'Les Miserables' trailer finally premieres

When it was first announced a screen version of the classic Broadway musical "Les Miserables" longtime fans were excited but a little skeptical.

Now that the trailer has premiered, it's all excitement. Famous scenes are played out against Anne Hathaway performing the show stopper "I Dreamed A Dream."

High school drama geeks (including me) the world over are rejoicing right now.

'Chernobyl Diaries:' 'The Hills Have Eyes' in Russia too!

Few things hurt me more than getting into a movie, investing myself in the characters and turning off the cynicism, just to have it all come back to bite me in the ass. So is the case of "Chernobyl Diaries."

Let me get this out before I lose my mind on this "movie:" "Chernobyl Diaries," as far as the first 45-60 minutes goes, is a great movie.

The cast has amazing chemistry; Jesse McCartney and  Johnathan Sadowski play brothers who have met up in Russia with friends and end up on an impromptu "extreme tourism" trip to an area outside Chernobyl. During this stretch of the film, you get to know the characters, their relationships and learn to love how real they are drawn. Even Yuri, the tour guide, could have come across overly Russian, but is done in a way that you find yourself enjoying the  trip as much as the group themselves.

Trouble begins for the group when they  become stranded in the deserted city with the threat of  wild animals and strange nosies. Over the next day and a half, it becomes a taught, atmospheric survival story with sparse horror themes.

Trouble begins  for the AUDIENCE shortly after. When it becomes apparent  there  is more at play than simple  survival, the movie starts reaching into the toy box of derivative bullshit that makes you cringe. The culmination of the horrible descent into B-grade horror is when the survivors make their way through tunnels modeled much like a haunted house. One of the survivors dumps juxtiposition on us like Eric Cartman at Casa Bonita.

(QUICK NOTE: Other than Oren Peli, who I still give innovative credit to, the other listed writers include Carey and Shane van Dyke. You may know them from their work on "Paranormal Entity," "Titanic 2" and "MEGAPYTHON VS. GATOROID." I shit you not.)

By the end  of  the movie, you can't be sure if the filmmakers are shooting for a twist or if they are just too lazy to finish like an 80 year old man with diabetes on his fifth plate at Hometown Buffet.

In defense of 'Bob's Burgers'

Cause child labor laws are pretty unnecessary

I'm not too big on broadcast television but when it comes to cartoons, I can get a little passionate.

The problem is that, these days,  it's hard to get into anything new without disregarding the given flaw that it either comes out of the "Family Guy" or "Simpsons" cookie cutter.

"Bob's Burgers" isn't immune to this reduction, but it certainly makes a case for itself and justifies being renewed, as Stephanie posted. A week ago, I saw a commercial for "Bob's Burgers" and thought "Yay. Another cartoon for Fox to shove down people's throats Sunday night."

Then I began mainlining Season 1 and wasn't only surprised, but pleasantly surprised. This may look and sound like another Fox cartoon from the commercial but it's actually a witty, character-heavy chucklefest.

The cast displays the comedy you're getting: H. Jon Benjamin (Archer, Home Movies) plays the main character and owner of the title restaurant, Bob. With the help of his three kids and slightly out of touch wife Tina (Dan Mintz), Bob runs a mom-and-pop burger place in a downtown city filled with interesting characters, rivalries and shemale prostitutes.

His children are played with slight mental disorders by comedians John Roberts (socially inept Linda), Kristen Schaal (sociopath Louise) and the hillarious Eugene Mirman (Assburger's Syndrome candidate Gene).

The usual plotlines are less like the "Simpsons" and "Family Guy" (A slight story vehicle that only exists for jokes) and more along the lines of an adult "Hey Arnold" (a story about local city characters with some grim truth) if Arnold grew up, had kids and kinda hated life.

The jokes also land a bit better than the two larger comedies. The depth of each punchline doesn't slide off like "Family Guy" and isn't as shallow as the celebrity-depraved Simpsons have become (I gave up after season 12). Instead, the cast delivers gems like this interaction between the kids:

Louise: If we want to be real artists, we need to cut off someone's ear!

Linda: I need my ears, I have glasses.

Louise: (to Gene) What's your excuse?

Gene: Don't have one! HAVE AT IT!

Luckily, despite poorly reported ratings, Fox has renewed "Bob's Burgers" for a second season, giving it an opportunity to get the following it deserves.

In a world of two cartoon parties, there's finally a chance for a third party... and intelligent party... to take hold.

CBS sticks to the script, adds more crime

More than any other network CBS knows who it is and who's its audience. Once again the schedule is procedural heavy, but if it ain't broke. The only major move is "Two and a Half Men" to Thursday at 8:30 p.m. following "The Big Bang Theory." This could create a ratings block the other networks have no answer for.

Monday:
8 p.m. "How I Met Your Mother"
8:30 p.m. "Partners" - Michael Urie and David Krumholtz are lifelong best friends and business partners who must bring their new lovers into their very co-dependent realtionship. Brandon Routh and Sofia Bush play the significant others.
First Impression: If it sounds like "Will & Grace" that's by design because it's from the creators/executive producers of the NBC hit. This could fit in nicely with CBS' comedy juggernaut, but it all depends on the chemistry between Urie and Krumholtz.


9 p.m. "2 Broke Girls"
9:30 p.m. "Mike and Molly"
10 p.m. "Hawaii Five-0

Tuesday:
8 p.m. "NCIS"
9 p.m. "NCIS: Los Angeles"
10 p.m. "Vegas" - Dennis Quaid is the cowboy sheriff in 1960s Las Vegas where he must try to keep the peace as rival mob families take over. Michael Chiklis is the newest crime boss in town and Carrie-Ann Moss is Quaid's love interest.
First Impression: Quaid is the definition of leading man and Chiklis is at his best when he's playing a tough guy. Add in the '60s period and this could be CBS' newest crime hit.


Wednesday:
8 p.m. "Survivor"
9 p.m. "Criminal Minds"
10 p.m. "CSI"

Thursday:
8 p.m. "The Big Bang Theory"
8:30 p.m. "Two and a Half Men"
9 p.m. "Person of Interest"
10 p.m. "Elementary" - Sherlock Holmes is updated to modern day New York in this new take on the classic detective. "Eli Stone" star Jonny Lee Miller is the new Holmes and Lucy Liu is his counterpart Joan Watson. Yes Watson is a woman.
First Impression: Full disclosure time. I'm in love with Steven Moffat's "Sherlock" and think the chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman can't be matched. "Sherlock" is both critically successful and very popular so "Elementary" can't avoid the comparisons, they can only hope to contain them. Curiosity and a strong timeslot will drive ratings, however, not sure if those qualities can help it top an already immpeccable update.


Friday:
8 p.m. "CSI: NY"
9 p.m. "Made in Jersey" - British actress Janet Montgomery is a very New Jersey lawyer who joins an upscale Manhattan law firm and uses her street smarts to win cases. Kyle Maclachlan is her boss and Stephanie March is another lawyer in the firm.
First Impression: Could be a fun Friday night diversion if they don't go overboard with the New Jersey fish out of water concept.
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10 p.m. "Blue Bloods"

Sunday:
7 p.m. "60 Minutes"
8 p.m. "The Amazing Race"
9 p.m. "The Good Wife"
10 p.m. "The Mentalist"

The No. 1 question to look out for is "The Good Wife" vs. "Revenge" match up Sunday night. Those first few weeks of ratings should be interesting. Also CBS needs to start thinking about its future because the "CSI" franchise, "The Mentalist" and "Two and a Half Men" are obviously all in their last few seasons, so its time to start rebuilding.

Up next: Cable and The CW

Donna Summer: 1948-2012

The music world lost another game changing legend when the Queen of Disco Donna Summer died May 17 at the age of 63 after battling cancer.

Summer's powerful mezzo-soprano voice helped her gain fame in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like "Hot Stuff," "Bad Girls" and "Last Dance."

Perhaps disco's biggest star, her career had its ups and downs but her songs remained in constant play on classic radio stations and in nightclubs. Even today most dance clubs still end the evening with "Last Dance."

Her influence can be heard in the popularity of acts like Rhianna, Beyonce and Lady Gaga, and in the endless stream of young girls singing her songs on "American Idol," "The X Factor" and "The Voice."

To celebrate her legacy, here are the songs every Donna Summer fan should have on their playlist.








And of course one "Last Dance" with the "Queen of Disco."

FOX decides it's not broken, doesn't change much

Fox announced its Fall 2012-2013 schedule early this morning, keeping its current layout largely intact. The only major change was the move of "Glee" from its Tuesday 8 p.m. timeslot to Thursday at 9 p.m. This will put the once powerful, but recently struggling dramedy in "Grey's Anatomy" territory, setting up fall's most interesting battle.

Monday:

8 p.m. "Bones"

9 p.m. "The Mob Doctor" - Jordana Spiro is a surgeon on the rise who must pay off her brother's debt by secretly becoming the mafia's personal general practioner. The supporting cast includes Zach Gilford, William Forsythe and Zelko Ivanek.

First Impression: Spiro has always been a charming lead and Forsythe as the mob boss is perfect casting. This premise has been tried before but the strength of this cast could make this the incarnation that works.

Tuesday:
8 p.m. "Raising Hope"
8:30 p.m. "Ben and Kate" - A serious minded single mom reconnects with her immature, well meaning brother in this comedy that co-stars Nat Faxon and Dakota Johnson.
First Impression: On paper it sounds generic, but Faxon's charm and his chemistry with Johnson make this a worth a few watches.
9 p.m. "New Girl"
9:30 p.m. "The Mindy Project" - "The Office" alum Mindy Kaling gets her own show as a OB/GYN who loves romantic comedies and thinks life should be more like the movies. Ed Weeks and Chris Messina play her colleagues and possible love interests.

First Impression: Kaling was always one of the best parts of "The Office," but her character here seems like she could get a little annoying. However, her past work buys her at least three chances.

Wednesday:
8 p.m. "The X Factor" (fall) "American Idol" (midseason)

Thursday:
8 p.m. "The X Factor Results" (fall) "American Idol Results" (midseason)
9 p.m. "Glee"

Friday:
8 p.m. "Touch"
9 p.m. "Fringe"

Sunday:
7:30 p.m. "The Cleveland Show"
8 p.m. "The Simpsons"
8:30 p.m. "Bob's Burgers"
9 p.m. "Family Guy"
9:30 p.m. "American Dad"

Midseason:

"The Goodwin Games" - Scott Foley, Becki Newton and Jake Lacy as siblings who reconnect while fulfilling the absurd rules of their father's will. Created/executive produced by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas ("How I Met Your Mother") and co-starring Beau Bridges as the Goodwins.
First Impression: Has the unique qualities of HIMYM and established TV veterans like Foley and Newton, but also seems like it could be too different and not find an audience.

"The Following" - James Purefoy is a infamous serial killer who escapes from prison and Kevin Bacon is the former FBI agent who captured him and must now come out of retirement to figure why he escaped and recapture him.
First Impression: Looks like a promising, dark thriller. Plus it's Kevin Bacon!

FOX is sticking with what has worked for them, while building off of last season's breakout hit "New Girl." It will be interesting to see how the "Glee" move works out.

Up next: ABC

NBC bets on comedy

NBC has rolled out its Fall 2012 schedule and announced its new shows. As the No. 4 network, NBC still has nothing to lose, yet it seems to be presenting the least risky slate of new shows.

Monday:
8-10 p.m. "The Voice
10 p.m. "Revolution" - When all electricity suddenly goes out, the world is thrust into chaos and must learn to live simpler life. Of course it turns out there is also giant mysterious conspracy to solve. The pilot is directed by Jon Favreau and the series is executive produced by Eric Kripke and J.J. Abrams.
First Impression: I'm intrigued by the cast and impressive pedigree. Tim's not interested but I think this could be a good show if handled properly.

Tuesday:
8-9 p.m. "The Voice"
9 p.m. "Go On" - Matthew Perry is a sportscaster who must enter therapy to deal with the death of his wife. It is here he meets an ecletic group suffering with their own unique sob stories.
First Impression: I still love Perry and will always give his series' a chance. Does this remind anyone else of the often underappreciated "Dear John."
9:30 p.m. "The New Normal" - Ryan Murphy's new comedy stars Justin Bartha ("The Hangover") and Andrew Rannels as a gay couple who turn to a surrogate to carry their child. Ellen Barkin co-stars as the loud, outspoken mother of surrogate Goldie.
First Impression: In a world where I can already watch "Modern Family," why do I need its less funny cousin.
10 p.m. "Parenthood"

Wednesday:
8-8:30 p.m. "Animal Practice" - A veterinarian who loves animals but is terrible with people and the wacky doctors he works with. And there's a monkey.
First Impression: No. Just no.
8:30-9 p.m. "Guys with Kids" - A group of dads who hangout and deal with fatherhood. Stars Anthony Anderson, Jesse Bradford and Tempestt Bledsoe, and executive produced by Jimmy Fallon.
First Impression: Anderson and Fallon make this worth at least a try. Though right now it seems like it could go either way.
9-10 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. "Chicago Fire" - The pressures and trials of a fire crew in Chicago after they lose one of their own. Jesse Spencer ("House"), Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg and Eamonn Walker star.
First Impression: I enjoyed this previously when it was "Third Watch."

Thursday:
8-8:30 p.m. "30 Rock"
8:30-9 p.m. "Up All Night"
9-9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. "Parks and Recreation"
10 p.m. "Rock Center with Brian Williams"

Friday:
8-8:30 p.m "Whitney"
8:30-9 p.m. "Community" - Seriously NBC! What the hell!?
9-10 p.m. "Grimm"
10-11 p.m. "Dateline NBC"

Sunday:
"Sunday Night Football"

Midseason:
"Next Caller" - Dane Cook as a shock jock who must suddenly co-host his show with an NPR feminist.
First Impression: I'd rather watch "Animal Practice," though Jeffrey Tambor helps a little.
"Save Me" - Anne Heche as a divorcee turned prophet.
First Impression: ?
"Do No Harm" - A young successful doctor has a Jekyll and Hyde alternate personality. He must fight his darker tendecies and protect his family and patients.
First Impression: This all depends on Steven Pasquale performance as Ian the Mr. Hyde of the duo.
"Infamous" - Meaghan Good is a cop who returns to the rich family she grew up in, as the maid's daughter, to solve the possible murder of the socialite daughter. Victor Garber plays the patriarch of the family, while Tate Donovan returns to his "O.C" roots as his son.
First Impression: A full-on nighttime soap, however it lacks the sophistication of "Revenge."

NBC has presented a mixed bag and seems to be continuing with the throw up everything and see what sticks approach. However, there are some interesting prospects still to come with "The Munsters" reboot "Mockingbird Lane" and "Hannibal."

Up next: FOX.

Why 'The Avengers' is important (to me)

"I have had a dream all my life, and it was not this good."

Joss Whedon spoke those words in Hall H at Comic-Con almost two years ago. He was joined on stage by "The Avengers" cast and the crowd was going wild.

Seeing it first hand I can say the noise level was so high that it almost was dream-like. It was a magical moment. I still remember the looks of amazement on the faces of the people around me.

"The Avengers" as a movie is a dream come true.

I best explained this to a co-worker today. For nerds and comic geeks, this is one of the biggest things in our lifetime. Second only to a "Justice League" movie.

My co-worker tried to understand what I meant and said "So is this like the excitement I would have seeing Axl and Slash performing as Guns 'N' Roses again?"

YES!

For my entire life there has always been "The Avengers." I have early memories (man, I must have been 4-years-old) of Captain America and The Hulk. My brother and I would play in the park as Avengers all the time. In school, my friends and I would dream cast roles.

I wish I would have kept those. Late 1980s actors as the Avengers? Sweet.

But, for some reason, the thought of an "Avengers" movie was so close, yet so far away. It always seemed "too big" to be made. It was long thought to be a dream project that was just that, a dream.

And it kind of feels like that still today. As of writing this, I'm about 30 hours away from seeing the film. Thirty hours away after 30 years of waiting.

My 11-year-old niece Zoe is excited to see the movie too. I can't imagine what my 11-year-old self would do in that position.

So, don't write "The Avengers" off as just another comic book film. It is far more than that.

It is a dream come true for many wonderful and patient people

We have a winner!

Last Night, Drag Queen and Supermodel of the World, RuPaul crowned season 4 winner of the hugely popular reality show "RuPaul's Drag Race." After a messy season of highs and lows, questionable challenges, even more questionable runway looks the winner of this season was revealed during the reunion episode by popular vote. And while the winner was named by popular vote (fans could vote through Facebook) ultimately, it was up to RuPaul to choose the next "face of drag." And what a face it was. In the final three viewers were left with Chad Michaels, Phi Phi O'Hara and Sharon Needles. Each had something unique to bring to the table, so to speak but it was Sharon Needles who won over America's imagination with her dark camp. It was not really a shock, but RuPaul played into fan fear by postponing the winner instead of announcing it outright. I'm suspecting this was done to bait fans to watch the reunion special. Feisty queen and sometimes wolf-in-sequins, Phi Phi O'Hara garnered clout as the villain of the show early on due to her ruthless competitive edge nicknaming and popularizing Sharon by giving her the nickname "Party City." And then there was Chad Michaels, the solid, showgirl, old guard queen who week after week delivered consistent results but failed to surprise the judges. Personally, I wanted Chad Michaels to win. Michaels represented drag in all its beauty and adorning glory and was very talented. Case in point? During the election episode, Michales dared to create a bizarre Lady-Pimp character who created the catchy "Up-Do," political slogan. Michaels was engaging, warm and personable. Aside from Michaels, a crime I simply am not ready to forgive Ru for was the elimination of LaTrice Royale at the hands of keeping Phi Phi O'Hara. All I can say Ru is, the shade of it all. Yet in the end it was 'spooky' queen Sharon Needles who won. I understand why Needles was picked. She's lively, immensely creative and talented and likely to stir trouble. And stir trouble she already has. Before she was even announced as the winner, information surfaced that Sharon Needles used racist words and imagery during some of her shows, and was even using racial slurs on her facebook. The entire scandal was problematic. I believe that Needles is a talented performer and was Team Sharon until this information surfaced, however, I don't see why a talented queen like her would need to use racial slurs and or imagery to elicit shock. There are other ways to draw out discussions on race in America that don't revolve around using words. In her defense, Needles claimed that it was just a word, but this argument is not appeasing. I hope that with her newly acquired fanbase that includes people of all backgrounds, experiences and such that this will give Needles a much needed look at her repetoire of drag and improve. She definitely has the talent. The decision was indeed controversial and I think that is what Ru intended. As Needles was quoted saying in a recent interview : "It means RuPaul has lost her G-d damn mind!"