Jill Clayburgh, “Dirty Sexy Money”
Sharon Gless, “Burn Notice”
Rachel Griffiths, “Brothers & Sisters”
Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”
S. Epatha Merkerson, ‘Law & Order”
Sandra Oh, “Grey’s Anatomy”
Dianne Wiest, “In Treatment”
Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy”

This category is full of Emmy heavy hitters, so whittling it down will be difficult. Notice that there are 11 semifinalists, which means the popular vote was close. I’m disappointed that Natalie Zea (“Dirty Sexy Money”) didn’t get a look, but she doesn’t have as much Emmy esteem as her co-star Jill Clayburgh.

Supporting Actor, Drama
Naveen Andrews, “Lost”
Bruce Dern, “Big Love”
Christian Clemenson, “Boston Legal”
Ted Danson, “Damages”
Michael Emerson, “Lost”
Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”
T.R. Knight, “Grey’s Anatomy”
William Shatner, “Boston Legal”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”
Blair Underwood, “In Treatment”
Jake Weber, “Medium”

Another close vote. The biggest no-show according to all of the entertainment websites is last year’s winner Terry O’Quinn (“Lost”), but I’m not sure he had enough hard-hitting material to make it. However, I don’t really think Naveen Andrews did either, especially compared to co-star Henry Ian Cusick’s tour de force performance in “The Constant” (Desmond’s time-traveling episode). My biggest disappointment in this category is the absence of Donald Sutherland (“Dirty Sexy Money”), especially since his co-star Clayburgh was nominated. It’s good to see Jake Weber get a little Emmy love, though.

Actor, Drama
Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment”
Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Patrick Dempsey, “Grey’s Anatomy”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Eddie Izzard, “The Riches”
Hugh Laurie, “House”
Denis Leary, “Rescue Me”
James Spader, “Boston Legal”

Look for the cable guys to totally dominate this category.

Actress, Drama
Patricia Arquette, “Medium”
Glenn Close, “Damages”
Minnie Driver, “The Riches”
Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU”
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Mary McDonnell, “Battlestar Galactica”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”
Jeanne Tripplehorn, “Big Love”

Look for the cable gals to totally dominate this category too. And McDonnell’s inclusion on this list is a big step for sci-fi TV. A nomination would be HUGE.

Actor, Comedy
(This is a partial list that O’Neill is still working on.)
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
David Duchovny, “Californication”
Brad Garrett, “’Til Death”
Lee Pace, “Pushing Daisies”
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk”
Charlie Sheen, “Two and a Half Men”

I am SO rooting for Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” to at least make the list, whether he gets a nomination or not.

Actress, Comedy
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?”
Marcia Cross, “Desperate Housewives”
America Ferrera, “Ugly Betty”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Anna Friel, “Pushing Daisies”
Felicity Huffman, “Desperate Housewives”
Eva Longoria-Parker, “Desperate Housewives”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “New Adventures of Old Christine”
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds”
Sarah Silverman, “The Sarah Silverman Program”

So the omission everyone is buzzing about is Teri Hatcher, but for me, the bigger omission is Dana Delaney. Sarah Silverman is an interesting one since hers is more of a variety show.

Supporting Actor, Comedy Series
Jon Cryer, “Two and a Half Men”
Kevin Dillon, “Entourage”
Justin Kirk, “Weeds”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
John Krasinski, “The Office”
Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock”
Tracy Morgan, “30 Rock”
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Fred Willard, “Back to You”
Rainn Wilson, “The Office”

It’s interesting that Fred Willard made the list but his co-stars, Emmy faves Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton didn’t. Could that be because Willard was the funniest thing about “Back to You.”

Supporting Actress, Comedy
Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”
Conchata Ferrell, “Two and a Half Men”
Jenna Fischer, “The Office”
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Judith Light, “Ugly Betty”
Elizabeth Perkins, “Weeds”
Amy Poehler, “Saturday Night Live”
Jean Smart, “Samantha Who?”
Holland Taylor, “Two and a Half Men”
Vanessa Williams, “Ugly Betty”

Amy Poehler is an interesting person on the list since “SNL” is a variety show, but I’m rooting for her. And if you’re wondering about Kathryn Joosten (Mrs. McCluskey) from “Desperate Housewives,” she made the top 10 list for Guest Actress. And no, I don’t really get that either since Mrs. McCluskey was in nearly every episode.

And, since I know you all are wondering, Britney Spears did not make the top 10 list for Guest Actress for her stint on “How I Met Your Mother.” Unfortunately, however, neither did Sarah Chalke, who totally deserved it.

So what do you think of the top 10 lists? Who do you think will receive nominations?

Remember, the nominations will be announced July 17th by Neil Patrick Harris and Kristin Chenoweth, which pretty much guarantees they’ll be nominated…

“The Two Coreys”: Must-See Summer TV

Sunday night, I made my fiancé watch “The Lost Boys.”

For me, it’s a true 80s classic. But I have to admit that some of it was a little hard to watch this time.

And if you’ve been watching “The Two Coreys” on A&E, you know what I mean…

Last season, “The Two Coreys” was one of the most scripted unscripted shows I’ve ever seen—a fact that Corey Feldman admitted in an interview with the blog, “Reality Shack.” Feldman said that even the situation was fake, as Haim never actually lived with Feldman and Susie. They would all get together the night before and plan what they were going to do the next day. Even the dramatic fight at the end of the season was planned.

But what wasn’t planned was the fighting that happened off-screen, which led the duo to realize this season would have to be completely different.

It would have to be real.

Quite frankly, it’s almost too real…

Now, I’m not so naïve that I completely believe all of it is real. It’s a TV show so some things have to be set up. But the emotions we’re seeing have to be real. It’s just too raw (Feldman confirms this in his personal blog, saying that “everything you see on this show really happened.”).

If you haven’t been watching, Haim has returned to LA after six months of not talking to Feldman to restart his career. He’s made a deal to appear in “Lost Boys 2,” which will require him to work with Feldman. So, Feldman’s manager, Scott, and his wife, Susie, team up to get the duo talking again.

What starts out as a clearly somewhat contrived scene (the shot of the two seeing each other for the first time appeared to be shot three different ways) turns into an explosive confrontation where both Coreys admit they had been molested as teenagers. The exchange leads them to seek “couples counseling” to repair their friendship (Feldman says in his blog that the therapist is the only part of the show that was set up since they had to find a real therapist that was willing to be on TV.).

So how did Haim calling Susie a derogatory term turn into this? The answer is that it didn’t. There is clearly much more going on here than what we’re seeing. As Feldman himself says in his blog, a 22-minute episode can’t possibly capture everything. But it has definitely captured enough to make me want to cry while watching one of my all-time favorite movies.

As Feldman wrote in his first blog post about the new season, “I must warn you this season will be very hard for some of you to watch.”

He wasn’t kidding. Sadly, though, I don’t think we’ve seen the worst yet…

Now, I know what you guys are saying. I need to settle down. That it’s just a stupid reality show. But for some reason, “The Two Coreys” has become must-see summer TV for me.

Here are two guys who have been friends for over 20 years, but are now drifting apart because they’re leading different lives. Not unusual, right? But what about this deep resentment that Haim has been keeping inside for all these years and never said anything about?

I can’t help but wonder if I have friends out there who have been holding in resentment about me for years and not said anything. And if there are, has that resentment caused them to do anything they shouldn’t have?

Okay, now I may be taking it a little too far…

You can delve into the psyche of “The Two Coreys” yourself when A&E reruns the first four episodes Sunday, July 6th, beginning at 10 p.m. The show will return with a new episode Sunday, July 13th…

Photo courtesy of A&E Network

Get “Lost” In a New Book Club

Move over Oprah. There’s a new book club in town…

ABC.com has launched the “Lost Book Club” to allow fans to read and chat about books seen on or referenced in episodes of “Lost.”

For more details, you can visit the Book Club website.

This show is just too much sometimes, isn’t it?

“Project Runway”: The Beginning of the End?

I have to admit that I’m kind of dreading the premiere of “Project Runway” in two weeks.

You know I love “PR,” but I can’t help but think this will be the beginning of the end…

Bunim-Murray is close to becoming the show’s next producer when “PR” moves to Lifetime in the fall. Bunim-Murray are the people behind “The Real World,” “Bad Girls Club,” and “Living Lohan.”

See what I mean?

You’ll remember that the change became necessary when Magical Elves, the only producers the show has ever known, signed a deal to stay with NBC Universal.

But the producers are not the only change. The setting is shifting to Los Angeles and host Heidi Klum is telling anyone who will listen that the show is going to look different.

Whatever happened to if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?

Apparently, the Weinsteins have never heard that…

The new season of “Project Runway” premieres Wednesday, July 17th at 9 p.m. on Bravo.

Enjoy it while it lasts…

Hall and Oates Fans: This Is Not a Joke…Unfortunately

Everyone who knows me knows that I love Daryl Hall and John Oates. So this is one of those things I sincerely wish was a joke…

According to “Billboard,” Primary Wave Music Publishing is shopping a cartoon to various networks called “J-Stache.”

The cartoon is about a modern-day family man, John Oates, who finds himself “enticed back to the rock star life by his moustache.”

The pilot is currently being storyboarded and Primary Wave, which owns a majority stake in the Hall and Oates music catalog, hopes to have it completed in the next two months.

The pilot, according to “Billboard,” features Oates (who no longer has a moustache) opening a new wing of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame devoted to musicians with moustaches. Suddenly, David Crosby appears to warn him of a secret group of mustache wearers who are killing other moustache wearers.

As the group tries to make Tom Selleck its next victim, Oates summons his moustache and suddenly changes from his conservative attire into his costume of pink pants and white boots.

Primary Wave is looking to put the cartoon on a network or launch it on a website.

And no, I have no idea how Daryl feels about this. Wish I did…

But hey. If something this crazy can finally get them in the Hall of Fame, then I’m all for it…

Before there was Kiefer…

Before there was my obsession with Kiefer Sutherland, there was my obsession with Chris Noth.

I loved “Law & Order,” almost as much as I love “24” now. And when Noth was booted off the show (in ridiculous fashion, I might add), I stopped watching.

Finally, “L&O” guru Dick Wolf came to his senses and brought Noth and his Detective Mike Logan back into the fold. But I’m sorry to admit I haven’t actually seen that many “Criminal Intent” episodes. I guess I’m just over it.

That’s not to say I don’t still have a thing for Noth, because I do. I didn’t go see the “Sex and the City” movie because I was so sure that Big died (He doesn’t, thank goodness.).

But now, I’ve lost my chance to make amends as Noth is leaving the “L&O” family again.

Noth will finish out this season and then will be replaced by Jeff Goldblum. There haven’t been a lot of details about why Noth is leaving, but I’m hoping it’s because he wants to pursue a film career—and not because Wolf messed him over again.

And I hope that this time Detective Mike Logan gets the special goodbye he deserves AND that Chris Noth gets the career he has long deserved.

Maybe he could join the cast of “24”? No, wait. That would be WAY too much for me to handle…

Joss Whedon’s “Horrible” Musical Comedy

There are few names in the business that elicit as much love as Joss Whedon, the creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

So Whedon fans will be thrilled that he has another project, in addition to his new FOX show, “Dollhouse.”

During the Writers’ Strike, Whedon wrote “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” It’s a musical comedy that was filmed in six days by “a crew of longtime Whedon loyalists,” according to TVGuide.com. It stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, “a wannabe mad scientist who’s perfecting a “freeze ray.” The musical also stars Felicia Day (“Buffy”) as the love interest and Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”) as the arch-nemesis.

You can see “Dr. Horrible” only on-line beginning July 15th, when the first segment becomes available. Parts two and three will be available July 17th and 19th. The musical will be on the site, www.drhorrible.com, through July 20th.

Whedon’s ultimate goal is a DVD with a musical commentary of the musical…

You can view the teaser here.


Teaser from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.

Breaking News: Is "Friends" About to Hit the Big Screen?

Those of you who are longtime readers of this blog know that “Friends” is my favorite show of all-time.

So you’d think I’d be excited by the news that a big screen version is in the works, right? But honestly, I’m not sure what to think…

MailOnline, the website of the UK’s “Daily Mail” is reporting that a “Friends” film has been given the go-ahead. “Insiders” tell the site that the entire cast will reprise their roles “within the next 18 months.”

Why now? Four words…“Sex and the City”…

“Sex” is headed for a global box office take of $300 million. That’s hard to ignore—especially for Warner Bros., which the report says is looking at its other TV properties to find movie possibilities.

A “Friends” reunion has been talked about since the show went off the air in 2004, but MailOnline says that Jennifer Aniston was reluctant to do it. But according to their source, Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Sex” success has made her change her mind.

The report even says that Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox have already had discussions about what they would like to see in the movie. MailOnline’s source even suggests that the duo’s production companies could get involved to insure a good script.

So what do you think? Is this a really bad idea or are you looking forward to the possibility?

Pick of the Week: A New Episode of an Old Standby

I’ve been a little distracted this week trying to chase down “Top Chef Tour” details and solve VH1 mysteries, so I actually forgot to do a Pick of the Week…

And then I sat down today to make one and pretty much drew a blank…

You’ll have to forgive me that I’m not jumping up and down about “The Baby Borrowers” or “I Survived a Japanese Game Show” or any of the stuff that passes for TV this summer. And I can only go to the Bravo well so many times…

So, I’m going with an old standby with a new episode…

My Pick of the Week is “Hannah Montana.”

In the show’s first new episode in quite a while, Miley and Jackson both forget their dad’s birthday. And no doubt, hijinx ensue that will end up in a disaster and big hugs all around.

And isn’t that why we love this show?

“Hannah Montana” airs Sunday, July 6th at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel…