Televisionaire Extraordinaire

Communications planner by day, fearless channel surfer and cinematic crusader by night. Interested in television trends & formats, movie buzz and film festivals. Location: Finland.

[mpeltola]

The Netflix Backlash: Why Hollywood Fears a Content Monopoly

See on Scoop.it - Television Tribune

The streaming service is spending $6 billion a year on content, choking basic cable and brusquely rattling the relationship business of the town as fears of a Google- or Apple-sized dominance send a chill down the entertainment industry's spine.

Meri Peltola's insight:

Nobody thought Netflix would be a competitor on the originals market, but now... This is a highly interesting phenomenon to follow.

See on hollywoodreporter.com

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Why The U.S. Studios Need To Get Much Smarter In Their Marketing Strategies

New research on the ethnic make-up of U.S. cinemagoers could help the studios tailor smarter and less wasteful marketing campaigns.

An interesting look on how the movie goer demographic changes during the life span of a film. Stats on the opening weekend might be something totally different than the ones gathered a couple of weeks down the road. Marketing must adapt accordingly!

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How Netflix completely revamped recommendations for its new global audience - TheVerge

See on Scoop.it - Television Tribune

"Before Netflix got into the business of producing its own programming, it spent a lot of time emphasizing its recommendation software, the algorithms that would learn your taste and suggest the..."

See on theverge.com

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Finnish Content Shines Bright Worldwide

Finnish content was in high demand at Miptv in Cannes in April. A total of 37 Finnish companies were present at the event, and many of them have reported high interest or closed deals at or after the event. Docventures, a production by Gimmeyawallet, was screened to over 300 buyers, which resulted in a series of negotiations on options to distribute the multi-channel event-like documentary series to more countries. Remake right negotiations are currently on for Ukraine, Russia and Poland, and the show has been optioned in Norway. "It would be great to get all the other Nordic countries aboard as well. Through Favex’s contacts we were able to find a great production company in Sweden and are now looking into Denmark," said says Elise Pietarila, Gimmeyawallet’s CEO. (...)

Great news for Finnish film and TV productions. Hope all these talented guys and gals get good buzz in Cannes.

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Boyhood was spectacular. The Guest was thrilling. Nightcrawler and Maps to the Stars were dark, twisted, masterful satires. Gone Girl was intense and highly entertaining. Guardians of the Galaxy and The Lego Movie were surprisingly fun. Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon was interesting, inspiring and funny. Snowpiercer was fresh and fierce. 12 Years a Slave was powerful and moved me to tears. The Wolf of Wall Street was an artful portrayal of greed, addiction and corrupted morals. But the one 2014 (Finnish release) movie I liked most was: What We Do in the Shadows This New Zealand horror comedy is clever, hilarious and original. These guys managed to create fresh parody about something as used up as vampires. I tip my hat. Hit the spot. Nailed it. Amen.

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The TV is dead, long live television

See on Scoop.it - Television Tribune

Vicky Frost: We might be turning off our sets, but the format is thriving – we’re just consuming it in different ways

Meri Peltola's insight:

Sums it up well: TV, the object, is slowly becoming obsolete, but television content is thriving. Not ready to ditch my set just yet, though...

See on theguardian.com

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What did Finnish moviegoers see last year?

Looks like Finns favored children's films, Hobbit movies and domestic comedy & drama. The Finnish Chamber of Films published the list of most watched movies in 2013 yesterday and the Top 10 looks like this:

21 Ways to Ruin a Marriage (domestic comedy)  - 403,045 ($5,012,795) 

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - 337,325 ($2,220,405)

Despicable Me 2 - 258,684 ($3,209,193)

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 204,663 ($2,533,002)

Rölli and The Golden Key (domestic family film) - 204,545 ($2,202,837)

Heart of a Lion (domestic drama) - 199,469 ($2,582,875)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - 196,002 (2012-13: 445,250) ($6,067,291)

The Year of '85 - Rock Your Memories (domestic musical comedy) - 165,959 ($1,984,020)

Planes - 157,559 ($2,023,574)

Monsters University - 146,300 ($1,920,321)

(Gross figures are from Box Office Mojo)

A good year for domestic film: of the total 7.8 million visits to movie theaters, 1.9 million were to see a Finnish film.

Not to mention the most viewed film of the year: 21 Ways to Ruin a Marriage. Usually 100,00-200,000 viewers already constitutes a huge success for a domestic film here, but over 400,000.... that's insane.

Haven't seen it yet myself. I suspect it's not necessarily my cup of tea, but one of my New Year's resolutions was to watch more Finnish films and I intend to do just that. 

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Favorite films of 2013

As many have stated, it has has been an excellent movie year. Lots of good stuff out there, even among blockbusters. Here are 5 movies I have found most interesting / touching / fun / entertaining / mind-blowing:

Spring Breakers

A full blast of crazy, candy-colored, inter-textual, in-your-face pop art - stirring in everything from our fascination with sex, drugs, guns & violence and pursuing the American Dream Tony Montana style to idolizing Britney Spears and exploring what is left at the ugly core, when layers of morality and common decency are peeled off.

James Franco is absolutely hilarious, the soundtrack is pure brilliance and the images of partying spring breakers ooze decadence, but aren't judgmental. It's more like looking at a trippy nature documentary.

This is a postmodern pop masterpiece, right down to the design of the opening credits. The "look at my shit" speech, the repetition, adding the sound of a gun being loaded between scenes, the pink unicorn ski masks and DTF pants... I think Harmony Korine might be some kind of a mad movie genius. To me, Spring Breakers is a masterpiece.

Gravity

Visually exquisite, possibly the best use of 3D I've seen so far. The story is simple but suspenseful and intriguing, I just sat there biting my nails for an hour and a half. There are several great cinematic moments and images (Bullock floating in a fetal position, for example) that I really loved.

Everything works so well in this movie - no spare parts, no excess. Alfonso Cuarón is a master of his craft.

Behind the Candelabra

Liberace remains a fascinating character in American pop culture and Soderbergh's biopic is equally fascinating. This story of vanity and greed, but also of love and companionship, is glamorous and gross at the same time.

Michael Douglas is absolutely fantastic, and Matt Damon does a great job as well.  Rob Lowe is almost too much, but his portrayal of the tight-faced plastic surgeon made me laugh.

What Maisie Knew (2012, but Finnish premiere in 2013)

Something about this movie really touched me. Seeing a horribly dysfunctional family from the inside, from a kid's perspective - that's something I haven't really seen before, and imagine is not the easiest subject matter to portray on screen.

The movie captures the moods and moments of conflicting emotions really well: Julianne Moore does a great performance as the mom, who clearly loves her daughter more than anything, but is repeatedly unable to put her needs before her own. Steve Coogan as the equally irresponsible father also does a great role. It's heartbreaking to watch those moments, when nobody comes to pick Maisie up or she is just tossed at a stranger so the parents can go do their thing. A subtle, touching film.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

A great feel-good film! The story is fun, bizarre, unpredictable (to a certain extent)  and well written. Every piece of information and visual clue has its payoff somewhere in the film, which I really enjoyed.

Ben Stiller does a fantastic job as an overly cautious character who finds his spontaneous side and lust for life as the story progresses. Sean Penn is perfect for his role, so is Kristen Wiig. Adam Scott does a great douche-bag role, once again. A light-hearted, fun movie that maybe doesn't have the most original message, but one that is always relevant.

* * *

Choosing a Top 5 is always tricky, so here are others worth mentioning:

Awesome documentaries - The Act of Killing, Searching for Sugar Man, Gasland II

Fun blockbusters - Elysium, Pacific Rim

Swell dramas - Before Midnight, The Place Beyond the Pines

Interesting European stuff - Borgman, The Last Days (Los últimos días)

Amour is amazing, but I already had it on last year's list. And still many to see, such as Frances Ha, Blue is the Warmest Color etc. Really, a superb movie year. Can't wait for 2014, as Inside Llewyn Davis, 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle and The Wolf of Wall Street are coming to Finnish theaters during January-March.

Happy New Year and cheers to good movies! 

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2013 in Television: A Great Year for Difficult Women

While 2013 found us saying goodbye to landmark small screen antiheroes Walter White and Dexter Morgan, it also saw the rise of some wonderfully prickly female protagonists that pushed at our expectations and sympathies in different ways.

Alison Willmore writes: "It's been wonderful to see the proliferation of complicated, flawed, compelling ladies on the small screen this year, and great roles for women are one place where television is clearly kicking mainstream cinema's ass. Netflix's "Orange is the New Black" alone served up an embarrassment of wonderful characters played by terrific actresses who've rarely been given a chance in the spotlight, a series that wasn't just startlingly unlike anything else on television but made you consider why the hell it felt so rare to get to see such an uncompromisingly female-driven show."

Couldn't agree more. Great shows, great characters, great stories. A very good TV year, and OITNB was definitely my favorite.

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Spring Breakers - A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

I saw Spring Breakers over the weekend at Night Visions Back to Basics 2013, which was the only chance to see it on a big screen here in Finland. What an experience! A full blast of crazy, candy-colored, intertextual, in-your-face pop art - stirring in everything from our fascination with sex, drugs, guns & violence and pursuing the American Dream Tony Montana style to idolizing Britney Spears and exploring what is left at the ugly core, when every last layer of morality and common decency (represented, in my opinion, by Faith and Cotty) is peeled off.  James Franco is absolutely hilarious, the soundtrack is brilliant and the images of partying spring breakers ooze decadence, but aren't judgmental. It's more like looking at a really trippy nature documentary. This is a postmodern pop masterpiece, right down to the design of the opening credits. The "look at my shit" speech, the repetition, adding the sound of a gun being loaded between scenes, the pink unicorn ski masks and DTF pants... I think Harmony Korine might be some kind of a mad movie genius. Loved it. Looking forward to a rewatch soon.

[mpeltola]

MIPTV: Adaptations Are the Charm for Global Broadcasters

See on Scoop.it - Television Tribune

As international television market MIPTV kicks off in Cannes next week, network and cable reps from the U.S. and around the world descend on the Cote d’Azur on the hunt for the next big foreign show to adapt and retool for their local markets.

These days that doesn’t just mean the latest reality format or game show – genres long dominated by imported shows such asAmerican Idol (British) or The Voice (Dutch). There will be plenty of those on offer at MIP but now scripted drama and comedy formats, usually thought to be tricky to adapt, are in demand. The success of Showtime’s Emmy-winning Homeland, adapted from an Israeli series, has opened the floodgates for international producers looking to export their ideas.

Meri Peltola’s insight:

It would be awesome to see something completely original, but I guess buying quirky foreign stuff is always a big gamble:

“Despite the boom in international formats on display at MIPTV this year, much of the wheeling and dealing looks likely to be dominated with renewals and licensing of catalog product. Or new shows that feel like old ones.”

“The trend, if you can call it a trend – is that people are reworking already existing genres and existing shows. Almost everything “new” is set in something we already know and already is successful.”

Sounds a lot like Hollywood, doesn’t it?

See on hollywoodreporter.com

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Who to follow at #MIPTV

Follow TV's biggest names! All #MIPTV speakers on Twitter: bit.ly/10QmaWi #MIPCube speakers: bit.ly/10iFGIn via @sarahhemar

April 3, 2013

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From Game of Thrones to the new Arrested Development, television is better than ever. And it’s not just a lucky accident. Turns out that networks and advertisers are using all-new metrics to design hit shows. Under these new rules, Twitter feeds are as important as ratings, fresh ideas beat tired formulas, and niche stars can be as valuable as big names. Case in point: Mad Men and Community's Alison Brie.

One of the most interesting articles I've read on television lately. Awesome, Wired.

[justmigrate]

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3Crumbs app - Are you the local thrifter we all have been looking for? 

[mpeltola]

Movie Year 2012: TOP 5

Oh dear, I’ve been a lousy blogger this year… Not that there hasn’t been interesting stuff going on film & television wise; just, having a baby has dramatically reduced my new movie intake. On the other hand, being stuck at home with the little guy has been a golden opportunity to catch up on some older titles: Easy A, Another Earth (awesome!!!), Nader and Simin: a Separation, Shame etc. (Don’t get me wrong, by the way. Spending time with the baby is the best entertainment there is, but he does occasionally nap. And that means movie time for mama!)

So, despite the temporary handicap to my cinema going habit, here’s my Top 5 for 2012 (according to the Finnish release date): The Raid: Redemption

The fight scenes are spectacular, camera work fabulous and editing masterful. The violence is bloody & brutal, but justified within the story. For genre fans, there are plenty of payoff moments. Decent amount of humor as well and a solid, simple score to back up the high pitched blade swinging and punch throwing.

Perhaps not the best action film I’ve ever seen, but definitely the best in the subcategory of martial art movies. Absolutely top-notch. Rust and Bone

Interesting story and great acting. Captivating. Saw it at the R&A film festival, and the audience laughed, worried and breathed with the characters. The protagonists are not particularly likeable, but you find yourself rooting for them anyway.

[SPOILER ALERT, sort of] Audiard was present at the screening and stayed for a Q&A, in which the most pressing question was: Did the whale eat Marion Cotillard’s legs or were they just torn off in the accident? Too bad there was so much comotion in the crowd, I couldn’t hear the answer… What do you reckon?

Amour

A slow-paced, refined study of love and dignity in the late years of life. A bit boring at first glance, but then: touching, realistic, heart-braking. A beautiful film.

Magic Mike

Fun! Pretty basic story, but very good acting (Matthew McConaughey is brilliant and Channing Tatum as basically himself - pleasant surprise!) and some decent jokes. Plus a healthy dose of manflesh, which was nice.

Moonrise Kingdom

Lovely colors, charming music, excellent child actors. Funny and quaint, a fascinating adventure. Edward Norton is pretty hilarious in this. My favorite Wes Anderson film.

Others worth mentioning:

The Dark Knight Rises. The movie was probably great, but I was sitting next to a guy with 2 hours and 45 minutes worth of crunchy snacks, so I couldn’t really tell. Definitely needs a re-watch.

Prometheus was a letdown, unfortunately. It was the most anticipated film of the year for me, so I was a little bummed out by the experience. Such potential visually and storywise, but the script and characters seemed a bit half-ass. You can read my Letterboxd review here.

Canned Dreams (a Finnish documentary) is quite harsh in its portrayal of factory, farm and slaughter house workers, but delicate and mindful in the way it shows their hopes, dreams and thoughts. It is interesting to get a brief glimpse into the soul of a Danish pig farmer looking for love and affection, and in the next minute hear a Polish meat cutter plotting revenge upon his two-timing wife and her lover.

Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy I tried to watch last week, but too many distractions torpedoed my attempt. That one I want to watch in piece, uninterrupted. I want to give it my undivided attention. I’m pretty sure it deserves it.

Django Unchained doesn’t hit Finnish theaters until the end of January, so if good, it’ll be on the 2013 list. Also, I’ve missed out on Skyfall, The Hobbit, Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild and Killer Joe, so they are not included. I’ll definitely catch them later, though.

Happy New Year, may it be filled with movie awesomeness! 

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A Look at the 2012 U.S. Fall TV Schedule: The New Dramas

Summer’s over, so it’s high time to take a look at The 2012 Fall season schedule for the major networks. It’s always interesting to know what’s being broadcast overseas, even though it’ll take about 6 to 24 months for any of these new shows to make their way to Finnish broadcasters. If only it were possible to pay up and stream them right away…

Here’s some basic info, promo clips and comments for the new drama series (recaps via WorldScreen.com):

Nashville (ABC)

A chart-topping country legend begins to see her popularity wane. Her record label plans a concert tour, where she will open for a sexy young up-and-comer. This sets up a power struggle for popularity.

Director: R.J. Cutler (The September Issue) Writers: Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise, Something to Talk About) Producers: Callie Khouri, R.J. Cutler, Steve Buchanan, Loucas George (Life, The O.C., Ed) Starring: Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Powers Boothe, Charles Esten, Eric Close, Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Robert Wisdom Premiere: October 10, 2012

Definitely interested, especially since Callie Khouri is on board. I don’t remember seeing a country music drama series before, so looking forward to seeing the Southern aspect. Looks like there’s a political twist too. First impressions: as a fan of musical dramas, I’d say Nashville looks good and sounds good - thumbs up.

Last Resort (ABC)

The U.S. ballistic missile submarine Colorado received orders to fire nuclear weapons at Pakistan from a radio channel designed only to be used if their homeland is wiped out. After the captain refuses to fire without confirmation of the orders, the Colorado is targeted, fired upon and hit. The submarine and its crew are left crippled on the ocean floor and declared rogue enemies by their own country. The men and women onboard are brought to an exotic island, where they will find refuge, romance and a chance at a new life. 

Director: Martin Campbell (Green Lantern, Edge of Darkness, Casino Royale) Writers: Shawn Ryan (The Chicago Code, Shield, Nash Bridges), Karl Gajdusek (Dead Like Me) Producers: Martin Campbell, Shawn Ryan, Karl Gajdusek, Marney Hochman (The Chicago Code, Terriers) Starring: Scott Speedman, Robert Patrick, Jessy Schram

Premiere: September 27, 2012

Hmm. Not big on military dramas, so this doesn’t immediately tickle my fancy. First impressions: patriotic cliche overload alert - thumbs down. 

666 Park Avenue (ABC)

The needs and desires of the residents at The Drake, found at the ominous address 666 Park Avenue, are met by the building’s mysterious owner. However, everything comes at a price. When an idealistic young couple from the Midwest is offered the opportunity to manage the historic building, they begin to experience the shadowy, supernatural forces within The Drake that imprison and endanger the lives of the residents inside.

Director: Alex Graves (Journeyman, West Wing, The Practice) Writers: David Wilcox (Fringe, Law & Order), Gabriella Pierce (author of the original novel) Producers: Gina Girolamo (The Nine Lives of Chloe King, The Secret Circle), Dave Lifshin (Southland), Matthew Miller (Chuck, Human Target), Leslie Morgenstein (Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries), David Wilcox Starring: Mercedes Masöhn, Dave Annable, Rachael Taylor, Vanessa Williams, Terry O’Quinn

Premiere: September 30, 2012

Posh living overshadowed by mysterious demonic forces… why not. I could picture myself DVR-ing this, curling up on the sofa and watching it on a lazy Sunday afternoon. First impressions: one thumb up, one thumb down.

Elementary (CBS)

A modern-day take on the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. The drama features a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD’s toughest cases. 

Director: Michael Cuesta (Homeland, Dexter) Writers: Rob Doherty (Headcases) Producers: Rob Doherty, Sarah Timberman (Justified, Unforgettable), Carl Beverly (Justified, Unforgettable), Michael Cuesta Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Aidan Quinn

Premiere: September 27, 2012  

  Another update on the (apparently) ever fascinating Sherlock Holmes. Not overly excited about all these artificially witty crime solving series. On the other hand, a careful yay for Lucy Liu. First impressions: lame joke overload alert - thumbs down.

Made in Jersey (CBS)

A young working-class woman uses her street smarts to compete with her pedigreed Manhattan colleagues at a prestigious New York law firm. With the support of her big Italian family, she is able to stay true to her roots while rising in a new intimidating environment. 

Director: Mark Waters [pilot] (Mean Girls, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past) Writer: Dana Calvo [pilot] Producers: Kevin Falls (Journeyman, Shark), Jamie Tarses (Men at Work, Happy Endings), Julia Franz (Men at Work), Mark Waters Starring: Janet Montgomery, Kyle MacLachlan, Stephanie March, Toni Trucks, Donna Murphy

Premiere: September 28, 2012  

The Nanny meets Legally Blonde meets The Good Wife. I’ll take that. First impressions: fabulicious, thumbs up.  Vegas (CBS)

Inspired by the true story of former Las Vegas Sheriff Ralph Lamb, tasked with bringing order to the gambling mecca in the 1960s. Lamb clashes with Vincent Savino, a ruthless Chicago gangster who plans to make Vegas his own. 

Director: James Mangold [pilot] (Walk the Line, Knight and Day) Writers: Nicholas Pileggi (Goodfellas, American Gangster), Greg Walker (Without a Trace, Smallville) Producers: Nicholas Pileggi, Greg Walker, Cathy Konrad (Men in Trees), Arthur Sarkissian (Rush Hour 1-3, Last Man Standing), James Mangold Starring: Dennis Quaid, Michael Chiklis, Jason O’Mara, Taylor Handley, Carrie-Anne Moss

Premiere: September 25, 2012 

Yes! This one I’m really looking forward to. Interesting cast, old Vegas, crimes bosses, sheriffs… suck me in! Looks like the sixties keep on fascinating writers and producers. First impressions: there’s always room for some retro drama - thumbs up. The Mob Doctor (FOX)

A fast-paced medical drama featuring a brilliant young female cardiothoracic surgeon who is split between two distinct worlds. She balances her promising medical career with her lifelong debt to Chicago’s Southside mob.

Director: Michael Dinner (Law & Order, Justified) Writers:Josh Berman (Drop Dead Diva, Bones), Rob Wright (Drop Dead Diva, Charmed) Producers: Josh Berman, Rob Wright, Michael Dinner Starring: Jordana Spiro, William Forsythe, Floriana Lima, Zach Gilford, Jaime Lee Kirchner, Zeljko Ivanek, James Carpinello, Jesse Lee Soffer, Wendy Makkena

Premiere: September 17, 2012 

  This one premiered already, getting mixed/average reviews and a little over 5 million viewers for the pilot. First impressions: there might be something there, but fails to attract further attention in the midst of dozens and dozens of medical and crime dramas - thumbs down.  The Following (FOX)

A notorious serial killer escapes from death row and embarks on a new killing spree. The FBI calls in former agent Ryan Hardy to consult on the case. He was responsible for his capture nine years ago and is perhaps his only psychological and intellectual match. 

Director: Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries, Dexter) Writer: Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries, Dawson’s Creek, Glory Days) Producers: Kevin Williamson, Marcos Siega Starring: Kevin Bacon, James, Jeananne Goossen, Natalie Zea, Kyle Catlett, Shawn Ashmore, Valorie Curry, Adan Canto, Nico Tortorella

Premiere: midseason

The Baconator is back! A serial killer vs. a seasoned agent… let the chase begin. First impressions: the plot synopsis seems intriguing and the tone sufficiently dark - thumbs up.

Revolution (NBC)

The world is thrust back into the dark ages after electricity mysteriously goes away. Flash-forward 15 years, life is back to what it was long before the industrial revolution. On the fringes of small farming communities, danger lurks. A young woman’s life is turned upside down when a local militia arrives and kills her father, who, unbeknownst to her, had something to do with the blackout. She sets out on a coming-of-age journey to find answers about the past in hopes of reclaiming the future.

Director: Jon Favreau [pilot] (Cowboys & Aliens, Iron Man 1 & 2, Elf) Writers: Eric Kripke (Supernatural, Ghostfacers) Producers: Jon Favreau, J.J. Abrams (Fringe, Person of Interest, Alcatraz, Lost), Eric Kripke, Bryan Burk (Fringe, Person of Interest, Alcatraz, Lost) Starring: Billy Burke, Tracy Spiridakos, Anna Lise Phillips, Zak Orth, Graham Rogers, J.D. Pardo, Giancarlo Esposito, David Lyons, Maria Howell, Tim Guinee, Andrea Roth

Premiere: September 17, 2012 

I’m thinking this could be the new Lost or Heroes. Some big names involved, the sets look good. Opened to 11.65 million viewers, which is pretty good. First impressions: hopefully a post-apocalyptic survival story for the win - thumbs up.

Chicago Fire (NBC)

The drama centers on the firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. When tragedy claims one of their own, each blames the others for their fallen team member. They put their differences aside when it’s go-time, putting everything on line for each other in the face of danger.

Director: Jeffrey Nachmanoff (Homeland, Detroit 1-8-7) Writers: Michael Brandt (Wanted, 2 Fast 2 Furious), Derek Haas (Wanted, 2 Fast 2 Furious) Producers: Dick Wolf (Law & Order, Dragnet), Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Peter Jankowski (Law & Order, Dragnet), Danielle Gelber Starring: Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney, Eamonn Walker, Charlie Barnett, David Eigenberg, Monica Raymund, Lauren German, Teri Reeves, Merle Dandridge

Premiere: October 10, 2012  

Seems like a solid addition to the ‘every day heroes’ genre. First impressions: likely to be loaded with quite a bit of pathos, but could be good - one thumb up, one thumb down. 

Do No Harm (NBC)

Dr. Jason Cole is a respected neurosurgeon with a dark secret: a dangerous alternate personality, Ian Price. He has battled Ian for years, keeping him in check with a powerful experimental sedative. His body has now developed a resistance to the serum, setting Ian free once again.

Director: Michael Mayer (Smash) Writers: David Schulner (Event, Kings) Producers: David Schulner, Michael Mayer, Peter Traugott (Samantha Who?), Rachel Kaplan (Ringer) Starring: Steven Pasquale, Alana De La Garza, Mousa Kraish, Michael Esper, Ruta Gedmintas, Phylicia Rashad

  A new take on the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde story. For some reason, I find the set-up a bit boring and Steven Pasquale lacking charisma. First impressions: thumbs down.  Emily Owens M.D. (CW)

Emily Owens has graduated from medical school and gets the chance to work with a world-famous cardiologist. In her experience working as a surgical intern, Owens soon finds out that working in a hospital feels an awful lot like high school all over again. 

Director: Bharat Nalluri (Spooks, Outcasts) Writers: Jennie Snyder (90210, Lipstick Jungle, Gilmore Girls) Producers: Jennie Snyder, Dan Jinks (Pushing Daisies, Down with Love, Big Fish), Bharat Nalluri Starring: Mamie Gummer, Justin Hartley, Michael Rady, Aja Naomi King, Kelly McCreary, Necar Zadegan

Premiere: October 16, 2012   

A bit like Grey’s Anatomy, perhaps? Starting a new job alongside a high school crush and a high school nemesis is not the most original of story lines. First impressions: seems somewhat simple and naive - thumbs down. Arrow (CW)

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen went missing and was presumed dead for five years. He is later discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. While integrating back into his old life, Queen hides the truth about the man he’s become. He secretly creates the persona of Arrow, a vigilante, to right the wrongs of his family and fight the ills of society. The show is based on a DC Comics graphic novel character.

Director: David Barrett (Castle, Mentalist, V, Cold Case)  Writers: Andrew Kreisberg (Warehouse 13, The Vampire Diaries), Marc Guggenheim (FlashForward, Eli Stone), Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern, Brothers & Sisters)  Producers: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, David Nutter (Smallville, Supernatural, Game of Thrones), Melissa Kellner Berman (Eli Stone, Dirty Sexy Money)  Starring: Stephen Amell, Colin Donnell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Susanna Thompson, Paul Blackthorne

Premiere: October 10, 2012  

  Based on a DC comic + action & adventure + a secret mission = I’m in! First impressions: interesting group of writers and producers, promo clip looks good - thumbs up. Beauty and the Beast (CW)

While investigating a murder, homicide detective Catherine Chandler is led to a handsome doctor named Vincent Keller, who was reportedly killed by enemy fired while serving in Afghanistan in 2002. She learns that Vincent is still alive and that he actually saved her life years earlier. Catherine agrees to protect his identity in return for any insight he may have into her mother’s murder. 

Director: Gary Fleder (October Road, Life Unexpected) Writers: Sherri Cooper (Brothers & Sisters, Everwood), Jennifer Levin (Brothers & Sisters, Without a Trace, Felicity) Producers: Jennifer Levin, Sherri Cooper, Gary Fleder, Bill Haber (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow), Paul J. Witt (Blossom, The Office, Golden Girls), Tony Thomas, Ron Koslow (Moonlight, Beauty and the Beast - 80’s version) Starring: Kristin Kreuk, Jay Ryan, Max Brown, Nina Lisandrello, Nicole Gale Anderson, Austin Basis, Brian White

Premiere: October 11, 2012 

Loosely inspired by the 80’s CBS series of the same name. A pretty homicide detective destined to get involved with a part-man, part-creature… meh. First impressions: maybe interesting for a younger audience, but for me - thumbs down. Well, that’s a wrap on most of the new drama series. Then there are the comedies… something to dissect in the next marathon post.

[mpeltola]

Night Visions Back to Basics 2012 | War of the Dead

A little late with my last review from Night Visions, but no harm done I guess, since War of the Dead doesn’t open in Finland until tomorrow. Here’s my two cents on the peculiar low-budget action/horror/sci-fi Nazi zombie spectacle, in which a platoon of American and Finnish soldiers encounter an evil force deep in the Russian woods during WW2.

War of the Dead (a.k.a. Stone’s War, USA/Lithuania/Italy 2011)

Director: Marko Mäkilaakso Writers: Marko Mäkilaakso, Barr B. Potter Starring: Andrew Tiernan, Mikko Lappilampi, Samuli Vauramo, Jouko Ahola, Mark Wingett, Antti Reini 

First and foremost, it looks pretty good for a million dollar movie. The murky forest is lit and shot very well, the bunker has some neat features and the Nazi zombies pouncing out of trees (!) look great. Some of the set pieces are incredible considering the budget. That’s the good part. The acting, plot and character development, on the other hand, are a bit half-ass. The dialogue relies heavily on clichéd one-liners (some of which are actually pretty funny) and ‘get down’ -type utterances, and the characters are very simple - there’s really not much to grab onto. The only exception is Samuli Vauramo as the Russian soldier Kolya. His performance is the only credible one, right down to the accent and body language. It’s almost like he’s in a different movie. Andrew Tiernan is good too, but besides those two, there’s a lot of clumsy acting and some of the line delivery will make your ears bleed. Powerlifter and strongman Jouko Ahola is horribly hilarious as a soldier in the beginning of the film, but fantastic as the (mute) giant zombie he turns into.

I also had a problem with the story development and pacing. I felt the set-up was a bit cursory and some of the plot twists hasty. On the other hand, the main attraction of the film is straightforward action, so I’ll leave the complaints at that.

The film had lots of intentional and unintentional humor. It was fun to watch, especially with the Night Visions crowd, appreciative of the plentiful genre references. I wouldn’t call it a good movie, but within the small-budget Nazi/zombie/action/horror/comedy genre, it stands it’s ground. As several critics have pointed out, War of the Dead would have probably benefited from an earlier release (it was originally supposed to come out in 2008, but fell into some financial difficulties), at least in the Finnish cinema landscape. Now it will unavoidably remain in the shadows of Rare Exports and Iron Sky.

Still, fun watch. As the director stated in the Q&A session, the film is all of his childhood imaginary adventures and action fantasies transfered from the sandbox to the screen. I look forward to what Mäkilaakso comes up with next.

The pics are from the Q&A after the screening, sorry for the poor quality. From left to right: director Marko Mäkilaakso, actor Mikko Leppilampi, actor Jouko Ahola, set designer Kari Kankaanpää and cinematographer Hannu-Pekka Vitikainen.