Kath & Kim gets “de-Kath & Kimmed”
July 31, 2008
Most of you already know that the Australian series Kath and Kim has been bought by the Americans and has been re-made (like British shows, Life on Mars, Queer as Folk etc). The new Kath and Kim show airs in America in October and stars Selma Blair and Molly Shannon. Australian readers will probably be horrified to read that NBC is re-working the show again. NBC is apparently concerned about the first episode (the show skipped the traditional pilot process) and are doing some reworking to it. The execs are worried the show will fall flat with US audiences - I could have told them that before they bought it.
The network has invested heavily in this show and so they have asked if it can be more highly stylised.
“Think CSI: Comedy. They want to de-Kath & Kim it a bit,” an industry insider said.
I have to say that I am not a huge Kath & Kim fan and I don’t want to see the new series that much, but I will say that I have said from day one that I didn’t think this project would work. Kath & Kim is a very Australian show and is a product of time and place. Americans will not watch this unless it is completely revamped - and in a situation like that, why not just make something original. Why bother remaking something if it does not resemble the original.
To read the full story go to news.com.au
Angelina Jolie wants to play Catwoman
July 31, 2008
According to news.com.au, Angelina Jolie is said to be in final negotiations to play Catwoman! It is not known at this time whether this is for a new spin off movie (bad idea, can we say Halle Berry anyone) or as a nemesis for Christian Bale in the new franchise (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight). This could be awesome if it is for a new Batman movie for two reasons: a) Angelina would look hot in tight leather and b) It might be confirming a third Batman movie for the franchise (please let Christopher Nolan be directing it!).
I thought it was interesting that Julie Newmar (who played Catwoman in the 1960s TV series) has given her blessings to Jolie.
Newmar said, “Angelina would own the part, My industry friends tell me she has already made enquiries about the role. I can understand how it would pique her interest. Catwoman is Batman’s one true love. She is tremendously popular with women because she’s both a heroine and a villainess.”
Other Jolie news, studio bosses have reportedly ordered her to put on weight for a role The Thomas Crown Affair 2.
You can read the whole story at the link above.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe - Not as bad as I thought it would be
July 30, 2008
I went to see the new X-Files movie last night, I was expecting a real Thanksgiving dinner, I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t suck as much as I was expecting. In fact, I thought it was a fairly interesting thriller. My biggest complaint would be that it didn’t need to be an “X-Files” movie. You could have put any detectives in there and it still would have worked as an interesting little thriller.
I was a huge X-files fan for the first 3 or 4 years of the show and then I kind of just lost interest. I did not see the final seasons at all and I was worried that I would not know where I was in the new movie. Luckily, as long as you are familiar with the characters of the series, you can jump straight into this film without much trouble. This film works like the odd little stand alone shows of the series, no aliens here. The story is simply about serial kidnappings and murders. What makes it an X-File is a fallen priest who is having visions of the victims. Mulder is called out of hiding to figure out if the priest is on the level or just faking it.
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson slip back into their roles of Scully and Mulder as easily as you put on an old comfortable glove. Although, Anderson is looking thin more gaunt than usual. Out of the two I think Duchovny has always been the more interesting to watch as an actor. Billy Connolly, as Father Crissman is a joy. Connolly has proved time and time again over the years that he is an excellent dramatic actor and he doesn’t disappoint here.
I will give a much more detailed review in this weeks podcast, so I hope you will be listening.
Bottom Line: “The X-Files: I Want To Believe” is far from perfect but is a an entertaining two hours. The thriller aspects of the film worked well, but it didn’t really have to be an X-Files story. Did I have a good time at the movies? You bet, it was fun.
Optus or Vodafone, so far no difference.
July 30, 2008
It is now July 30th and still no iPhone to be had. As mentioned in an earlier post, I have made the switch to Optus (on the 16th of July) because they had the best plan and the woman said I would get the phone in a few days. Okay, half a month later and still no phone. But a new issue has raised its ugly head that I hadn’t thought of - data.
No, not data plans, I get 250 megs a month on the Optus plan. It really isn’t enough but I choose to live in Australia and we are used to getting shafted on data. No, the issue is a special offer that Optus offered all new iPhone users. If you sign up with Optus for the iPhone, you are suppose to get one month of free, unlimited data. Are you with me here? I signed up on the 16th and still don’t have my phone. I have this horrible feeling that I will get my phone in a couple of weeks and then my free month is over.
I spoke to my Optus store this morning trying to clarify this but I think it I will really have to wait until I get the phone and then call Optus direct.
Last thing, my podcast co-host, Jacob Oberman, told me that his girlfriend just walked into an Apple store (and after a 4 hour wait) and walked out with an iPhone, signed up with Optus!!! So, you can get the stock, so why doesn’t Optus themselves have any???
Long and the short of this: Optus or Vodafone? Answer, Buy from an Apple store.
Aussies want fast internet! Cool!
July 28, 2008
News.com.au has reported that two thirds of Australian households now have internet connection and broadband users out number dial up 2 to 1. This is amazing news considering that Australia has been so far behind for so long. Now if we can just loosen up the download limits a little it would be even better news. Click the link above for the full story.
Geek Actually Episode 1 - Censorship
July 28, 2008
It’s finally here! The first episode of “…Geek, Actually”! In the first episode join David McVay and regular guest Jacob Oberman in a conversation about censorship in Australia, A talk about The Dark Knight and Heath Ledger’s remarkable performance as Joker and David’s woes about not getting his iPhone yet. In the regular feature, The Little Geek, Nicholas tells us about the films he saw during the holidays. Listen to it here or download (or subscribe) it on iTunes or Podbean.com
The next episode will about “Bad Films” (read ‘The Gloriously Wonderful Bad List’ as a primer) and will be here on the 4th August, 2008. Remember, you can post comments about this podcast in the forum.
Some show notes:
ABC vidcast of the Q&A show that we talk about can be found at www.abc.net.au
Questions posed in the show:
Do you have an iPhone 3G yet? Tell us about it at the forum.
Do you understand how Fox TV works? Tell us in the forum.
UPDATE: You must have the latest Adobe Flash Player installed for the streams to playback correctly. Go to www.adobe.com to get the latest Flash Player.
Dr. Horrible - The Verdict
July 26, 2008
Well, I have been busy with getting the podcast happening and I completely forgot to write my verdict on “Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog”.
Okay, here goes, I loved it. I already think that Joss Whedon is a bit of a legend and I am a huge Buffy and Angel fan. I also think that Firefly was one of the most under-rated and mistreated shows on television. Firefly was were I discovered the amazing talent of Nathan Fillion, who plays Captain Hammer in Dr. Horrible.
I didn’t get to watch all of this streamed through the site, but I did buy it on iTunes so I feel I have supported the show in my own way. This site also carried banners for the show leading up to the release. Aren’t I good Whedon Fanboy!
The story is simple, Dr. Horrible wants to join the Evil League of Evil and Captain Hammer is out to stop him. Add to this mix a shared love interest and some really good songs (sung well by the talented cast) by Mr. Whedon and you have a very enjoyable comedy romp. I must note that I also really enjoyed the Buffy episode, “Once More With Feeling” and the music is very similar in style.
The stand out is Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, his performance is pitch perfect and I have all new respect for this man - I was never an Doogie Howser fan and what the hell was he doing in Starship Troopers! After this, I’d watch him read the telephone book - great stuff.
As far as the female love interest goes, Felicia Day is lovely. She has a wholesome, girl next door charm. She is a newcomer to me, I looked over her IMDB profile and although she has done a number of roles (including Buffy episodes) and yet I’ve never really noticed her before. I hope this leads to many more roles.
And lastly we come to Mr. Fillion, he plays Captain Hammer with gusto. A not so bright, full of himself superhero who really only wants the girl to piss off Dr. Horrible. He is fun and I didn’t know he could sing, although it has to be said he is the weakest singer of the three.
Overall, a really fun 40 minutes and hopefully a vision of the shape of things to come in TV making and distribution. I applaud you Joss, and everyone else involved.
First Podcast Recorded
July 25, 2008
Hi, just an update on the podcast. I was joined in the studio today by Jacob Oberman and we recorded the first episode of the podcast. It will be available here, at Podbean.com and on iTunes (yes, we finally have our feed fixed) on Monday. I hope you enjoy it. We discussed The Dark Knight, Censorship (a follow on from my post a couple of days ago) and the iPhone release among other things. Nicholas (The Little Geek) also got his bit in.
iPhone Update
July 24, 2008
Hi all, it has been a week or so since I updated the iPhone saga. I still don’t have an iPhone!
I have signed up with Optus and ordered my phone. I was told that I will have my phone in a few days.
A few days later, I was told that it will be early this week.
Early this week I was told a couple more days.
Yesterday I was told early next week! The lovely lady at the Optus World actually said that there were only 9 people in front of me! Pardon me, but does that mean that Optus is getting, like, only a couple of iPhones per delivery???!!! Where is the stores stock? Don’t they want to sell phones?
Okay, so far I am really underwhelmed by the new iPhone!
Remake Hell Strikes Again - The Rocky Horror Picture Show
July 24, 2008
Variety reports that MTV is developing a remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Oh, bloody hell, why??!!??
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult favourite and I’m sure fans don’t want to see it remade. Lou Adler, executive producer of the original film (and obviously needing to buy a new house or something), is partnering with BermanBraun and Fox Television Studios to produce the new version. Will this be a TV movie or a theatrical feature? No news yet. The new version will use the original screenplay by Jim Sharman and Richard O’Brien (so I guess it isn’t a ‘re-imagining’) but it may contain music and songs not included in the original.
No director or casting has been announced yet. You can click the link above to read the full story.
